That's why I bought an Elecraft KX3.  Its a software defined radio with a 
front panel and its direct conversion receiver works absolutely GREAT!

Bob, K8LR, [log in to unmask]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan R. Downing" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 5:18 AM
Subject: Flex Radios


I am curious if anyone on the list has given serious thought to buying a
Flex radio, either the now discontinued 5000A, or one of the new 6000
series.  I wonder also if anyone has thought about writing a new user
interface to the new 6000 line, such that blind operators could make use of
it.  As I am told by my good friend Don, K7MX, the only part of the new 6000
software that is inside the operators own computer is the user interface.
All of the radios functionality is handled by onboard microprocessors.  This
approach is totally different from the old Flex radios, which processed
almost everything on the operators computer.  There is absolutely no
question that the Flex 6700 is the finest radios ever marketed to hams.  No
other ham radio can hold a candle to the performance of the 6700's.  In
fact, testing the new 6700's will be incredibly difficult as there is no
test equipment available that is good enough to perform the testing.  It is
sad that as time marches on, blind hams will never have access to the best
new rigs unless someone writes a user interface that we can operate.  My
understanding from talking to a number of folks directly involved with the 3
major manufacturers, is that the upper end rigs will all be software
designed radios down the road.



73







Alan R. Downing

Phoenix, AZ