6300 On Linux?

caravanken

I have been off the air for several years and want to get going again. I am sure much has changed since and need to get back up to speed.

I have an early 6300 that still works and is working on W10 machine today. I built my pc about a year ago but was not wanting to make it a W11 machine. I am going to Linux one way or the other.

Which brings me to the basic question: Can I get my vintage 6300 first gen SDR working in Linux Mint? I chose Mint for its simplicity. I am not a power user, just simple stuff.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ken Davis
W0KRD

KD0RC

Hi Ken, check out RimuSDR. It works on most flavors of Linux (including Mint) as well as on Windows. It even works on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://rimusystems.com/rimusdr&ved=2ahUKEwia0YS9jtWWAxUIKEQIHVhiAP8QFnoECBsQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0AEhW4gCLI7mysZ6mSQLig

You can try the demo, and if you like it, it is $49 USD. This is a very stable, mature application.

Trucker

There's a version of AetherSDR that runs great in Linux. And it is a free cross-platform application.

https://www.aethersdr.com/

I run AetherSDR on an old AMD Athlon 5350 mini-desktop and it works quite well in the latest version of Linux Mint. A newer processor would be much better. But, for my usage and testing the AMD Athlon 5350 works.

AetherSDR has a lot of features and can be configured in many ways. RimuSDR may be a much closer to SmartSDR interface if that's what you are used to using. Both are great programs. One is free and the other is not. RimuSDR has a free trial. You should download it and AetherSDR to see which one suits your needs.

James

WD5GWY

John KB4DU

Your existing PC should be adequate for use with the Flex. Since the radio does all the "work" the app is a very lightweight client. I ran Smart SDR on a Win 10 laptop for several years. Perhaps use SmartSDR at first. Although the Linux users are willing to help, they often assume people using Linux have some experience/ familiarity beyond the reality. SmartSDR is supported by Flex with videos, Facebook group and a very proficient help desk. Sometimes their proficiency is very helpful with certain startup issues.

caravanken

Wow, the Flex community has really been busy since I was last on the air. RimuSDR and AetherSDR both sound really great. I am going to definitely try both.

I have been away long enough that some of the new terms I don't recognize so I need to do some boning up. One mode I really enjoy is PSK31 and logging with HRD. I do not recall seeing it mentioned but I am sure it is addressed. At least I hope so.

Thanks for you input and looking forward to getting back on the air.

Ken Davis
W0KRD

John K3MA

No fear with not being a Linux expert. I am not and it was very easy to use AI to get Aether working on Linux if you want to compile from scratch or you can use the AppImage version for a very simple install. Again query AI to walk you step by step on how to install either method.