Pages: [1] 2   Go Down

Author Topic: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"  (Read 23551 times)

K0OD

  • Member
  • Posts: 3039

"Dear FlexRadio customers:


FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19
Release Candidate 1 (RC1) for public download from our website.  This
version incorporates a totally new CW keying architecture that was written
from the ground up to achieve minimum jitter and latency using both internal
and external keyers.   To say this is a rewrite is a bit of an
understatement.  We got out Farnsworth and started from “dit.”  Everything
is right now in “PARIS.”


We have also done significant work since the v2.0.16 beta release to improve
installation and overall out of box experience on all radios.  We have
optimized the USB driver for the FLEX-1500 to perform well on a wide range
of PC platforms.  We have also incorporated a new FireWire driver with less
CPU overhead on Windows 7 systems.  The number of little and not so little
bug fixes are too numerous to mention here.  Check out the change log and
release notes.  A note about release notes, PLEASE READ the them to get the
most from your FlexRadio.


The URL for the release notes is:

http://support.flex-radio.com/Downloads.aspx?id=359 "

Logged

N5RWJ

  • Member
  • Posts: 461
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2011, 03:55:20 PM »

Well done, whats new in hardware for 012?
Logged

W6UV

  • Member
  • Posts: 1147
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2011, 10:48:48 PM »

Excellent news. I wish it were a day or two earlier coming out as I dare not install it now right in the middle of the ARRL DX contest on the weekend with no tech support (e.g. Dudley) available in case something goes wrong.

Come 4:00pm (0000 UTC) Sunday afternoon, I'm installing it and giving it a go.
Logged

K0OD

  • Member
  • Posts: 3039
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2011, 11:26:23 PM »

What a gutsy surprise from Austin... "CW Magic" released hours before a major CW contest.  Flex must have confidence in 2.0.19. In 48 hours everyone will know how the long-promised critical upgrade performed in battle! 

My installation went smoothly as usual except that I mistakenly hit the 2.0.8 icon out of habit and used that old beta for two hours in the ARRL test before I noticed my mistake. Keying wasn't too bad, but I was disappointed that the old pops were still there. Doh!

With the K0OD-Mighty-100-Watts-To-A-Vertical-Contest-Station finally using the correct software, I set off on a very lively 40 meter band to knock 'em dead.  At last, the pops and squelch tails seemed to be gone! Keying (about 30 wpm) sounded good. I settled on a 50 ms delay to keep relay chatter down, but the radio did fine at any delay setting, including zero. All keying was done on my external Logikeyer.

I briefly played with the two noise blankers but the bands were too quiet for a test. NR didn't seem to do anything worthwhile.

Tomorrow I'll fire up on six and ten meters which have been especially troublesome in the past. I'd like to also make some contest Qs on each band down to 80 meters before commenting more. But so far, so good.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2011, 12:00:18 AM by K0OD »
Logged

K4WSG

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2011, 05:14:17 PM »

NOTE: When installing 2.019, be sure to disconnect the antenna from the radio until the RX image calibration has completed!!!  ;)
Logged

W4EG

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2011, 10:53:41 AM »

To one and all Flexer’s
 
How about telling the rest, the GOOD side of what we are experiencing with the new PDSR release: And how well our installation and operation has gone.
 
I am not a Flex cheer leader.  However, we should give credit when credit is due.  I have my issues with management at Flex, but I will put those aside for now. 
 
I own one of each of the present productions radios and I run then in different laptops and desktop computers under different versions of Windows.
Yes, I use XP, Vista 32/64 and Windows 7 64bits.  I operate then at home and abroad with absolutely little problems that could not be resolve by an average user.   I am not a geek; I am an average computer enthusiast and an old license ham. 
 
I read most of the Flexedge posting and I notice that the average nit-picker said very little but harps on issues that are easily resolve; if they will just take the time to read the attached notes of the new installation. 

