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I can't belive: "This conversation is no longer open for comments or replies."

IZ0CBB
IZ0CBB Member
edited June 2020 in FLEX-6000 Signature Series
Critics are bad if they are only negative, this is a concept I can understand but I have never seen a company react like this: close a discussion!
You have burned the value of so many FLEX and the trust of so many customers who have believed in the project and in the company. For 3 years we waited, we got bugs, we had to use flex interface software with external accessories etc etc. Your answer was: new models, paid software, and no upgrade hardware options!
Your customers are just asking for one thing: "hardware upgrade" not to have to drop our flexes, we would have paid for it because you're giving us something in return.
I keep my Flex 6300 in the shack because it is not possible to sell it, when I will have a new radio, a real radio, I will plant flowers inside the Flex so at least it will have a function in the shack and will definitely not have bugs or other defects.
Think about what you are writing to do not offend, do not just think about yourself, Flex's property is yours but "Flex are your customers" are not you, we've bought all your radio, and we're many many more of you.
Thank you
«13

Answers

  • Rick  WN2C
    Rick WN2C Member ✭✭
    edited April 2020
    I purchased my 6300 in the middle of 2015 so it is about to go off warranty. I have not had one problem with it (yet) and am very happy with its performance. The only problem I did have was with the computer and DAX. The computer I was using was running Vista 64 Bit and did not like DAX.
    If I can afford to, I will either do a upgrade purchase or buy a 6400M outright. I have read the "now closed threads" and am befuddled as to why so many are outraged at Flex for bringing out new equipment before V2 software. Yes I too thought that my 6300 is 'now worthless' but I now realize that it will continue to work just like my Drake radios still work. Now I have calmed down from my initial reaction of what just happened to the value of my Flex. I think I will just continue to use one of the better radios that is (was) available in ham radio.

    p.s. Can't wait for ver.2  where do I pay?
  • IZ0CBB
    IZ0CBB Member
    edited May 2017
    Dear Rick, your reasoning is absolutely correct, but you miss a particular one.
    When you buy a Icom, Kenwood it work, they fix problems with free upgrades.
    We bought radio that still gave us unresolved issues and they promised a software that would provide innovative performance. Now you needs to change radio and buy a new one, you can not upgrade anything, this is not acceptable.
    If you have a K3 can turn it into K3S, this is the best example I can do.
    If I want to modify my K3 I can do it, it remains my choice, but I have the chance they did not leave me with an old radio!

    The problem is not $ 200 of the software but the fact that I can not update my 6300/6500 and make it like new radio. 

    I repeat, it will be perfect for the flowers!
  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 2017
    @Rick You missed the point that unlike the Icom, your Flex will continue to get updates and bug fixes Plus you can buy new versions of software with new features so it is not dead like an Icom
  • KY6LA_Howard
    KY6LA_Howard Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 2017
    @Lino As one who has owned virtually every Icom made , they rarely if ever fixed bugs and more likely you need to buy the next Icom model to get bug fixes as these usually required major hardware revisions. Secon, I do not understand your point about the 6300 being obsolete. It still runs SSDR the same as all 6000. Bug fixes continue to come. New features are available. The. Only difference is minor hardware changes. BUT SSDR Is the Radio.
  • IZ0CBB
    IZ0CBB Member
    edited May 2017
    Do you read  all these angry angry posts ? Instead of finding justifications why not read?
    But I think seeing the great number of post, a minimum, small, very small of reflection should come. If you start from assuming that Flex can do just fine and all are wrong, then ok!
    The proble is the hardware I can't upgrade hardware, K3 to K3S do you know ?!?!?!
  • Giulio
    Giulio Member
    edited May 2017
    Presenting new RIGs than new software (that is the real heart of the SDR) FRS states that the path to follow is NEW HARDWARE...but not new hardware to complete or enrich your existing RIGs...but new models.  So, I bet that in 2 years my 6300, bought in 07/2016 will be a bauble. That time i had to buy SunSDR 2 Pro. Definitely.

