QUICK START GUIDE

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the FLEX Signature Series software defined radio (SDR) from FlexRadio, Inc. This Quick Start Guide (QSG) will walk you through the steps for installing the FLEX-8400, FLEX-8400M, FLEX-8600 or FLEX-8600M in your operating position and loading SmartSDR® for Windows software on a network connected PC in preparation for your first QSO. Please read all included documentation before proceeding and store this guide and all other contents, including the shipping container, for future reference and use.

The Quick Start Guide is designed to get you on the air with minimum effort. To do this, we assume a basic radio knowledge and do not delve into all the FLEX-8400 / FLEX-8400M / FLEX-8600 / FLEX-8600M and SmartSDR for Windows' many possibilities. For more information, you are referred to the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series SDR documentation, which can be found in the documentation section (https://flexradio.com/documentation/) on the FlexRadio website.

Need Assistance?

If you encounter any issues installing or operating SmartSDR with FLEX-8X00 series radios, please use our user support Community (https://community.flexradio.com) to search for your trouble issue, as it may have already been answered by other FLEX-8X00 Signature Series users.

If you do not find an answer in the Community, you can contact FlexRadio technical support by opening an online HelpDesk request at: https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/requests/new. For assistance in opening a HelpDesk ticket please refer to https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/202118688 for step-by-step instructions. For EU countries please contact your national distributor.

Hours of operation: Our Technical Support engineers are available Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 4:30pm Central Standard Time (CST). If you request technical support after business hours, on a holiday or weekend, we will respond to your request during regular business hours in the order it was received.

If you run into any trouble during the set-up process, please:

• Re-check your steps.
• Refer to the "Need Assistance?" section above.

Important Notices and Warnings

IMPORTANT NOTICE - READ BEFORE OPERATING THIS UNIT

⚠️ WARNING!

ℹ️ Information

❗ This unit is NOT A TOY. It must not be handled by children nor placed/operated within reach of children.

❗ Do not leave packing material for this unit unattended. It may be harmful to children if misused.

❗ This unit contains small parts that could be a choking hazard to small children. Do not leave accessories unattended.

❗ Do not operate this unit in potentially explosive environments.

❗ Never attempt to insert wires or any tools into the interior of this unit during operation. This may cause fire or electric shock.

❗ This unit must only be operated with the electrical power specifications described in this Quick Start Guide. NEVER CONNECT THE +13.8VDC RADIO POWER CONNECTOR DIRECTLY TO AN AC OUTLET. This may cause a fire, injury, or electrical shock.

❗ Never connect or disconnect antennas while transmitting. This may cause electric shock, RF burns, or damage the transceiver.

This radio is configured to operate according to regional regulation and may allow operation on frequencies which are not allowed for public use. Operators are required to have a valid amateur radio license from the appropriate regional regulatory authority to operate on amateur radio frequencies.

Except those actions which have been described in the Quick Start Guide and in the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series Hardware Manual and SmartSDR Software User Guide which are available for this radio, no other manipulations to the radio are allowed. The unit should only be opened and/or serviced by a qualified technician.

Please study the Quick Start Guide and the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series Hardware Manual and SmartSDR for Windows Software Users Guide prior to operating the unit. These documents contain important information for safe operation.

If you have any questions due to misunderstanding, or translation errors, please refer to the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series Hardware Manual and SmartSDR Software User Guide first.

Radio frequency (RF) energy from transmitters can interact with some electronic devices such as cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. Please refer to the device manufacturer's precautions when interacting with other electronic devices. If any interaction or interference with a medical device is suspected, STOP transmitting immediately.

⚠️ This unit must only be opened and/or serviced by a qualified technician. Opening the unit may void the manufacturer's warranty.

⚠️ Do not operate this unit in areas of extreme humidity.

⚠️ Avoid operating this radio in direct sunlight or other areas of extreme heat, excessive vibration, or mechanical force.

⚠️ When using earphones, use caution when adjusting the volume to prevent any harm to your hearing.

⚠️ If this unit is intended for use in commercial applications, special safety regulations and cautions may apply to prevent accidents.

