I find it amazing how many features the Elad FDM-SW2 software has already and is just a few years old, although the hardware is not as good as a flex the software shows just how far SmartSDR has to go as far as customization and User interface features.
Again this is NOT to say a FDM-Duo is a better radio it is to show that SmartSDR has a long way to go in terms of features and user customization.
In May 2017 SmartSDR and the 6000 series will be over 5 years old and is still only at Ver 1.10 and will jump to Ver 2 but will it be even close in terms this level of features & customization?
Yes I know WAN is coming in Ver 2 and that's great but will that be it, I guess will just have to see...
Posted 2 years ago
Ria - N2RJ, Elmer
What hardware does this run on? His website doesn't easily mention what it is. Or, at least I missed it.
Ria - N2RJ, Elmer
The difference would be that people could set it up more easily than a VPN, and it would allow using Maestro on the road without an external VPN like a Raspberry Pi or a laptop. There would also be compression to reduce bandwidth usage, even on VPN and I believe the Flex folks have mentioned that you'd be able to share radios with friends eventually. But WAN is just one of many new features being rolled out anyway, I think it's just the opening shot, and not the end of it.
There are some situations where VPN won't work, such as ISPs with carrier grade NAT. Hopefully the WAN feature will.
There are some situations where VPN won't work, such as ISPs with carrier grade NAT. Hopefully the WAN feature will.
(Edited)
I agree with Jim. I took the effort to install VPN and now that function is rock solid. I no longer really need it built into the radio/software. What I really want are standard features that I've been doing without for several years now. Shoot, at this rate, by the it includes the features of my other rigs, the hardware will be outdated.
I worked in the computer and software development field most of my life and I understand how difficult and time consuming it can be at times. With that said, the development of SmartSDR seems to be much slower than what I expected.
I worked in the computer and software development field most of my life and I understand how difficult and time consuming it can be at times. With that said, the development of SmartSDR seems to be much slower than what I expected.
I agree in part. Having the server built into the router takes me about 5 minutes to set up the VPN. However, experience has enhanced that time. I much prefer using the iPad or iPhone than the Maestro. That is where I agree, it is necessary to use an external computer acting as the VPN server to utilize L2TP on the IOS. I would be nice not to need an external server with the Apple toys. I am not sure IOS will ever gravitate to Layer 2 OpenVPN.
I would hope v2 WAN will inclue codec(s) & compression of data to reduce bandwidth requirements.
The software works with the Elad FDM-Duo
Hi Ria, I like all of the things you mentioned.
This
is a few of the things I like...
1. User definable Band preset BUTTONS.
2. User definable Color coded slice receivers.
3. User definable Movable and dock-able windows.
4. User definable AGC(T) parameters.
5. User definable Receive filter presets.
6. Shows frequency at courser position.
7. Data values shown next to all sliders and buttons all of the time, Not just when you hover the mouse courser.
8. Extensive recording & playback features such as Audio with ability to save files, I&Q audio and much more.
9.info display showing Spectrum & waterfall displays. (Span width, FFT Resolution, Scale, Averaging level.
10. Many values shown in dBm scale.
11. Full use of right mouse button. (Right Click Windows)
12. Handy built-in log book.
13. Ability to lock slice’s to center of screen so you can scroll pan adapter.
14. Squelch for each receiver slice for all modes.
15. Ability to tune with Keyboard.
16. Lots of use of Shift, Ctrl, & Alt buttons. (Eg. Shift+Drag)
17. Measurement markers, Delta Markers.
18. Audio spectrum & FFT windows.
19. FREE Wireless Android app.
20. Ability to customize UI colors.
I could go on and on but you can clearly see from this one video how far behind SmartSDR is it terms features. And in this video David only shows a fraction of what the software is capable.
Now one last thing I know there will be some that say that the screen is to busy and for some that may be true BUT SmartSDR could have a menu option for “Standard Display” for a simplified UI like it is now Or an “Advanced Display” for those more advanced users that like to see more status info at a glance. This way all users would be happy.
Again this is NOT to say that the FDM-Duo is a better radio it’s to show how far SmartSDR needs to go in terms of features.
I hope Version 2.0 is not just about WAN I hope we see a lot more features such as these Especially for the $200 they expect us to fork over for V.2.
Again keep in mind the 6000 series is over 5 years old and the software is only at 1.10 and to jump to 2.0 soon as a $200 paid version? At the current software development pace by the time we see features like this the radio will be Old and obsolete.
