Newbie question: newly purchased (new) 6400. Do I need to buy SmartSDR as well?

m5kvk

The subject says it all really. I've just purchased a new 6400. I now see that SmartSDR is available in multiple versions and costs another $190.

So, do I have to buy SmartSDR as well? Is the radio usable without it?

Craig_KØCF

No, you do not have to buy it. SmartSDR v3 will be already installed on your radio. The SmartSDR GUI is a free download from FlexRadio. And, if this is not an "M" model with the front panel, you must have SmartSDR to operate the radio. I highly recommend downloading all the manuals for both hardware and software from the FlexRadio web site.

73, Craig KØCF

Ha Gei

Just a little correction..

Some Radios are licensed for 2.X others are 3.x . When your radio is 2.x you can use it with the latest 2.x Version. 3.x Versions add some more features easpecially dealing with remote operations.

If you want to upgrade from 2.x , you need to buy ...

Harry

DL9NDW

m5kvk

Thanks, Harry.
So, how do I know which mine is licensed for? It's brand new, so surely it must have 3.x installed.

Craig_KØCF

You load and run SmartSDR... If your radio is not the same version, it will offer to upgrade it. Please read the manuals that you have (I hope) downloaded from FlexRadio. They explain it much better than I can.

Being new, your radio is almost certainly version 3.xx, which is why I did not mention version 2 earlier. From the FlexRadio web site, you can also download current and past versions of SmartSDR, manuals, release notes, and a myriad of other documents. There is also a FlexRadio YouTube channel with many helpful videos, as well a a video repository on the FlexRadio website itself.

If you need to upgrade the radio, upgrades within a major version, i.e. V3, are free. Only higher numbered major version upgrades must be purchased.

Good luck with the radio! I love my now 7-year old 6500.

73, Craig KØCF

David Decoons, wo2x

Before upgrading, when you launch SmartSDR you will have a window come up that shows the radio with the word Upgrade underneath. If you hover your mouse cursor over it, it will show information including the maximum license version of the radio.

if it show max license version 3, you can run latest v3 of SmartSDR (currently 3.4.21) of it shows v2 then download latest version of SmartSDR (2.8.1 currently)

Dave wo2x

John KB4DU

The upgrade fee only applies to major versions, version 2.xx to version 3.xx for example.

m5kvk

Thanks for all the advice, but I'm still unsure. People have been mentioning downloading SmartSDR, but when I go to do this I am taken to the MacOS App Store and they want to charge me £149.99 for the privilege. Am I being penalized for being a Mac user?

m5kvk

Oh, and I can't find a manual for the 6400, only the 6400M. All I can find, and already have, is the Quick Start Guide for the 6400 and that just says download SmartSDR.

Johan SE3X

SSDR for Windows is a Flexradio product. Mac and IOS products are developed and sold by Marcus R, not by Flexradio. They just recommend it as an alternative product. So Yes, as a Mac user you are penalized ;) I use IOS version and have had to pay. Let me say that it's worth it by far.

GL, Johan

David Decoons, wo2x

And if you are a MAC user and purchase SmartSDR for MAC, Marcus has a very good online help file for it. Just click Help within the app.

For digital modes on the MAC, you will need a virtual audio cable program. I use Loopback which is not free but works very well. If you want to use Loopback, Marcus (author of SmartSDR for MAC ) can provide you a discount code for Rogue Amoeba’s Loopback.

Almost in the Apple ecosystem costs more and you pay for.

73 Dave wo2x

KP4IP

The macOS and iOS versions of SmartSDR it's worth it. Not to mention that the macOS version include other "tools" or Apps like FT8, RTTY, etc.. that are really well written and plug and play...

Dan Trainor

Many are moving to the SmartSDR for MacOS. It does cost $, but it is far more stable, easier to use, visually appealing, lower audio latency and has many more built in features. I am a windows guy, but I decided to purchase a 14 MacBook Pro M1 /w large display solely to run the Mac version of SSDR. As it is a far better experience with less issues, super stable and is updated much more often. And here are some of the built in features: CW Keyer, Keyboard mapping, Controller integration, Network Stats, Genius Device Integration, Band Plan, Frequency List, Call Lookup, DX Cluster, PSK Reporter, Recordings, Voice Macros, Alerts, Logbook, CW Decoder, HF-Fax, RTTY, FT8. Dan de WA1QZX

John KB4DU

I use the iPadOS version for remote access. It works very well.

Butch

Gareth - Buying a new 6400 provides you the license to run the latest Windows version of SmartSDR without an additional charge. Current the latest Windows version of SmartSDR is 3.4.21. You can down SmartSDR v3.4.21 (for Windows) here: https://www.flexradio.com/ssdr/ssdr-for-windows/

As mentioned by others above, there is an additional charge if you want to run the SmartSDR on a MAC or iOS device, these programs written by Marcus Roshkosh. His link is here: https://roskosch.de/smartsdr-for-mac/

As for the manuals:

You can download the Hardware manual here: https://www.flexradio.com/documentation/flex-6400-and-flex-6600-hardware-reference-manual-pdf/

And you can download the Version 3.x Software User Guide here: https://www.flexradio.com/documentation/smartsdr-software-user-guide-pdf/

I hope you find this information helpful.

Butch, KF4HR

m5kvk

Thanks all. I guess it's just a bit annoying that there is nothing (that I can see) in any of the sales literature that makes it clear that only Windows is supported by Flex and that Mac needs additional paid-for software.
Not to worry, I'll buy SmartSDR for Mac.

And thanks for the pointer to the software manual, Butch.

73, Gareth
PS expect many more newbie questions over the next few weeks !

Mike-VA3MW

Good point. I'll pass it on to the Web team.

But, yes, when you buy a radio, new or used, a working copy of SmartSDR will work with the radio at no extra charge.

Sorry about that.