Some time they use a particular device that is unique in their setup.  Then they request management to modify the software so their new widget will work in their operation.  I think this is a bit selfish, to stop everything in order that their needs be care for and the rest of us (silent majority) be put aside. 

I notice this among the new licensees and the ME generation and those want to be.  I often wonder what they do with their aged knobs radio companies. 

Why don’t just ask the forum for help?  There are many that know their INS and OUT of the equipment and are very willing to help without denigrating the Company.  Just remember, if the Company goes out of business the only thing you have left is a BOX, i.e. TT Pegasus, Kachina etc…

Stop sitting on your hands and put them to use instead.  Write your own software or modify the present and submit it to the Company as an alternative.  I am from Missouri (the show me State) your telling me that it should be done this way or that way does not cut it for me.  Then we can move to Wisconsin’s (the forward State)

Best regards,  Ernest – W4EG

 :)
Read the eHam Flex forum and the Flexedge to verify what I am saying…
Logged

K0OD

  • Member
  • Posts: 3039
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2011, 12:10:38 PM »

"This version incorporates a totally new CW keying architecture that was written
from the ground up to achieve minimum jitter and latency using both internal
and external keyers."


So why is 2.0.19 termed a "release candidate" rather than another beta? 

I'd sure like to hear what some CW/contest experts have to say. I encountered some minor problems at 30 wpm for about 150 contest Qs and I'm certainly no CW (or technical) pro. On a subject like this, all opinions aren't equal.

Now back to the ARRL CW DX contest...
Logged

KJ2P

  • Member
  • Posts: 6
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2011, 12:54:33 PM »

From the Flex list:
In case you are not familiar with the term, here is the definition from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycleRelease candidate

The term *release candidate* (*RC*) refers to a version with potential to be
a final product, ready to release unless fatal
bugs<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_bug> emerge.
In this stage of product stabilization, all product features have been
designed, coded and tested through one or more beta cycles with no known
showstopper-class bug.

....
I like it.  I'm not a CW op, so I can't cogently discuss this part of the new release.  I really like the fixes to noise reduction and noise blanking, but Flex says there is even more work to do on wideband image rejection.  I do like what they've done with the filters on DIGU/L- they're now centered on your chosen DIGU/L offset. 


 

Logged

W6UV

  • Member
  • Posts: 1147
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2011, 08:15:20 PM »

Against my better judgement, I decided to install PowerSDR 2.0.19 right smack in the middle of the ARRL CW DX contest. The only thing I did before installing 2.0.19 was to uninstall the Fire Wire driver via the Control Panel. I did not uninstall 2.0.16.

The install went without a hitch. I did not use a tool to migrate my settings, but rather entered them from scratch. The only issue I had was CAT refused to talk to fldigi. I resolved this by disabling CAT and re-enabling it.

I'm not a serious contester. I don't have the antennas to be competitive (100 watts to a vertical isn't exactly a superstation...), so I prefer to hunt and pounce on DX entities that I need (which is most of them, due to a recent move that reset my DXCC status back to ground zero).

I jumped back into the fray Sunday morning with eight hours left to go and sporting the brand new PowerSDR 2.0.19. I didn't use an external keyer, just the built-in CWX memory keyer (99% of my sending was "W6UV" and "TU 5NN CA").

With the speed setting at 30 WPM, I occasionally heard glitches in the CW side tone,  both at the beginning of a transmission and midstream. It was somewhat worse at 40 WPM. I'm sure that occasionally the rig was chopping off the first element of my transmission, because on several instances the other station replied with "M6UV??" (M6UV would be a British callsign, which wouldn't be calling a DX station in this contest.) I had the PTT Delay setting initially at 50msec, later increasing it to 75msec, but still heard occasional glitches in the keying, which I assume went out on the air.

I didn't plug a paddle directly into the F5K's key jack, nor did I try using my external MM3 keyer to see if the rig's side tone was in sync with keyer's. That's something to try in the next few days.

So overall, 2.0.19 seems like an improvement, but there seems to still be a few glitches to work out.

