Welcome to the FlexRadio Community! Please review the new Community Rules and other important new Community information on the Message Board.
Need the latest SmartSDR or 4O3A Genius Product Software?

SmartSDR v3.9.19 and the SmartSDR v3.9.19 Release Notes
SmartSDR v2.12.1 and the SmartSDR v2.12.1 Release Notes

The latest 4O3A Genius Product Software and Firmware
If you are having a problem, please refer to the product documentation or check the Help Center for known solutions.
Need technical support from FlexRadio? It's as simple as Creating a HelpDesk ticket.

Considering a Maestro, but have some questions

Rick N0VT
Rick N0VT Member ✭✭
edited August 2024 in Maestro

I've been using an old/slow laptop to connect back to my 6600 at home via wifi and Smartlink when I'm out in the RV. With WSJT-X and SSDR loaded onto the laptop I've been able to work digital modes just fine.

If I get a Maestro I obviously will no longer need to run SSDR on the laptop. Or will I?

Will I need to connect both the Maestro and my laptop to the radio back home at the same time so that I can run programs like my logger and WSJT-X on my laptop? Is that even possible? Or would I be better off skipping the Maestro, upgrading my laptop and continue running all the software from there?

73, Rick N0VT

Answers

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Rick, you only need one GUI client (Maestro or SmartSDR) at any given time. On the computer that you want to run your digital modes and logging, you would run DAX and possibly CAT.

    So to directly answer your questions, SmartSDR is not required if you are running a Maestro.

    Yes, Maestro and PC should be connected to the radio simultaneously (run DAX for the WSJT-X audio and if required, CAT for logging).

  • David Decoons, wo2x
    David Decoons, wo2x Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I have a Maestro C as main client in my shack. An advantage for RVing is having the panadapter and waterfall on the Maestro and not taking up screen space on the laptop. Also having the physical controls for popular functions (slice A and B tuning, volume, AGC-T and RX bandpass for both slices, power, etc) is nice.

    For Field Day, I use the Maestro and my 15” laptop. Radio is out of the way. I have had good reports with TX audio using my PR40 and external EQ at home or the RadioSport RS55SL headset when on the road.

    The choice comes down to budget, ergonomics and usage requirements.

    73 Dave wo2x

  • John KB4DU
    John KB4DU Member ✭✭✭✭

    I believe a large part of the answer is the preference for knobs. Maestro has them, pc doesn’t. Pc can do anything the maestro can do, plus more, like logging, digital, spotting.

  • Neil D Friedman N3DF
    Neil D Friedman N3DF Member ✭✭✭✭

    with the Maestro you can MultiFLEX, gaining the advantages of the Maestro and the Pc.

  • Rick N0VT
    Rick N0VT Member ✭✭

    "…Yes, Maestro and PC should be connected to the radio simultaneously (run DAX for the WSJT-X audio and if required, CAT for logging)."

    Len—-I have tried running CAT and DAX on my remote laptop and they won't connect to the radio via Smartlink on their own. SSDR must be running as well. Do I have something mis-configured?

Leave a Comment

Rich Text Editor. To edit a paragraph's style, hit tab to get to the paragraph menu. From there you will be able to pick one style. Nothing defaults to paragraph. An inline formatting menu will show up when you select text. Hit tab to get into that menu. Some elements, such as rich link embeds, images, loading indicators, and error messages may get inserted into the editor. You may navigate to these using the arrow keys inside of the editor and delete them with the delete or backspace key.

Comment As ...

Categories