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Reviews For: SmartSDR for Mac OS

Category: Ham Software/Apps - Other than logging

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Review Summary For : SmartSDR for Mac OS
Reviews: 4MSRP: As shown on local Apple Store
Description:
Software for allowing access to full features of Flex Radio 6000 series radios using Mac operating system
Product is in production
More Info:
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1545
G2YT Rating: 2023-03-03
Superb access to Flex 6000 series radios using a Mac Time Owned: more than 12 months.
As a dedicated Mac user, I was drawn to the Flex Radio 6000 series transceivers when I decided that I wanted to be able to operate remotely using my MacBook computer. I invested in a Flex 6400M and a Flex PGXL linear amplifier because SmartSDR for Mac appeared to be the best of the very limited number of options for remote operation by Mac users. I have subsequently (December 2022) added the Flex Tuner Genius which is also operated well by SmartSDR for Mac.

I found getting used to using the computer to drive the radio involved quite a bit of 'settling in', but it was well worth the effort. I did not have any experience of other remote apps for operating remote radios, but I am completely blown away by the facilities and features of SmartSDR for iOS. Initially I used a low-cost Yamaha CM500 'gaming' headset for phone, plugged into a USB port on the MacBook using 2 x 1/8"/3mm stereo plugs to USB-C adaptor and I got reports of good TX audio. After gaining experience with the app (and getting tangled in the connection cable for the headset - nearly causing disaster for the MacBook!) I decided that a Bluetooth gaming headset was the way to go, but this presented some issues. It was easy to connect any PC type Bluetooth headset to the Mac, but it was not so straightforward to get SmartSDR to be driven and drive the Bluetooth mic and headset. Ultimately I could always get a solid ‘connection’ both ways but it could necessitate a bit of a ‘fight’ to do so. After discussing this with Marcus he suggested the cure was to use the Apple AirPods Max headset (something to do with versions of Bluetooth used on Apple and other devices) The AirPods Max provide seamless integration with the MacBook and SmartSDR coupled with superb TX (and RX) audio (which demanded significant changing the TX audio settings in the app).

The display screen looks similar to the Windoze version of SmartSDR. It embodies the same features, and I suspect a few more (RTTY RX/TX CW RX/TX, Fax, FT8, FT4 etc).

Perhaps the MOST important/significant thing I can comment on is the TRULY OUTSTANDING and untiring level of backup and support provided by Marcus DL8MRE who produced both versions of SmartSDR (and other apps like the terrific SDRControl for operating current Icom radios with the Mac). I have contacted him on quite a few occasions for assistance and to offer suggestions... Without fail he answered my questions very quickly (often late at night and even when he was on his holidays) and either incorporated modifications that I had suggested or pointed out what I was doing wrong or not understanding. As an example of the former, when I realised that there was a 'scaling' issue with the output power indicated on the app and the Flex Power Genius amplifier he immediately addressed and corrected the issue. Further, I was having connection issues with my previous Dynamic IP internet home system when remotely connecting to the Flex Genius devices (but not the radio). I installed a Static IP system (early 2023) and then had issues with setting the Port Forwarding for those devices. Again… Marcus showed astonishing patience and perseverance with helping me set the appropriate Port Forwarding settings (while he was on holiday). I now have a ‘bomb-proof’ reliable remote interface to my Flex 6400M radio when travelling the world. I know its not just me who holds DL8MRE in such high regard because I have spoken to several amateur operators around the globe who have expressed the same comment in their dealings with this amazing fellow.

SmartSDR for Mac offers pretty much any facility/mode and method of operation that any operator could wish for, so I won’t list them all again here. Suffice to say they all work.

Here is a comment which is not directly aimed at the app, but more in regard to the Flex 6000 radio… In an earlier version of my reviews on SmartSDR for Mac and the 6400M radio itself I had commented that the radio is noisy (it had a difficult to mitigate ‘frying’ noise) compared to my IC7851. Whilst it is still not as quiet as the Icom, this noise issue seems to have been largely addressed in an early 2023 version of firmware update for the radio which is most welcome. Thank you Flex.

I also have experience of SmartSDR using my iPad. It certainly works, but I tend not to use it as my main connection to the Flex radio.

It is now possible to update radio firmware direct using this Mac app, but regretfully the manufacturers of the Flex Genius devices still require a Windoze PC to update them. I don’t understand why 4O3A (who make these ‘Genius’ devices) don’t seem to realise that there is a growing number of amateur operators who use Macs.
AD7EF Rating: 2022-01-30
Way beyond Windows SmartSDR Time Owned: more than 12 months.
All the functionality of SmartSDR for Windows, and a lot more!!

Release 2.0.03 (11/2/21) and later run on M1 Macs & Intel Macs.

Band-plan color coding under the spectrum display is really convenient.

There's built-in ft8 operation.

Remote CW operation is supported, with no need for an external keyer... connect your paddle directly to the DB-9 pins on a USB-to-serial adaptor plugged into your Mac.

All of the above plays real nice with Mac logging software, especially RUMlog NG.

And, you don't need a separate Windows PC (or virtual Windows) to update the radio firmware.
NO9E Rating: 2021-09-30
Makes Flex comfortable when remote Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
When operated remote, SmartSDR for Windows has >= 0.5 s lag that makes operating uncomfortable, especially when tuning and contesting. SmartSDR for Mac has a minimal lag. If one needs knobs and buttons, the program supports inexpensive MIDI devices. I use DJ2GO2 and its operation is very smooth, like with a knobbed radio. Marcus answers all questions fast and updates the program regularly. The program includes many utilities including FT8 and a logbook, and also implements voice memories that are missing in the Windows version.

My most comfortable setup for contesting is SmartSDR for Mac on a Mac, DJ2GO2, and N1MM via Teamviewer by PC at the station. Small lag, knobs and stability.

Recently I operated in IS0 using KX2. Then I connected to my station in GA with SmartSDR for Mac via a cell phone, and had QSOs between NO9E and IS0/NO9E in both CW and SSB. Worked pretty well.
KK8ZZ Rating: 2021-05-12
Makes SmartSDR Shine! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Finally SmartSDR for Mac! Like most Mac software, installation was quick and easy. The interface for FT8 is slightly different than WSJT-X upon which it is based, but it seems more intuitive and easy to use. The digital modes are well integrated with the SmartSdr/Mac as is the logging program, which I feel is better than HRD or MacLoggerDX, my previous "best ham program". The cost includes free upgrades forever. If you have a Mac, or have been holding back on buying one because there was no great ham radio program for it, your wait is over! HIGHLY recommended!