FlexRadio Systems Forums / General / Miscellaneous Things

VAC (Virtual Audio Card) Purchase

K3ROJ — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:36:06 GMT

I followed the link from Flex Radio to purchase VAC software, used PayPal for the $30, then was asked to send in proof of ID such as utility bill and my drivers license copy which they have a form to do so. I received confirmation they received my money and information and waited. In about 5 days, I received E-Mail that my $30 was refunded with no explanation. I wrote them an E-Mail and their answer was: "Your money was refunded" Is there another place to buy the software since I need it badly to operate PSK31 on he 5000A. Thanks, Al K3ROJ

To SDR or to not ?SDR

ve3ega — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:22:57 GMT

et al,

I stumbled across this blog by Steve, K9ZW, and thought I would share it..

http://k9zw.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/to-sdr-or-to-not-sdr-follow-up-and-personal-observations/

There are some very salient points made by Steve, with reference to 'obsolescence and amortization' however, remember your PC now practically becomes your radio (80%) and we all know how fast that industry is changing - so be prepared to invest radio $$$$ into PC hardware on a probably bi-annual basis to keep up with technology!

That said Flex Radio offers a relatively easy 'turnkey' system with the top-line 5000c - which could be a good investment - at least for a couple of Years - presumably there will be a PC upgrade path as the PC component fails to keep up with the ever-evolving PSDR software?

There is no doubt that the 'Panadapter' Display is what 'hooks' people into SDR but check out
'LP PAN' (Google it) if you have a conventional radio and want to use a version of PSDR as a station accessory...

If you like knobs illuminated soft dial-lights and the warm-fuzzy feeling of operating a real radio, then check out the 'Sherwood Engineering' list to see where the various products fit into your requirements (and pocket-book) bear all this in mind and the make an educated decision!

73

Terry, VE3EGA/VA3IP

Flex-3000 PowerSDR club meeting presentation ideas and help

KD8LCD — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:33:03 GMT

Hello all.

In December I am going to give a presentation of the Flex-3000 and PowerSDR after our Monthly club Meeting.

If anyone has some presentation materials they have used and don’t mind sharing I would appreciate it.

I intend to take and use my 3000 a couple wire dipoles a laptop speakers and projector.

My thought is to get members and visitors that day whom have never seen / heard of or experienced an SDR transceiver the opportunity to do so.

I may also depending on time run a couple of digital modes as well.
I intend to show off it’s great receiver and filtering characteristics.

Rick

KD8LCD

TS-850 help

W4PJH — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:56:30 GMT

I would like to set up my TS-850 for use with PSDR. I know I need an LP-PAN?, and a USB audio interface. Could someone walk me through exactly what I need to have, and how to connect everything? Do I also have to run Ham Radio Deluxe?

Thanks

Sattelite Radio Question

Albino — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:42:55 GMT

Can you hook an mp3 player up to a satellite radio rig like they use in stores? Haven't really looked much at it yet, cause there's such a mess of wires, but the boss-man says if I can figure out how I can go ahead.

Cheers.

SDR 1000 For Sale

Klipspringer — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:31:30 GMT

Hi,

I have an SDR 1000 for sale. It's the 100 watt model and I'll include the USB to Parallel port cable and the FA-66 firewire audio interface. I used it last weekend and it worked fine.

I'm selling it because my Shuttle PC died and I'm moving to a Mac so it's back to standalone radios for me. I'd like $600.00 plus shipping from Canada.

Please email me directly va7cab[at]rac.ca

Thanks for your interest.

Chris

Looking For a Flex-1500 For Sale

kb3fn — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 05:01:08 GMT

I would like to get into SDR with a Flex-1500.

Anyone have a Flex-1500 that they wold like to sell.

Pse reply offline to kb3fn at arrl.net

Tnx, Lynn - KB3FN

Flex Watch

Saluda — Sat, 21 May 2011 11:16:58 GMT

You can watch the web cam at Dudley live stream at [url=http://www.livestream.com/wa5qpz]http://www.livestream.com/wa5qpz[/url]

I think a lot radios are being sold.

Breaking info:
New Release Candidate is out. You can find that in the download sections. It address some of the VU modules.
Looks like they have a demo set up for the Flex Knob on a 5000.
V/U module demo set up
1500 demo set up
Heard something about a new Notch filter in the chat room

???7000???

Saluda — Fri, 20 May 2011 17:16:28 GMT

???7000??? hmmm

Flex and Firewire or other future com options

doehme — Fri, 20 May 2011 00:47:35 GMT

Is Firewire going to remain the communications method of choice between Flex radios and computers for the foreseeable future? Is there any work/research in the pipeline to use Ethernet or any other communications method between Flex radios and their computers?

