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Why isn't the 6xxx series subscription lower priced?

W4AFK Bruno
W4AFK Bruno Member ✭✭
edited December 2025 in SmartSDR+

As we all suspect, the 6xxx series will be limited with future enhancements. We can see this today between what we can enable in the 6xxx and what is supported in the 8xxx and Aurora series.

As the 6xxx does not have the horsepower to support all of the current, and I assume none or very few of any future enhancement, it would make sense if the 6xxx subscription was lower. Like maybe in the $100-$125 range.

So why did Flex decide to charge the same $199/year for both models?

I have two 6400 and paid the subscription for mine. The second 6400 is a remote for our ham radio club and before forking out $199 from the club's limited budget, we were considering the ROI.

Club members asked us why we could not get all of the enhancements and when we explained it at a club meeting, the first question was "why is the price the same if we only get some of the enhancements?" … which was a very valid question.

I highly recommend that Flex Radio consider a reduced subscription fee for discontinued products like the 6xxx series. I am ready to bet that more will pay for the update as we all know that it's close to a dead end regarding enhancements due to the technology in the 6xxx.

Stepping on my soapbox:

  1. The "NRL" function is what the "NR" should have been. I no longer use the "NR". NRL should be standard and not behind a paywall.
  2. On a 6xxx radio, when you activate NRL, ANFL, or ANFT, there should be a visual indication. Maybe in the top-right, like where we see the gain or attenuation. I mention this as once you activate one of these, there is no visual indication that it's on. Functions like NB, NR and ANF turn blue when activated, but nothing for the new functions

Stepping off my soapbox.

Answers

  • Trucker
    Trucker Member ✭✭✭✭

    Just a quick question on your #2. Doesn't the buttons for NRL, ANFL and ANFT change colors when activated and deactivated? I do like the idea of a visual indicator possibly in the upper part of the main display.

    James

    WD5GWY

  • Dan Trainor
    Dan Trainor Member ✭✭✭

    Very valid point for the reasons you mentioned.. And I think more people would be inclined to pay for these few extra 6000features, as limited as they are compared to 8000 series, for $100. And, because more people would buy at that price, Flex would probably make more money compared to what they can now. Personally, I am still on 3.8.15 - I typically wait 6 months after release date before installing a new Major version. I like stability. When, I finally upgrade to v4.x.x I will most likely not pay for these extra features as I have three Flex 6000 series radios. But, even if I had only one, I don't see these new features as compelling. NRL should be a standard improvement included to replace NR. 73 Dan WA1QZX

  • W4AFK Bruno
    W4AFK Bruno Member ✭✭

    James - The DSP button turns blue when you click on it to open the menu. But after selecting any of the new functions (NRL, ANFL, ANFT), these turn blue, but clicking on DSP again leaves the functions enabled but the DSP button is grayed out.

    The NR, NB and ANF functions have separate buttons on the main screen that visually tell you when they are enabled.

    My point is that the user should have a visual indication that one or all of the new functions are enabled. If it's a lack of real estate, then a simple text on the top-right, like when we turn on the preamp.

    Now I have a 6400 … I assume that 8xxx users might not see any of the additional functions

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