I really wish they would build another with the same form factor of the 6700. The new ones are so darn big and bulky. At this size, they could run a really quiet 6" fan instead of the little ones that make a bunch of noise. The other thing I'd like to see is for Flex to get away from the darn Anderson Powerpole connectors. Even the 45w connectors eventually start having issues because the contact surface area is too small and they heat up and drop voltage across the poor connection. The 75 amp connector would be better. IMO......
My company inquired about getting some ML-9600's and all they recieved was crickets. We went elsewhere for better product that has a quality noise blanker.
@@HamRadio2I’m certainly no gambler, but I’d lay good odds on it being the IC7860 and IC7861… New SDR based top of the range/performance (better than most of will ever need or use) flagship HF/6m transceiver.
I was just about to get a 6400 after being away from flex for a while. My last one was a flex 3000. Worked pretty well. Guess I’ll throw a deposit in for a 8400!
You should go with the Apache labs G2. More for your money. It has better audio. In both TX and RX, trust me I know my buddy had a 6600m not worth the price. The Apache is better because I know, I had it and it sounds beautiful on AM and SSB. Beautiful bass. You’ll be happier oh and a NB that actually works. By the way, the Apache labs software is free and is constantly updated. And you don’t get charged unlike flex. W7ZAR
You know what? Looking at all the Flex 8000 specs and 100w output an Apache Labs G2 SDR which has 1500w output as standard at sub $6,000 USD is looking really good. It has more capability and runs on Thetis which is regularly updated FREE of charge.
I just looked that up and the Apache Labs G2 SDR shows to be 1000w, not 1500w. Still more than 100w, true. SmartSDR is updated for free also and I find it easier to use than the 1 time that I tried Thetis. It looks cleaner also. I don't think either radio is a bad choice.
Paid my $500 deposit today for a flex 8400m, haven't played with flex since my 6700, should be a bit of fun here in downunder Australia cheers Brenton vk3cm 🍻🍻🍻
Most people will finance on high interest credit cards. So your right, most people can not. Im not a fan of SDR due to cost, however it does look like a fun toy
That’s what I was thinking , I feel priced completely out of “new” ham radio toys. Stuck with lowest end “new” or anything made in the last 40 years but the fun new tech seems completely unrealistic for mere mortals to achieve
How about software? I wish they would fix the sloppy keyer on the 6400 that makes me have to reboot the rig every time I want to work CW. It's been in the "next release" forever.
I wonder if they will change the software V3 is looking a bit dated now, also it would be good if they could start to fix some of the bugs or changes to the software.
so, i have a question. i'm all for continuous improvement, but the concern i have specifically with flex radios is the fact that every few years they come out with something new (which is a good thing, right?!), thereby replacing and relegating any of their existing product line to much lower %'age (vs. new prices) resale prices when ops run to the new latest-greatest flex radio. i would love to have the new 8600 because it looks like an awesome radio, surely the finest in its class, but am hesitant to put down a deposit on one due to the thought that it is going to be worth roughly 60% of what i would be paying for it in a few years. that's a serious hit. am i the only one with this concern? look at this way... a brand new 101d, for example, is roughly $3k. in a few years, it is still worth $2,500, right? so, roughly a 20% depreciation hit. with flex radio, it is almost like buy a new car and selling it used in a few years.
This all sounded good until I saw the price. I really would like to have one but don't want to sell a kidney or take out a mortgage on a paid or house.
For the 4k price it only goes from 30khz to 54mhz, too expensive. it should at least cover 1 hz to 2300 mhz full band receive coverage and all amateur bands for that price.
I can't imagine that narrow view of a statement will help to sell 1 radio. Even the ARRL antenna handbook states that isn't true. That statement isn't even a myth. It's just flat out misinformation. But hey, I'm not selling radio's so don't really care, but I'm less likely to buy Flex now.
The EFHW is resonant at the connector, but it has a transformer. When Mike says he likes resonant antennas, he means he likes 50 ohm resonant transformerless antennas, like center fed dipoles, all band verticals, hexbeams, etc. They do indeed accept power better. 73 VE3GKT
@@JosephVE3GKT This is a quote directly out of ARRL Antenna handbook. "Please recognize that an antenna need not be resonant in order to be an effective radiator. There is in fact nothing magic about having a resonant antenna, provided of course that you can devise some efficient means to feed the antenna. Many amateurs use non-resonant (even random-length) antennas fed with open-wire transmission lines and antenna tuners. They radiate signals just as well as those using coaxial cable and resonant antennas, and as a bonus they usually can use these antenna systems on multiple frequency bands." chapter 2 of the ARRL Handbook
Typical digital bull. Digital operating isn't just Ft8. But the people running Ft8 seem to think like you do that oh well I'll just move up or down and just trample all over the guy running psk, rtty, or any other digital besides Ft8.
