Welcome to the FlexRadio Community! Please review the new Community Rules and other important new Community information on the Message Board.
The latest SmartSDR Software:
SmartSDR v4.2.20 | SmartSDR v4.2.20 Release Notes
SmartSDR v3.10.15 | SmartSDR v3.10.15 Release Notes

The latest 4O3A Genius Product Software:
The latest 4O3A Genius Product Software and Firmware
How to Receive Technical Support::
If you are needing assistance with FlexRadio products, 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.

flex 8600M

Options
ea5iwt
ea5iwt Member ✭✭
in The Flea Market

Hi everyone,

Is there anyone here who owns the Flex 8600M?
I have a few questions:

  • How is the CW performance on the 8600M?
  • Is it better than the 6600?
  • Is there any latency or delay in CW operation?
  • Has PureSignal been implemented yet on the 8600M?

Overall, how is the radio performing?
Any comments or feedback would be appreciated!

vy 73 ELAN EA5QB

Comments

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    Options

    We haven’t had any negative reports regarding CW performance — and even the FLEX-6600 has been excellent in that area. Of course, it really depends on which aspects of CW performance are most important to you. (See point #1. 🙂). Most of our latency issues where resolved back about SmartSDR 3.4 I think. We are currently at SSDR 3.8 and 3.9 will be coming out shortly.

    Andy, VA3CW is a serious CW operator and he uses it every day at 30+ wpm.

    If you're asking about whether it’s better than the 6600, again, I would say refer back to point #1. Are you planning to operate remotely? If so, that’s where you might notice some differences in feel or latency, depending on your network. Today, both the FLEX-8600 and the FLEX-6600 work equally well.

    Also, just to clarify — PureSignal isn’t actually a FlexRadio term. What you’re asking about is called SmartSignal (Adaptive Predistortion), and it’s included starting with v3.9. Our Alpha Team has been using it on the air for about a month now with very good results.

    Many of our Alpha testers are heavy CW operators. While they’ve found a few issues in the current build overall, nobody has raised concerns about CW performance specifically.

    BTW, if you are thinking a FLEX-8600M I would recommend a FLEX-8600 + Maestro as it gives you a bit more flexibility. But, it depends on your operating requirements.

    Hope that helps — happy to answer more if you need it! And, I am sure others might share their experience. Or, email us at hams@flex.radio.

    73, mike va3mw

  • Bill NE1B
    Bill NE1B Member ✭✭✭
    Options

    Mike,

    Does that mean that 3.9 with SmartSignal (Adaptive Predistortion) will resolve "Thumping" (DPC noise) on the TX?

    73, Bill, NE1B

  • Mike-VA3MW
    Mike-VA3MW Administrator, FlexRadio Employee, Community Manager, Super Elmer, Moderator admin
    Options

    I have no idea what the DPC thumbing is.

  • Bill NE1B
    Bill NE1B Member ✭✭✭
    Options

    DPC Thumping:

    https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/8031487/dpc-thumping

  • Ken Wells
    Ken Wells Community Manager admin
    Options

    Bill,

    That is a DAX/computer Issue and is not addressed by SmartSignal APD, as far as I know.

  • Bill NE1B
    Bill NE1B Member ✭✭✭
    Options

    Ken,

    Yes. That is where it starts. BUT, it produces sideband noise artifacts on the Flex RF carrier causing interference. I would hope that the Smart Signal APD would "clean it up"! It really is an embarrassment. I can also identify other Flex transmitters exhibiting the same noise on various bands that I monitor.

  • jacksharp
    jacksharp Member ✭
    Options
    On another note, has anyone used the '8600 with ALE in scan mode? Is there a way to eliminate the filters therefore eliminating the relay chatter?

Categories