    Remember this?

    https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/upcoming-so2r-board-shots
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited May 2017
    Guilio - All FLEX-6000s run the exact same software.  All features and capabilities that will be added to the 6400 and 6600 will be applicable to the 6300 and 6500 too unless there are particular hardware options that are not applicable to those models.  SmartSDR is the radio.  I know your radio will not be a bauble.
  • Giulio
    Giulio Member
    edited May 2017
    TY Tim for the answer, I hope so. 
    G.

  • Ken Davis
    Ken Davis Member ✭✭
    edited January 2019

    Points are being made on new stuff coming about every year is well taken and true and I support innovation 100%. I am not upset that they did the upgrade, but how they handled the marketing aspects has caused many loyal Flex owners to lose more than what we typically bargained for when we made our initial new radio purchase decision.

    I have read in several posts that Flex will work to keep the value up on my 6300. I don’t believe that is true at all. If I were Gerald, my last worry would be the value of my 6300.  I don't think Flex is doing this on purpose, I think they are just wrong in their marketing philosophy.

    Here are my points; the MSRP for the 6400 is $1,999 and the MSRP of the 6300 is $2,499 which makes my 6300 worth $500 less today than last week simply based on pricing policy.  For Flex to even break even on their trade-up program, they will have to offer something significantly less than $1,999 for a 6300 which will further de-value my 7 month old 6300. The only good that can come from a trade-up program is I hope that Flex will trash most trade-ins to keep from flooding the market with cheap used radios which would further de-vlaue my radio. Make no mistake, they are in business to sell NEW, not used radios.

    At this point I believe my 7 month old 6300 is worth ~$1,200 until V2 is released and then it will go down more unless I spend the $$ to upgrade.  I think owners of 6300 and 6500 radios should be offered a V2 no charge upgrade to restore part of the huge loss we are suffering. Not even autos lose this much value in 7 months. I fully expected to lose value from day one, but not ... 60%.

    This is just my opinion and I am certain many will disagree. I love my 6300 but I am not too crazy about Flex's marketing programs.

    Thanks for listening and 73
  • Jim Gilliam
    Jim Gilliam Member ✭✭
    edited June 2018

    Where I part company with Flex is the inability to use 2.0 on my two flexes for the price of the upgrade. That stings and points to a change of attitude with Flex. This attitude is what scares me. Gong from a "mom and pop" manufacturer to the "big time" makes flex fade in with the others.


    Jim, K6QE

  • Ken Davis
    Ken Davis Member ✭✭
    edited May 2017
    Tim I think you have a typo where you say "All ........ that will be added to the 6500" which I think should be 6400??
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited May 2017
    Thanks for pointing out the typo.  It's fixed.  I am on day 8 of getting only 1/2 of my normal rest after the Hamvention so my razor sharp focus is waning a little ;-)
  • Ken Davis
    Ken Davis Member ✭✭
    edited May 2017
    I do not envy you at all. I was in your position at a major aircraft manufacturer for 34 years and we customers can get a bit unruly during new product intro. Stay calm.
  • Giulio
    Giulio Member
    edited May 2017
    Note that:

    "The Trade-UP! program is not currently offered to customers outside of the United States". 

    G.
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited May 2017
    For the most part, that is correct.  We use a dealer/distributor network to sell our products in the EU to provide local value added services and having to meet directives such as WEEE.  These dealers are independent businesses.  We will be working with our dealers to see if there is a viable way for them to do something equivalent to the Trade-Up and Trade-In programs, but it is really up to them if they decide to participate.
  • Steve K9ZW
    Steve K9ZW Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 2017

    @Lino - afraid it isn't possible to turn a 6300 or 6500 into a new PHYSICAL radio.  I couldn't do that with the TenTec, Icom, Yaesu and SGC radios I've had either.

    What is possible is you can continue to grow your 6300 or 6500 from the present SmartSDR v1.10 to v2.x when it comes out. 

    How were you were expecting to upgrade 6300/6500 Hardware in a closed Hardware architecture?  I have never seen that as part of the FRS promise.

    Hardware production of the 6300 and 6500 may have been discontinued, but these two models are in no way suddenly obsolete.  They can run the latest and greatest just like the other Flex-6000 models. 

