Routine 6500 Checkout

Lawrence Gray

I recently sent my 6500 in for a routine checkout and updating as required.  The Flex folks turned my radio around quickly.  The PA fans were also replaced at no extra charge.

Great service--thanks,

Larry W1IZZ

WK2Y

James Del Principe

Yes. I would also like to know what updating.   You can easily update software yourself. Was this a hardware update?   Were you experiencing any issues?     Best 73, Jim

Lawrence Gray

Of course I can update the software myself--been doing it for years. I just sent it in to be checked and updated if there were any hardware updates. There weren't any updates. I've had the 6500 for a long time, used it a lot, and just wanted checked out. The post was to give some praise to the Flex folks for the excellent turnaround. Apparently, I should have just sent a letter to Flex, instead of posting here.

k3Tim

The nice thing about SDR is 99% of the time updates are in firmware and software with the hardware being stable. When I purchased the 6500 years ago it was already rung-out and no h/w updates required.  in the good old era of vacuum tubes rigs required annual alignment. Solid state rigs were better with much less alignment requirements. The Flex 6x00 series self-calibrates at power up; just can't bet it....

k3Tim

James Del Principe

Lawrence, I did not mean to offend you. I was curious if there were any hardware updates. It was good of you to compliment Flex here. 73, Jim.

Lawrence Gray

Tim, 
I totally agree.  I just wanted confirmation that my 6500 was working to spec's.  Since I no longer have access to the level of equipment needed to properly test the 6500, I wanted to have confirmation from the folks who designed and built it.  I received that confirmation quickly at a very reasonable cost, along with very prompt answers to my questions.  Great support, in my view.

Steve K9ZW

It is a great reminder that periodically perhaps we all should have our gear checked out.

Sometimes I think it would be useful to have  a Hobbs Meter on important gear (an in-use hours measuring meter) and schedule inspections & PM (preventive maintenance) base on accumulated Hobbs hours.

But then would we ignore it when a service interval comes up?

73

Steve
K9ZW

Blog:  http://k9zw.wordpress.com

Bernie W7DMC

George KF2T

Amen, brother.

Patrick

Thanks for the post! I’v had mine now for a long time. I think it is time I opened it up and to clean it out and check fans, heat sinks etc. that collect dirt and dust. Your post has acted as a reminder for me.....thanks!