Remote SSDR with Smartlink Versus Maestro

jerry stern

I am a newbie and run my Flex 6700 with a fast dedicated Win10 laptop with 2 external monitors.  I also have everything working remote either using SmartSDR on another laptop on same home LAN or alao set up with Smartlink when away from home.   Wow what great functionality.  Now I am trying to understand why I would want a Maestro?  Except for the traditional buttons and knobs, what other functionality does the Maestro offer over my laptop running SmartSDR with or without Smartlink?

Jerry NY2KW

DV

You can use the Maestro as a control for your 6700 and have real buttons and knobs.  I use it at the ham shack and remote. 

jerry stern

Yes buttons and knobs are nice but other than that are there any other functions that can only be had with the Maestro compared to a remote Laptop and headset running Smartlink?

DV

It's more than "nice" to some of us. I have both and there is a different and more pleasant feel to running with a rig that has knobs.  With a laptop you always have to worry the cursor over your virtual control. I suppose this comes from  50+ years as a ham running radios with knobs. You do have nearly all the functions on the Maestro, but you are limited to two slices.

Bob K8RC

To answer your actual question - No, the Maestro does not have additional functionality compared to SmartSDR running on a computer. 

Ted VE3TRQ

I believe the Maestro has a built-in WinKeyer, so if you do CW, you will probably like having a Maestro remote.

Bob K8RC

As does SmartSDR...

Ted VE3TRQ

But you can't just plug a key into your PC :-) Of course with some added hardware, they would be equal.

Steven WA8Y

I like using the Maestro remote because it removes the radio from my laptop screen and I have more room for logging and other programs.