⚠️ If any defect, abnormal result, or other observations occur that are not covered by this Quick Start Guide; immediately cease operation and contact the manufacturer or local distributor for operational advice or repair of the unit.

ℹ️ No other physical modification of this radio is allowed. Any other use or modification (including software changes that affect operational characteristics) will void the manufacturer's warranty.

ℹ️ Ensure proper ventilation around the radio; this includes 2" clearance on the sides and back.

ℹ️ If you operate this unit in conjunction with an appropriate linear amplifier, always make sure your output power is below the maximum input limits of the amplifier. Consult your amplifier owner's manual for proper connection and operation.

ℹ️ Please study the complete Quick Start Guide and Owner's Manuals. These documents contain important information regarding the safe operation of this unit. If you have any questions, please contact the manufacturer or local distributor for further information.

1.0 Getting Started

Supplied Accessories

The following accessories and materials are included with your FLEX Signature Series SDR. Carefully remove the FLEX-8X00 from its shipping container, unpack it, and identify the items listed below.

• One (1) FLEX-8X00 Signature Series Unit (FLEX-8400 or FLEX-8400M, FLEX-8600 or FLEX-8600M)
• One (1) FHM-3 Microphone (optional for EU countries)
• One (1) CAT5e Ethernet cable
• One (1) DC power cord with Anderson Power Pole™ connectors
• One (1) GNSS Antenna
• One (1) Hardware & Software Installation Quick Start Guide
• One (1) Rack Mount Kit Option (if ordered)
• One (1) Handle Kit Option (if ordered)

2.0 Making the Connections

Additional Required Items Not Supplied with the Radio

In addition to the supplied accessories, software, and cables that ship with the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series SDR, you will need to provide the following:

• An HF-Antenna or dummy load.
• A low-impedance RF Ground.
• Powered stereo speakers (computer type) or stereo headphones.
• A stabilized 13.8 VDC power supply, capable of 25A continuous duty.
• A personal computer (PC running Windows 10 or above. Windows 11 is preferred. Either 32 or 64-bit operating system. A 64-bit version is preferred.
• A 100Mb or Gigabit Ethernet Network with access to the Internet.

Please Note: the latest version of SmartSDR software can be downloaded from our website at https://www.flexradio.com/ssdr-for-windows/

First Steps

1. Carefully remove the packaged accessories and the transceiver (FLEX-8400, FLEX-8400M, FLEX-8600 or FLEX-8600M) from the shipping carton. Remove the plastic covering from the radio.
2. Identify all of the supplied accessories listed above.
3. Place the radio in your operating position making sure it has adequate ventilation.

Back Panel Connections

1. Antenna: Connect an HF antenna with nominal 50 Ohm impedance to one of the SO239 transceiver antenna connectors labeled ANT1 (DEFAULT) or ANT2.
   Image: Diagram showing the rear panel with labels ANT1 and ANT2, and a 50 Ω symbol.
2. Ground: Remove the wing nut marked GND. Connect your central station ground to the screw and screw the wing nut back on.
   Image: Diagram showing a ground connection symbol with a wing nut.
3. Speakers: Connect powered stereo speakers to the jack marked PWR-SPKR using a 1/8" stereo TRS plug.
   Image: Diagram showing amplified speakers connected via a 1/8" stereo audio plug to a jack labeled PWR-SPKR.
4. Power Supply: The supplied power cable is shipped with Anderson Powerpole® connectors on each end. If your power supply does not accept Powerpole connectors, you may want to cut off the Powerpole connectors from one end and install your own connectors in order to connect the power cable to your power supply. A power supply capable of 13.8V@25 amps is required. The RED wire is positive and the BLACK wire is negative. Double check these connections. With your power supply OFF, gently insert the Anderson Powerpole® connector of the DC power cable into the connector on the back of the transceiver.
   Image: Diagram showing a 13.8V, 25A power supply connected via a power cable with Anderson Powerpole connectors.
5. Ethernet Connection: Connect one end of the supplied CAT 5e Ethernet cable to the FLEX-8X00. The other end of the CAT 5e Ethernet cable should be connected to your router (preferred). The FLEX-8x00 can be connected directly to a Windows computer if you do not have a wired Ethernet network in your shack. In this configuration, certain SmartSDR features may not be available.
   Image: Diagram showing a LAN or PC Ethernet port.

