Friday, February 11, 2011

470 Amateur Radio Net - FlexRadio and Echolink

Paul, W4PGM, gave an overview of the FlexRadio, Software Defined Radio. He runs the FLEX-3000 and really likes it. He compared it favorably to many other HF rigs he has run. Since it is software based, he says it is easy to apply the updates that come out every 6 months or so. The updates may change the tuner from a 5-to-1 to a 7-to-1 or improve the noise blanker. Even without the customary buttons or dials on the radio, it is very configurable - you just use the PowerSDR software from your PC. It sounded like any fairly recent computer would be sufficient as long as you have or can add a Firewire port. Paul really liked its abilities in digital modes. On the band scope, you can pick a peak, representing a signal, and click it to tune to that frequency.

From Brick O'Lore

He mentioned a couple of issues with the CW and notch filtering, but says the company is working to resolve those issues. He also said that contesters may not like the software, because it doesn't integrate into the popular logging programs - you have to manually change the focus of the windows to switch between apps.

Also, Rick Sr., N4JTQ, explained the problems they were having getting the Echolink working on the KJ4HPM/443.225 repeater. I was glad to find out it wasn't just me.

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