Is it JUST NOT viable to use Flex without a PC

VK1HF

Hi all,

My use case is simple. Just want a radio with remote control. Never contest. So I purchased the 8400 and Maestro C. I'm a MAC user, no PC, no Windows etc.

My goal is just to do everything with the maestro.

The unit arrived and is not working. I'm working with tech support and the local distributor. both of them said straight away, do you have a PC where we can use the flex sdr software.

I'm not some anti windows Mac zealot..I just don't have a windows box, or any x86 hardware.

So the question is, to other flex owners, 'is it just impractical to be a flex radio owner and NOT have windows/x86 machine?'

I'm seeking advice from those that have personal experience in this scenario please.

Secondly, IF this is the case (ie you simple just need a PC with windows) could you please help me understand/appreciate what the windows flex SDR software will do that the maestro C just doesn't cut it for etc.

Thanks in advance

Ian - VK1HF

Bill NE1B

You can use the Flex Radio remotely with a Mac, an iPad, or even an iPhone. I use the latter two. The Maestro is a PC, albeit with restricted functionality. For the Apple programs, check

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/smartsdr-flexradio-systems/id1523656696?mt=12

https://www.flexradio.com/documentation/smartsdr-for-ios-brochure/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQl2GXSFEb8

73,

Bill, NE1B

KD0RC

Hi Ian, I have a friend who does not use a PC at all. He connects to his 6400 located on a ranch (sorry - cattle station) using just his Maestro C from his QTH in town. No issues at all for him. I think the reason that Flex Support was hoping to use the Windows PC is so that they can remote into it with TeamViewer or something.

The interface from the Maestro to the Flex is exactly the same as from SmartSDR, and everything that SmartSDR does, the Maestro does as well. You get no more or less functionality either way (except for the knobs and buttons…). Once you get your connection issues worked out, the Maestro will do everything that the radio does.

Are you operating remotely or on the same LAN segment from your home QTH?

VK1HF

Perfect...thanks KD0RC. Just what I was after. In brief the issue was that I was trying to connect the maestro to the radio via direct ethernet cable (directly from maestro to 8400). For the very first startup it needed to connect to the licensing server and such to complete the firmware update.

All working now...good stuff.

Really nice to know I'm not going to need to have a wintel laptop on hand when there are any issues...that's just painful.

KD0RC

Excellent! I'm glad you got it working. Enjoy your new radio!

K1ESE

Can you backup Profiles with just a Flex radio and a Maestro? Can you use CWX live with just a Maestro?

73,

K1ESE

HB9DDS

Here are my thoughts on the Maestro console.
You can only operate the 6xxx / 8xxx with the Maestro console, without a PC. But only as long as you do CW or SSB.

As far as I know, this is no longer possible when the digital operating modes come into play.

And that's exactly what I think is a shame.

Daniel

HB9DDS