Review discrepancy between Flex-1500 & Flex-3000

[W7SMJ]

I'm trying to decide if I should try out SDR.  If I decide to take the plunge I'm going to decide between a SDR-IQ, a Flex-1500 or a Flex-3000.  Obviously the SDR-IQ is receive only, but it will display 192Khz of bandwidth which is better than either of the Flex radios and most seem to be happy with Spectravue.

Anyway, my real question is why the reviews of the Flex-1500 are so much lower than the Flex-3000?  Is it strictly the CW issues?  Does it have anything to do with USB 2.0 vs. Firewire?

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated!

73,
Scott

[W7SMJ]

Hi Stan,

Thanks for the feedback.  The 5000 is a bit more than I can justify spending at this time.  Actually the 3000 is too, but I could justify it if it was a good rig.  I had not heard about the fan noise issue, thanks for the tip!

I would be interested in the 1500 owner's experience.  You can email me at: w7smj at yahoo dot com

73,
Scott

[WD5FUN]

I have owned a 1500 for several months now and have experienced no real problems other than CW prior to the .016 update to the software.  Since the last software update everything has worked perfectly for me.  It is an amazing rig and nothing priced close to it can hold a candle to it.  Which would I buy?  Well if you are not looking for a QRP rig, then I would definitly buy the 3000.  The 1500 is a great QRP rig, but if you are wanting to run 100 watts and need an antenna tuner, it is probably cheaper to buy the 3000 after buying an amplifier and auto tuner.  Only a few people have had problems loading the Flex software, and the guys at flex will walk you through any problems you might have.  Should you be afraid of the 1500?  Absolutely not!