For a more detailed description of connecting a FLEX-8X00 to a LAN or directly to your PC, please refer to the HelpDesk article "How to Connect Your FLEX-6X00 or FLEX-8X00 to a LAN" (https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/202118558-How-to-Connect-your-FLEX-6000-FLEX-8000-to-a-LAN).

If you have questions about connecting your FLEX-8x00 to your network, please open a HelpDesk support ticket for assistance.

Front Panel Connections

1. Microphone: Connect the 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS FHM-3 microphone plug or other pin compatible dynamic microphone to the microphone jack. (Note: For EU customers, contact your distributor or FlexRadio EU Representative regarding microphone recommendations.)
   Image: Diagram showing a microphone icon labeled MIC.
2. Phones (Headphones): Connect a pair of stereo headphones to the jack marked Phones using a 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS plug. This connection is optional if you are using Stereo Speakers connected to the back panel.
   Image: Diagram showing headphones connected via a 1/8" stereo plug to a jack labeled PHONES.
3. Key/Paddles/Keyer: Connect your CW paddles, keyer or straight key to the jack marked KEY using a 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS plug. Optionally you can use a 1/8" mono (TS) plug for connecting a straight key. For paddles or a keyer, connect the TRS tip to DOT, Ring to DASH and Sleeve to common. For a straight key, using a TRS plug, connect TRS tip to KEY and Sleeve to common. Do NOT connect the TRS Ring. If using a TS plug with a straight key, connect the tip to KEY and the Sleeve to common.
   Image: Diagram showing jacks labeled KEY, MIC, and PHONES.
4. GNSS Antenna: Connect the supplied GNSS antenna to the connector labeled GPS ANT. For optimal operation, an unobstructed view of the horizon is recommended.
   Image: Diagram showing a GPS antenna connected to a port labeled GPS ANT.

3.0 Getting to Know Your FLEX-8X00 Signature Series Radio

This section provides a description of the FLEX-8X00 front and rear panel controls and connectors.

FLEX-8400 and FLEX-8600 Front Panel

Image: Front panel of the FLEX-8400/FLEX-8600 radio with numbered controls.

• 1 Power Button with colored LED status indicator

FLEX-8400M / FLEX-8600M Front Panel

Image: Front panel of the FLEX-8400M/FLEX-8600M radio with numbered controls.

• 1 Power Button
• 2 Eight inch multiple touch sensitive HD color display
• 3 VFO A multi-function control for audio level, AGC Threshold, Squelch and audio Solo operation
• 4 VFO A multi-function control for receiver filter bandwidth
• 5 VFO B multi-function control for audio level, AGC Threshold, Squelch and audio Solo operation
• 6 VFO B multi-function control for receiver filter bandwidth
• 7 Manual transmit (MOX) button
• 8 Tune (TUNE) button
• 9 ATU on / tune / bypass button
• 10 Microphone level, key speed, transmitter power and TX menu multi-function control
• 11 Function key, 1 through 6
• 12 VFO A Receiver enable button
• 13 VFO A Transmitter enable button
• 14 VFO B Receiver enable button
• 15 VFO B Transmitter enable button
• 16 A copy to B (A>B); B tracks A (A>>B)
• 17 VFO A RIT/XIT indicator
• 18 VFO A Tuning knob, VFO A menu / clear control
• 19 VFO B tuning knob, VFO B menu / clear control
• 20 VFO A and B tuning step control button
• 21 VFO A and B tuning lock button
• 22 VFO B RIT/XIT indicator

FLEX-8400/8400M or FLEX-8600M/8600M Rear Panel

Image: Rear panel of the FLEX-8400/8400M or FLEX-8600M/8600M radio with numbered connectors.