Either FRS makes software development a real priority and hires a bunch more software developers or the competition will blow them by quickly. You can only be a leader if you stay ahead of the competition. The 6000 series is awesome and has great potential but it’s the Software that’s holding it back.
(Edited)
Yes good score but how does using a single transmitter (as per your 3830 write up ) and being limited to ten band changes defend your argument for the ability of your little gem to withstand a high rf m2 environment ? As you know using a single transmitter again as per your 3830 write up and a tribander and an amp is just that a single radio and a tribander and an amp. If I am not mistaken , Ken does have an amp and enough antennas for separate bands so he is indeed familiar with being able to operate high power on an adjacent band while utilizing full duplex and a single radio. Congrats with your record score for Canada.
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
Actually, no Mike, I don't run a big amp. But I do have several antennas scattered about the yard. I have run full duplex on 160 splits, and have dabbled with full duplex low power on other separate bands with two antennas.
My "speculations" are based upon technical reviews and reports from several people I have talked with who have tested the 7300 in their own stations, some of them are competitive contesters. Another is a friend in a neighboring town who has a 7300 as his main rig because that is all he could afford to replace a Yaesu 1200DX that took a lightning-induced permanent vacation. He loves the rig but reports that a strong local ham running an amp will occasionally cause overloading problems.
I had the same problem with two local high power ops less than a mile away who wiped out my old TS-850 when I was in the same sub band.
With my 6500, I can get within less than 10 KHz with no problem at all. And what problem there is closer in are due to phase noise on THEIR transmitters. (One of which BTW is my old 850!)
I am NOT dissing the 7300.
It is a great value as a ham rig. I would even say the best in its price class. If I had to choose a new rig for under $1400 I would probably get one. (Or look for a great deal on a 6300!)
It's main limitation is the 14 bit A/D in the front end as compared to the 16 bit A/D used by Flex, and soon some other manufacturers even Icon.
It is certainly in the "Good enough" category for most hams. But the physics of it will limit it in som extreme situations.
But this thread isn't about Flex vs Icom hardware. It is about whether or not Flex is falling behind in the software and feature wars.
I see this as having multiple categories.
1) "Performance" features - I.e. How well does the rig receive, transmit, filter, equalize, and do typical DSP noise reduction, notching, blanking, etc.? How well does it interface with logging/contesting programs and third party digital communications programs? How well does it display crucial operating information to the user? How good is the transmit and receive audio? How good is the CW note and QSK turnaround? Is the receiver limited by strong signals or impaired by its own phase noise? Is the transmitter clean or does it cause problems to close by stations because of transmitted distortion or phase noise? Is the rig's antenna switching compatible with the user's requirements for DXing, contesting, using transverters, or multiple antennas?
2) "Ease of use" features: these are things such as the quality of the GUI. How easy and intuitive is it to adjust various controls? How easy it it to display additional information that concerns ME that others may not need on the main panel? How cluttered is the user interface? Is the GUI readable? Can it be customized? How flexible is it? Can multiple users easily set the rig up to their own preferences and needs? How easy is it to use the rig without additional interface devices? What additional interface devices are available either from the company or from third parties? How do they improve operations? How easy is the rig to setup audio profiles, user preferences, transverters, antenna and amplifiers, etc.? Definable band, filter, and other function buttons?
3). "Eye Candy." - This is highly subjective, because everyone will have a different opinion about this.
This includes custom display color choices, metering options, logging, DX spots on the display, other display modifications.
As I said. This is a matter of opinion. Some would lobby to move certain display features fro the "Eye Candy" category to the "Ease of use" category.
My experience is that FRS has focused first upon the first category, and tackled a lot in category Two. They have a few things to polish in the DSP area, then they can add some more Ease of Use features. We may or may not ever agree on the Eye Candy. Or even whether something is eye candy or a necessary Ease of Use feature.
I doubt that SSDR will ever be as customizable as PSDR because greater flexibility leads to more load on customer service.
All in all, I think they have done a great job. They are offering several features that no one else is offering. V.2.0 promises to add some more. And v.2.x will continue to grow, as has V.1.x.x.
My "speculations" are based upon technical reviews and reports from several people I have talked with who have tested the 7300 in their own stations, some of them are competitive contesters. Another is a friend in a neighboring town who has a 7300 as his main rig because that is all he could afford to replace a Yaesu 1200DX that took a lightning-induced permanent vacation. He loves the rig but reports that a strong local ham running an amp will occasionally cause overloading problems.
