Do you think Flex will ever write a smart sdr version for Linux ?

KG5PTE

Do you think Flex will ever write a smart sdr version for Linux ? Seeing that Linux is gaining in popularity among amateur radio operators ? I aslo heard that an android version of smart SDR is coming out. If so that is a good move.

Thank you.

David Decoons, wo2x

The big “hurdle” I see for Linux is all the variants. It is like the Wild West. Similar to probably what is holding up development of an Android client by third party developers. Apple has a tight OS where there are not different branches of the OS.

Support for both a Linux and Android version would be difficult where the developer could only support certain “flavors” of those OS.

Just my two cents. If it were fairly trivial, it would be done already.

As Mike stated, anyone that wants to develop an app for use with Flex can join the developers program and Flex would help. But the developers program is where to start.

73 Dave wo2x

Trucker

There has been one individual that ported the Flexlib api to Linux. But, he decided it would be too much trouble to maintain it and deal with user demands and problems. But, it can be done. I don't think there is near enough demand for a Linux version of SmartSDR to make it worthwhile for Flex Radio to invest the time and resources to add a Linux version of SmartSDR. Plus, support would become a problem. And most Linux users don't tend to want to pay for software. So, unless someone really wants to write their own version of SmartSDR for Linux, I seriously doubt it will ever happen.

There is someone working on a version for Android. But, nothing concrete has been released yet. Also, Android comes in many flavors just like Linux does. So, what may work on one Android device may not work on another. Windows and Apple devices are the most supported and the most stable environments for interacting with a Flex radio.

James

WD5GWY

Mike-VA3MW

I can formally answer this for you.

At the moment, there are no plans to build a Linux client for a variety of reasons that are related to being financially feasible.

However, we would welcome and support an external endeavor exactly the way the iOS and MAC applications were developed. That person or group could make it their own and with it build it, market it, sell it and support it.

73

Wirehead

Although Mike has answered above, still... +1 here on Linux gaining popularity. Would definitely be nice to have a native client. VM performance is abysmal, so you're kind of stuck dual-booting all the time.

73 and all the best!

Mike-VA3MW

Why don't a group of you take this on as a project?

KG5PTE

We might several Hams in Central TX are looking at this.

brucew2024

Will Darling run the MacOS client?

KG5PTE

Most hams I know around this area of Central Texas are running Mint Linux. And from what I see that would be the Linux OS I would write it for.

John KB4DU

Mint would be a good choice. Already popular, easy install and versatile.