Yours,

Dene - VK5DO

West Michigan Flex-1500 User(s)

n7doc — Sat, 14 May 2011 12:22:17 GMT

I am contemplating the plunge into Flex-1500 radio. Are there any users in Western Michigan? Would be nice to have others to bounce ideas off over a cup of coffee.

Echolink users group

n7doc — Sat, 14 May 2011 11:01:48 GMT

On the website there is a Echolink reference for a Sunday forum. All that is given is a node number. I use my smart phone for Echolink and see no way to find a particular node.

Any ideas....... thanks

KeyBoard Map for Flex-3000 for use with Shuttle-Prov2

WA3FKZ — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:07:54 GMT

Hello,

Need help setting up a shuttle pro that I picked up for use with the Flex-3000.

Thanks

Harry

AH6FF:)

Transmit Latency

K2BLA — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:24:06 GMT

I understand the concept of latency when applied to receiving. However, I know there is a certain amount of latency while transmitting in CW as when I use the MON function the short latency makes it impossible to key so I use the monitor in the keyer. However, I intend to use a linear amplifier in the near future and the latency can be an advantage by allowing the changeover relays to completely operate before the RF appears. This prevents hot switching of the relays and makes them last much longer and does not present a transient high SWR to the transceiver. The changeover time is only on the order of 20 ms or so. How much is the latency time from pressing the key to when RF appears? Can it be changed by changing sample rates and buffer sizes without screwing up the receive function?

EASYPAL AND FLEX-1500

G7VQV — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:41:07 GMT

Hi From Allan G7VQV

I have the Flex-1500, and also like to send DRM using Easypal Digi SSTV
can anyone give me any help on seting up, i also use VAC software, if not let's try and help one another

73 De Allan G7VQV

What i'm i doing wong

G7VQV — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:30:13 GMT

Hi from maybe a nitwit, i have just setup my FlexRadio FLEX 1500 and have sig ok but no sound from my computer spekers, what have i done?
Please ASP

thanks

Running Windows 7

Seperate S-Meter?

K1GTX — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:05:20 GMT

I thought I might have seen somewhere there was a larger S meter that looked like it was undocked from the default SDR application. Anyone know anything about this? thanks...

Looking for Local 3000 User

kk4hg — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:41:21 GMT

As a soon-to-be owner of a 3000 system, I would like to find a user local to me that could possibly assist (if needed) in installing the subject radio and computer. I am now confined to a wheelchair and can't get to "things" as easily as I once could!

I also have some pre-purchase questions I would like to discuss by phone as typing for me at times can be a bit of a chore.

Thanks in advance,

Henry Gardner, KK4HG

kk4hg (at) comcast (dot) net

Programming Thread

Saluda — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 09:13:11 GMT

How about a programming thread where we can ask question, and share knowledge on developing Flex Apps? I have a couple of ideas but need help on comunicating via the USB to the flex.

Maybe a central download spot call Flex Apps. Anyway that is to come later.

Any C#.net programmers out there who would like to develop side apps for the Flex radios. I am getting ready to write a database editor for people who do not know XML. I guess the name will be FlexEdit.

Another project to experiment with is a side app that stores favorite frequency (ie nets) where the user can press a button and the radio changes frequencies to that net. This app would be a stand alone app that you start up after the flex to comunicate to the flex.

I know there are software packages out there that do that, but I consider those complex and sometimes unfriendly to some of Hams in the community. Not all of the ham operaters grew up in the computer generation. Another point some those programs are just too huge in code wise and system resources.

I am thinking of software for the flex only, that way it is easlier to setup, and to put out mass software. So this is a call to all programmers. C# express is free from microsoft for the non C# programmers.

Flex 1500 & MixW- freq. control and syncing...

Wayneo — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:09:31 GMT

Hi All,
I have the above set up and I read on the internet that our flex radios behave like the Kenwood TS-2000 and that the flex set up should reflect that. Is that right?
I am also confused on getting the MixW to change freq. with the 1500.
I have read that the CAT bar in MixW should reflect the freq. changes brought about by the 1500.
All I want is to zero in the signal on the 1500 and the MixW to follow along....or is it visa versa?
Help!!!!
Wayne

Want to buy Flex 5000a or 5000c preferably with second receiver

simonw — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:04:50 GMT

Gents,

I am located in London - and I am looking to upgrade my HF radio.

I am therefore looking to buy either used or display model 5000A or 5000C preferably with second receiver.

If you have one for sale, let me know. I can pay by paypal immediately.

