k3roj
Star Member
OK, I'm going to jump in and start out a topic on Flex Radios. I just became interested in software define radio this year after working some stations on 20 meter USB who had terrific sounding audio. They were using a radio which I had never heard much about, the Flex 5000A. Going to the Flex radio site, I did some research and figured that if others can learn to setup software, I can give it a try. I must say that after using many different radios over the years, I am totally satisfied with this modern radio. It was somewhat of a learning curve finding the right computer but wound up with an HP QUAD 4 with 4 GB of RAM running Windows Vista. Flex Radio has the required signed drivers for Vista 64 but other third party software requires defeating the signed driver requirement such as Virtual Audio Cable (VAC 4.9) and a Null Modem Com0Com setup. No longer is it necessary to hook up a bundle of cables to run digital modes since the Flex 5000A can see the computer as part of itself, virtually.
Just by twirling the trackball mouse and then clicking, I can jump to any band since software remembers what frequency I was on, which mode etc. for 3 different frequencies per band. Instead of using a plain mouse, we use the Logikey Trackball which can easily jump wherever you want on the screen with thumb movements. To receive the benefits of using two monitors I installed a new graphics card and the trackball helps keep logging (nGENLOG), digital modes (MixW)and other programs within reach. Since 6 meters has been open now and then, I am able to monitor 50.125 MHz using the second built-in receiver RX2 while operating any other band. I enjoy being able to use a balanced studio type microphone when on voice modes but mostly operate CW since I can adjust bandwidth filtering down to 25 Hz with no ringing whatsoever. As far as tuning in stations, changing filters etc, I discovered the TrackBall mouse used mostly by gamers but ideal for Flex SDR tuning.
Never in my 48 years as a ham, have I ever had a receiver with such excellent noise reduction. An arcing power connection has since been repaired by the power company which was on a pole 150 feet from my location and was unable to use my Yaesu FT-847 or ICOM 756PRO for several weeks but when connecting the Flex 5000A and using the Noise Reduction feature, I was actually able to get on the air as if it weren't there. Flex radio also makes other radios, their model 1500 which is a QRP rig and the model 3000 which is a 100 watt radio which is ideal for portable use using a laptop if desired.
I can ramble on all day how much I like this radio, so you must check out their web site::Flex Radio
Here is a video with some humor concerning the Flex Radio 5000A
Just by twirling the trackball mouse and then clicking, I can jump to any band since software remembers what frequency I was on, which mode etc. for 3 different frequencies per band. Instead of using a plain mouse, we use the Logikey Trackball which can easily jump wherever you want on the screen with thumb movements. To receive the benefits of using two monitors I installed a new graphics card and the trackball helps keep logging (nGENLOG), digital modes (MixW)and other programs within reach. Since 6 meters has been open now and then, I am able to monitor 50.125 MHz using the second built-in receiver RX2 while operating any other band. I enjoy being able to use a balanced studio type microphone when on voice modes but mostly operate CW since I can adjust bandwidth filtering down to 25 Hz with no ringing whatsoever. As far as tuning in stations, changing filters etc, I discovered the TrackBall mouse used mostly by gamers but ideal for Flex SDR tuning.
Never in my 48 years as a ham, have I ever had a receiver with such excellent noise reduction. An arcing power connection has since been repaired by the power company which was on a pole 150 feet from my location and was unable to use my Yaesu FT-847 or ICOM 756PRO for several weeks but when connecting the Flex 5000A and using the Noise Reduction feature, I was actually able to get on the air as if it weren't there. Flex radio also makes other radios, their model 1500 which is a QRP rig and the model 3000 which is a 100 watt radio which is ideal for portable use using a laptop if desired.
I can ramble on all day how much I like this radio, so you must check out their web site::Flex Radio
Here is a video with some humor concerning the Flex Radio 5000A