I had the same problem with two local high power ops less than a mile away who wiped out my old TS-850 when I was in the same sub band.
With my 6500, I can get within less than 10 KHz with no problem at all. And what problem there is closer in are due to phase noise on THEIR transmitters. (One of which BTW is my old 850!)
I am NOT dissing the 7300.
It is a great value as a ham rig. I would even say the best in its price class. If I had to choose a new rig for under $1400 I would probably get one. (Or look for a great deal on a 6300!)
It's main limitation is the 14 bit A/D in the front end as compared to the 16 bit A/D used by Flex, and soon some other manufacturers even Icon.
It is certainly in the "Good enough" category for most hams. But the physics of it will limit it in som extreme situations.
But this thread isn't about Flex vs Icom hardware. It is about whether or not Flex is falling behind in the software and feature wars.
I see this as having multiple categories.
1) "Performance" features - I.e. How well does the rig receive, transmit, filter, equalize, and do typical DSP noise reduction, notching, blanking, etc.? How well does it interface with logging/contesting programs and third party digital communications programs? How well does it display crucial operating information to the user? How good is the transmit and receive audio? How good is the CW note and QSK turnaround? Is the receiver limited by strong signals or impaired by its own phase noise? Is the transmitter clean or does it cause problems to close by stations because of transmitted distortion or phase noise? Is the rig's antenna switching compatible with the user's requirements for DXing, contesting, using transverters, or multiple antennas?
2) "Ease of use" features: these are things such as the quality of the GUI. How easy and intuitive is it to adjust various controls? How easy it it to display additional information that concerns ME that others may not need on the main panel? How cluttered is the user interface? Is the GUI readable? Can it be customized? How flexible is it? Can multiple users easily set the rig up to their own preferences and needs? How easy is it to use the rig without additional interface devices? What additional interface devices are available either from the company or from third parties? How do they improve operations? How easy is the rig to setup audio profiles, user preferences, transverters, antenna and amplifiers, etc.? Definable band, filter, and other function buttons?
3). "Eye Candy." - This is highly subjective, because everyone will have a different opinion about this.
This includes custom display color choices, metering options, logging, DX spots on the display, other display modifications.
As I said. This is a matter of opinion. Some would lobby to move certain display features fro the "Eye Candy" category to the "Ease of use" category.
My experience is that FRS has focused first upon the first category, and tackled a lot in category Two. They have a few things to polish in the DSP area, then they can add some more Ease of Use features. We may or may not ever agree on the Eye Candy. Or even whether something is eye candy or a necessary Ease of Use feature.
I doubt that SSDR will ever be as customizable as PSDR because greater flexibility leads to more load on customer service.
All in all, I think they have done a great job. They are offering several features that no one else is offering. V.2.0 promises to add some more. And v.2.x will continue to grow, as has V.1.x.x.
(Edited)
Coolaid. You've had too much.
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
Actually, I prefer fruit juice.
Thought you had an amp Ken. Sorry about that.
Here just look at what Darrin KE9NS, ONE MAN has done with PowerSDR in his most recent update.
Now if one man can do all of this how can't a fairly modest sized company like FRS not do a little better with SmartSDR has far a features? Oh and BTW at this point he's only asking for Donations.
http://ke9ns.com/flexpage.html
Now if one man can do all of this how can't a fairly modest sized company like FRS not do a little better with SmartSDR has far a features? Oh and BTW at this point he's only asking for Donations.
http://ke9ns.com/flexpage.html
(Edited)
I agree. He has done wonders with that software. I had a 6000 series and sold it and went back to a 5000A. Did not like the dumbed down smartSDR with little ability to tweak settings. I am old but not ready to become an appliance operator yet.
" I am old but not ready to become an appliance operator yet."
I think Darrin KE9NS might just might be a software genius considering how much he has done in such a short time.
I too have debated selling my 6500 and going to the 5000A but since I’m am late to the Flex party I figure I would wait a but longer and see If FRS gets going on SmartSDR development and if in due time there is no real progress “I’m Out”. Maybe I’ll try an ANAN or other radio or just wait and see what the competition does.
I feel bad for the folks who got their 6000 series radio when they first came out 5 years ago and are still waiting for real progress with SmartSDR, especially if they previously owned a 5000 and had all of those features taken away. I have only been waiting a few years so I will wait a bit more and see what happens.I think Darrin KE9NS might just might be a software genius considering how much he has done in such a short time.
