Watch This Before Buying Flex Radio - 19 Questions Answered

This is an edited short-form interview with Mike from Flex Radio which answers some questions I originally had.
I think I got to the bottom of most of the questions I had - however I am still left with some minor queries. Perhaps one day I might like to try one because physically touching a piece of equipment tells you something about the designer and the engineering. I'm still not convinced - for me it's probably a completely unnecessary purchase.
I like the remote control potential but not (yet) totally sold on the audio. Talking about the remote audio, Mike suggested that few folks can hear the "lower bandwidth" and that I might "hear" the difference. Personally, I use a 24kb/s data stream on my remote and I get the feeling that Flex is less than that but we didn't know exactly what it was. I would need to try it.
I like the SO2R potential. The RIT seems to satisfy me although overly complex maybe for my needs. Not sure about the 3dB increase in talk power with the CESSB implimenation. Sounds a cool idea and maybe there's a touch more power because of it - but it also seems to be a hell of a lot of extra talk power without sounding overly compressed. I could be wrong Something else to try one day.
The straight-forward claim the Flex is just "BETTER" when compared to other radios in terms of the audio "sound like" feature could have been phrased better - of course it might just be better and I am out of court here..!
I think I am slightly put off because folks seem to either LOVE these or basically HATE them. I know of no other radio that has so much controversy.
I'll be interested in reading the comments!
73, Callum.
My statement at end of this video reads:
Do not make assumptions. I had Mike on the channel because he contacted me after seeing my video about my TS-990s and at that time, I thought I was interested in the Flex 6600M.
After a lot of consideration, I am not actually convinced this is the radio for *me*.
I'm not knocking Flex - but my investigations continue in how I either solve the RIT issue or find a replacement. And frankly it would have to be some rig to beat what I have now.
Right now, I just want a fix for my RIT issue, tracking 2 x VFOs at the same time. I think a Macro might achieve this in N1MM. I'm still working on it but little time to spend on the problem.
However it's important for all of us keep an open mind.
Saying all that, I think Mike presented the "Flex Case" very well - it looks a great performer.
73 Callum, December 2023.
00:00 Intro
0:11 Remote Control
2:03 Control Surface
3:31 Sound Quality
6:56 Bandwidth
8:27 Slices
9:39 SO2R
11:47 eHam Reviews
13:03 Computer Control
15:06 Remote Desktop or Radio?
16:39 PTT
19:09 Audio
19:45 Objections
21:11 Software
22:07 Tracking VFOs
24:22 Fast CW
26:35 Flex Line-Up
27:46 Port Forwarding
27:55 Maximum Slices
29:10 CESSB
More videos:
▶️ • Antenna Modelling Antenna Modelling
▶️ • Tips and Tricks Tips and Tricks
▶️ • Antennas Antennas
▶️ • Live Streams Live Streams
▶️ • Commander World My Stuff
▶️ • Foundation Training Ham Radio Training

[@Val-DM1TX]

Nice one Callum. What can I say ...I own two "Flexes" and will never look back. As you nicely put it: you either love them or hate them :-) 73

[@rogerp5816]

Really nice video. I like the fact that Mike spoke not only about the strengths of the Flex radios but also some of its weaknesses.

[@mr.mistoffelees7188]

I love my Flex 6400. Does everything I need, really well. No complaints whatsoever.

[@HamRadio200]

Thanks for having him on. I have a 7610. I am very happy with it. I quite literally can use it remotely as I do a lot of time, with software on my laptop. It functions very well over my network.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Agreed, I use my Kenwood remote all the time too..

[@WV9L]

I have had 3 Flex 6X00 radios. The radios were good. But their support and service sucks. Sold them and got an Icom 7610. The developer of SmartSDR iOS also wrote an app for Icom called SDRControl that works identically.

[@narcoosseefl]

I really appreciate Mike's candor!

[@thecarys563]

Callum thanks for doing this edit. Very helpful to have a concise/annotated version of this interview.

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

Boom, Callum came, saw, went. Great video. Probably the most sustinct editing I've seen to distill the fluff. Great work.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hey thanks!!

[@Davidm-M0TPT]

what an interesting vid, i run a 101MP and have been considering the Flex I think if they were available I would probably pull the trigger this vid sold it to me and you asked all my questions I had :) nice one cal

[@qualin1974]

Good to see you asking all the questions and chatting with Mike. It's certainly a different piece of cake, for sure. Great interview. :-)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. interesting.

