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Reviews For: FlexRadio POWER GENIUS XL

Category: Amplifiers: RF Power - HF & HF+6M

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Review Summary For : FlexRadio POWER GENIUS XL
Reviews: 29MSRP: $6995
Description:
Legal Limit Solid State Amplifier
Product is in production
More Info: http://flexradio.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
75294.7
K9CRT Rating: 2023-03-11
Military Quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After many years of tube amps including a new Alpha 8410 I finally pulled the trigger for this amp. I have been rewarded with a product I feel is 2nd to none. If you own a Flex the setup for this PGXL is wonderful. Simply run the provided network cable from the amp to your router and choose your radio from a list in the setup menu and you are ready. It also has provisions for all radio's other than Flex. The power output of this amp will exceed legal limit from 160-6 meters. In addition at my station I have found this amp is not nervous concerning SWR up to 3.1. A few people have concerns about the fan noise however I don't find it a problem with me, with the amp on my desktop. See my station picture on QRZ it sits less than 15inch from me. If you are considering a solid state amp IMO this is the only one for a lifetime of operation and super support from Flex right here in the good old USA.

3/11/2023
At this date I have owned for over a year the PGXL and not one hiccup. I use it on digital, ssb, up to legal limit daily. One thing I have noted this amp requires much more drive than many Solid State amps. At my station on 75 m ssb it needs 55-60 w drive for legal limit on my LP-700 meter. Never a problem and perhaps only my amp with my Flex 6600m driving it but I often hear other hams with a Mercury or other name brands requiring only 20w for full output. Again let me repeat this amp is constructed beyond commercial quality, just take the top cover off and you will be totally amazed what’s inside.
W2PP Rating: 2023-03-09
Some good but problems persist 2022 Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Update March 2023
Eurica, they have the ICOM stuff working rock rock rock solid now. The amp is a CHAMP. Works with other brands as well. What a terrific piece of engineering. She's a keeper!!!!!


Update Feb 2022
I had a long talk with Dan at Flex, he again reassured me they are working on a fix for the ICOM comm issues.
I'm not completely sure what they have in mind will work. I understood them to say if you have more than
two items on a CIV line things don't work. That is not my experience and inconsistent with the TGXL performing perfectly in that very situation. I have more than 5 things on that line, no problem. Well we'll see a release is being developed, not ready for prime time .....
stay tuned.

Update Jan 2022
Very disappointed Flex I know has the software to fix the poor utterly unreliable communication between this amp and my many ICOM radios but clearly just isn’t going to do it. They never longer even pretend to be working on a fix. My opinion is they will orphan this issue and never touch it.

QSK not going to happen either.

RF output accuracy compared to LP700 way off.

Fan noise no better.

My experience with Flex is once they lose interest in issues it’s over

While RF sense works it’s a pain when in a contest situation where your band changing quickly.
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I have been very tough on Flex, see my 6700 review update. I had to be tough on them to take it back and they ultimately did so.

The PGXL, however, is a mighty different story. I sold both my KPA 1500 and Expert 2k-FA after I had this amp for a bit.

First, its built like the old Alpha ETO brand stuff, like a brick on key type amp.

So the mechanical side is very very good. Layout is excellent. One nit pick the on off button is on the back, but I leave it on all the time so it doesn't really matter. It draws nil in standby anyway and dims the display.

Regarding hook up, that is cake and intuitive. You really don't need to read any manual to be up and running in a a few minutes. Loading the app is cake and the app finds the amp on your local net work. I am running the amp with an ICOM IC 7851 and a Kenwood TS 890. The amp finds the radios OK, the IC 7851, is not yet reliable as far as following the frequency UNLESS for some reason I run HRD Rig control at the same time and then its rock solid. Flex is aware of that and has a new update pending. Its trivial anyway as the amp is RF sensing.

The app is nice and very easy to read across the room. My only nit pick here is, it would be nice to have it always on top of the stack of programs, again trivial.

The apo provides all the data you need and allows you to move the amp from standby to operate in a snap.

Running two different radios is a delight. Saves a TON of money and the isolation between the two radios is complete. I use band pass filters of course as the antennas aren't !!!!

Its beyond cool to snap back and forth between radios the amp follows immediately and instantly.

Power out is as advertised on all but 20 meters where I can only get about 1600 watts, actually I think they tell you that on their web page.

Fan noise, well I have had just about every amp that was made in the last 30 years. I'm a little surprised people mention it as an issue as I do not find it that bad. My Acom 2000a was certainly louder and I didn't find that a problem. The KPA 1500 under max load over time was clearly louder and under more normal circumstances, and they way I used it, the fans were virtually never on. IN brief I just do not find the fan noise any issue at all.