(Edited)
Will this version of PowerSDR by ke9ns v2.8.0.27 work with an LP-Pan2 which I
uses an external Sound card and my K3 or is only good with a Flex5000 ?
uses an external Sound card and my K3 or is only good with a Flex5000 ?
That is just simply dumb,,PSDR has been over 15 years in development to this point. SSDR is far more complicated to work on.
Writing code for PowerSDR is a LOT easier than writing code for more slices and receivers in the 6000 architecture. It rapidly becomes more of a challenge with all those slices and several receivers (in 6700). It's especially a challenge NOT to introduce subtle bugs with all the processes going on.
Not to say that is the only reason software development is slow at FRS for the 6000 series. Another reason is that their ham radio business is a small part of their business - not the main part. My understanding is that their commercial business is their bread and butter. At least that is what I have heard. There are most likely other reasons why their software development is slower and I suspect that software labor costs plays a part in that.
In any event I can see why many folks are upset but personally I would not trade my 6300 for any other rig except another Flex perhaps. If I had the money though I would like to try a few others as a second rig :-)
Not to say that is the only reason software development is slow at FRS for the 6000 series. Another reason is that their ham radio business is a small part of their business - not the main part. My understanding is that their commercial business is their bread and butter. At least that is what I have heard. There are most likely other reasons why their software development is slower and I suspect that software labor costs plays a part in that.
In any event I can see why many folks are upset but personally I would not trade my 6300 for any other rig except another Flex perhaps. If I had the money though I would like to try a few others as a second rig :-)
I know as I also have a Flex 5000A. His upgrades are amazing and the package is rock solid. This is why I hang on to my legacy Flex. With the V/U module and 2nd rx it is the best satellite and possible EME radio available.
Rick, W2JAZ
Rick, W2JAZ
You are so right. I have had zero problems with his software mods and for those that argue having the computer in the rado is better my powersdr runs at 13% cpu use on a not so fast computer. Being able to change settings makes powersdr fun to work with and to me is what SDR is about. Experimenting as well as operating.
You still forget the 6000 series is the only SDR rig that can work as is, without a personal computer, even a Raspy. No rig out there can do the same, so, each time, it is like comparing apples and pears.
You may argue if it is (or was) a good idea but people in Flex were aware of this issue and Steve (N5AC) said it clearly in one of its presentations: they had to rewrite all the code, and they did it.
Having said this, my idea about software in Flex 6000, is that ethernet APIs are the great added value for device integration purposes. You can actually do everything from everywhere.
Unfortunately I can't say the same for GUI software. Keeping it closed, force each developer to start from scratch each time he wants to add a feature to SSDR. Actually he can't add any feature to it because he can only develop another external application that runs next to SSDR and honestly, applications that run (have to run) next SSDR are really too much.
I hope they will consider the idea to transform their GUI in a pluggable framework where official sw components can run next to other (community) sw components. Things would be much more interesting in this way, at least for me.
73' Enzo
iw7dmh
You may argue if it is (or was) a good idea but people in Flex were aware of this issue and Steve (N5AC) said it clearly in one of its presentations: they had to rewrite all the code, and they did it.
Having said this, my idea about software in Flex 6000, is that ethernet APIs are the great added value for device integration purposes. You can actually do everything from everywhere.
Unfortunately I can't say the same for GUI software. Keeping it closed, force each developer to start from scratch each time he wants to add a feature to SSDR. Actually he can't add any feature to it because he can only develop another external application that runs next to SSDR and honestly, applications that run (have to run) next SSDR are really too much.
I hope they will consider the idea to transform their GUI in a pluggable framework where official sw components can run next to other (community) sw components. Things would be much more interesting in this way, at least for me.
73' Enzo
iw7dmh
I beg to differ. I have an Anon 200D and like the Flex Signature series, all it needs is that network connection. It can be controlled by a PC or a remote app on Android(PC need not be on and running) or the remote that they have now which is set up very similar to a Maestro. As far as the remote phone/tablet app, it's android only, but the flex smart sdr is iOS only.
Hey John - I don't know if you know or not, but using all bold is considered yelling at people. Just sayin'.
Hey Mike, Thank you for concern in regard to my text, But I think you mean TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED YELLING AT PEOPLE.