I also verified that the NB actually does something useful now and ANF does as well.

I also like the fact that they've revamped the default filters for digital modes to better match the various modes in use and to better center the filters in the passband.

73, Jerry
Logged

WB5BL

  • Member
  • Posts: 0
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2011, 09:31:55 PM »


My first impressions are positive. Flex has made great strides in the installation of PSDR and this version installed flawlessly. I especially like the auto calibration of the RX's on initial startup. Everything works, I used K9DUR's program to get the basic settings like transmit profiles transferred to 2.0.19.

All worked FB - Note that I did a complete uninstall of my previous PSDR and the Firewire driver.

I sincerely hope that it is a great improvement on CW and that ANF and NR works as well as my last knobbed radio.

It is about time for Flexradio to start living up to their promises...

Stan K9IUQ

If you transferred all your settings, you probably overwrote some of the new default settings. I am personally rather pleased with the new default filters for digital modes.

Yeah, I am quite pleased with the improvements.

73 de Brian, WB6RQN/J79BPL
Logged

WB5BL

  • Member
  • Posts: 0
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2011, 09:37:39 PM »

"This version incorporates a totally new CW keying architecture that was written
from the ground up to achieve minimum jitter and latency using both internal
and external keyers."


So why is 2.0.19 termed a "release candidate" rather than another beta? 


Because they think they have squashed the bugs and that this version could be the 2.0 release unless someone finds a serious bug.

In all probability this will indeed turn out to be a beta and there will be another version. I expect someone will find a bug that is sufficient to cause Flex to fix and re-release. Still, it is nice to know that they are sufficiently confident to suggest that they are really close to releasing 2.0.

73 de Brian, WB6RQN/J79BPL
Logged

W6RMK

  • Member
  • Posts: 680
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2011, 07:33:38 AM »

In all probability this will indeed turn out to be a beta and there will be another version. I expect someone will find a bug that is sufficient to cause Flex to fix and re-release. Still, it is nice to know that they are sufficiently confident to suggest that they are really close to releasing 2.0.

Or, it's getting close to Dayton time? <grin>
(Flex's release schedule for HW and SW, much like other amateur radio vendors, is driven to a certain extent by needing something to show at Hamvention)
Logged

WB5BL

  • Member
  • Posts: 0
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #12 on: February 21, 2011, 09:30:24 AM »


Or, it's getting close to Dayton time? <grin>
(Flex's release schedule for HW and SW, much like other amateur radio vendors, is driven to a certain extent by needing something to show at Hamvention)

I suppose it possible that your are correct but it certainly doesn't feel that way to me. I found that by giving Flex good feedback and helping where I was able, they were very open with me about both their successes and failures in the software. It certainly felt like their focus was on getting it right, not just getting it out.

Now perhaps I am unusual but I have made TWO trips to visit Flex in Austin. I have family in Austin so it is convenient to do so when I travel through on a family visit. On one visit Gerald Youngblood, the President, invited me into his office and asked my opinions about both the hardware and software. He spent at least an hour listening to me. On my second visit, I was there during their weekly status meeting where they go over the status of repairs, software development, support issues, etc. I was surprised that I was not chased out but instead was allowed to remain. I got to see *ALL* the dirty laundry and there was definitely dirty laundry aired in that meeting. What impressed me is that there was no attempt to sweep anything under the rug or make light of anything. It was a bunch of engineers talking about problems and how to fix them.

Now perhaps they were just trying to fool me. If that was the case then they did a REALLY good job and should take up acting rather than engineering. But having designed and built consumer products before, I really think they are trying to put out a good product. If there is any criticism I could level at all it is that they are primarily hardware engineers trying to get a handle on software development, something that is not familiar to all of them. It is clear that they are changing their software development process to be more professional but that is a work in process.

So instead of cynicism and bashing, why not just accept that they are a really small company breaking new ground and are suffering growing pains. I know that, from my experience, I have been treated well. Flex has not tried to hide anything from me when I visited and they have been open to listening to my suggestions.