• 1 Transceiver Antenna Ports #1: SO-239
• 2 Transceiver Antenna Ports #2: SO-239
• 3 Peripheral Connections (1/8" - 3.5mm) for speaker, keyer, phones, mic. NOTE: BAL IN is for FLEX-8600/8600M ONLY
• 4 Accessory Connector: DB-15HD - see pin out in the FLEX-8000 Hardware Reference Manual
• 5 GNSS Antenna port
• 6 Note: 1PPS Connection is NOT used on the FLEX-8400/FLEX-8400M or on the FLEX-8600/FLEX-8600M
• 7 Gigabit Ethernet Port and USB Accessory Sockets
• 8 Connection for an External Display (only available on M models)
• 9 GPS Disciplined Oscillator 10MHz Input/Output (Use of the 10MHz Input requires the factory installed GPSDO option)
• 10 Transverter B output socket and RXB antenna socket. Only available on the FLEX-8600 / FLEX-8600M)

4.0 Installing SmartSDR for Windows Application

The SmartSDR™ for Windows application is the software used to interface with the FLEX-8X00 radio hardware for viewing RF spectrum and controlling the radio. It must be installed before you can start using your FLEX-8X00 or FLEX-8X00M with a Windows PC. For more details, we recommend you refer to the SmartSDR for Windows Software User's Guide available via our website.

Step 1: Obtaining SmartSDR for Windows Software

SmartSDR for Windows software is obtained by downloading the installer from the FlexRadio website: https://www.flexradio.com/ssdr-for-windows/

Step through the offered list of software to find the latest version (the version with the largest version number), then click on it to start the download.

If you need to install .NET Framework 4.0, the SmartSDR for Windows Installer will attempt to download the necessary software from the Internet. Alternately, you can download it directly from Microsoft using this web link BEFORE installing SmartSDR for Windows: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=17718

Run Windows Update after installing .NET Framework 4.0 to ensure all the required patches and security updates are applied.

Step 2: Installing the Software

Double click the SmartSDR for Windows installer (for instance, SmartSDR_v3.8.x_Installer.exe) to begin the software installation process. You may see a Security Warning as shown in the images below.

Image: User Account Control prompt asking "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" with "SmartSDR Setup" and publisher information.

Click Run to continue.

Note: the SmartSDR Installer will automatically detect your Windows® version and will notify you if it does not meet the minimum operating system requirements.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing the License Agreement.

To accept the license agreement, click on the "I accept the agreement" radio button and then click NEXT.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing Select Components.

Click NEXT to continue.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing Select Destination Location.

The Select Destination Location screen is now displayed as shown below. It is recommended that you use the default installation location, as it will use the Windows recommended location for the application files. You may, however, choose an alternate location.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing Select Additional Tasks.

Click NEXT to continue.

The Select Additional Task screen is displayed as shown below. It is recommended that you leave the "Create a desktop shortcut" option checked to provide a convenient way of starting SmartSDR for Windows from your Windows Desktop.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing Ready to Install.

Click INSTALL to continue.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing the Installing process.

The Installing screen will be displayed showing the files being loaded.

After the application files have been installed, additional drivers may be installed.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing Completing the SmartSDR Setup Wizard.

After a few moments, the Completing the SmartSDR Setup Wizard screen will be displayed as shown below. It is highly recommended that you review the SmartSDR for Windows Release Notes, any time you update your software, as they contain important information regarding the features and operation for a specific release.

If you want to start the SmartSDR for Windows application after the SmartSDR Installer has completed, leave the "Launch SmartSDR" option checked.

Image: SmartSDR Setup screen showing a prompt to restart the computer.

Click FINISH when you have made your selections.

Note: If hardware or virtual hardware drivers were loaded as part of the installation process, the screen shown above will not be displayed. You will be prompted to reboot your computer as shown in the image below to ensure that the newly installed drivers have been properly installed and initialized. If prompted, reboot your PC before connecting to your FLEX-8X00 Series radio.

Step 3: Starting the SmartSDR for Windows Application for the First Time

Turn on the 13.8 VDC power supply that is connected to the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series SDR. Start the FLEX-8X00 or FLEX-8X00M by momentarily pressing, then releasing the power button.

The FLEX-8400M and FLEX-8600M SDRs have a front panel display that initially shows the FlexRadio, Inc. logo and then the text "Loading..." along with a green flashing power button when booting up. Once the FLEX-8X00 is ready, the power button will be either solid green for units without a GPSDO installed or will have an amber or blue LED, which may be solid or flashing depending on the initialization state of the GPSDO.

