Is Flex Radio To Complicated??

Robert Lonn

When I decided to Abandon Yaesu, Kenwood and Icom for a Flex 6600M, several driving points convinced me to change. One was the overall quality and performance of the radio,, SSDR software and the potential for what comes in the future, like Version 3.0.. 1080P HDMI Output for that large 50" 4K TV screen with razor sharp display. 

And then came the on line documentation. A Manual of over 100 pages for the radio, and more for the SSDR software.. A Lot Of Reading for sure.. I decided to review 100% of all the documentation and the videos before my radio arrived last year.. It was a LOT to digest..

I like so many others, felt that all I had to do is turn on the power switch, let the TUBES warm up, and other then some Tune and Load adjustments, be on the air calling CQ DX!!! With Flex, you don't need to let the Transistors Warm Up, but you do need to wait for it to boot up!

Compared to other radios, Flex is complicated in the amount of features and Flexibility they have built into the radio and software!! You definitely need to read the manual if you want to enjoy everything this radio is capable of!! I like the complexity of the radio, as I do with software like HRD, definitely need that manual to fully appreciate what HRD can deliver as does SSDR!!

Thankfully we have our Flex Community to help out when strange things begin to happen or you just cant figure it out..

So Yes, Flex can be complicated, but so can the modern day info systems in an automobile,, HEY!!! I have been driving for 50 years, why do I need the manual to figure this out! After all it is just a car!! LOL

So after 45 years as a Ham, I am glad that Flex and others continue to introduce new radios and software.. What would our life be like if all we had was a new day where the most exciting thing we do is watch Tubes Glow and Heat The Shack in the winter time.. 

Cant wait for PHASE 3 of Complexity, Software version 3.****  as Advertised by Flex in April QST Magazine... I have my $200 Ready.. :-)

Robert

COLD in San Diego today, Need to warm up!! :-)

K0FLY

John - AI4FR

Roger_W6VZV

I miss heating up the shack with my Hallicrafters SX101A and Heath "Warrior" Linear amp and "Marauder" transmitter.  Those bad boys could really keep the shack warm.

de Roger W6VZV

Gene Duprey

Neil D Friedman N3DF

I'm still looking for the plate dip control on my Flex 6600M.  It was right up front on my Drake TR3.  

Mark_WS7M

Ken - NM9P

Doug

Michael Coslo

I'm a computer Jockey, so I might just find the Flex more natural, but I know My Club's 7610 and K3S are more complicated to operate for me. Weirdest thing is remembering the short push/long push on the K3S. The 7610 is just kinda weird. I do like both, but I can make my Flex dance, while I would be lost on either of the other two without the manual.

Johan _ SE3X

It's not only in Illinois It's cold. Come visit to my mountain QTH in Sweden .. - 21.5 Celsius this morning .. a fantastic day for antenna work

Bill -VA3WTB

Robert Lonn

It is 15 degrees and Snow in the Palomar Mountains just east of San Diego!! :-)  

Robert Lonn

Does this mean I wont be able to tweak the Bias Voltage of Q-4 from -2.345 to -2.346 Volts in my 6600M???? Darn, oh well back to V-8 12AT7 adjustment.. LOL

Robert Lonn

Some folks may not know what an Appliance Operator is!!! It is a CB radio Operator who becomes a ham, but has no idea what E=IxR means... That is OK, I have friends who are hams and are very informed on all Ham Radio technology....

All I can say is 10-4 Good Buddy, Come On Back!!! :-) 

Hey, anyone watch Gold Rush on Discovery, and hear the way they talk to each other on their illegal Alaskan Radios!!! Drives me crazy!! As Does Parker! 

Robert

Michael Coslo

Crazy weather - In Australia it's been 50 degrees......Centigrade.  Apparently Fuit bats are dropping out of their trees dead because they've cooked.