Regarding operating, my Expert 2k-FA always dropped the power in digital modes where this amp does NOT do that. Full output all the time no issue at all.

One hole, at least for now, is the amp unlike all the others does NOT have an antenna tuner built in. Now until they release the tuner genious this is an issue if you have high SWR antennas. You'll either need two tuners or live with it. You need a tuner for each of the outputs. For me its a non issue on most all bands except 75 meters. My antennas are all very well tuned to the frequencies of interest to me. But, if you have high SWR antennas as I said, an antenna tuner or two will be required. Over 1.5 SWR the amp starts to draw down power to protect itself.

The antenna genious may ship later this summer per flex and handles BOTH outputs so that will be a must have accessory down the line. Lets hope they actually ship it!!!!

Frankly this is the only amp you should buy, it will last a lifetime, provide all the power your every going to need in all modes, will work RELIABLY with two different manufacturer radios, and I gather seamlessly with a Flex of any type. For DXpeditions this would be the only amp I'd want as its fairly light, surprisingly so.

Two thumbs up for this amplifier which I believe will be the last amp I'll ever buy and will NEVER sell.

Peter
W2PP
G2YT Rating: 2023-03-05
Really good amplifier - Seamless with the Flex 6000 series Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Updated March 2023. I have owned quite a few linear amplifiers over the years. At the moment I own an SPE 2K and the PGXL. If I had not downloaded the more recent versions of firmware for the PGXL compared to how it was supplied originally I would not have given it a 'Great' review. These firmware updates have addressed several issues which I was not aware of, but the most significant change to original seem to have been the improvement to the thermal management. Another reviewer had commented that it was like having a 'threshing machine' in the shack, and, by comparison to the SPE 2K I would have to agree. The SPE is significantly quieter in any circumstances.

Since I have owned the PGXL there has been at least one firmware update which has reduced the noise from the cooling fans. The most recent update was Feb 23. It remains fairly noisy from a cooling fan perspective, but as I bought the PGXL primarily for remote operation the noise is of no concern to me.

An observation... since the most recent firmware update I have noticed that the act of switching from Standby to Operate causes a small increase in heatsink temerature as the transistors start to draw a little current (4 Amps). Not sure why this was done (its obviously intentional) but equally I don't have problem with it. If left alone for a few minutes the current drain is removed and the heatsink cools to ambient. The current drain initiated by switching from Standby to Operate is often sufficient to kick the cooling fans into low-mode which is the only reason that I noticed it.

An oddity that I had noticed before the Feb 23 firmware update is that the amplifier suddenly changed its input requirement in order to obtain a given output. At some unknown whim it would suddenly require about twice the drive power to get the required output level. Since the last firmware update the drive level to get any specific output has reduced to the lower drive level. When connected to a dummy load I can obtain full output (about 1750 - 1850W) with 20 - 22 Watts of drive. Before the update this could be as high as 40w in order to get the same output. So far the drive requirment after the Feb 23 firmware update has remained stable.

My number one criticism of the PGXL (and TGXL) is that in order to configure the PGXL to be 'seen' by SmartSDR or to be able to upload new firmware to the PGXL you need to have a PC... I use a Mac for all my other needs, including SmartSDR for remote operation and this meant that I had to buy a PC running Windoze operating system just to be able to get the Flex functioning with Flex ancillary equipment like the PGXL and TGXL which was very irritating!


Others have commented on the very good build quality so I will not repeat here. Yes, it feels like MilSpec equipment.
VE3JM Rating: 2023-02-08
Excellent! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this amplifier for about a year and a half with absolutely no issues. It works well with Flex 6600 in SO2R mode and also when operating remote. Easy to set it up and control it.
E72X Rating: 2023-01-14
PGXL awesome linear amplifier Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
First of all, I am not a Flex user, but I am fully aware that after 38 years in HAM radio, I can claim that this is the first linear amplifier that not only amplifies the signal, but is also linear.
The amplifier is built like a tank and the SO2R operation capability as well as the MeffA algorithm give it a special tone, why it belongs to the best amplifier in the world.
9A8FF Rating: 2022-12-14
PGXL is simply the best Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
What to say?
Robust and professional amplifier, with no compromise.
I used almost all amplifiers available on the market. PGXL is simply category several levels above all. Any comparison with any other model makes no sense.
Price? Investing in a new amplifier is serious decision. PGXL is life time product, and it worth much more than you will pay for it.
W4ABF Rating: 2022-10-09
Finally! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Update: 100922 I've used this amp daily for more than 18 months now - not a blip (except the one listed previously). I've considered other amps - the only one IMO that comes close is also built in Germany - but is not SO2R. With the Flex - I get two amps in one.
Update: 020522 I've heard some complaints about the noise generated by this amp. I am noise averse and would have dumped this amp a day after it arrived if it was a problem for me. I own a couple of IT companies and go to extremes for my clients to design the computers (especially servers) to run quieter. Yes, the amp makes noise. No, I am not hearing challenged. I use it beside my desk so there is a bit of wood between me and the amp. If it was a serious problem for me, I would locate it my garage shop where my coax enters my house - no problem. Note - my manual said a 20ms TX delay was not needed if using LAN with the amp and my 6600M (which I do) so I left it at zero. The engineers said that was likely what caused a filter and the finals to fail. The updated manual corrects this - so when you set it up - no matter the radio you use - set the TX delay for 20ms and save yourself some down time.