J U S T S A Y I N ‘
:)(Edited)
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
I think in some circles they have the same effect. But at least all bold is easier to read! My eyes don't follow all caps as easily. Darned trifocals! Hi hi.
Good discussion. We will have to wait until Dayton Hamvention for part of the answer. But there will be many more releases after that.
Good discussion. We will have to wait until Dayton Hamvention for part of the answer. But there will be many more releases after that.
Yes, they are considered yelling. Regardless, you take the fonting and the message, and piece together the intent from that. Sorry to interrupt your posts with a suggestion, John - carry on.
Of the SDR's I know about over the years and I'm not completely aware of all, the primary thing for me is "where the work is done", and "how it is delivered" to the user. Also, "what are the options"?
In the flex 6000 series the "work" is done in the radio. I believe (I cannot say for sure) that Apache radio is different in that it is going to deliver some data to the computer which must be crunched by the computer. I can't speak for the radio in this thread.
Owners of flex 6000 series radios already today are able to work their radios remotely. I think that will be much harder for radios where the computer has to do some of the work.
The flex 6000 series delivers all data via Ethernet. I remember when USB became all the rage. Everyone was all excited about the speed and flexibility of Plug-n-play.
During the time USB was coming alive I was a systems integrator using PCs and custom software to implement very large scale factory automation. USB was a nightmare. Not only did the plug-n-play in the early days not always work right, but it decided almost on a day-to-day basis to change. So yesterday my USB device was at some address, then today it would move to different one when the computer was powered on. It drove us nuts. Also it had a maximum usable distance of about 15 feet. RS-232 which it replaced could easily handle distances of 100 feet. We lost 2 computers to damage because they had to be located so close to large equipment putting out steam, filings, or whatever.
So when I see a "new" radio using USB as its primary connection I cringe and realize also that it would be difficult (not impossible) to use that radio remotely.
If I take a WiFi laptop and I want to sit on my back porch on a hot day and work my radio I like to think of what that takes:
With the flex 6000 series I can pretty much have my radio mounted where I want it. In my shack, base of my antenna, in a closet, or on my desk. If I can get a network cable to it, and I have a reasonably priced WiFi router or access point, I can now carry my laptop outside, connect up and do voice, cw, rtty, PSK, etc. Total cost: WiFi router ($100)
With a USB based radio now we are talking about extra software and devices to do that same thing. My options are:
1) Get USB extenders ($50 each) a long network cable $25 then string it outside between my laptop and the radio inside. Kind of a hassle.
2) Get USB to network devices and software: $100 (or more) Probably need something on the laptop side because their software is looking at USB only. In fact this might not even work.
3) USB anywhere $100 (I think) is software that will make remote USB look like it is connected to your computer. But now you have to have a computer running near the radio and your laptop and this software.
In short if a radio is using USB, getting it to work even locally but away from your main station is going to be a challenge and perhaps more expensive. With a Flex and a WiFi router or access point from Amazon you are up and running pretty much anywhere you have signal.
So yes, their software looks cool. But the delivery of data makes it a no-go for me. Also I find the Flex API and the fact that I (as a developer for 30 years) can write my own stuff for the radio to be a huge plus. I've done USB based development and it is not always as easy as it sounds.
Flex will add to Smart SDR. If they don't we have the power right there in the current radios we own to come up with killer software. It just takes someone creating it. I have a version I'm working on. I know Walt has something. We have the iOS stuff. We have actually more options than Apache, this radio in this thread or just about any other radio.
Just my 2c
In the flex 6000 series the "work" is done in the radio. I believe (I cannot say for sure) that Apache radio is different in that it is going to deliver some data to the computer which must be crunched by the computer. I can't speak for the radio in this thread.
Owners of flex 6000 series radios already today are able to work their radios remotely. I think that will be much harder for radios where the computer has to do some of the work.
The flex 6000 series delivers all data via Ethernet. I remember when USB became all the rage. Everyone was all excited about the speed and flexibility of Plug-n-play.
During the time USB was coming alive I was a systems integrator using PCs and custom software to implement very large scale factory automation. USB was a nightmare. Not only did the plug-n-play in the early days not always work right, but it decided almost on a day-to-day basis to change. So yesterday my USB device was at some address, then today it would move to different one when the computer was powered on. It drove us nuts. Also it had a maximum usable distance of about 15 feet. RS-232 which it replaced could easily handle distances of 100 feet. We lost 2 computers to damage because they had to be located so close to large equipment putting out steam, filings, or whatever.
