Flex 6300 - 2016 SmartSDR Updates

[@adkforever6997]

Bob. First, you have done a thorough job reviewing the features and functionality of the 6300, to which I thank you. Have you tried out the Synchronous Detector? If you have, could you tell us what your impression of how it performs, and, how it compares to other synch detectors on other receivers. Particularly, how well it holds lock during fades, removes and distortion. Thanks.

[@frankENZC]

I'm impressed. Great video/explanation Bob. I'm in the market for an SDR transceiver. I have been studying the Anan 200D and Flex Signature series. I like a lot of the features you demonstrated on this video. I really like the TNF. Can more than one notch be turned on at the same time? 73, de WA3RSL. Frank

[@KevinderKinderen]

Hi Robert. I have a couple of questions from this excellent video. But first a comment... more please! Just from this video I was able to pick up a few things that didn't quite make it to permanent gray matter storage from reading. Thank you. Question - why do you have the waterfall gain so high on SmartSDR? It seems to me weaker signals become invisible with all the extra visible noise. I know this doesn't affect what is heard but since embracing the waterfall and panadapter I find myself looking for signals as much as listening for them. I understand different strokes for different folks but I like to understand what advantage you might see. Another question - on fldigi you set up PTT. I checked mine and PTT was not set though I've never had a problem keying the rig. Is there an advantage to using PTT? Is it an advantage I can see or can it be demonstrated? Fldigi is setting PTT with a CAT command. In fact, reviewing your video, under RigCat you have "CAT command for PTT" checked. I'm thinking hardware PTT is probably redundant. A quick test of turning on/off CAT PTT and HW PTT seemed to make no difference. Again, thanks for the video.

[@tonyboutwell]

Think the 6300 is still a good buy in 2020? The newer 6400 is out of my range but I could swing a used 6300 if it is still a good buy.

[@bradcfi2]

Hi Robert, Are the Flex 6400 or 6600 receivers as sensitive as the IC 7610? I have worked some pretty weak DX signals with the 7610 and want to know if I could expect the same with Flex? Thanks for your great5 videos, some of the best I have seen on KZbin. Brad

[@robertnagy2163]

Brad- Absolutely. My experience is with the 7610 and the Flex 6300. They are both 16 bit SDR's. This means their inherent dynamic range should be identical. I'd have to say that the 7610's ultimate selectivity with nearby large signals is not quite as good as the Signature series radios. They are both excellent though. Strangely enough, it is the ergonomics of the 7610 that is the reason I switched over to it. It is fast to operate. Also it is quick and easy to get a good SSB signal out. The Flex radios are more complex and offer so much more in customization possibilities. Ultimately, the Icom is a better radio for SSB and the Flex are best at everything else.

[@williambudd2850]

@@robertnagy2163 if they are the same, why buy the much more expensive Flex gear ???

[@bradcfi2]

Hi Robert, I think I will purchase a Flex Radio, either the 6400 or 6600. The ADC has a faster ADC and I think two of them. I understand a faster ADC iproves scope resolution but is there an audio receive benefit? 6400 ADC 122.88 Msps - 6600 ADC 245.76 Msps. They also talk about 3rd and 7 order Contest Grade Preselectors. I am assuming the filters are tighter?

[@robertnagy2163]

The clock speed determines the total bandwidth capability of the ADC. Dynamic range is dictated by the number of bits. They will both have the same dynamic range because they are both 16 bit ADCs. Since the 6600 has double the capacity to "see", I guess it requires the additional speed. I ran a 6300 for years with no front-end filters and never had an occasion to see any problem. IF you were to operate in a contest with other stations nearby, you might need the stronger bandpass filters of the 6600. For me, If I get back into Flexland, it will be a 6400M. Just know that the Maestro display is extremely high-resolution. You really need 20:20 vision to see it all!

[@bradcfi2]

@@robertnagy2163 Thanks Bob, you just saved me a pile of cash. Looks like the 6400 is fine for me. I do contest but I would describe my contesting as light. I have interest for about 8 hours during a test where sleep becomes more important to me. What I like about FLEX is they offer multiple receive antenna ports, I think two. I do not understand the 7610 antenna system. It seems I can only have one receive only antenna. I have a multi-band vertical and a yagi (SteppIR) and will add an 80 meter vertical and a wire for 80. I want to be able to switch to any antenna for receive only. Might not be able to do all but two would be great assuming there is no way to get two on the ICOM 7610. I enjoy your videos as you provide better perspectives, great productions and you are a good speaker. Brad

[@robertnagy2163]

@@bradcfi2 Thanks Brad. Yeah, 6400 is the radio. The 7610's weak point is it's antenna connectors. Most top-shelf radios have a better arrangement. Lucky you are gettng a flex now. Back in the bad old days the 3000/5000 were just horrible to interface with the PC. Now the signature radios are a breeze and bulletproof. I'll be back in the FlexZone soon enough. Bought the FT-101D here and it is going for sale . Interested? Ha!

[@bradcfi2]

@@robertnagy2163 Ha! I thought about it but another 10db RMDR does not get me excited. I live in the New Mexico desert and nobody around me. A few big signals within 40 miles. That's it. Either I stay with the 7610 or make the move to Flex. Either way, I will keep the 7610 because I am very comfortable with it and if the Flex does not work out, I will go back. I would buy the "M" model but I am too vain. I can't stand it's appearance so my Flex purchase will have some risk based on the user interface. I really like the idea of freeing up desk space.

[@robertnagy2163]

@@bradcfi2 I totally get the vain thing. I sure wish the Flex maestro looked better. Looks do matter. Low background noise? You lucky guy. In the city it is a soup of Chinese crap electronics now. Unknown hash and signals show up regularly. From 5am till 8am the background noise on 20 goes from S-0 to S-4. I like a good SDR for digital work and the 7610 for run and gun SSB. Turn it on and talk. Right now I'm using an Elad FDM-Duo SDR I got at Dayton. Interesting beast. 73's Bob