Flex-6500 2m Transverter and D-Star

David,

I bought  a used Spectrum Comms 2m transverter via eBay about a year ago to "try out" my 6500 on 2m before spending more money on something with a bit better spec.

12 months later I'm still using it. It works fine, not the ultimate performer but for a "casual" 2m user like me it does the job.

Keith

David, I use a Kuhne TR-144H +40 with my 6500, and I'm delighted with it. It will be even better when my GPSDO eventually turns up...then I can feed a 10mhz reference to the transverter. It is expensive, but nothing else will touch it. I've had (built and used) an Elecraft transverter but didn't like the frequency stability or heat management. Paul M0CVX

I have the same plans here David, with my 6500 in the UK, so I'm very grateful to those responding, thanks guys.


73 Rich MW0XDT

David, I'm sure it'll be about the same as the 432mhz version. Not sure why it is price on request..they always used to have a price against it. For me, it is so versatile (antenna and IF configurations) and with a power meter and easy to used drive control on the front panel, it is great for either barefoot or driving a QRO amplifier. What's the saying... 'buy cheap, buy twice'.... Paul M0CVX

David, I used a spectrum 4m tvtr with my flex 6300 and it worked well but did drift a bit too much for wsjt ms work. After I upgraded to the 6500 I decided to concentrate on 4m last year and bought a Kuhne 4m tvtr direct from the manufacturer. Very speedy service, and quality of the packaging reflected the quality kit inside - it really was a step up on rx and it matches the 6500 well. I am planning on buying the 2m tvtr from Kuhn unless I upgrade to the 6700 this year - at which point I will import one of the Demi 2m Amps that suit the low output on 2m from the 6700. I paid around £900 for the 4m one after conversion from Euros but I think you get the quality and performance for the extra money. It makes such a difference being able to see the whole of 6 and 4m bands in VHF contests and see the signals pop up as people turn their beams briefly this direction.

Dave, Just FYI I have been in touch with Kuhne in the last week or so regarding a transverter to use with my 6500. I was informed that they are currently reworking their 2m transverter and so are out of stock until the new version is released. I was told it would be about a month before release. 73 Clive

Yes, I just received the same email...my XYL's birthday in May...I always like to buy myself something for her birthday! Lol ;-)

You must have been lucky Rob.  I used to get lots of Elecraft stuff delivered direct from USA (wish we could do that with Flex!), even with the cheapest shipping option, at the UK end the package is delivered by ParcelForce...and I have never had a package that wasn't trapped for VAT payment.  of course, it isn't the delivery agent that govern this - it is the UK Customs.

The radio or dongle, or software, whatever is TRUNCATING the beginning of the transmission, in other words, your ID string at the beginning of transmit is being generated, but the radio is late in transmitting, so that portion ends up not sent.   The repeater rejects it because there is no ID.  Hence the ************  AN aggravating problem that I would love to see resolved.  Maybe flex can fix this top where there is a short 1/2 second delay buffer to ensure all is transmitted?????

Thanks Tim!

And to clarify, if someone would setup the waverform to buffer a bit, a half second even.   So in other words, activate transmit just a bit before sending the actual data.  Maybe tickle the transverter hihi