First Impressions of SmartSDR v1.0 General Release

FlexRadio Systems did that StarTrek Transporter thing again, and sent me a brand new radio by software download.

This time it is the first full public release – SmartSDR Version 1.0

I have been testing my Flex-6700 using an aged and clunky old Dell Windows-XP Box – the bottom end of what a use might think of using.  I have a newer SuperMicro Windows-7 Machine ready to use, and will update the station in the next few weeks.

The old hardware/software did give me some minor glitches in this particular upgrade process.  Somehow it caused the radio to duplicate as both ready to go and still needing update in the radio-selector:

SmartSDR Phantom Duplicate Radio

 

I could highlight either one, but the obvious need for a full power down and hard reboot of computer and radio fixed everything.

Once all sorted the temptation to “go play” was huge and I quickly worked a handful of DX Stations.  I missed on the Nigerian chap as I never could hear his call sign in the QRM.  Chile, Cuba, Ireland, West Indies, and a handful more.

Really a step up from the SmartSDR Preview Edition and knowing there are many features laid out on the SmartSDR Technology Roadmap means I will be getting another “new radio” by download roughly quarterly for some time to come!

Very impressed with the step-up from the first software I used through the roughly half-dozen versions to this much more polished General Release V1.0

Well done FlexRadio Systems!!

73

Steve
K9ZW

Flex-6000 Series General Release Tomorrow

An open-secret if there has ever been one is tomorrow’s (September 30th 2013) general release of production FlexRadio Systems Flex-6000 series radios and software.

Under the SmartSDR Preview Edition program I’ve seen the radio grow and improve leaps and bounds.  The latest SmartSDR Preview Edition software is a couple improvement cycles behind tomorrow’s launch of SmartSDR v 1.0

FlexRadio Systems has a forward roadmap of planned feature release dates out to SmartSDR v1.4

So just like I have received a “new radio” by download every couple of weeks under the SmartSDR Preview Edition program, production software users can expect significant upgrades to their radio roughly quarterly.

To be clear almost every ham will be waiting for features they personally really want – that is the nature of beast.  I will repeat my advice that if a certain specific set of features  are absolute musts for you personally, hold off adding a Flex-6000 until those features are included in the production software.

If you are like me and quite willing to enjoy the development process, dive right in.  I had a blast as my Flex-5000 grew in capabilities in leaps and bounds, and have been enjoying the same with the Flex-6000.

Kudos to FlexRadio Systems for their full production launch and for the fun I’ve personally had with my new radio.

73

Steve
K9ZW

W9DXCC Convention & Banquet

Have made plans to attend “The 61st W9DXCC DX CONVENTION & BANQUET – September 20 & 21, 2013” in Elk Grove IL.

Good friend George W9EVT is coming down, and will be joined by Bill KC9YBL for part of the event.  Unfortunately school/work commitments will leave two of my licensed sons at home – hope they keep off my Flex-6700 [Grin].

W9DXCC

 

Looks to be an excellent schedule again this year – details at the Website:  http://w9dxcc.com/

 

Society of Midwest Contesters

We will join the SMC (Society of Midwest Contesters) for Pizza Friday night – Website: http://www.w9smc.com

Let me know if you will be there, and perhaps we can chat in person!

73

Steve
K9ZW