SmartSDR v4.2 - New features

Mike-VA3MW · April 22

https://youtu.be/p70E0XEqb2E?si=QkEJUzz3Ho3xFUgO

Stay Current

We strongly urge every FlexRadio operator to update to SmartSDR v4.2 as soon as it is available.

Beyond the exciting new features, this release includes significant under-the-hood maintenance and performance improvements that you won't see on the surface but will absolutely feel on the air. Staying current with software updates is critical.

Each release addresses bugs, closes security vulnerabilities, improves system stability, and ensures compatibility with the latest operating systems and hardware.

Falling behind on updates can lead to unexpected crashes, degraded performance, and missed improvements that the development team has worked hard to deliver. Think of it like maintaining your station equipment.

Regular upkeep keeps everything running at its best. Whether you're a casual operator or a seasoned contester, running the latest version of SmartSDR ensures you're getting the most out of your radio and the most reliable experience possible.

SmartSDR v4.2 — Coming April 28, 2026

SmartSDR v4.2 is packed with updates for every FlexRadio operator, delivering meaningful improvements across both SmartSDR Basic and SmartSDR Plus — more performance, broader hardware support, and enhanced control at every level.

What's New in SmartSDR Basic (available to all users)

New DAX Version 2 Architecture
New FlexVSP Driver
ARM Support for SmartSDR, DAX, and FlexVSP
APD External Sampler / PGXL Integration
Windows 11 Support
USA 60M Turf
Numerous under-the-hood performance improvements

SmartSDR Plus Enhancements (for power operators)

User Configurable RX Filters
TX Filter Display During Transmit
Band Edge Markers

Whether you're running a FLEX-6000 series radio from the shack or operating remotely via SmartLink, v4.2 brings real-world improvements that matter on the air.

Setting Up WSJT-X for DAX 2

SmartSDR DAX 4.2 introduces new performance changes to the DAX architecture. The following resources will help you get up and running:

VE7ATJ_Don · April 22

Pretty cool… will this eliminate the need to turn off Core Isolation in Win 11 settings?

Also, will we be able to import 4.1.5 profiles directly into 4.2?

Trucker · April 22

Overhauled DAX, is great news. Expanding APD to use external amplifiers , like the PGXL and 3rd party amplifiers using a adapter for feedback from the amplifier to the radio with a Flex Radio adapter, is great too. But, where are the missing adjustment sliders for the DSP functions and improvements to the DSP functions? Also, has the new 60 meters allocation been added? I am glad to see the updated DAX system and the support for 64 bit code. That should improve stability. But, when will we see some new features that might make having the Plus/Early Access license worth paying for? I have Early Access, and have been hoping that the new licensing system would actually provide new,exciting features in SmartSDR more often. Maybe, I misunderstood what the paid licensing was supposed to provide and make it a worthwhile investment.

James

WD5GWY

DL9GTB · April 23

I agree with James. The missing adjustment sliders for the DSP are becoming embarrassing...

Torsten - DL9GTB

Tilio · April 23

where is it possible to dowload 4.2????

Richard · April 23

Tuesday the 28th of April on the FlexRadio Site

Bill Owens · April 23

Glad to see finally the APD loop in the PGXL.

But I am not sure if I get this function. I have not paid for any future software releases beyond the 4.1.5. I know there was the basic SW license and also the Early release SW option. Frankly I bought the 8600 because it was being promoted with a demonstration of how the PGXL would be able to work with an 8600 with APD looped in vs. the 6600, which I owned at the time. Therefore, I was led to believe that would be functional without the need to buy into the udpdate for a fee structure.

So, will I need to pony up some bucks for me to take advantage of APD with the PGXL looped in?

Bill, AD5EW

Gord-VA7GP · April 23

Great news, especially DAX v2 no longer requiring Core Isolation! And using Share Memory (not interrupts).

In fact, this is SO great that I think I'll buy some b.e.e.r. and plan a complete wipe-and-re-install of Win11 to celebrate 😀 It's time I did that anyway.

Trucker · April 23

The description on the YouTube channel page says that the APD ( Pure Signal) is for everyone using an 8000 or Aurora. No need to purchase a Plus license.

James

WD5GWY

n8wrl · April 23

How are the custom RX filters persisted? Profile? Which one(s)?

Mike VE3CKO · April 23

Yes, James great to see SmartSignal for an external amplifier, yet another promise fulfilled. Nice for those of us who have a PGXL, note the PGXL ADP A & B outputs are BNC that would connect to the respective RXA & RXB (BNC) on the 8xxx radio. In otherwords two BNC to BNC cables are required.

My question are: (assuming TX Band Settings must be configured)

When will the "box" that switches between RX antennas and ADP outputs be available? Let's call it ADP/RX control box. If it's in the works and still sometime down the road, then providing guidelines. suggested diagram will be helpful and prevent a lot of support tickets. I would want to build one ASAP and I"m sure many others would too. I would assume from previous videos, one of the TX outputs will be used, so a simple DPDT relay triggered by one of the TX outputs would be the game plan.

Would controlling the ADP/RX control box automatically (PGXL integration) in the software or will it be user configured, meaning with the software setup TX Band Settings and them we be told to use TX3 for example, to control the ADP/RX control box, or will the user have to configure what ever in the TX Band Settings?

The Release Notes do not detail how to setup the radio, we'll find out on April 28th. May I suggest if not already implemented, to keep with the station automation theme, if a PGXL is detected, that the software automatically configures the TX Band Settings to toggles say TX3 for all bands the PGXL is capable of, 160m thru 6m. This of course would have to be done manually for other vendor's external amplifiers.

Rick N4RZ · April 23

James, you and I have a different understanding about who gets APD. I took the comment to mean it would work on all 8000 and not on the 6000 series radios. However, you would still need to have version 4.2 features of the software, which is an upgrade from the base version 4, to enable it. Flex may want to clarify this.

KD0RC · April 23

It will work on 8000 and Aurora (not 6000) radios and is part of SmartSDR Basic (SmartSDR+ is not required).

Trucker · April 23

Rick, I didn't say that APD would work on the 6000 radios. And yes, you will have to update to version 4.2 Basic. ( which is a free update). Mainly because the necessary code doesn't exist in version 4.1.5 Basic or Plus/Early Access. If you want the additional new features ( Band plan, custom filter buttons etc.) you will need to have Plus or Early Access.

James

WD5GWY

Spanky97 · April 23

Afternoon. How will the new 60M turf files affect the MARS program ?

K1UO Larry · April 23

errrrr.. pardon my complete stupidity but how is APD used on an 8600 if the RXA and RXB ports are utilized by dedicated RXantennas? Is there a switching box to be purchased by us whom no longer can build our own solutions due to viaion? Oh, and don't mind me, you do not have to pardon my stupidity :)

KD0RC · 4:27AM

Hi Larry, I haven't seen 4.2 yet, but I would guess that you can use the XVTA and XVTB ports. Flex did say that they would be engineering a switch box to allow sharing a RX ant port with APD, but there has been no information about that released lately.

SmartSDR v4.2 - New features

Comments

Leave a Comment

Categories