Note
The FLEX-6500 is an advanced-performance software-defined radio designed for the amateur who requires extended capabilities across multiple bands. Built on a digital direct sampling receiver foundation, it eliminates analog mixers to provide an ultra-quiet reception experience, allowing operators to "see before they hear". The unit is fully network-ready via an Ethernet platform, ensuring high performance and future compatibility.
The FLEX-6000 Signature Series scales in performance from the entry-level FLEX-6300 to the top-tier FLEX-6700, with the primary differences centered on receiver capacity, spectral visibility, and hardware integration. Here is a summary of the differences between the three models.
Receiver and Spectral Performance
The FLEX-6300 provides a foundational experience with two slice receivers and two panadapters, allowing for the monitoring of two bands simultaneously with a maximum panadapter bandwidth of 7 MHz. Stepping up to the FLEX-6500 doubles this capacity to four slice receivers and four panadapters, while also increasing the maximum panadapter bandwidth to 14 MHz. The FLEX-6700 represents the peak of the line, utilizing two independent Spectral Capture Units (SCUs) to support eight slice receivers and eight panadapters.
RF Handling and Filtering
A significant hardware distinction lies in how these radios handle busy RF environments. The FLEX-6300 lacks internal amateur band preselectors. In contrast, the FLEX-6500 includes integrated contest-grade preselectors covering 160m through 6m (excluding 60m). The **FLEX-6700** extends this protection even further, providing preselector coverage from 160m all the way through the 2m band. Additionally, the 6700 features a multi-stage pre-amp and increased spectral sensitivity through extra zoom levels.
Frequency Coverage and Accuracy
While all three models cover the standard 160m to 6m amateur bands at 100W, their wideband reception and extended frequency capabilities differ. The FLEX-6300 receives up to 54 MHz, while the FLEX-6500 and FLEX-6700 both reach 72 MHz. Only the FLEX-6700 includes native coverage for the 2m band (135–165 MHz). For frequency stability, both the 6500 and 6700 offer an optional GPSDO for ultimate accuracy, whereas the 6300 relies on its standard TCXO.
Hardware Integration and Connectivity
The physical build and connectivity also evolve across the family. The FLEX-6300 is the most compact unit and offers an optional antenna tuner (ATU), whereas the FLEX-6500 and FLEX-6700 are larger rack-mountable units with the ATU integrated as standard. The higher-end models also provide more robust audio options, including balanced XLR/TRS microphone connectors that are not present on the 6300.
6500 Features
– Multi-Band Visibility: Supports up to four full-performance slice receivers and panadapters, allowing the user to monitor action on up to four bands simultaneously.
– Integrated Antenna Tuner (ATU): Comes standard with a built-in ATU for simplified station setup.
– Hostile RF Handling: Features integrated contest-grade preselectors to manage interference in challenging environments.
– Digital Operation: Includes Digital Audio Exchange (DAX) for seamless, cable-free digital mode operation.
– Continuous Coverage: Provides full continuous coverage transmit performance for MARS or other out-of-band operations.
– Frequency Accuracy: Supports ultimate frequency accuracy through an optional GPSDO.
Specifications
– Receiver Architecture: 1 Spectral Capture Unit (SCU) / 4 Slice Receivers
– Frequency Coverage: 30 kHz–72 MHz (Wideband)
– Panadapter Bandwidth: Up to 14 MHz
– ADC Resolution / Rate: 16-bits / 245.76 Msps
– RF Output Power: 1–100W (SSB, CW, FM, RTTY, Digital); 1–25W (AM carrier)
– Transmitter Coverage: 160m–6m (Amateur bands at rated power)
– Preselectors: 160m–6m (except 60m)
– DAX Channels: 4 Audio Channels; 4 IQ Channels (24 kHz–192 kHz)
– Antenna Connectors: SO-239x2; BNCx1; XVTR-BNCx1
– Microphone Inputs: Unbalanced 8-pin; Balanced XLR/TRS
