Requirements for SmartSDR on Mac hardware?

Michael W

I am trying to find out what hardware is required to use SmartSDR on a mackbook laptop. I have Windows 11 and an iPad PRO , and would like to use my flex on a macbook...of which I am looking at buying a used one. Any suggestions would be very helpful. I would not be doing ft8,or cw,or fldigi,etc just phone . Thank you. Mike. 73

W7NGA

Michael, not sure what to say except you need the software (not for IOS, which is a separate purchase), and an ethernet to USB-C adapter. Adding a router affords the opportunity to run remotely if desired. I've been using this adapter with the Flex 6600 and my Epson industrial printers with nary an issue. I am sure there is something equivalent and perhaps cheaper.

W7NGA

W7NGA

If you don't have a newer MacBook not a problem. I run SmartSDR for Mac on my new MacBook Air M2, a MacBook Pro with M1, and an Mac mini with M1 with 8GB. Never have had any issues. Perhaps an older laptop has ethernet built-in. Not sure.

K3SF

Hi Mike

you will need a mac that runs the current (aka latest) MacOS which is Sonoma 14.5

and MacOS Ventura 13.x

this is per the Apple APP store requirements….

so buying a used one should be have apple silicon chip either M1, M2 or M3 or M4

some of the older Intel chip based macs run current Macos but it is due for refresh come Sept

which will make most if not all intel based mac obsolete

so my advice is proceed with caution buying used

and

look for ones based on apple silicon( the M1, M2, M3 , ORM4))

ps..i am a longtime Mac user and Ham

i have all macs in my shack which is mosty Mac Minis ( M1 and intel)

the Intel Mac minis run older Macos and run older ham radio sw

and are used as WindowS Virtual machines too

.

they are part of small server farm in my basement

i also have MacbookAir (M1)

couple of ipad pros (M1)

Paul K3SF

johnn1jm

From the manual….

3. Requirements

You need to have a FlexRadio Signature Series Rig such as the Flex-6300, 6400, 6400M, 6500, 6600, 6600M, 6700 or 6700R device.

It needs to be connected to your local network in the same way as if you would run SmartSDR from a Windows PC and your Mac also needs to be connected to your Network, ideally also using a LAN cable but a good and stable WiFi connection would work as well..

The App doesn’t have any relevant RAM or Hard-drive space requirements. It runs natively on both Intel and M1 or M2 Macs.

The App requires at least Big Sur (macOS 11.5) but also runs an any newer macOS Version like Monterey (macOS 12) or Ventura (macOS 13).

Ventura is preferred as the App takes advantage of some features only available in the newest macOS version.

If you have purchased the App once on the AppStore (thank you!) you can run it on several additional devices with any number of Radios you own. No additional purchase is necessary. You only have to use one and the same Apple ID on all your devices.

John N1JM

Michael W

Thanks for all the comments. 73