[@WQ4A]

I love my Flex 6400! Thanks for bringing Mike on for a great discussion.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Our pleasure!

[@LinwoodCampbell]

Thanks so much for the interview! I have a 6700 and while I almost never have 7-8 slices open, it's really fascinating to see to all! Running digital and phone at the same time is remarkable! The seamless integration operating remotely is absolutely amazing. I use either a Windows machine, a M1 MacBook Air or an iPad Pro 12.9 and each is a tight feel with the radio. The Mac version of SmartSDR is, in my opinion, the very best integration with the radio. And using Apple AirPods Pro 2 delivers great audio both ways with the Mac. With Windows I have a Rode Procaster mic that plugs directly into the balanced plug in the back of the radio. Should you ever decide to move into the Flex world, I think you will amazed at what you can do, and how easy it is to do it! Thanks, again for the interview with Mike, and thanks for your KZbin channel. What great fun! I'm far from an expert in the Flex field but would be glad to answer any practical operational questions you might have. Linwood (K2LLC)

[@DonzLockz]

Brilliant video. I didnt know practically anything about Flex before but it sounds super powerful and flexible, pun intended. Lol Its way out of my retired pay grade but you never know, maybe Santa will surprise me one day.🎅😁👍

[@Thomas-ZET]

Sounds like a very interesting/nice radio, I really like the remote operation compared to my FTDX10, also having several VFO’s would be great. Merry Christmas

[@JohnWallace74]

I love my Flexradio 6600 and would not own any other brand. Mostly because of its remote features using iPad OS. It’s nice to be able to walk around my house, or in the recliner with my iPad playing Ham Radio. If I leave the house, I can take my iPad with me and continue to use my ham radio while tooling down the hi way - of course with someone else driving…

[@robertallbright]

Thanks Callum I have just acquired a used 6400. My FTDX10 is now redundant hi says it all👍 73 Rob

[@G1WHP]

Interesting watch. Thanks guys. Paul.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yo Paul!

[@mu0chn]

Great video, Cal. I didn't know much about them, saw the adverts in QST, and how they have changed over the year's. (You should also be inline for a great discount now 😂😂😂😂)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Well, they haven't suggested!

[@gtretroworld]

Brilliant video Callum and Mike answered everything excellently. Although a flex is probably not for me at the moment i have been looking. I think it’s probably just the whole hands on thing. Nice to see Mike sporting some good old Grado headphones and how you’ve trained your ears to listen to two VFO’s in your ear’s is beyond me as my focus in the same room is useless. haha

[@DXCommanderHQ]

2 X VFOs is just a FAB experience :)

[@HamMack600]

Very good discussion. Now we need a redo with the 8600 vs. K4D.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes!

[@jwilly5336]

That was a good video. I wasn’t familiar with flex. Seems like using it with a DX commander for a limited space would give you a good antenna farm.

[@markramsay6399]

Very nice video Cal as always. I have a Icom 7300 and a Flex 6600 (just the box). I like them both. I am a bit of a gear nut but thankfully not in the same way as synths (Current collection not being used at the moment as I am having a sulk over making music but includes: DSI P12, P8, P6, OB-6, Moog voyager, Modal Electronics 002 and 008, Virus VI2, Novation peak, Waldolf Blowfeld, Waldorf Pulse 2 etc). What the synths I have mentioned all have in common is they are hardware. That said, plenty of them are digital, akin perhaps to a SDR? Then again, the Moog and the Modal Electronics 008 are pure analogue - made up of discrete components. Oh boy did I have arguments and debates about which sounds better (digital vs Analogue etc). Then I have about 100 (ish) software synths on a computer (actually a 3 computer array to share the horsepower). That is a NO NO to some purists (must be hardware Sir!!), even though much of the hardware (such as the above mentioned Virus TI2) is basically a computer in a bespoke box with loads of knobs!. For others the virtual synths on a computer are king, easy to integrate into recording sessions on a DAW, easy to update and so on. The upshot of all this - is that I like gear for gear sake (a bit of an addiction). / Returning to my radios. The Flex 6600 is (feels like) a computer in a box. Sits under the desk and controlled directly from a software interface. My 7300 feels analogue (to operate) but of course is also a SDR - but much more tangible. What I have not achieved yet, and do I ever need to (!!!), is a pure analogue radio! / Anyway just some thoughts ! Mark, 2E0MSR.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, I think there's a mental debate.. A computer that has a radio in it - or a radio that has a computer in it! :)

[@arryfenton7668]

great video Calum. I think you may have missed the explanation of locking two VFO's on the flex its called DIV (diversity) two antennas two VFOs pushed out to each ear separately to allow your brain to do the deciphering. I use the 6700 on US field day with all 8 slices to monitor all the activity on the bands during field day. Your video had some great questions - im loving the DX commander by the way G0JKN/W2

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Mike did explain my RIT solution., It sounded complex - however someone else in the comments explained it in 2 lines.. Nice.

