Flex cadre
Thanks to the generosity of Burt Krain a deployment of Flex Radios and Maestro units have been implemented. It is the mission of this group to form a small cadre of hams to collaborate on learning the Flex Radio and its related software suites. Currently the Flex Radio software is free for users of WIndows based PC’s and Tablets. There is a small fee to operate using Apple OS on iPads and Mac’s. We shall create a collaborative environment where we can learn from each other and just generally have a good time using state of the art software defined radios on a remote basis. It is the commitment of the group to ensure everyone has a great experience. We have 4 Flex Radio stations at locations in Northfield (EN62CC), Northbrook (EN62CD), Skokie(EN62DB) and Waukegan (EN62BI). To allow for greater participation we are looking for hosts for a Flex Radio station with versatile antenna systems and strong internet service. This wiki provides information needed to operate different models of Flex Radios from just about anywhere in the world. The requirements are very simple. A good Wi-Fi internet connection and either a Maestro unit loaned from the Burt Krain or your Windows Operating System PC. Using our Google calendar for current system use you will be able to choose the available base stations for operation. For all purposes the radio used is independent of the model or features installed. Experienced operators in the group will provide Elmer services as needed to enjoy the experience. All classes of operators may make use of the equipment but must operate in the bands and frequencies allowed by their FCC license. Only licensed hams will be allowed to operate the radios.
Contents
Equipment
The project uses a variety of Flex Radio equipment.
Flex 6700 | Flex 6600/6400 | Flex 6600M/6400M | Maestro |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Our members
* Burt Krain KR9T * Marty Boroff WD9GYM * Dave Hewitt. WW9S * Jeff Kraft WW9F * Miller Michael KG9ML * Denice Plummer V31KC * Patrick Skerrett W9PDS * Don Whiteman KK9H * Cary Willis KD9ITO * Tami Witbrodt KD9IXB
Guides
We have developed the Flex Cadre User Guide for new users. We also recommend the following latest guides to be downloaded from https://www.flexradio.com/downloads/:
FLEX-6400 and Flex-6600 Hardware Reference FLEX-6600M and FLEX-6600M Quick Start Guide Maestro Quick Start Guide Maestro Users Guide v3.x SmartSDR Software User Guide v3.x
Videos
When setting up FT8 please review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxageEY7-Pw&t=80s