Flex or a box with knobs?

Rick Williams · January 2016

Hi Monk:
I can understand your concerns in that there is something comforting in using the familiar. You talked about whatever radio you choose as likely being your last radio purchase. If you think about it, the only reason anyone buys a new radio is because the new one does something better than the current radio, unless the old one breaks. One of the reasons I bought a Flex is because it can constantly get better. Better noise performance, perhaps better filters, better feature sets since the stats on the hardware side of the radio are already so good. If some wizard figures out some algorithm that eliminates 95% of the static on a radio, it is matter of programming, not building a new model.

Another consideration is that with any new radio, there is going to be a learning curve. I've operated some radios like a Yaesu 9000 and compared to that, the Flex is to me at least very intuitive. I received my 6500 Christmas Eve and 40 minutes later was making contacts. I don't know if you are into digital modes other than CW, but compared to other radios I've owned and operated, getting the Flex setup with digital software is a breeze. One Ethernet cable and some settings. And speaking of CW, the radio is wonderful to use CW.

Ultimately though, for me at least, it comes down to making contacts and there the Flex really shines. You can look at the entire band and see what is going on. Finding signals is a breeze and you can monitor other bands at the same time. I've managed some 200+ contacts. The filtering is the best I've ever experienced and the noise control is fantastic as well.

It will come down to your priorities but consider that perhaps many of the issues you read about have already been solved and are no longer issues. Also, thanks for your time with the PGR!

Best
Rick, KT9B
SR-RC, INPG

Jerry W2TXB · January 2016

After owning a loaded 5000A for a couple of years, I was one of the earlier hams to get a 6700, and have not been disappointed. For me, there have been no problems with the Flex radios; mine went back for a hardware fix, and that was totally covered by Flex. The difficult part was being without the radio for a couple of weeks.

I have never looked at my choice of HF radios as a "knobs and buttons" vs. a lack thereof decision. Rather, the performance of the Flex radios, along with the ability to make major improvements via the software, is what sold me on their products. Excellent product and customer support was also a huge factor.

Now... about the Windows OS... Windows is still the most common OS around and, although we would like a Linux version, it may not happen anytime soon. Just keep your Windows PC dedicated (mostly) to the Flex, and you will be just ducky. Avoid Windows Defender like the plague that it appears to be, and it gets even better. Use AVG or something like that.

Once you use a Flex, you will be hooked.

Burt Fisher · January 2016

You said, " For me, there have been no problems with the Flex radios"

You also said, "mine went back for a hardware fix,"

What am I missing?

Jerry W2TXB · January 2016

There was a hardware upgrade a while back to make the earlier 6700's (and 6500's as well) work with some of the newest software and firmware changes. The radio worked well before the upgrade and worked the same afterward... until I got the next software and firmware upgrade.

Ken - NM9P · January 2016

Yes, I remember that for the 6700. It was actually a performance upgrade, not a defect repair. It was only for the 6700 if I remember correctly. At least I have had no information regarding my fairly-early 6500.

Ken - NM9P · January 2016

Monk,
I note from your QRZ.COM page that you are not far from Austin, TX. You might call for an appointment and see if they will give you a tour and/or demonstration. I don't know how busy the staff will be the next week or two (assuming the new software update comes out soon.

Flex or a box with knobs?

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