[@RobertRamson]

Callum I wish you would try a Flex even if you buy it used. I have 4 FlexRadio and love them!!!!!

[@altypeRR]

Great video Calum. My biggest issue with flex is they seem to be dream prices for, on the face of it, very little extra. They are well outside 99% of people’s budget and certainly not in what I believe is the ethos of the amateur radio hobby. Contrast that to the DX commander range which has something for everyone and every budget but importantly follows the make and experiment concept. The very reason for amateur radio. Id love a multi thousand pound setup but it’s never going to happen. But that’s okay. Because a £200 second hand rig sounds just as good as a £5000 box full of digital tech.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Absolutely correct.. I am prettty sure I could get ANY radio to work for me (as long as it works!)

[@DD5LP]

Hi Calum, If I understood what Mike said at the beginning of the video, the Maestro upgrade (and presumably the built-in head in the -M models), is to lose the RJ45-Yaesu Mic socket to be replaced with a TRRS one? There are, I believe, already two microphone sockets present - one 3.5mm and the RJ45. I think Flex may have missed an opportunity here. If I were Flex I would have changed the stereo 3.5mm Mic input to be the Smartphone style trrs 3.5mm socket and rewired the RJ45 socket to be conformant with the Open Headset Interface Standard that Smitty Halibut has released.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good idea!

[@dennyoconnor8680]

Cal, I have been a ham for 60 years. and like you I can afford any radio(s) I want. In 60 years I have gone through the stages of being an appliance operator, DXer, contester, big on CW, yadda yadda. I was skeptical about Flex radio (any SDR radio) But I am curious so I decided to prove it to myself that SDR is not that great. Two years ago (roughly) I bought a like-new Flex 3000 to compare it to my Yeasu/Icom/Kenwood/Tentec later model solid state radios. The intent was to use it for a few months and roll it over to a new owner so I could truthfully say "I tried it and I Didn't like it' .. Well, i LIKED IT. So here I am two years later (roughly) with a a complete Flex setup, A 6600 AND 3000, Power Genius, Antenna Genius and I have begun slowly selling off my (now unused) old school radios and amps.I am retaining a FTDX10 / Amp so that if my computer system crashes I can get back on the air within 3 minutes (amp warm up time) So far it has not crashed. 73 Doc K8DO

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, there are folks like you - and other folks who (very) unfortunately haven't had a good experience but your story is uplifting..!

[@ronlewkowicz9656]

Flex makes totally fine SDR hardware, however with SDR software is important. Really important and Flex has not done well in the software department. When I was looking at SDR transceiver options it was the available software options that led me to decide against Flex.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

Flex is a fantastic solution, if remote is a must. The only comment is the user must find a way to remote turn on the power supply and , remote power switch. I use a laptop, remote connection to turn on the radio, via 2 relays connected to a usb port on that laptop. I have latency of 150ms, with the maestro and still provides a usable audio. Admittedly i envy the guys with 25ms latency. Their are always 100 ways to Rome, Flex has made it extremely easy. BTW my remote station is a 5 hr airplane ride away, n works great!!! Dont get me wrong, Still love my Yeasu, Kenwood n Icoms! Cheers n 73 Merry Christmas

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Remote is a MUST for me and I'm successfully having fun with my Kenwood.. Main on/off: Check Shelly 1 relays.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

@@DXCommanderHQ Cheers Cal yr remote setup sounds great, happy christmas 😇😉

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Who knows? If I upgrade to a high end radio, Flex has a chance. But I have not exceeded my FTDX10's capabilities so it will be quite some time.

[@ugsisr]

DX Commander, Many questions answered.. I personally look at Amateur Radio like I do Fly Fishing.... Sure I could purchase Flies already tied but what would I learn then ? I go at Amateur Radio the same way...Thank You

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes and yes

[@ve3pcp]

Special note. RemoteHams can also be used for a Flex Radio.. RemoteHams gives you the ability to have more than one user simultaneously.

