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520M, would you do it again?

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N0HNK
N0HNK Member ✭
in Aurora
I'm seriously considering buying a 520M.
I've got a good friend who thinks that I'll hate the 520M, he says that changing settings is very hard.
So, here I am, asking those who own these rigs, would you do it again?

Comments

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator
    Options

    Like any rig, a Flex is a matter of personal preference. There are multiple ways to operate a Flex (SmartSDR, Maestro, etc.), so that makes it appealing to a wider audience.

    I would suggest finding a fellow ham who would let you try their Flex. I tried a friend's several years ago and immediately bought a 6400. I recently upgraded to an 8600. So for me, it is an ideal radio but you need to be sure that it is right for you.

  • Trucker
    Trucker Member ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 20
    Options

    For my personal usage, the AU-520M fits perfectly. I have been using the M model radios ever since they came out. I like the versatility of being able to operate completely standalone or with a pc connected. I have always liked radios with knobs and buttons. And the M model radios work great and are not cluttered with knobs and buttons like some other radios that I have had and still have. On top of all that, no need for a external amplifier ( 500 watts is the sweet spot for me) built-in power supply and a ATU that can work well with a antenna that is reasonably close to resonate. I also use an external tuner more often than the internal tuner. Overall, I am very pleased with the Aurora.

    James

    WD5GWY

    And, yes, I would do it again as long as the purchase didn't cause financial problems.

  • Arnold Goldman
    Arnold Goldman Member ✭✭✭
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    I would just been frustrating initially bough a 6600M that was dead out of the box with a dead front speaker; then 8600M with a fan hitting the case so had to order a new one; my 520M just had a sticking vfo knob that was told was shifted during shipping so just had to move the VFO knob forward; but so far so good; have the 8600M with the TGXL, PGXL but now rarely use it as the 500 watts seems enough and the tuner seems faster than the 8600M have NOT tried the tgxl with the 520M ; have been told that ALL of the radios sound good on AM as well as during the winter months hang out on 75/40 AM; so I would do it again; tech support seems very good and responsive just frustrating that two radios had problems out of the box; also I am old fashioned so i do like the M version; still getting used to the SDR software after 6 years; have fun

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