So when I see a "new" radio using USB as its primary connection I cringe and realize also that it would be difficult (not impossible) to use that radio remotely.
If I take a WiFi laptop and I want to sit on my back porch on a hot day and work my radio I like to think of what that takes:
With the flex 6000 series I can pretty much have my radio mounted where I want it. In my shack, base of my antenna, in a closet, or on my desk. If I can get a network cable to it, and I have a reasonably priced WiFi router or access point, I can now carry my laptop outside, connect up and do voice, cw, rtty, PSK, etc. Total cost: WiFi router ($100)
With a USB based radio now we are talking about extra software and devices to do that same thing. My options are:
1) Get USB extenders ($50 each) a long network cable $25 then string it outside between my laptop and the radio inside. Kind of a hassle.
2) Get USB to network devices and software: $100 (or more) Probably need something on the laptop side because their software is looking at USB only. In fact this might not even work.
3) USB anywhere $100 (I think) is software that will make remote USB look like it is connected to your computer. But now you have to have a computer running near the radio and your laptop and this software.
In short if a radio is using USB, getting it to work even locally but away from your main station is going to be a challenge and perhaps more expensive. With a Flex and a WiFi router or access point from Amazon you are up and running pretty much anywhere you have signal.
So yes, their software looks cool. But the delivery of data makes it a no-go for me. Also I find the Flex API and the fact that I (as a developer for 30 years) can write my own stuff for the radio to be a huge plus. I've done USB based development and it is not always as easy as it sounds.
Flex will add to Smart SDR. If they don't we have the power right there in the current radios we own to come up with killer software. It just takes someone creating it. I have a version I'm working on. I know Walt has something. We have the iOS stuff. We have actually more options than Apache, this radio in this thread or just about any other radio.
Just my 2c
Having a USB interface does not preclude remote as long as you have a suitable server. For example I have had remote access to my RFspace SDRIQ for many years - courtesy of servers by Moetronix (SDRanywhere) and laterly Simon Brown. (SDRconsole) Both robust & free of charge.
Clearly though, ethernet connectivity will permit far wider bandwidths to be viewed.
Clearly though, ethernet connectivity will permit far wider bandwidths to be viewed.
(Edited)
Ria - N2RJ, Elmer
Peter K1PGV, Elmer
There's a song, popular before I was born, that goes: "It seems to me I've heard that song before."
"Elad has very good and capable software... check it out!" Useful and interesting. Thank you for that post.
"Flex sucks. SSDR needs more features and I may sell my Flex. Because the software sucks." Not so much.
Do people really believe that the same people repeating the same complaints will make the features they want appear faster?
Tim?! Can I PLEASE be a moderator? Pretty please?
Peter
K1PGV
"Elad has very good and capable software... check it out!" Useful and interesting. Thank you for that post.
"Flex sucks. SSDR needs more features and I may sell my Flex. Because the software sucks." Not so much.
Do people really believe that the same people repeating the same complaints will make the features they want appear faster?
Tim?! Can I PLEASE be a moderator? Pretty please?
Peter
K1PGV
Well I have always found your posts to be intelligent, insightful and for me very welcome. So I suggest you keep doing what you are doing.
Remember the internet is a strange place. It is so easy to hide behind our computer screens, type stuff we'd probably never say to someone's face. Emotion gets lost when typings just words!
So lets all remember we are human, share some common interests and we are all on this planet together!
Remember the internet is a strange place. It is so easy to hide behind our computer screens, type stuff we'd probably never say to someone's face. Emotion gets lost when typings just words!
So lets all remember we are human, share some common interests and we are all on this planet together!
KY6LA - Howard, Elmer
@Peter
Like you I find the rather juvenile whiners to be tiresome ,but I have long given up wasting my time debating them. Life is too short!
Even if every possible imaginable feature had been implemented the whiners would still find something to bitch about. That is how they get their jollies.
'
Just save your energy enjoy the hobby. And ignore the whiners. Like all trolls, if no one responds they will crawl back in their holes and look for soothing else to bitch at.
Like you I find the rather juvenile whiners to be tiresome ,but I have long given up wasting my time debating them. Life is too short!
Even if every possible imaginable feature had been implemented the whiners would still find something to bitch about. That is how they get their jollies.
'
Just save your energy enjoy the hobby. And ignore the whiners. Like all trolls, if no one responds they will crawl back in their holes and look for soothing else to bitch at.