Locate the SmartSDR application icon on your desktop as shown below and double click on it to launch SmartSDR for Windows. (Note: your software version number may vary.)

Image: SmartSDR application icon on a desktop.

The SmartSDR Radio chooser dialog will appear and your radio should be listed. If you don't see your radio, double check your network connection and network setting.

Image: SmartSDR Radio chooser dialog showing FLEX-8600 as available.

To start SmartSDR, double click the radio in the Radios area of the dialog box or click the radio once and then press the CONNECT button that appears at the bottom of the screen. "Available" indicates that you may connect to the radio.

Step 4: Operating Your FLEX-8X00/8X00M Transceiver

The SmartSDR console will be displayed with one (1) High Definition Panafall Spectrum Display and one Slice Receiver tuned to 14.100.000 MHz as shown below.

Image: SmartSDR console interface showing spectrum display and receiver controls.

To TUNE the receive slice to another frequency click the BAND button on the left hand side of the spectrum display then click the desired band. For further options on how to tune a slice receiver (drag tuning, click tuning, direct frequency entry, etc.) please refer to the SmartSDR for Windows User Guide.

To set the operating MODE:

1. On the slice receive control panel, click current MODE (USB, LSB, CW, AM, SAM, DIGU, DIGL, RTTY, FM, NFM, DFM). To display the mode and the filter selection menu.
2. Right click on the mode drop down box to select your operating mode. See the example shown below. Note that you can select and display three (3) additional "favorite" MODEs by right-clicking the displayed MODE and choosing your favorite from the drop down menu.

Image: Dropdown menu showing various operating modes like DIGU, USB, CW, AM with filter bandwidth options.

To Transmit in SSB Mode:

1. Ensure the radio is connected to a DC power supply and a known-good antenna or dummy load.
2. Select a band, frequency, and the SSB mode (LSB or USB).
3. Adjust the RF power slider control for the desired RF output. The range is 0 to 100 watts.
4. Connect the FHM-3 to the MIC Input and PTT connector on the rear of the radio.
5. Press the PTT switch on the microphone and speak in a normal voice.
6. Adjust the MIC slider control for the desired microphone level. Do NOT exceed -5 dBFS on voice peaks on the LEVEL meter.
7. For additional talk power, click the PROC button and adjust the slider for the desired level. It is recommended to always use PROC set to the normal or DX setting.
8. If you want to hear your transmitted audio, click on the MON (monitor) button and adjust the level with the slider to the right of the button to a comfortable listening level. Headphones are recommended to prevent audio feedback issues.

Congratulations! Your FLEX-8X00 or FLEX-8X00M is receiving and transmitting signals. Please refer to the FLEX-8X00 Signature Series Hardware Manual and SmartSDR Software Manual, which are available for this radio, for instructions and additional information regarding the operation of your FLEX-8X00 / FLEX-8X00M Signature Series SDR.

Notes and Compliance

CE marking is present.

Declaration of Conformity:

Equipment: HF/50MHz Amateur Radio Transceiver Series, Base Station

Brand Name: FlexRadio, Inc.

Type: FLEX-8400, FLEX-8400M, FLEX-8600, FLEX-8600M

FlexRadio, Inc. - U.S.A, Austin, TX, USA, August 5, 2024.

Declares on its sole responsibility that this equipment complies with the essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU and that applicable standards have been met.

Regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): EN 301 489-1, EN 301 489-15, FCC Part 15B/ICES-003.

Wireless: ETSI EN 301 783, MPE per RSS-102, FCC Part 2.1091, and IEC 62311.

Regarding Safety: IEC 62368-1:2014 including US, CA, CENELEC national differences.

RoHS Directive: Complies with DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU regarding the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Standard used: Technical Documentation (RoHS): EN 50581: 2012.

Person Responsible: Matt Youngblood, President & CEO, FlexRadio, Inc.

Contact Information

FlexRadio, Inc. - U.S.A

4616 W. Howard Lane

Ste. 8-860

Austin, TX 78728

U.S.A.

Phone: 512-535-4713

Email: sales@flexradio.com, info@flexradio.com

Website: www.flexradio.com