Why I like my FlexRadio

Henkka · October 15

Hi,

Pretty often we focus on negative things and we forgot what is actually good and why. Seen this once again in my life and also periodically when viewing this forum. Most often we (me of course included) ask and seek here support for problematic situations, when we have problem using our loved Flex radios or its accessories and softwares. If you read all the post which are found here at the FlexRadio community you will get an impression that FlexRadios totally sucks. Nothing but problems, which is not true. It is just how human mind works, we tend to get fixed to things which needs improvements.

Long story short my point is, let's have a new discussion which is focused on good things and good things only. Please contribute here your positive user experiences and explain why you like your FlexRadio and how you make your user experience even more delightful.

I start. I like especially the ease of use of the 8600M model. You can easily find what you are looking for thanks to "less knobs and more menus" approach. Large screen is beautiful and finding the signals is straight forward. I love to use the profiles and how it makes the remote use easier. I have different profiles for my iPhone and my radio. Full duplex! I like to monitor different bands when working one and FDX just makes all this much more efficient. There are many other good things these as well, just a few pointers which came to my mind first.

Please share your positive user experiences here thank you.

P.S Couldn't find category for general user experiences, but mods can move this to more suitable location if necessary.

Greetings from Finland.

Henkka, OH5KNL

Neil D Friedman N3DF · October 15

For 7+ years, my Flex radio (now an 8600M) has continued to amaze me on a daily basis. When I began in ham radio with a Heathkit novice station 60 years ago, I could not begin to imagine the features and capabilities of my Flex transceiver.

Henkka · October 15

Thank you Neil for sharing!

KC1UA · October 17

Hi,

I'm a new FlexRadio owner, and I jumped in with both feet and purchased a new 8400M from DX Engineering in late September. I have it rack mounted and I'm using and learning it primarily with local use. The last few days I have started to use SmartSDR via a few different Windows 11 laptops with a few different USB mics, and I've been amazed with the results.

For its considerable sophistication it is an easy radio to learn and use. One of the most positive things for me thus far has been this community. Each time I've searched for an answer to my question I've found it within these forums. The large community here speaks volumes regarding these radios. I'm happy to have the opportunity to become part of it.

I am running my 8400M barefoot, primarily using a ZS6BKW multi-band dipole, but plan on having several rotatable dipoles in the air before the snow flies. I am somewhat restricted being on a quarter acre lot in a heavily populated neighborhood, but I have made some amazing contacts thus far with it. There are so many possibilities and a lot to learn, but I am very glad I made the investment.

73,
Scott/KC1UA
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA - FN41tq

Henkka · October 17

Thanks Scott. My radio equipment is also rack mounted and been lately improving the air ventilation and fan noise reduction. It has been educating project, especially how to ventilate PGXL heat out with minimum noise. My small rack is located at living room so it's always compromise between heat ventilation vs. noise the fans are causing. So far all good.

This community is great place to find knowledge. When I started my rack project this forum was very helpful.

Y'all keep commenting the positive experiences you have had with FlexRadio products.

Trucker · October 18

I love my Flex 5000A. Even though it is older technology, using Darren's latest version of PowerSDR it rocks. Hopefully, the Aurora AU-520M I pre-ordered will be as good or better.

James

WD5GWY

KD0RC · October 18

I spent hours at HRO in Denver looking at the Kenwood TS-890 and the ICOM 7610. I was 99 percent sure that I would come home with one of them however, neither gave me that "gotta have it" vibe.

Next, I asked my buddy Dave, W4WKU (KG0EW at the time) if I could spend some quality time with his Flex 6400. Within 30 minutes, I knew that a Flex would be my next rig.

Since getting the 6400 in February of 2020, my operating hours have gone up dramatically. The visual display of the band makes all the difference to me. Tuning through miles of empty space hoping to run across a signal seems pretty archaic now! I am totally spoiled by the panadapter and waterfall, and really don't like operating my older rigs anymore. Point and click tuning is here to stay!

The other thing I really like about my Flex is homebrewing using the API. On a lark, I built a small Arduino circuit to see if I could connect to my Flex. It eventually morphed into the TeensyMaestro project. It has been really rewarding to see TeensyMaestros popping up all over the world.

All in all, it is the best, most fun rig I have ever owned. I am looking forward to seeing what SmartSDR V4 and beyond will bring.

Why I like my FlexRadio

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