Thank you for sharing the interview Jason. I have been wanting a Flex radio for a while. This convinced me.
Best 8000 series public review yet.... Thanks Jason and Michael!
Thanks
Thank-you Jason Great news. Thanks for the update. 😊
No worries
I really wish they would build another with the same form factor of the 6700. The new ones are so darn big and bulky. At this size, they could run a really quiet 6" fan instead of the little ones that make a bunch of noise.
The other thing I'd like to see is for Flex to get away from the darn Anderson Powerpole connectors. Even the 45w connectors eventually start having issues because the contact surface area is too small and they heat up and drop voltage across the poor connection. The 75 amp connector would be better. IMO......
Excellent news! I would be wonderful if Flex incorporates the Warren Pratt NR0V noise blanker, as used in Thetis!
That surely can be implemented in software... so can't the SDR radio be augmented with such add-on software aids?
They had this out at Hamcation in Orlando.
Not this one
I paid my $500 deposit today.
My company inquired about getting some ML-9600's and all they recieved was crickets. We went elsewhere for better product that has a quality noise blanker.
Won't lie, seeing the cover photo I first thought it was one of my Rigol test equipment.
Nice video guys. Enjoyed the video
What’s the new Icom model?
Not published yet
@@HamRadio2I’m certainly no gambler, but I’d lay good odds on it being the IC7860 and IC7861… New SDR based top of the range/performance (better than most of will ever need or use) flagship HF/6m transceiver.
Cool stuff!
I was just about to get a 6400 after being away from flex for a while. My last one was a flex 3000. Worked pretty well. Guess I’ll throw a deposit in for a 8400!
You should go with the Apache labs G2. More for your money. It has better audio. In both TX and RX, trust me I know my buddy had a 6600m not worth the price. The Apache is better because I know, I had it and it sounds beautiful on AM and SSB. Beautiful bass. You’ll be happier oh and a NB that actually works.
By the way, the Apache labs software is free and is constantly updated. And you don’t get charged unlike flex. W7ZAR
@@danielpenaofficial4186 I'll look into it ;)
You know what? Looking at all the Flex 8000 specs and 100w output an Apache Labs G2 SDR which has 1500w output as standard at sub $6,000 USD is looking really good. It has more capability and runs on Thetis which is regularly updated FREE of charge.
I just looked that up and the Apache Labs G2 SDR shows to be 1000w, not 1500w. Still more than 100w, true.
SmartSDR is updated for free also and I find it easier to use than the 1 time that I tried Thetis. It looks cleaner also.
I don't think either radio is a bad choice.
Apache labs has BETTER audio. Screw flex.
Thank you Jason. I like to know how long Flex will support and send out SDR Updates for the 6400 series ?
long time. but I will ask...
@@HamRadio2 Please do and thanks.
Paid my $500 deposit today for a flex 8400m, haven't played with flex since my 6700, should be a bit of fun here in downunder Australia cheers Brenton vk3cm 🍻🍻🍻
Awesome
Super interesting
Most people cannot afford this, what are these companies thinking?
They're thinking that SOME people CAN afford this. And they'll be waiting in line.
Watch the sales numbers - those don't lie...
I'll get one when I win the lottery which means never.
Most people will finance on high interest credit cards. So your right, most people can not. Im not a fan of SDR due to cost, however it does look like a fun toy
That’s what I was thinking , I feel priced completely out of “new” ham radio toys. Stuck with lowest end “new” or anything made in the last 40 years but the fun new tech seems completely unrealistic for mere mortals to achieve
Oh Hail the Flex Pleiadians.
It's good to be King....
How about software? I wish they would fix the sloppy keyer on the 6400 that makes me have to reboot the rig every time I want to work CW. It's been in the "next release" forever.
gotta save my $$$? thanks Jason and Mike!
Where’s this hamvention ? Is it still going on . This Saturday today 5/18/2024
Yes
So when is Jason getting his 8600?
Soon
Are they going to make a UHF/VHF transceiver?
