Which New Flex-Radio Flex-6X00 Model to Order? 6 - June - 2012
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, Flex-6000, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled.Tags: Flex-6000, Flex-Radio, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled, PowerSDR, SmartSDR
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Ok, let’s say you ar ethe type of ham willing to put a bit of skin into the game to be atthe leading edge, and you were thinking of pre-ordering a new Flex-Radio Flex-6000 series radio. Which one to order – the single SCU Flex-6500 $4000 model or the twin SCU Flex-6700 $7000 model?
Big choice with a steep step-up for the dual SCU (Spectral Capture Unit) version.
In many ways the Flex-6500 with SmartSDR appears a modest step up from a PowerSDR Flex-500 RX2 radio. There may be more “slices” available than can be put to use.
The big brother Flex-6700 looks to have dual input path features that are a leap ahead. Diveristy on multiple bands? Sure would seem possible.
So given the product is only prototypes and the SmartSDR software is rough modules being designed, what is a person’s risk tollerance? What is prudent? Can a person put the new capabilities to use?
How to choose?
I’ll wait a day or so for any coments and then present my decision making process.
73
Steve
K9ZW
These are the factors that might come into play at my modest station.
1. Prefer $7K model if budget allows.
2. If unable to have multiple antennas, then multi-band diversity RX not a benefit – pointing to $4K model.
3. Would certainly try to be VERY involved with evaluating prototype code releases with the $7K model. Less so (but still active) with the $4K model.
4. Operating time: If substantial time available, then $7K model. If occasional (but still intense) operator, then $4K model.
5. If SDK available to create custom versions of various layers of code, then probably $7K model.
Either is probably a radio to grow into. If you want to grow A LOT, then the twin SCU Flex-6700 would be the way to go!
I am here looking for an answer to the same question. Being on the cusp of retirement I plan on having ALOT of idle time I can pursue my hobby in. I was so impressed with the flex radios at Boxboro I ordered a 1500 (qrp) and preordered a 6500 as I couldn’t see a viable reason for spending another $3k…again, cusp of retirement. However, I am having second thoughts on that decision. Realisticially speaking, if I am going to spend that kind of money on anything, now is the time and whatever I have for a radio going into retirement it better grow with me for the next 20 years. It’ll likely be my last. Prior to my 1500 my radio was a ts-530sp from ’82. I’ve already had to replace a final in it and patch the section of circuit board fried when the final went. I also am a firm believer in “It’s the antenna stupid!”
One thing I am keen on is geographically diversity reception, How about an antenna that stretched from Ct to Miami! Much like they do in astronomy. At first I wasn’t interested in that aspect but it keeps returning in search of a different answer. The last Flex News helped me turn closer to a yes.