8000 series necessary peripherals and computer access

Barry Walkenshaw

New to Flex Radio. Are the 8000 series powered by 120 VAC or 13.8 VDC? Do the 8000 series radios include an antenna tuner or must we buy one? What are the minimum necessary peripherals required to work between 6 and 80 meters? If I purchased a 8600M transceiver, can I still operate it from my computer?

KD0RC

Hi Barry, I answered this on another thread in this Community:

Hi Barry, like most modern transceivers, the Flex radios require a 13.8 volt, 25 amp power supply. I personally use a much bigger one to cover multiple radios and station equipment.

All Flex radios can be operated from a Windows or Mac laptop. The minimum computer requirements are documented, but I don't have them handy right now. Since most of the radio's computing is done in the radio itself, you don't need a particularly powerful computer to run SmartSDR. You may want more compute power for other things like CWSkimmer.

Other things that you will need depend entirely on what you have and what you want to do. For example, if you have a resonant antenna for all desired bands, then you probably don't need a tuner. On the other hand, if you have G5RV doublet, you will certainly need one.

The 8400(M) can be ordered with an optional tuner and the 8600(M) comes with a tuner built in. Minimum necessary peripherals depend on what you want to do. If you want to run CW, you will need a key or set of paddles. You will need an antenna or antennas for the bands you want to operate. If you want to run more than 100 watts, you will need an amp and possibly a high power tuner, depending on your antennas. If you want to operate the digital modes, you will need a computer.

The M versions or plain versions with a Maestro technically don't need a computer to operate, but I would recommend one. The computer gives you electronic logging, digital modes, QRZ lookup, etc etc.

To very directly answer your last question - Yes, you can run SmartSDR with your M version Flex. There are two modes available, MultiFlex and SmartControl. MultiFlex gives you two independent stations, one on the PC and one on the front panel. SmartControl gives you the ability to control one station from two sources simultaneously - front panel (knobs and buttons) and SmartSDR (mouse and keyboard).

Barry Walkenshaw

Len, Thanks so much for the info

John KB4DU

I suggest a non-M version with a Maestro. The cost is about the same with a lot more flex ability. The radio can be placed nearly anywhere, and the Maestro doesn’t take up nearly as much desk space and the Maestro can also be used remotely to the radio.

Trucker

John, you might want to check the prices again. Buying a non-M model and a Maestro C is over $800 higher than the M model with the integrated front panel. If one wants to use the Maestro in a different location than the radio ( in home or elsewhere) then the separate parts make sense. On the other, if one wants a knobbed interface and space is restricted, an all in one unit like the M model radios is nice to have. Or,if desktop space really is limited, a Maestro C on the desktop and the Flex without a front panel located in a separate location, then that can be an ideal solution.

One final thing to consider, if the front panel develops problems, then you are off the air till it comes back from Flex Radio's radio hospital. If the Maestro needs to visit the hospital, you can still be on the air from your computer till your Maestro returns.

James

WD5GWY

Barry Walkenshaw

I understand and appreciate your response concerning the Model M. If I were to order the 8600 with a separate Maestro, and the additional components listed in my previous email, can you list everything that must be included in the order (including the Maestro) that I need to order from flex radio to have a fully functioning system?

Barry Walkenshaw

I am trying to develop a total list of components to order from Flex Radio so I can pay the invoice as soon as possible. Since I have no previous experience with Flex Radio, I don't know what is included and what is extra. Can sales work me up an invoice for all components I need to order? I have already sent $500 several months earlier.

WX7Y

If you order the Non M version (which I would recommend if you want to easily use the Radio remote with the Maestro) then I would get the "Y" cable so you can use the Hand Mic that comes with the Radio on the Maestro.

You can also purchase from another source a CTIA compatible Head Set like the Radio Sport RS55 or a Computer/ XBOX type gamer headset and then build or buy a PTT hand switch that plugs into the 1/8" TS PTT connector on the Maestro C, I still don't think the Maestro C comes with a Microphone.

good luck and I hope this helps

Mike-VA3MW

Barry, give us a call on the phone and we will be glad to help you build a list, and maybe, give you a break on a few items as well. We will likely want to know what your operating style is like. What might be important to you may not be something the next person likes on their station.

512-535-4713 option 1

We won't be collecting any monies (other than the deposit) until your radio is ready to ship.

I would recommend that you buy any options that aren't installed in the radio when you place your order. It is possible that due to stock fluctuations, what might be in stock (say, a headset) in September might be in short supply in November.

Both Andy and I are active Hams with just about 100 years of ham radio between us. (it might be exactly 100 years this year — ****, we are old! ). :)

Neil D Friedman N3DF

I like to operate my Maestro from an armchair location where no 120 volt outlet is convenient. That’s $500 for two batteries and an external charger.

John KB4DU

A basic and often misunderstood point is that the Flex radio is the “Server” for the station and does all the work. External item are the interface to the server. So there are multiple choices for the user interface. These can be the front panel of the M, the Maestro, any reasonably modern computer (Mac or Windoze), an iPad or iPhone. No Android or Linux based systems are available, but are in some stage of development. I currently use a win11 Nuc with a single monitor. Previously I used a win 7 laptop. I also use an lpad for remote ops. This variety of interfaces is possible because the radio server is doing all the work. With the version 3 of the Flex provided SmartSDR, two of these can be used simultaneously, each providing a different “view” of the same radio. If you know someone with a Flex, you could download the free smartSDR and arrange to have your own view of their radio.

Geoff AB6BT

Windoze? Come on…

Sri couldn't resist.