SmartSDR v3.8.x

Trucker

August is just around the corner. Hopefully, shipping of the new 8000 radios will commence soon. Since they are supposed to initially ship with v3.8.x installed, I would hope that Flex Radio would release 3.8.x slightly ahead of actual shipping of the new radios. At least this way, a wider test audience can find bugs and report them before the new radios arrive.

Finally, ( my personal thoughts) maybe we can all get a glimpse of where the support ( software wise) will be for the current line ( 6000 series) of radios is headed. If this release offers much needed improvements to features and functions already existent in SmartSDR, it might help many of us to decide what direction we want to go in the event our current radios need replacing. ( or we wish to continue using/enjoying our current radios)

I remain on the fence about upgrading to the 8000 radios for several reasons. 1. Cost of upgrading ( either selling outright or trading in my current radio) can be quite expensive. 2. Cost of maintenance ( when needed) can be expensive as well. And, should replacement parts become unavailable ( some already are) then a tough choice has to be made. Replace the radio with another radio ( Flex or otherwise) or ,if possible, continue using the radio in it's current condition.

So, am I the only one who hopes that Flex Radio will release v3.8.x sooner rather than later so that we as current customers, can see what direction Flex Radio is taking in support of the current radios with SmartSDR?

James

WD5GWY

ka9ees

@Trucker

I decided to order an 8400. Just the plain version. I am leaving the door open to trading my 6600M in, but will probably keep it.

Trucker

That is basically my thoughts about my 6600M. I haven't placed an order yet. But, I have requested a trade-in value for my 6600M. I was told originally that I would get more for it if I sold it myself instead of trading it in. I rarely do transactions ( sales) for amounts that something like the 6600M can, potentially bring, online. I have made a few purchases from other hams online, including an Icom 7610, that did go well. But, I am hesitant selling something as expensive as what I feel the 6600M could bring, online. Most likely if I do sell my 6600M it will be to someone local or at one of the hamfests I regularly attend. If that's the case, I won't be selling my 6600M before October. ( the next Belton Texas hamfest) Maybe, by that time the new radios will be out in the public enough to gauge how well they are working. And if there are any reasons besides future proofing my Flex station, that would compel me to make the jump to the new radios.

Flex Radio is the only one that truly knows the answers as far as software support for the current line of radios ( and hardware support) and when they might have to announce that it is no longer feasible for them to continue supporting the 6000 radios and their inclusion in the evolution of SmartSDR. And they have said in the past that they will not share any sort of time line associated with SmartSDR and when and what their customers can expect.

I will say this, I hope that it won't be like the past when we have had no idea if or when, our concerns about SmartSDR being improved by fixing and improving long standing issues that have been expressed to them both here in the Community and even by email and in person. Some issues raised have existed ever since SmartSDR was introduced. Along with promises they will be addressed.

The above is one reason I have only requested a trade-in value for my 6600M instead of going ahead and putting a deposit on a new radio. If I can see not only a value placed on my current radio from Flex Radio, but an obvious and compelling reason to upgrade, then I will be inclined to do so. But, if history repeats itself, then I will stick with what I have until there is a need to make a change.

James

WD5GWY

Erika - KØDD

I have a pair of 6500's. I will be selling off one of those and replacing it with an 8600… First is selling the 6500, I need to get it gone first. I'm hoping the new 3.8.x SSDR gives us at least something functionality-wise and runs well on the other 6500. By the end of the year I'll be doing the 8600 upgrade I think. DD