SmartSDR for your Mac
Available on the Mac AppStore
SDR has never been easier!
SmartSDR is now available for your Mac.
It has never been easier to operate your FlexRadio 6xxx Radio.
SmartSDR for Mac is the big brother of SmartSDR for iOS.
However, it is a complete separate native Mac Version with many additional features.
It does not use Catalyst and thus it provides the full Mac look and feel.
FT8 integrated
SmartSDR for Mac comes with integrated FT8 and FT4. No Cables, Audio drivers, settings – just do FT8!
External Software support
However, if you like to use your external Software, SmartSDR for Mac has an integrated CAT and DAX interface.
Several additional Tools
Several additional Tools are also integrated like a Logbook with ADIF Export and a Call lookup tool…
… and a DX-Cluster as well as a Band-Map Tool.
Spots, also from the FT8 Tool and the Band limits will be displayed inside the panadapter.
Doing CW on the road
CWX and CW Macros, easy to use and well integrated.
External Microphones
You can use the included Speaker and Microphone of your Mac but any external Audio device is also supported, like here an external USB Microphone.
No PC needed anymore
No need anymore for a separate Windows PC, Bootcamp or Parallels!
Now you can setup SmartLink from inside this App.
You can also update the Firmware of your Radio or even install Country TURF Files.
Panadapters and Slices
You can display as many panadapters and slices your Radio is capable of.
Requirements:
You need to have a FlexRadio Signature Series Rig such as the Flex-6300, 6400, 6400M, 6500, 6600, 6600M, 6700 or 6700R device.
To run the App, you need a Mac running at least macOS 13 (Ventura), ideally macOS 14 (Sonoma). There is no relevant RAM or Hard drive requirement, but a fast CPU would be an advantage if you like to use multiple windows at the same time. The App is a native Mac M1,M2,M3 Silicon App but also runs on Intel CPUs.
Your Radio needs to be connected with a LAN cable to your local Network. Your Mac can be connected to your local Network using a LAN Cable or WiFi.
Feature comparison:
Questions and answers:
Q:
I paid once for your App, do I have to pay again for another Mac?
A:
No, when you buy an app from the Apple App Store, you can use it on many devices without having to pay a second time. Please note that you have to use the same Apple ID on the App Store to download the App that you used to buy the app originally.
Q:
I already purchased the iOS Version, can I get the Mac Version for free or for a Discount?
A:
Unfortunately not. These are two separate Apps which share only about 20% of the code. Development for the Mac App took as long as the iOS App.
Q:
But there is Catalyst, which should make it easy to port iPad Apps to the Mac?
A:
Yes, but this would have indeed meant an iPad App on the Mac and nothing more. SmartSDR for the Mac is a full featured native Mac App with a native Mac like user interface, full Mouse and Hardware support and provides much more features compared to the iOS App.
Q:
Do I have to pay again for the App, in case FlexRadio brings out a new Firmware Version?
A:
No! My Apps always work with any Radio Firmware Version (1,2,3 or any possible upcomming new version) and you will never have to pay again. You may need to pay FlexRadio for a new major Firmware Upgrade but this is for the Firmware of the Radio and not for the App. Such upgrades from FlexRadio are also never mandatory and FlexRadio also provides updates with bug fixes for previous Firmware Versions for free.
Q:
Do I still need a Windows PC after buying SmartSDR for Mac?
A:
No, the Mac version can be used to Update the Firmware on your Radio and also allows to register your SmartLink accont.
Q:
Can I use external Software like fldigi or wsjt-x along with SmartSDR for Mac?
A:
Yes, A CAT and DAX interface are included which can be used to interface with any App that supports network CAT such as RigCtl / Hamlib and selectable Audio devices.
Q:
Where can I buy SmartSDR for the Mac?
A:
The App is only available on Apple’s Mac AppStore in most but not all Countries.
Q:
Where can I get support in case of issues?
A:
The FlexRadio helpdesk handles all support cases, regardless which SmartSDR variant you are using. In addition, there is a very agile and committed FlexRadio user community and finally, there is a “Contact Developer” button inside the iOS and macOS App.
Q:
Will my FlexControl work on your iOS or macOS App?
A:
The FlexControl works with and is supported by the macOS App. The iOS App doesn’t support the FlexControl. On both macOS and iOS you can also use various MIDI Controllers like the DJ2GO2 which offers more controls than the FlexControl.
Q:
Is there a Manual for the App?
A:
Yes of course: http://go-to.me/smartsdrmac-manual
Videos and reviews
Ham Radio Science - macOS SmartSDR - The Best Version of SmartSDR
SmartSDR for MAC overview for Flex 6000 series radios - by Mike, VA3MW
Ham Radio Science - Review by KS4JU
The review can be found at: https://hamradioscience.com/smart-sdr-for-osx/