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Author Topic: Flex 5000C  (Read 278 times)

WA8JNM

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Flex 5000C
« on: May 26, 2021, 01:40:47 PM »

I have Flex 5000C which I haven't used in years. It would be fun, I think, to fire it up again. However, I'll need to buy a new computer to use with it. Two questions:

1. Will it run on Windows 10? (Years ago I ran it under Windows 7. The old computer no longer works, so I'll need to buy a new one.)

2. I'm uncertain of which FireWire card to purchase. I found an indication that the radio requires a 6-pin 1394e card. On Amazon I find three or four FireWire cards, each made by Eliater, but the specs indicate that the boards have either 3 ports or 4 ports, not 6. Can someone recommend an appropriate card?

Thanks for reading.

Dave
WA8JNM
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K0DBH

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Re: Flex 5000C
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2021, 02:53:25 PM »

Dave,
   Is the Flex actually a 5000C model or a 5000A? The C model is has a built in computer, while the A model requires an external computer. I run a 5000A with Win 10 and KE9NS software, a vast improvement over the stock Flex software, with no problems. As long as the firewire card is compatible with Win 10 and the computer's motherboard, it should work. The number of ports doesn't matter as long as has at least 1 6 pin or 9 pin port. If it has 6 pin ports, a standard 6 pin cable of the appropriate length will suffice. If it has 9 pin ports, you can use a 9 pin to 6 pin cable to connect to the flex (this is what I use). Upgrading the 5000C motherboard is a bit more involved. Hope this helps.
73
Don K0DBH
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N2DTS

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Re: Flex 5000C
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2021, 05:13:52 PM »

They did not sell many of the C versions with the built in computer.
No reason why it would not work for as long as the hardware functions but I would NOT upgrade it or hook it up to the internet.
Windows 7 is no longer supported and the licence key may be expired.
Windows 10 may not support all the hardware.
You might be able to put a new motherboard in, but did the radio run off 12 volts or 120 volts?
Most desk tops run off 120, laptops can be 20 volt or whatever...
Could you bring out the firewire and run a C model radio on a modern computer?
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