Funny thing is when
you complain that you don't like all the whining.... That’s Whining.
(Edited)
I agree Mark, and Peter, These sort of posts need called out, because if they aren't, it looks to the honest onlooker that SmartSDR is a bad and outdated program, and that FlexRadio Systems is unresponsive.
And nothing could be further from the truth.
And nothing could be further from the truth.
(Edited)
Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager
I strongly feel that allowing all viewpoint, regardless of how glowing or otherwise is a healthy process. We actually learn more from the critical comments than from the high praises.
I will only moderate if the post violates our usage policy:
And remember when using the Community always show respect to others regardless of their opinions. Give people the benefit of the doubt, just like you would if talking to them in person. Posts that include personal attacks, overtly negative comments, non-constructive criticism, falsehoods or gratuitous profanity will be removed, as they do not contribute to the community atmosphere we want to establish. Any pattern of poor behavior may result in losing your Community posting privileges.
As long as the discourse is healthy, non-personal and constructive in nature, you have nothing to worry about.
I will, however, reserve the right to close a topic if I feel that all points of view have been adequately expressed and it is just droning on, adding nothing of consequence to the topic.
I will only moderate if the post violates our usage policy:
And remember when using the Community always show respect to others regardless of their opinions. Give people the benefit of the doubt, just like you would if talking to them in person. Posts that include personal attacks, overtly negative comments, non-constructive criticism, falsehoods or gratuitous profanity will be removed, as they do not contribute to the community atmosphere we want to establish. Any pattern of poor behavior may result in losing your Community posting privileges.
As long as the discourse is healthy, non-personal and constructive in nature, you have nothing to worry about.
I will, however, reserve the right to close a topic if I feel that all points of view have been adequately expressed and it is just droning on, adding nothing of consequence to the topic.
True Peter, I have also read a lot of similar content on here. But unlike you - I as a prospective customer, continue to find both sides of the discussion useful in evaluating my next purchase. I hope the group is never moderated to the extent that conflicting opinions are prevented.
Sure - if you want to find out about the radio, that's good. If you have a question about the interface, and even if you like another better, a comparison is fine. But the original post said that SmartSDR was not good, with old features, and that Flex was sitting on their laurels because the radios have been out five years now. Don't be too surprised if people come to the defense of their favorite radio. 8^)
I will never understand people getting ugly about someone saying something about a silly radio. Your wife, kids or even maybe your dog would warrant a response. I have no loyaly to a piece of hardware sitting on my desk and will not defend it no matter what you say. It just a radio! Take a chill pill. Good Grief!
I'll take a bit of a opposite approach. Imagine if Flex implemented and immediately brought out every new feature demanded! Imagine haveing to relearn everything every couple months. Imagine a feature that you like going away because someone else thought that something different was the best way to go. I have already had people say they won't buy one because it's too complicated, and while the Maestro is nice, it certainly isn't as capable as the computer based radio. So now others want to essentially scrap SmartSDR because they believe another interface is better. And scrap it again and again?
I like the idea of the paid updates, and a few in between. If SmartSDR and the FlexRadio is not adequate, There are several other options.
I like the idea of the paid updates, and a few in between. If SmartSDR and the FlexRadio is not adequate, There are several other options.
I personally don't want them to scrap smart sdr. I like the layout and the more modem look. It works well and I've had very few problems compared to many flex owners. I do think that adding some features back into the software under an advanced menu would be nice. None the less, I won't be dumping by flex any time soon. I think that a bit more progression of features would be nice though.
I've had a few wants for SSDR as well. But there is an important issue in software. You have to be careful with it, lest it turn into bloatware. If every demand was met, that's exactly what it would become.
This does raise a valid question, how much longer will my 5 year old hardware keep up with new releases of SSDR? I'm sure new and faster hardware is on the way with more capacity.
There must be a point where this hardware becomes like an old ipad that can no longer run the latest version of IOS. This seems to be true of anything with chips in it since we were introduced to the calculator back in the 70's.
Dan KM6CQ
There must be a point where this hardware becomes like an old ipad that can no longer run the latest version of IOS. This seems to be true of anything with chips in it since we were introduced to the calculator back in the 70's.
Dan KM6CQ
(Edited)
Ken - NM9P, Elmer
Dan, the reason that older iPads cannot run later versions of IOS is that the later versions of IOS are written for newer versions of iPads.