[@don_n5skt]

Is that different than Remote Ham Radio?

[@ve3pcp]

@@don_n5skt Yes. Completely different software.

[@patrickbuick5459]

I swore I saw this whole interview before. Now it's "car or radio, which one?"

[@Bill-HRT]

Cal, as far as your big bug bear, set your Flex frequency on whatever frequency you want on whatever first antenna you want on your first slice. Then hit Div on that slice on the Flex; a second slice/vfo will open that is slaved automatically to the first. Choose whatever antenna you want on the second, div slice. They will move together. 73 de K0WHW Bill

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Well, THAT is an easier explanation! Thank you :)

[@Bill-HRT]

I have been paying attention to your reservations. I am not going to fan boy it. We all deserve what we want. As far as the radio coming to you, imho the display comes to you, control comes to you, and the audio control comes to you. The radio stays put under the bench or in the rack at the remote site. All radio functions run in the radio. Like Mike says, everything else can run on a computer at the shack the way you do it now. There are several ways to do it. Hope that helps you make a decision.

[@che59v]

Put simply, suckers don't just go away, they just keep changing, look at the original video, especially the quote about those who log their contact on paper (insulting one's market as well as your viewers is never a good idea, yet strangely you won't find this in the above "edited" version, trust no one on KZbin, it's all a sold game). Have a great Xmas everyone.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

The edited version (this one) is the 19 distinct questions. The original is still up.

[@che59v]

@@DXCommanderHQ And one very distinct reaction that should be noted and this one might be as important as the cherry-picked and edited distinct questions. Trust is hard to gain yet very easy to lose.

[@Andre-xu3pq]

I had a SDR radio but i have sold it, and got the Icom 7700 back ... nothing kan beat the sound of a "old" school transmitter.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Lovely!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yep!

[@johndminigan1869]

Love my Flex 6500

[@jstrunck]

I don’t own any of the Flex radio products. But I really like the Flex 6800/Maestro/Power Genius product line. But what really really piques my interest in the Flex product line is the “Flexibility” in the remote operation arena I do think that if most amateur operators knew exactly how Flex supports the “Commercial” industry, they would be banging the factory doors down wanting to purchase one. Flex: If you, by some chance, read this comment, please share how Flex serves the commercial/government sector.

[@AubsUK]

If you have a look at their website, flexradio, Products >> Gov’t & Commercial Products >> LEARN ABOUT GOV’T & COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS, they have some articles that might be of interest.

[@ChipEckardt]

Could a ham club buy a flex and let multiple club members use remotely (at different times) or is that a licensing issue?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You can do that. Many folks do.

[@B_MAD_24]

Flex radio could help with the 2 meter and 70cm market by building a 25-watt almode radio. Why is flex so reluctant to enter the vhf market.

[@edcozart9916]

So when are you getting the 6600 Callum?🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Guess you didn't read my comment at the end - and in the description! :)

[@patrickbuick5459]

I am a long time electronics & IT guy and am curious how the Maestro and radio find each other. I suspect I know how it is done locally, but over the internet requires *some* sort of coordinating site to do the handshake as best I know. Can FlexRadio enlighten us?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

They must a connection server.

[@g4lmn-ron401]

Mike talked about using Dynamic DNS software so that the two parts of the system can exchange IP addresses, at that point they can tunnel to each other peer to peer.

[@patrickbuick5459]

@@g4lmn-ron401 Thanks. While that makes sense and doesn't need a connection server, I don't remember hearing that in the video. I suspect on a LAN, it just uses broadcast to find each other, since they said it is automatic.

[@g4lmn-ron401]

@@patrickbuick5459 This is my understanding looking at the Flex website and the info given in the video. Happy Holidays!

[@G1XOW]

It does its called SmartLink and has failed quite a bit recently preventing ops from connecting with their radios. Its a bit like a no-IP solution specifically for Flex. Obviously you could also achieve the same directly with a LAN to LAN VPN or direct with static IPs.

[@W4RDM]

SDR Control for Icom

[@Patrick-rd9qo]

I didn't understand the comments Flex made about 7300 FT8 over USB - it just works, a doddle to set up. A bit of FUD there I think.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I don't know either about that one..

