Flex Radio Integration - How does it all connect?

I've gone full-throttle on Flex Radio - I now have the TGXL tuner, and PGXL amplifier as companions to the Flex Radio 6600 that I got a little while back. Let's look at how those pieces integrate together, as well as the software components to maximize your amateur radio experience within the Flex ecosystem.
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[@ccgg3913]

Great contribution, thanks for your effort to make such video(s) !

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Very nice setup Jim!

[@rogerp5816]

APC makes some smart switches that are meant to be used in server rooms that have a Web interface for power cycling ports. I have my whole shack setup on one of the APC 220 volt versions and it works great. eBay is your best friend when it comes to finding a used one of these on the cheep.

[@Bill-HRT]

Nice job, Jim! 73 de Bill

[@thuff3207]

Nice and I have a K4 and their amp and tuner. They are not Ethernet and I do wish they were. I use Node Red to make my system work.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Cheers Jim, I have recently purchased a new 6400, its in transit, cant wait to get it sorted, it will be a remote station, thanks again for this video!

[@KN4VA]

Honestly, this is all pretty cool. Maybe in a few years I can look into this system. Great video. Enjoy. Keep us updated. - 73, KNVA

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Jim. Good overview.

[@dan_in_sd]

Love it. Keep doing these deep dives into radio topics Jim. 😉 You're on point my friend. ;)

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Pretty Cool setup James

[@davidnelson6603]

Do a video on how to hook up remote microphone to a flex 6600 system.

[@butch3715]

I owned my Flex-6700 for about 8 years. Unfortunately it's no longer in production. Flex has hinted that 10 years is about the end of their production cycle. The Flex 6400 and 6600 models have been in production for about 7 years, so in about 3 years it should be interesting to see what Flex comes out with to replace the 6400/6600 models. I'm crossing my fingers Flex decides to also upgrade the 6700 8-slice model.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

I'm lovin the 6600, and so far has more features than I actually use. I just can't see ever replacing mine with something else. I do imagine they'll update SmartSDR and the firmware innards of the Flex to add features. I would think 4.0 of SmartSDR has to be close to release. 3.x has been out a while.

[@dan_in_sd]

Kind of expensive, but Western Telematic, Inc. (WTI) makes a networked power switch (meant for servers) but they do have a 220-240vac model. I think they have, 4, 8, and 16 outlets

[@FEPLabsRadio]

I need to look that up, so I can remote the amp. I hadn't checked on those yet, so thanks for pointing me towards one.

[@frigateaviation5047]

Hi Jim, I’m a novice, trying to get all equipment needs to set up my FLEX -6400. Your presentation has been very helpful regarding the integration of the TGXL tunner. Could you share which model Astron linear power supply you used ? Thank you. Eric D.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

I ended up buying an Astron 50A, with the power poles on front. I can't remember the exact model, but those were the key features.

[@KS0JD]

How are going to get that out to a POTA location? Hi Hi! 73

[@Bill-HRT]

You are going to think I'm nuts, but if I'm going on a camping, multi-day venture, my 6600 is always in a gatorcase. It works, it's protected, sits on the floor of the back seat, and runs happily on a bioenno 35 ah. Of course, I don't bring the tuner and the amp . . . Who would do that? lol

[@FEPLabsRadio]

I totally would with your setup!

[@Bill-HRT]

@@FEPLabsRadio, it’s waaaaaay too heavy and I’m not that nuts . . . Am I, lol. 73 de Bill

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

How'd I miss this one?Jim, I apologize for being such a a lousy supporter

[@FEPLabsRadio]

Imma need you to step up your game OM! ;)

[@Starlite4321]

Quick correction: absolutely NO computer whatsoever is required to "run the radio" [@35s]. And that's important because in the past, and currently with all PowerSDR based radios, a computer IS required to "run the radio". In those cases radio processing is performed BY PowerSDR on the computer. The Flex Signature Series performs all processing in the radio itself which is actually not exactly a "radio" at all but really a "radio server", running Linux. One normally connects to this with client software which can run on anything in principle and is currently supported on Windows, iOS, iPadOS and MacOS. It also looks like an Android client is on the way as well. In principle, some device you may have designed to interface with a radio could connect to a Flex which is operating entirely stand-alone. An API exists to implement an interface to do this as well. The radio would be "running" in that case with no computer involved at all.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

So, if I just yell at the radio, it's going to work? You're splitting tiny hairs here. A flex radio without a computer interface is a giant block. Yes, you can use a hand mic and external speaker, but you can't change freqs, change modes, or anything useful at all. Whether it's mac, windows, android, etc - without a computer, you have a pretty expensive brick.

[@Starlite4321]

@@FEPLabsRadio That's just flat out not true for many users FEPLabs. Simply untrue. The one splitting tiny hairs here is you. My quick correction is 100% valid and if you can't accept constructive and appropriate criticism you're in the wrong domain here pal.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

Okay champ, you say "use" and I say "run". The point is, you can't use a flex radio without a computer. You're arguing semantics.

[@Starlite4321]

@@FEPLabsRadio Sorry Pal, wrong again. You absolutely can both run and use a Flex radio without a computer. No semantics involved. There are "M" models that are totally standalone, and three generations of Maestros - full control portable knob/screen interfaces. No computer required whatsoever. Not to mention full featured iOS and iPadOS clients and an Android version almost completed. Since you don't actually know what you're talking about and are trying to disguise that by arguing instead of just standing corrected with some dignity, I suggest you go find something else to do that you actually understand.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

Dude, what do you think the Maestro is? It's a windows tablet. Specifically, a Dell Venue 8 on the pre-2024 Maestros. Running Windows. I do know what I'm talking about , champ.