Do I need to upgrade from Ver 1 to Ver 3 to use the new Power Genius XL

John R Staats

Warren-K6WKW

The PGXL can work with almost any radio, so you should be able to work up a wiring system to make it work with Ver 1 which will need to include the USB to BCD band data, keying, etc.. However, since the PGXL didn't exist back when Ver 1 was in common use I don't believe the old S/W would have the integrated features available. I suspect early Ver 2 S/W also wouldn't have the integrated features either. You should plan to upgrade since the complexity of connecting a Flex to the amp without the expected S/W will require a lot of extra H/W and effort that is not needed when using the new S/W. Upgrading will get you bug fixes and features you may find you like, and save extra H/W and wiring. I believe you will only need to pay for one upgrade, so you get savings there. Just my opinion. Warren - K6WKW

K1UO Larry

If you want to use built in monitoring and Band control features that are built into Version 3 SSDR for the PGXL...then yes, you will need to upgrade.    There is a PGXL side panel that will show up in SSDR when a PGXL is  detected.  

Greg SP7QJF

How much will the updates cost for PGXL ?

Bill -VA3WTB

To upgrade to V3 it is $200.00.  there has been a lot of changes to SSDR since V1 that would inhance your operating. To many to mention.

K1UO Larry

PGXL firmware updates are free.  The current PGXL general release is Version 3.2.15.

Warren-K6WKW

John,
In case it's not totally clear; clarifying what Bill and Larry are saying - firmware updates to the PGXL amplifier are free. They go inside the PGXL but aren't the thing you need for SSDR. A license upgrade for Smart SDR from V1 to V3 for software that runs on the 6000 FlexRadio and/or PC costs $199.00. That's the thing you need. BTW - an upgrade from V1 to V2 would also cost $199, but you don't want to do that. If you buy the license upgrade go to V3. Same cost but a better plan for both now and later.