[@michaelwalker571]

Callum had some concerns about CESSB. There is no additional compression distortion. We have a video on that by the author, W9GR kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHKqhqB-p7Rmd8Usi=liN73OQobU6Nhw4S

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Well posted. Thank you!

[@kevinokeefe7796]

I do enjoy my flex 6400 for its ability to work remotely with no knowledge of networking. It is not the best “ham radio” on the market the 7610 or 101 are both better rigs.

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

Anyone here running a Threadripper Workstation as the companion computer for their FLEX Radio Transceiver.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

No idea..

[@stargazer7644]

If it supported Linux I'd buy one. But it doesn't.

[@Drpepper99uk]

I'm guessing you'll be landing one of these soon to replace your TS990 Callum? Kenwood need to get their finger out of their arses and hurry up and give us a replacement for the now discontinued TS2000 and TS990S....been far too long waiting.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Guess you didn't read my statement :)

[@Drpepper99uk]

Nope you're right I didn't, it would be nice if Kenwood solved that issue for you with another firmware update resolving that very issue you have 👍🏻​@@DXCommanderHQ

[@Hank_W6IR]

I really want a Flex 6600. But I'd have to part with my IC-7610 and rob the piggy bank to get one.

[@tommiehinman1349]

I just can't swallow their price

[@mr.mistoffelees7188]

You looked at the prices of similarly capable radios ?

[@tommiehinman1349]

@@mr.mistoffelees7188 they're all made in China. I order any sdr from Alliexpress or wish. But yes I've looked and it's stupidity what they are charging for $150 of electronics parts

[@Scotscan]

We know what Cal's going to get on the 25th. Pressie from Wendy??

[@Scotscan]

That's a tongue in cheek comment after a couple of glasses of wine. Watch the end of the video!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah.. Yes, you spotted it. Not for me. Maybe a K4. Waiting for the PC software to be fully released.

[@jonathancotner7040]

HF operatior and software developer. I personally know another. There's several HF operators that are software developers, otherwise you wouldn't have the pletroa of amateur radio software out there.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Agree!

[@nealbeach4947]

Technology is great. In the future we won't even use radios for ham radio................😢

[@DXCommanderHQ]

SIlly.. We'll still have RF but we might use it / interface it in a more interesting fashion or a different way. You are confusing progress with your own personal vision of an old Drake or something.. :)

[@AlberBarta]

ft8??? :)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It'll do all that.

[@pcostadias]

No Diversity no fun

[@ON3RVH]

The port forwarding part of the video is very basic and Mike is not completely telling the truth. The Flex will not and cannot open ports on your router automatically. You wouldn't want that anyways. (uPnP is the devils work and a big security issue) Also they do use a central server, why else would one need to sign in for SmartLink on both the client and the radio, the radio tells the SmartLink server where (on which IP address) it can be reached, so if that part is down you won't be able to access your radio. Very confusing and untrue answers from Flex Radio in the video (even in their wiki they say port forwarding is needed where in the beginning of the video Mike says Port Forwarding is difficult for users). Imho you're indeed better off with your current setup, although FlexRadio might be nice, it is way overkill and their statements are not true which, to me at least, sets off all sorts of bells saying No.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Very interesting!

[@K1OIK]

Don't buy a Flex I had some honesty issues with Mike, issues with the home office,

[@fairlymajorstationno1298]

wee are agreed on one thing they are overrated and over priced fact eham reviews not so good

[@ON8AD]

The video was quite clear on that. You either love it, or you hate it. Some like buttons, others like different styles.. To each their own 🙂

[@richarddegen6184]

I want NOTHING to do with these..................... things.

[@Doonit_hard_way_since_65]

I will take TCP/IP, port forwarding, and just about anything else to trying to get an answer, and any form of "help" fixing a DAX error from Flex "support". Hell, I think I may even take stapling my manhood to my desk chair over fixing a wall of DAX errors showing up as soon as you start Smart SDR. Because if that is what upi see, you are, my friend, on your own. Terribly disappointed with my Flex at this point. Ok for what it does, but when sBit can make a remote radio for 400$, and it works out of the box, why should I have to put days, and days into dealing with flex "support" and still be at the "did you plug it in" point? All the flex propaganda aside, you are dealing with a product that requires both microsoft, and flex software to be anything beyond a paperweight. When support is this poor, slow, and not have any real answers, your radio sits and does nothing you bought it for.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hello. Yes, I hear both good and bad.. On balance, not so hot.