Running SmartSDR 2.4.9 - Do I want to upgrade?

TAC

I'm running SmartSDR 2.4.9 on a Flex-6300 and was wondering about updating my software.

I'm interested in running my radio remotely, but really have no interest in running two different users.  Are the other features of 3.0 really worth shelling out $200? 

Smartlink is available in version 2, correct?

I was looking for ver. 2.5 in the download but can't seem to find it, is it out?  I think I saw some guys complaining about it.  Any major pluses or minuses with 2.5 over 2.4.9?

Thnx,
-TAC

James Whiteway

V2.50 should be available tomorrow or shortly thereafter. If you don't need multi client, but want remote, v2.49 an v2.50 should be good enough till a better version comes along that has features you do want. James WD5GWY

Ken Hansen

Agreed. There are several new features in SSDR 3.0, but I'm very happy with 2.4.9 on my remote 6300 and looking forward to the fixes and (possibly) minor updates in the upcoming 2.5 release. Not being a contester I am taking a 'wait and see' approach to multi-link (SSDR 3.0).

KF4HR

If you're fine with running SSDR from one location don't bother getting V3.

I upgraded to V3 mainly because I find I move back and forth between my shack and my shop (2 separate locations) quite often so its nice having the capability of running SSDR on 2 clients at the same time.  Having to run through the routine of quitting SSDR on one client, then switching to another client, was getting pretty bothersome.   

From what I understand Flex is suppose to be releasing a V3 point upgrade (v3.x) next week, so who knows, perhaps additional features will be added.

FISHULA X

 Hey Ken, I run 2.49 on my 6300, I am wondering when 2.50 comes out tomorrow, If it's free for me? Anyone have any Idea. Thanks,  

KF4HR

Yes.  Since you own v2 software, all 2.x upgrades are free.

TAC

Thanks for the input.  Looks like I'll stay with 2.x and plan on installing 2.5 when it becomes available.

FISHULA X

Thank you sir,

Ken Hansen

KF4HR is right.

Brian Morgan VK7RR

TAC,
My recommendation is that you upgrade. Every upgrade has provided benefits, some of which are not immediately obvious. Having used V3 for some weeks now, I think it has advantages over V2 which make it worthwhile buying even if you don't, at present, intend to operate remote. With the availability of being able to use an i-phone or laptop to connect, one day you might just want to operate multi user and if you already have V3 you will know it is good to go. Go ahead and take the plunge. You won't regret it.

KF4HR

According to the V3 ChangeLog, up through v3.0.23 will consist of fixes.  I was hoping for new features or filter improvements, but fixes are good too.

Ria

For now, 2.5 is all you need if you don’t want multiflex. For the future, you want v3 as v2 will be feature complete with v2.5.

TAC

Brian,

I should be able to operate remote just fine with 2.5, right?  Are there additional remote benefits with V3, other than multi user remote?

I'll admit SmartSDR is great software and I have no problem supporting Flexradio Systems, but upgrading to get no immediately obvious benefits for $200 is kind of a stretch. :-)

I guess the only reason I might shell out the $200 and jump to V3 is that if it's going to be the long term path for SmartSDR and V2 will eventually be dropped.  If it's inevitable, take it on the chin now and start enjoying V3 with whatever benefits or bug fixes it may have.

Mike VE3CKO

That's a nice compact and sensible way of putting things Ria, nice to see you posting again.

Mike VE3CKO

Since moving to the country and thus using an ISP that has double NAT, using SmartLink is impossible, though I would only use SmartLink occasionally, I can't. Since v3 was mostly about Multi-Flex I considered holding off upgrading, for about 10 seconds. So this is why I upgraded.
In my case I run my 6700 24/7 and use SmartSDR on a PC in the shack and have the Maestro elsewhere in the house on the LAN, and a laptop elsewhere too. Prior to v3, each time I turned on the Maestro which is late evening every night, or if I connected via laptop from the living room, I'd have to run to the shack and close down SmartSDR. With v3 I no longer have to do that, I can keep SmartSDR going independently. I monitor different bands in the shack as compared to on the Maestro where I mainly just listen. Prior to the Maestro I had to run an antenna cable from shack to bedroom for my IC-7000 and had no antenna switching capabilities. Goes without saying, but I'll say it anyways, the Maestro was a perfect addition to my station and fit my needs perfectly. No need to run any cables antenna or otherwise as it's wireless. Just like being in the shack and now with v3 and specifically Multi-Flex, makes operating more simple, for me.

Joe N3HEE

In version 2.49 you can force a disconnect from the remote side without needing to run to the shack to disconnect SSDR.  

I understand and agree with your other reasons for upgrading to V3.

Mike_WB8CXO

It was announced at the Flex Banquet that V2.5 includes all the updates and features of v3.x MINUS MultiFlex. But I suggest you read the release notes and understand the changes and updates b4 applying then.

Bill -VA3WTB

That is the very reason the release notes are published before the software.

Bill -VA3WTB

Mike, since reading many of the comments from V3 customers, it has become clear to me that the main V3 target is not really contesters. It's everyone!...