Greetings from London

73 - Simon G7IVJ

Is SDR-DSP clearly superior to analog for weak signal CW work?

mikeflexsdr — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:59:54 GMT

Hello,

I'm interested in what DSP can do to pull a weak CW (or whatever) signal out of the noise. Reading about Linrad has especially fascinated me. It seems to be the consensus (based on many things I've read in the past couple of weeks) that it's the best weak-signal DSP software available. And it certainly amazes me how dedicated (not to mention intelligent) the author is!

I don't know where Flex radios fit in, whether they support Linrad, whether it can do its thing with other software beside Linrad, or whether it's not any better than the best analog equipment for copying a very weak solo CW signal at or below the noise level.

I started a couple of threads on some popular forums, as an investigation into whether DSP/SDR can do what analog filters cannot.

Some say DSP software cannot exceed what analog rigs and the ear/brain combo can do. I have no commercial interest in either SDR hardware or DSP software. I just want to know the facts.

I would appreciate any and all feedback about this subject. Here's the threads:

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=276972 (main thread)
http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/topic,72452.0.html
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=272258 (started by someone else)
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=277101 (started by someone else)

It might be best if you could post your comments to http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?t=276972 , but whatever feedback you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

MOUSE Pointing Device

K3ROJ — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:02:38 GMT

I started out using a strandard mouse, then discovered the Logitech Trackball mouse which works very well but after an hour or so, my wrist gets rather tired even though it can rest on my right leg. There are industrial type trackballs out there and wondering if someone has found the ideal pointing device. Thanks

Cheap Asics Shoes

pe125ter — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:39:03 GMT

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Website: www.JorShoes.com

VAC alternative?

computermatt — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:49:55 GMT

I just got my Flex 1500 set up, and I'm interested in doing some PSK31, but I don't really want to pay the $30 for VAC. Is there any alternative?

sensitivity & selectivity in SDR's

al2 — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:01:59 GMT

I am new to SDR's.

What I do not understand is how can you control or make better the sensitivity and selectivity of an SDR ?

Would not sensitivity all be done outside the software/PC with regular RF amplifiers ,tuned stages ,etc ?

How do you control the selectivity of an SDR ?

I could maybe see selectivity being done by software ( this is done at audio ,correct ) but how can you improve on it ,with new software or a new PC ,how far can you go ?
Will you not eventually only be able to make an SDR so much selective and that's it ?

Looking forward to all responses,

Al ( al2 )

Flex 5000 and HRD software

W4EY — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:01:40 GMT

I have seen a lot of Postings about using the HRD Logging software with the Flex Radios. However, have not seen any specific steps on how to do this interface.

Has anyone interfaced the HRD logging software to the Flex-5000A and have the steps on how to make this work?

I have been using HRD Logging software for over Six years and satisfied with its capability and features. I use HRD with a Quad Core CPU, Microsoft System 7,and the Navigator External Interface.

Also, I use this setup and a A/B/C switching network to switch HRD control between several Kenwood rigs.

However, I am now upgrading from Kenwood equipment to the Flex Radio equipment.

The 5000A will be the Primary radio. Although, I have MixW and occasionally use it, I would like to operate the HRD logging software with the 5000A Radio.

I have read a number of Post on this Forum that discusses issues with using HRD software and VAC. Need help in making it work. [Tongue]

Bill Spencer
W4EY
:unsure:

SDRDemo code - has anyone played with it?

G4HYG — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:49:54 GMT

I've been tinkering with the original SDRDemo Visual Basic code that came with the QEX articles by Gerald Youngblood.

I've modified it to have suitable receiver bandwidths for HF APRS using 300 bd FSK and APRS over PSK-63.

It works very nicely when testing in Visual Basic 6 but when I try to compile an exe file I get a virus alert saying that it is malware with TR/Dropper.Gen. It's probably a false positive.

I wonder if anyone on the forum has ever used the SDRDemo code distributed by QEX as 1102youngblood.zip and if so did they have the same problem?

73,

Chris, G4HYG

VAC Test Signing On

K3ROJ — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:17:05 GMT

I use two monitors which most Flexers do and when getting tired of having to hit the F8 key each time I booted up so that VAC4.09 would run, I used the "bcedit/ test signing on" command prompt as administrator which works Ok but the small text in each corner of both screens are rather obvious which say, "Test Signing On". My question; will Flex Radio eventually write their own signed VAC type program for 64 bit processors or would that be legal to do so? Thanks, AL K3ROJ

I'd like to see a new line of SDR Radios

va3ars — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:04:11 GMT

Many years ago when the SD Radios started I thought: now I can use my knowledge of DSP and programming, to try and experiment with my own algorithms for various tasks on such a Radio. Although maybe Flex Radio will provide an open source code but not the procedure ( probably for reasons ) to allow complete reprogramming of the SDR firmware and software. Why wouldn't be possible to start a new line of SD radios which would be meant for amateurs wanting to create there own software and algorithms and actually try such a "home written radio", Home brew SDR's.
73, Steve

G5RV

shelldrake — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:02:31 GMT

I know that this is old hat to many of you experienced wave cruncher's however, as I venture into the beyond its all new so please bear with me on this basic question as not only do I have to learn all about these things, I have to find my way around the SDR 1000.