    Impatience in progress is understandable.  We all want more and sooner. 

    In the end it will come when it is ready.

    73

    Steve K9ZW



  • Rob G6EIH
    Rob G6EIH Member
    edited May 2017
    Join the Distributor Take back Scheme here to comply with WEEE
    https://dts.valpak.co.uk/DTS/Welcome

     
  • Tim - W4TME
    Tim - W4TME Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
    edited May 2017
    Thanks for the link.
  • Michael Coslo
    Michael Coslo Member ✭✭
    edited May 2017
    Hasn't FlexRadio Systems always been upfront about upgrades being per radio? 
  • Dan -- KC4GO
    Dan -- KC4GO Member
    edited May 2017
    From Tim and other Flex folks talking about SmartSDR going forward, "6300 and 6500 too unless there are particular hardware options that are not applicable to those models"
    We have that today where the 6700 can do diversity and 2 meters and 6300 and 6500 can not. Nothing has changed. 
  • Ria
    Ria Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 2017
    I've never gotten an upgrade for any of my icoms. Did I miss something?

  • Jerry  WA9UKB
    Jerry WA9UKB Member ✭✭
    edited May 2017

    Same feeling I have about my 6500 taking a nose dive Paid 4200.00 new could have sold right before may 18, 2017 for 3200.00, " although not my intention" or if I wanted to get the most to go for a 6700, now after May 21, 2017, ill be very fortunate to get 1500.00 at most. I understand everything depreciates at different rates, Its just a vertical dive in 1 day for this one.

    Still a good radio and better when it quits locking up, 3 instances in 2 hours on last night using the Maestro only and latest firmware on both.

    Jerry, 

  • Ned K1NJ
    Ned K1NJ Member ✭✭
    edited May 2017

        Even with positive comments and questions I try to take a deep breathe and
    wait a day.  More often than not someone will have asked the same question
    in a better way or the problem will have been resolved with the help of a bit
    more thought.  Radio is fun.  Work more stations.

          Ned,  K1NJ

                         
  • Bill -VA3WTB
    Bill -VA3WTB Member ✭✭✭
    edited May 2017
    @ Lino  When was the last time you spoke with the CEO of Icom? or a high ranking employee. How often do they post and talk to their customers directly on a daily basses?
    Flex staff are right out there for us to yell at and call names, tell them that Flex radio is junk, flower pots? And that they know nothing about software or how to run a company. I read a post yesterday saying that Flex is dishonest, shafting customers.

    But we don't all agree with you and everyone eles crying. Flex ows you nothing.
  • IW7DMH, Enzo
    IW7DMH, Enzo Member ✭✭
    edited May 2017
    I am trying to give a sense to all this, and like I am used to do, often look back to get the best from my work and correct my errors.
    So now I have a question from the point of view of a SO2R contest station.
    With the new 6400/M rig, which of the announced features in the SO2R board are already done? Which of them still require additional hardware? Will the second receiver be muted during the transmission with the first?
    On the other hand, if I am right, the 6600/M cover all the 7 point just as it is (will be).
    Just to be smart I cut & past the features summarized by Steve.

    Thank you very much
    Enzo

    image


  • Gerald-K5SDR
    Gerald-K5SDR FlexRadio Employee ✭✭
    edited May 2017
    Enzo,

    The 6600/6600M provide plug and play SO2R in one radio but the 6400/6400M do not.  With the 6400 models you would need two radios and a SO2R controller like you would with other rigs.  It is less expensive to buy one 6600 to get that capability.

    Gerald
  • Steve (N9SKM)
    Steve (N9SKM) Member
    edited May 2017
    Lots of speculation there Jerry. While the value of the 6500 has undoubtedly been lowered some by the new rigs 1500 is just a number that sounded good to you. According to the classifieds i have seen the selling market for a 6500 is somewhere in the 3 to 3500 range.

     I will add that if you want to trade up you should take advantage of the program that FRS unlike others offer. They were extremely reasonable when i traded my 6300 up to a 6500. it was at least as much as they were listed for in the classifieds at the time.

    Steven

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