The FlexRadio 3000 is a compact mid-range software defined radio (SDR) that covers receive frequencies from 0.1-60 MHz with 100W transmit power on 160-6m bands. It supports common digital and analog modes. Measuring 12.5" x 12.5" x 1.75" and weighing 12 lbs, it includes an internal automatic tuner covering 17-150 ohms. The FlexRadio 3000 interfaces with a PC running PowerSDR software for control and features advanced panadapter, waterfall, and filtering capabilities. It provides a flexible platform for experimenting with antennas and digital modes when integrated with additional ham radio software.

1. FlexRadio 3000 Review
By
Mauri Niininen, AG1LE

2. Flex3000 – “Briefcase SDR’
 Compact midrange SDR
 RX – general coverage 0.1 – 60 Mhz
 TX – 100W 160m – 6m bands
 Modes: SSB, CW, AM, SAM, FM,
DRM, SPEC
 ATU: 17 – 150 Ohms (3:1 SWR)
 Steel case: 12.5” x 12.5” x 1.75”
 Price: $1,599

3. Flex3000 - connectors
1.75”
12.5”

4. Flex3000 - inside
ATU ANTENNA Firewire PTT AMP

5. PowerSDR
 Feature rich SDR
software for MS
Windows
 Great pan adapter,
waterfall, filters
 Open Source
 3-4 releases / year
 Easy integration
with other ham
software

6. Software Defined Radio
• Ham Radio Deluxe
◦ Log / DX cluster / CAT /
Digital / Rotator / etc.
 WSPR
◦ Propagation reports
◦ Antenna testing
 Spectrum Lab
◦ Beacon analysis
 Fldigi
◦ Digital modes

7. Example Projects
 Fractal Quad
28MHz
◦ PolarPlot Software
 Antenna radiation
pattern analysis

8. Flex3000 - Conclusions
Pros Cons
 RX / TX Quality  CW latency
 Flexibility  Microsoft Windows
 Small size, stability
portable  Requires PC to
 Open source SW operate
 Integration with  Setup &
other ham software configuration non-
 Great for
trivial, requires PC
experimenting, skills
tinkering  Firewire interface

9. Demo QSOs
 SSB
◦ “Search & Pounce”
◦
 Digital modes
◦ PSK31
◦ JT65A