Maestro recommendation

Santiago Mejia HI8O

Hello everyvody. I'm starting to look into a Maestro for my 6400. I'm not a power user and neither operate CW, so it'll be the ocassional rag chew and some DX, but I operate remote 99% of the times, as my shack is in another location.

I've been doing it so far with my iPad and iPhone, but I guess it's time to have another option as well. Considering I dont have the budget to go for a new one, what previously loved model I should be looking at?

73, Santiago

HI8O

Jim Moore

Santiago, you might have better luck posting your question in the 'Maestro' section under 'Radios and Accessories.'

I've had a Maestro 'C,' and it's quite an evolved piece of gear. My understanding is that the 'A' and 'B' versions have components that can no longer be sourced or replaced.

73

WX7Y

Santiago, I agree with Jim.

The main differences are not much between the Maestro A and B that each use different models of DELL windows tablet's, the Maestro A has problems that show up if you DON'T charge it every 3 weeks or so, if the Battery goes dead it needs to be pulled out of the Maestro and Tablet and charged up before it will work again.

Both Maestro A and B are now old enough to watch the Display Screen for a silver dollar size spot this shows the Battery is swelling and the battery needs to be changed out before they explode or cause permanent damage to the Display, I found new batteries on EBAY and Amazon a few years ago.

The Maestro C uses a mini PC and Display, the performance is much better than the Maestro A and B's tablets, the C also gives you an external Display port, the only weird thing that is a REAL pain is the CTIA TRRS MIC socket that you have to have adapters for unless you use a CTIA TRRS headset like MAC and some PC computers use and a external PTT, It Doesn't come with a MIC so be prepared to order a MIC and adapter cable.

hope this helps

73

Bret / WX7Y

Neil D Friedman N3DF

Also, two batteries and an external charger for the C will cost $500, which with the mic and Y-cable make it a $2200 investment.

Santiago Mejia HI8O

Thanks for your comments and valuable information. By the look of things I guess I will keep using my iPad and iPhone and if something, it'll be looking at a more powerfull ipad for less than that.

73, Santiago HI8O

WX7Y

Yea for that price a Small windows (NON ARC Processor) Laptop running SmartSDR and a Teensy 4.1 Microcomputer running the latest MARCONI firmware will give you the same thing with MANY added features like running a VPN when your using a CGNAT Internet connection or firewall, a Plethora of Sound card programs and Logging software, with the MORCONI added to the Mix the pair would give you a REAL CW Keyer that can use a Straight key, a Memory Keyer, Paddles with several different SmartKeyer formats, 4 CW Memories, and now has MOX for a foot switch or the like for much less than a Maestro.

Jim Moore

I just want to say something positive about the Maestro. There's something comfortably nostalgic about being able to turn dials and knobs. Much as I like SmartSDR – and SDR Control for my IC-7610 - there's the tactile aspect that a flat screen cannot replace.

The Maestro, in the current iteration, is undeniably expensive. I do wonder why Flex feels the need to make so many things that, by rights, ought to be included - like the battery, FHM-3 and hinge feet - optional extras. In the case of the battery, it's not like users of previous versions can use the battery they already have! Unfortunately, my comments alone are unlikely to prompt Flex to change their business model.

Having said that, my year of experience with Flex has taught me that you do get what you pay for. The Maestro is precision-quality gear. Mine was trouble-free, and I'm genuinely sorry that I sold it. Much as I'd like to say that my Apple Studio Display and iPads have taken the place of the 'C', the plain fact is that they cannot … at least, not for me.

bbaker256

I have a Maestro-C for myself that I use all the time and really like the dexterity needed in turning the knobs! :-)

I also have an additional Maestro-C that I'm selling, so if anyone wants a used Maestro-C that's "used" but essentially "new", let me know. (See my FlexRadio flea market post - 73 Bill WA9L

Santiago Mejia HI8O

I undertand the feeling of turning knobs. I have had several traditional radios before and its a different feeling, hence my questions about a Maestro. But as things are right now, I think I will stay with my iOs devices until a budget friendly option of the Maestro C turns around.

Thanks all for your comments.

73, HI8O

Santiago