FlexRadio FLEX-8600M

With the FLEX-8000 series (consisting of the 8400, 8600, 8400M and 8600M models), FlexRadio establishes the next generation of high-class SDR transceivers. In addition to the technical highlights of the FLEX-8600, the 8600'M' is equipped with a fully featured control panel dominated by an 8-inch touch-sensitive display (resolution 1920 x 1200 pixels). 

It is based on the architecture of its successful predecessor, the FLEX-6600M, but has a CPU with around four times the performance and an FPGA with twice the performance. This increase in performance not only ensures shorter start-up and loading times, but above all forms a solid basis for the implementation of numerous future features that could not be realized with the resources of earlier hardware.

One of the first of these upcoming new features is 'adaptive pre-distortion' (APD), which according to the manufacturer offers the cleanest signal on an amateur radio platform. 

All FLEX-8000 models also feature built-in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability and a future built-in NTP time server as standard. This ensures that all FLEX-8000 transceivers always remain on exactly the same frequency. But even without a direct view of the sky, the FLEX-8600M can still rely on the internal TCXO.

The high-performance receivers are designed as direct-scanning SDR receivers. The impressive sampling rate of 245.76 Msps exceeds even the devices of the current 8400 series by a factor of two! The AD converter has a word width of 16 bits. This results in an outstanding RMDR value of 115 dB (at 2 kHz spacing). As a visible result of this high-end digital technology, the user has up to 14 MHz spectrum width at his disposal, far more than enough to observe numerous amateur radio bands simultaneously and align his activities accordingly. With a minimum displayable spectrum resolution of 1.6 Hz/Px, the FLEX-8600M even surpasses the models of the 8400 series (min. resolution 5.85 Hz) many times over.

The frequency range of the receiver extends from 30 kHz to 54 MHz; the transmitter is limited to the amateur radio bands. Furthermore, the band filters are designed to be more selective, with 7-pole filters now used for the contest bands and 3-pole filters for the other bands. The number of independent receivers has also been increased from 2 to an incredible 4 receivers. The transmitter of the FLEX-8600M offers 100 W transmission power (PEP, 25W AM), the suppression of unwanted by-products is better than 60 dBc.

With the integrated, automatic antenna tuner, even antennas that are not perfectly matched (SWR up to 3 : 1) can be tuned without any problems.

The FLEX-8600M SDR transceiver from FlexRadio was developed for the most demanding radio amateurs and specially optimized for the high demands of DX and contest operation. This top transceiver can be operated like a stand-alone radio without the need for a computer. The integrated, large IPS display with touch function provides you with information on operating status and band assignment at all times and is supplemented by numerous "classic" operating elements such as rotary controls for volume control, receiver sensitivity and VFOs - naturally in duplicate so that two receivers can be set individually and directly without having to go to the menu. An external screen can also be connected via the HDMI connection.

Or you can use the first-class remote features of the FLEX-8600M and control the radio conveniently via PC, laptop, Mac or iOS client. The Maestro console is also available as an option, which can access the transceiver via WLAN or wired Ethernet. As with all FlexRadio transceivers, convenience and ease of remote control have been implemented in an exemplary manner.

Up to four completely independent receivers are available, an important prerequisite for working DX in split mode or simultaneously monitoring several bands and other modes in a contest. Full duplex crossband operation is also possible. A total of up to four antennas can be connected directly at the same time: Two transmit and receive antennas as well as two antennas exclusively for receiving purposes.

  

Every FlexRadio model - whether with or without a front panel - can be easily controlled remotely. The following options are available:

This remote control can be carried out via the local network in the house, but also via the Internet from a great distance. No matter where you are - you can operate the rare DX station from your own station, even if you are sitting in a hotel! With the latest version V3 of the SmartSDR software, it is even possible to operate one transceiver with two operators at the same time. Any mix of the above-mentioned devices can be used - a PC, iPhone/iPad or the Maestro console. 

As the power supply is 13.8 volts DC, operation is not limited to use as a fixed station, but you also benefit from the freedom of being able to use the device in a car, van or motorhome.