I have put up a G5RV 102 feet that has a ladder feeder onto coax. Unfortunately, while keeping the core straight I have to have a drop on the reflector end of approximately 5 feet of wire that comes away from the insulator at about 30 degrees

Am I likely to have any major difficulties with this as I will not know right from wrong and assume that what I hear and what I am able to achieve with calls is all that I am going to get.

Dave

Rx and Tx simultaneously on same band

Fred AA6CJ — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:51:40 GMT

I am interested in building a receiving array that uses CW skimmer to collect multiplier stations. How is it possible to receive on the same band that is being transmitted on? Can an SDR still work in the presence of such a strong local signal?

About that Flex1500

SteveN6CRR — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:40:00 GMT

I'm not sure if this is in the right place, if not one of the Admins can point it out and tell me to move the conversation.

I'm reading about the new Flex1500 and am very interested.

I travel a bit and am thinking about what sort of hotel portable station I could build around the Flex1500. I already pack a pretty decent Lap Top, not sure if it would be decent enough, but the idea of packing a few bits and pieces and being able to work some PSK or other digital modes while on the road is appealing to me.

What sort of DC power requirement does everyone think this unit is going to draw at 5 watts, I'm guessing under a couple of amps.

Oh well just a short one to get some other folks comments and views flowing.

Steve

Cheap stereo headset with mic

K8KO — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:30:51 GMT

I liked the first one so much that I bought another from Techsunny.com (model HP-259). Also available from Newegg & others.

Very comfortable, circumaural pads, stereo speakers, electret mic. Mic is made for computer use but it is adaptable to radio use with two resistors and a capacitor. I recycled an ethernet connector for the 8 pin into my flex.
Works great...and did I mention cheap too?

But wait, there's more !

For audio fun, download the free program "Audacity" from audacity.com Beware- Mac version seems to lack some PC features. Works great...and did I mention free too?

Enjoy! Questions?

PM or Butch - occamrazr@yahoo.com

APRS -

KB3TBX — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:33:20 GMT

Could APRS / GPS be integrated easily, has anyone contemplated this?

obviously, the typical packet controller to audio would work, but there has to be something more elegant?

tks,

.ja.

PowerSDR Source Code/Compiler

k6zf — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:03:52 GMT

I have downloaded the current source code and find that I cannot compile with the Microsoft Visual C# 2008 in Visual Studio 2008 SP1. I would like to find what is the compiler that I sdhould be using for Power SDR?

Tip for the PSDR program

matcul — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:21:54 GMT

Hi,

I don't know where to put this question. I have a fysical handicap and am glad that I can cocontroly Flex-5000. I use the mouse to tune the frequency. I am using HRD and see a very nice future in HRD which a am missing in PSDR. In HRD I press a key on my trackball which simulates I am pressing the left mouse key continue. I can give the ball a swing and the HRD starts changing the frequency. The difference between HRD and PSDR is that in HRD I can keep changing the QRG without the need to press the left button and move the mouse to the PSDR panadater and press the mouse knop again and again. I can go on to change the qrg again and again.

I hope you understand what I mean. Can this please be programmed in PSDR?

73,

Martin

laptop firewire card

K8KO — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:02:23 GMT

I purchased a 2 port firewire card here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=260419705888

and it works fine on my Presario V5000 and Flex 3000. cost was $26 with free shipping.

Lookng for SDR1K-ENC

VE1DAS — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:59:21 GMT

I am looking for a SDR-1000 Enclosure. If anyone has one they are

not going to use...please contact me at dstevens@newcap.ca 73 VE1DAS Daryl

5000A's In Stock

K3ROJ — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:27:44 GMT

Just called Flex Radio and ordered the 5000A along with Auto Tuner and Second Receiver. The second receiver can be ordered installed for an additional fee but was told it is very easy to do with instructions on the site. Was also told it will be soon when Microsoft Drivers will be available for people using Windows Vistra 64 bit processors but in the meantime, I have a processor using XP that will perform until that time. As you can tell, I am anxious to have this new transceiver in my shack. Why not take that $1200 Bush check from last year and spend it on this radio, besides, Obama will be sending you another one soon--hi.