Oh, and I really like their radios, warts and all. When everything is working, and that is more often than not at this point, IMHO they give really good performance.

73 de Brian, WB6RQN/J79BPL
Logged

W6RMK

  • Member
  • Posts: 680
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #13 on: February 23, 2011, 08:21:41 PM »

Oh...I think the griping is more that Flex (for whatever reasons, and your surmise of hardware people learning to do software is probably a big part of it) has been notorious for promising great things "real soon now" over the years.  Clearly, they didn't live through the exciting early 80s in the PC software business where terms like RSN and vaporware came about.

Sure, they are responsive, in some cases, but not in others.

Sure, they suffer from the same ills of other software development by volunteers: the fun stuff gets worked on, the not-so-fun or not-so-useful-to-the-volunteer doesn't.

Sure, they have enthusiastic developers who can envision far into the future about cool stuff, but have trouble getting the nitty gritty done right.

However, they have to deliver something, sometime, and historically, there has always been a push for Dayton.  New features come out in alpha/beta (working from memory, I'm too lazy to go dredge through copies of archives) in the fall/winter time frame, some work ok, some don't.  Some form of informal triage happens, people put their nose to the grindstone to get a decently stable release out by Dayton time. 

And that makes perfect sense and is hardly unreasonable.  In the government world, you're driven by the Oct 1 Fiscal Year start.  Lots of papers and reports get completed in August and September. Proposals are due in the spring. Big design reviews tend not to occur in the first weeks of October, because everyone ran out of money in the month before.  Academia has its annual rhythm as well..



As for Flex being open and forthcoming... I'd have to say "it depends on what you're asking for".
Not that they're necessarily deliberately obstructive, but some requests might be real low on the priority list for a small company. Just getting a copy of the source code that matches the V1.18.6 demo .exe you could download from the splash page took a week or so of back and forth emails to find the right version that matched.  And that required being VERY familiar with the source code to start with, so you could tell that the source didn't correspond to the .exe version.  I suspect that most people would give up pretty quick.

And if it comes to asking detailed questions about how the signal processing works, or the software architecture... you're pretty much on your own, unless you get lucky. They may be open source, but they sure as heck aren't "open explanation", and as for reading the comments in the code.. well... there just aren't that many, and in a lot of cases they're wrong. (When I was looking at the IQ correction algorithms, most recently). 

Is this good, bad, or indifferent?  It depends on what you're looking for from Flex.  If you want a basically turnkey product that does most of what most people want, and fairly well, then you probably are going to be happy.  If you want to get into nitty gritty discussions of why certain implementations were done.. well, not so happy.  But, on the other hand, it's true that you're not likely to do any better asking customer service at Icom why they chose particular design alternatives.  From that standpoint, Flex is certainly no worse than the major mfrs. 

Probably what gripes most people is that there's an expectation created (probably from the experimental heritage) that Flex would be more open and explanatory than most.  Perhaps in the first couple years.. but when it became a real business..they're pretty much like other businesses.
Logged

N3EVL

  • Member
  • Posts: 102
RE: "FlexRadio is pleased to announce the availability of PowerSDR v2.0.19"
« Reply #14 on: February 24, 2011, 05:43:23 AM »

Probably what gripes most people is that there's an expectation created (probably from the experimental heritage) that Flex would be more open and explanatory than most.  Perhaps in the first couple years.. but when it became a real business..they're pretty much like other businesses.


I think this is pretty much the case.  The early adopters from the experimental days have infinite patience while waiting for new features and fixes; the later customers expect it now.  Flex has the dilema of balancing its response to both camps and trying to keep everyone happy while transitioning into a long-term, profitable business entity and learning the software business, and has had to make adjustments along the way - witness no more svn and no more announced release dates.  Can't say I blame them for that.  In any event, as frustrating as it might be waiting for that much-wanted fix, the bashing and vitriol level (seemingly unique to this SDR forum) is disappointing.
Logged
Pages: [1] 2   Go Up