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How do you like your new Aurora?

Mike_NC7I
Mike_NC7I Member ✭✭
in Aurora

I'm surprised by the lack of people talking about their new Auroras. I'm in group 2 and will hopefully get mine in the somewhat near future, meanwhile I'm anxious to hear about any tips, tricks, or challenges people are finding. This will be my first Flex Radio and I am hoping to have it all set up for remote access in Texas before I head to Utah for the Summer.

Mike NC7I

Comments

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

    I can say it is more sensitive to higher SWR than my 8600.

    It does run a lot cooler, using less AC input power.

    I’ve been using the AU510 quite a bit and it is a lot of fun!

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

    There are several on our FaceBook group.

    In reality, the 3Y0K Bouvet DX-pedition is using 2 AU-510's for the FT8 operations and the CY0S DX-pedition which starts shortly is using 6 AU-520M's.

    They would not be doing that if they didn't think they could do the job.

    Personally, my station has over 3000 Q's on it and has been used in multiple contests. SSB, CW and RTTY and it quietly hums along.

    It works identically as all previous FLEX-6000's and 8000's except at 500 watts and it plugs in the wall. Having a 12V power supply is just archaic today.

    Even if I wasn't part of the FlexRadio team, this would be my radio (meaning I would have to actually buy it). :)

    image.png
  • Eric W1NEJ
    Eric W1NEJ Member ✭✭

    It is a joy to operate remotely using Smart Link which needs some fiddling with in you router to get it to work. I use the Mac version of SmartSDR which I think is really very good.

    Having a 500 watt radio with no external amp and tuner really makes it easy for remote operation.

    Marcus really has his version of SmartSDR working very well.

    Screenshot 2026-03-11 at 11.59.58 AM.png

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  • Arnold Goldman
    Arnold Goldman Member ✭✭

    So far so good re my 520M I had to adjust the VFO knob as it was rubbing against the case; Tuner is a bit faster than the 6600M or the 8600M; have NOT tried it with my TGXL so far no need to and still getting used to the % of watts NOT real number ; when i first used it thought 100 meant 100 watts like the 8600M; have used it also on AM And have gotten good reports and have to play with the microphones; have the inrad 629 but have not tried it yet ; still getting used to the SDR AFTER OVER 5 years started with the 6600M (during COVID when I could NOT operate) that i have just gotten back from service; only thing re FLEX was that my 6600M was dead out of the box and my 8600M had a fan noise that had to be sent back out of the box!! and as i mentioned the rubbing noise that was no big deal but first 2 radios were initially frustrating but overall VERY satisfied; I CAN no longer lift up even my older EFJ Valiant let alone a thunderbolt but that's why I really do like the 520M; still used to peaking the grid and dipping the plate; I was in group 1 ordered radio back in july and just got it right by birthday in February; GOOD LUCK STAY HEALTHY AND HAVE FUN

  • Trucker
    Trucker Member ✭✭✭✭

    So far, I have been really pleased using the AU-520M. Plenty of power for my needs. As Dave mentioned, it doesn't like an SWR greater than 1.7:1. It will reduce power and protect itself. The internal ATU will handle a 3:1 SWR. But, given my compromised antenna setup, I use an external tuner that gives me greater coverage. I do plan to put up a EFHW antenna eventually that if I get it installed properly, the internal tuner should be able to handle without any problems.

    Overall, the AU-520M is a good radio and it eliminates having to add a n external amplifier and auto tuner ( when used with the antenna I plan to install). Less clutter with all the extra wiring and no need for a external power supply thanks to the built-in power supply. Some people worry about being shutdown if something fails by having a all in one radio. Given how power efficient the new design is, I doubt that it will be a problem. My radio rarely gets above room temperature.

    The above is the main reason I went with the AU-520M. I had planned to add a Elecraft KPA500 and KAT500 to the 8600M I briefly had. But, after adding up the cost of all three purchased new, the AU-520M was cheaper and takes up a lot less space.

    James

    WD5GWY

  • Andrew Thall
    Andrew Thall Member ✭✭

    I came to Flex from my Elecraft K4D. The learning curve was incredibly steep. Thank the gods for K5JR - his patient guidance was invaluable. The 520 is a joy to operate. Its 500 watts and smaller footprint (no tuner or amplifier needed) makes for a very neat installation. Every rig has it's good points and bad points. From where I'm sitting, the good FAR OUTWEIGH the bad. I'm quite sure that this radio will last me from here to here-after.

    Andy, k2oo

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