As long as SSDR is written FOR the 6000, it will RUN on the 6000. The software doesn't take on a life of its own.. the platform, however has lots of overhead and will be effective for a good while. Certainly it won't become obsolete as quickly as standard tablets, smartphones, and computers.
But, indeed, someday FRS will decide to release a new model that will require a new branch of software. And who knows if it will be backward compatible?
As long as SSDR is written FOR the 6000, it will RUN on the 6000. The software doesn't take on a life of its own.. the platform, however has lots of overhead and will be effective for a good while. Certainly it won't become obsolete as quickly as standard tablets, smartphones, and computers.
But, indeed, someday FRS will decide to release a new model that will require a new branch of software. And who knows if it will be backward compatible?
Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager
Dan - SmartSDR is designed to abstract the hardware from the higher level logic. This was done specifically so that when a new hardware is released (take the 6300 as an example), there is minimal work to integrate it to run SMartSDR. All of the radios run the same firmware. The only difference is that not all hardware platforms have the same capabilities (the number of SCUs for example), and the firmware is aware of the differences and presents controls to features accordingly.
We built SmartSDR this was to ensure that software obsolescence due to changes in hardware does not occur. It is expensive to rewrite software for every new radio platform that comes out and that is not something smart companies do.
We built SmartSDR this was to ensure that software obsolescence due to changes in hardware does not occur. It is expensive to rewrite software for every new radio platform that comes out and that is not something smart companies do.
One thing I appreciate about the 6500 and Elecraft products is that the manufacturers have kept them current with new hardware and firmware releases.
With my 6500 I used it a year until DAX was introduced. Then I was able to get rid of the 3000 and some other rigs. DAX has far surpassed every method I used up until that point.
At first we only had a spectrum display and SSB/CW was all we could operate.
It has become very nice now. I think 2.0 will take us from being a full featured rig into something no one else is doing.
Dan
With my 6500 I used it a year until DAX was introduced. Then I was able to get rid of the 3000 and some other rigs. DAX has far surpassed every method I used up until that point.
At first we only had a spectrum display and SSB/CW was all we could operate.
It has become very nice now. I think 2.0 will take us from being a full featured rig into something no one else is doing.
Dan
Ohh, but those home camera systems are horrid security liabilities. Been used in many DDOS attacks. And there is a vigilante out there who is writing software to brick them and other insecure IoT devices. Gotta be careful we don't become part of that in the search for ease of use, that's part of the challenge.
I totally agree with the security issues associated with security cameras. This also holds true for all of the home automation software out there. And all of the phone applications that unnecessarily want total control of every function of your phone.
People especially here in the USA are just way too complacent when it comes to network security. Maybe they are relying on the vendors providing the systems to look out for their best interest? Crazy.
As long as v2.x does not prevent me from running a VPN (can't imagine this), I will keep my VPN as added security.
People especially here in the USA are just way too complacent when it comes to network security. Maybe they are relying on the vendors providing the systems to look out for their best interest? Crazy.
As long as v2.x does not prevent me from running a VPN (can't imagine this), I will keep my VPN as added security.
Here
is a dumb question, will I be able to disable the WAN feature in V2
of SmartSDR?
Sorry, it's a real dumb question. Your right.
I thought you would like it. :)
Got rid of my maestro,fed up of waiting for updates,and the 6500 will be going as soon as I get my 7610,I for one will not be led up the garden path with promise after promise.
How much you want for it?
Ria - N2RJ, Elmer
I wish you had told me about the Maestro. For the right price I would have been happy to take it off your hands.
Steve K9ZW, Elmer
@Ria - I think Tony is UK based. https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/lowly-m6-in-uk
I'd offered to do a presentation to his club, but he never took me up on that.
73
Steve K9ZW
Ria - N2RJ, Elmer
Oh right. Now I remember.
This looks cool as well. Nice Inexpensive little radio, good for some that want to try a SDR receiver without spending a lot of money. Retails for $149 usd.
Has a nice looking GUI and has some nice features.
(Again this is to show Software features not to compare radios or receiver performance.)
I have one of these that I use for several things. Mostly a monitor RX and listening to aircraft. The power measurement is very accurate.
Get the newer version RSP2 the plastic case has some built in shielding, but I got the one in a metal box. Note a 90% of the processing is in the computer.
Get the newer version RSP2 the plastic case has some built in shielding, but I got the one in a metal box. Note a 90% of the processing is in the computer.
Not bad at all for a $150 radio receiver.
(Edited)