No, they do support transverters though
Have they talked about a trade-in program for us 6600 owners?
Yes, they have had a trade-in program for a while now
I wonder if they will change the software V3 is looking a bit dated now, also it would be good if they could start to fix some of the bugs or changes to the software.
V4 is coming soon but I like V3, always have.
Holy ham sticks!!
Yikes $2500 for the 8400 up to $5899 for the 8600M
FlexRadio is not cheap
@@HamRadio2 clearly
Mmmhm, mmhm, oh cool, yeah. I recognize some of these words.
so, i have a question. i'm all for continuous improvement, but the concern i have specifically with flex radios is the fact that every few years they come out with something new (which is a good thing, right?!), thereby replacing and relegating any of their existing product line to much lower %'age (vs. new prices) resale prices when ops run to the new latest-greatest flex radio. i would love to have the new 8600 because it looks like an awesome radio, surely the finest in its class, but am hesitant to put down a deposit on one due to the thought that it is going to be worth roughly 60% of what i would be paying for it in a few years. that's a serious hit. am i the only one with this concern? look at this way... a brand new 101d, for example, is roughly $3k. in a few years, it is still worth $2,500, right? so, roughly a 20% depreciation hit. with flex radio, it is almost like buy a new car and selling it used in a few years.
They should’ve called it mud fest instead of Hamfest!
YES!
Looks like one of those project radios that you see in QST that no one ever builds. The word "New" when applied to FlexRadio is subjective.
Love the slur about Cb operators.
This all sounded good until I saw the price. I really would like to have one but don't want to sell a kidney or take out a mortgage on a paid or house.
Welcome to the top-tier of Ham Radio
That’s the nose bleed section.
I’ll never have a seat up there😩
PLEASE Make an Android client, and I'll buy one straight away. Until then, I'm sitting out. Remote on Android is very important to me. 73
For sure
What it b?
For the 4k price it only goes from 30khz to 54mhz, too expensive. it should at least cover 1 hz to 2300 mhz full band receive coverage and all amateur bands for that price.
Nah
So he hates non resonant antennas then calls out the EFHW which is a resonant antenna.
Huh?
I can't imagine that narrow view of a statement will help to sell 1 radio. Even the ARRL antenna handbook states that isn't true. That statement isn't even a myth. It's just flat out misinformation. But hey, I'm not selling radio's so don't really care, but I'm less likely to buy Flex now.
The EFHW is resonant at the connector, but it has a transformer. When Mike says he likes resonant antennas, he means he likes 50 ohm resonant transformerless antennas, like center fed dipoles, all band verticals, hexbeams, etc. They do indeed accept power better. 73 VE3GKT
@@JosephVE3GKT This is a quote directly out of ARRL Antenna handbook. "Please recognize that an antenna need not be resonant in order to be an effective radiator. There is in fact nothing magic about having a resonant antenna, provided of course that you can devise some efficient means to feed the antenna. Many amateurs use non-resonant (even random-length) antennas fed with open-wire transmission lines and antenna tuners. They radiate signals just as well as those using coaxial cable and resonant antennas, and as a bonus they usually can use these antenna systems on multiple frequency bands." chapter 2 of the ARRL Handbook
@@davidc5027 dude, I didn't say they can't be effective. I use a non-resonant antenna. I was just explaining what Mike said about what he prefers.
sounds super kewl, but way way outside of my budget. yikes at the price lol
have they announced the price? I didnt see it in the video
Available 2029
Lol. Later this year, actually
Vaporware....
Except they had some displayed on the table at Hamvention....
@@HamRadio2 New software = New radio. A new radio with the old software = Vaporware.
Its not a ham radio, its a computer. And when it quits you end up with a worthless box.
Another over priced all promises no delivery radio from Flex!
Wow! How was that nap? It must've been a good one since I assume you've been asleep for about 15+ years.
@@HamRadio2 no I have owned several flex units and have been promised big things that never happened. Won't waste my money and time again
Except they've been selling these things for an absolute MINT for years now and are definitely delivering and taking cash $.
Can't operate MARS. That expensive, but can't be MARS modified. No good for me.
Typical digital bull. Digital operating isn't just Ft8. But the people running Ft8 seem to think like you do that oh well I'll just move up or down and just trample all over the guy running psk, rtty, or any other digital besides Ft8.
It's just because FT8 is the best....
If you buy one of these you’ll really be “Flexing”.