Why is the 6600 cabinet 2x size of 6700?

NY2KW

The title says it all. Just curious because it seems the new 8600 is also 2x size of the 6700. What's taking up all that space in a 10 year newer design?

Erika - KØDD

Because they created the M radios. The maestro bolts to the front of the cabinet. 2x the cost if they had a 6400m and 6600m big box and a 6600 and 6400 small box with all the differences in cards that would need to be done to do that.

NY2KW

I seriously doubt the cost would be double, maybe 10-15%. I understand their business model but it's not a good marketing decision, IMHO.

Mike-VA3MW

There are a variety of reasons.

The larger cabinet size of the FlexRadio 6600 compared to the 6700 is primarily due to differences in design philosophy, airflow, and heat management, as well as the need to accommodate the Maestro control panel for the 6600M model. Here's a breakdown:

1. Designed for the Maestro Panel

The 6600 was built with the option to integrate the Maestro control panel directly into the front, creating the 6600M model. This all-in-one solution includes a touch display and physical controls. To accommodate the Maestro hardware, FlexRadio designed the 6600 with a larger chassis. Even in the standard 6600 model (without the integrated panel), the larger cabinet was retained for consistency in manufacturing and flexibility.

2. Enhanced Cooling and Thermal Management

The 6600 includes enhanced thermal management to support its robust capabilities, especially during heavy-duty cycles such as contesting or digital modes. The larger cabinet allows for better airflow and heat dissipation, ensuring stability and reliability during prolonged operation.

3. Optimized for Modern Components

The 6600 features slightly updated internal circuitry compared to the 6700. The larger cabinet provides more space for improved power distribution, internal shielding, and overall layout, which simplifies maintenance and supports long-term reliability.

4. Shift in Design Philosophy

The 6700 was designed earlier in FlexRadio’s lineup, prioritizing compact, high-performance hardware. In contrast, the 6600 was developed with a focus on ruggedness, station integration, and contesting. This shift led to a larger form factor, which also aligns with the chassis size of the 6400, streamlining production.

5. Cost Savings for Customers

By standardizing the enclosure design across models like the 6400, 6400M, 6600, and 6600M, FlexRadio achieves significant manufacturing efficiencies. These cost savings are passed on to customers, helping keep the overall price of the radios competitive while maintaining the performance and features operators expect.

In summary, the larger cabinet of the 6600 reflects its design for versatility, thermal efficiency, manufacturing simplicity, and the ability to accommodate the Maestro panel in the 6600M configuration. It’s a forward-thinking approach that balances functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

WX7Y

Another thing is Thermal management, the 6600 DO NOT or DID NOT have separate FPU fans like the 6700 does but rather they STICK or stuck on the Heatsinks with Double sided Thermal foam tape, The EARLY 6600's had this Foam tape fall off and quickly overheated the FPU's and shut down the radios and Flex sent out kits to us to replace this foam thermal tape if we didn't want to send them back to them, some had to go back anyway because the FPU boards fell against the case and shorted things out, My 6600 where peeled away from the heatsinks but had not fallen off.

The 6700 have 2 FPU fans and 2 chassis fan's and if I remember right the 6600 only has the single large Fan and have a MOSTLY EMPTY case.

I to wish that Flex would have adopted the 6700 size case design so it doesn't take up as much Rack space but what ever I guess.

They could have easily made inverters that people could have installed in this waisted space like the Flex5000V/U has which was / is a WONDERFUL designed radio with this big case size.

73's and have great day

Bret WX7Y