The long awaited Flex Genius arrived 3 days ago so I've had a few days to put it through it's paces with FT4/8 and SSB. It took maybe 5 minutes to get online after connecting 2 coax connectors, a network cable, and a power cable. Load the software - and if you have a Flex (I have a 6600M) it's straightforward. The software mirrors the front panel of the amp. As well, a Power Genius XL panel is integrated in the SDR software. Remote operation is a snap. I did have a question about AAB vs AB and Meffa for the tech department and they were very helpful. Not to worry if you don't have a Flex radio - there are enough connectors for other rigs as well. I will eventually connect my Utica 650 and SB202 via an Ameritron ARB-704. The amp comes with a quick start guide and a spiral bound user manual - in color. How often do manufactures include manuals nowadays? (In full disclosure - if I had bothered to read it I would not have needed to contact tech support.) All of the good things other operators have written are true. It will run on 120V (at 1/2 the output) - I use 240. Just attach the appropriate connector to the supplied power cable and you're in business. Also included is a network cable. The amp is built like a tank and it runs cool and quiet - especially considering the heat generated at 1500W. There are 3 fan/cooling modes to keep the temp down - Standard, Contest, and Broadcast. I find that Standard (quietest) works fine for SSB and FT4 - I use Contest mode for FT8. It is sizeable (think 3U server RM case) so I just sat it by my desk (it is rack mountable with an add on kit). I have resonant antennas for 6-20M so only need my tuner (KAT500) for 40/80. I will order the Flex Tuner when it becomes available later this year as the Elecraft is only rated 1000W at 3:1 and my Carolina Windom 80 is anything but resonant. This is only my 3rd amp - I've had a SB-220 and currently have a KPA 500 (which is now sitting on a shelf) so haven't a lot of experience with different amps. This one is a keeper. My amp search has ended and after considering the competition I'm confident I made the correct decision for my needs. Your mileage may vary.
NO9E Rating: 2022-09-28
Impressive integration but less impressive operation Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The amp is very easy to interface with Flex 6600 and TG XL tuner - just with Ethernet cables. It is the only amp on the market designed for SO2R.

I hoped that the amp would make 1.5 KW with ease but it struggles to do so and requires up to 70W of input. Cannot reach full power with SWR of 1.5:1. Very quiet fan initially but loud after a minute.

Settings called MEEFA designed to increase efficiency in CW sometimes result in very large current and low efficiency.

I was told that a new firmware with automatic calibration may fix some of they issues.
W9FMC Rating: 2022-07-11
Fantastic! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Although expensive, this amplifier rocks! It makes a lot of power with relatively low drive, 45 watts will give ya 1500 all day.

I've used it on both continuous duty modes as well as SSB and it just keeps on giving. I'm very impressed with how it handled 100% duty cycle modes like AM.

The amplifier is beautifully designed and built like a tank. Now, longevity will tell the story on how rugged it is down the road.

For now, there's nothing negative I can find with this amplifier. Update too follow.
K9ZW Rating: 2022-05-18
Exceptional Performer in an all FlexRadio setup! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Having run two PGXL amps for over four years, with the last year each amp teamed up with the TGXL tuner, I am thoroughly thrilled with my purchases.

As I type this review I am running my home QTH Flex-6700/PGXL/TGXL setup remotely. I can turn on the Amp at will through SmartSDR along with some basic controls and monitoring. It is expected that I will have the same control over the TGXL tuner in a future SmartSDR release.

The PGXL amps displaced my Alpha 9500 amps, which have been paired with other radios. The TGXL tuners replaced Palstar AT-Auto tuners which have either been put to other use, or are on my spares shelf.

I had sold my Expert 1.3K in the runup to the PGXL delivery, along with most of my Alpha 78 amps.

As I have participated in FlexRadio’s beta (early adopter) testing on some of these products, I have experienced more than the normal buyer’s software updates and in some cases upgrades along the way.

Where my stations are right now with General Release software is simply awesome when contrasted to my station ten years ago.

Really like the performance I get from the PGXL when combined with the Flex-6700 transceiver and TGXL tuner.