FlexControl Quick Start Guide
Introduction:
Thank you for choosing the FlexRadio Systems®
FlexControl™ tuning and control knob. The FlexControl is a
highly versatile, compact control device, designed to be used
in conjunction with SmartSDR™ for Windows software
running on a personal computer under Windows XP, Vista,
Windows 7 or Windows 8. The FlexControl is integrated into
SmartSDR to create the perfect Software Defined Radio
Environment and is designed to meet your demanding
Amateur Radio needs.
Setting up the FlexControl is no more difficult than connecting
a mouse or other USB control device to your computer, as
this Quick Start Guide will demonstrate.
The Quick Start Guide is designed to get you on the air with
minimum effort. To do this, we assume a FlexRadio Systems
radio installation with SmartSDR for Windows is already
operational.
To get your FlexControl on the air you will need:
The FlexControl with its attached USB cable.
A functioning FlexRadio installation.
SmartSDR for Windows installed and functioning on
your personal computer.
If you run into any trouble during the set-up process, please:
Recheck your steps.
Submit a HelpDesk support ticket at
Follow these 2 steps to interface your FlexControl with
SmartSDR.
Verify that it is configured, and operating with your radio.
Allow the computer to find and install the driver.
How to use the FlexControl with SmartSDR for Windows.
Support for the FlexControl is available in all versions of
SmartSDR for Windows.
The necessary device driver and associated information for
the FlexControl is included in this release, and will
automatically be installed in your PC, when the a new version
of SmartSDR for Windows is installed.
In Step 2, with the computer turned on, and SmartSDR for
Windows installed
but not running
, simply plug the
FlexControl into a USB port.
Note: All three lights will be on when the FlexControl is
initially plugged into the computer, and some or all of them
will go out when the device has been installed and connected.
Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 Installation:
On Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8, the computer
should display a message saying "Installing Device Driver." A
few moments later a message will appear that says
"FlexControl Driver is successfully installed" and “The device
is ready for use.”
Note: Anytime in the future that a different USB port is used
for the first time with the FlexControl, the Device Driver
Installation will repeat.
Windows XP:
After plugging in the FlexControl for the first time, (or
anytime in the future that a new USB port is used) the
"Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard" will appear.
Check the "No, not this time" option, then press "Next."
A new Wizard screen will appear, explaining that the “Wizard
helps you install software for: FlexControl USB Control Knob".
Check "Install the software automatically." Then press "Next."
This will result in a message that the "Wizard has finished
installing the software for FlexControl USB Control Knob."
Now press "Finish" to close the Wizard.
The FlexControl is automatically assigned to the active Slice
receiver and will tune the slice with the VFO control knob.
The active Slice receiver is indicated by the yellow carrier
frequency line. To make a non-active Slice receiver the
Active Slice receiver, just left mouse click on the Slice
receiver’s pass band filter, which are the shaded areas
adjacent to the red carrier frequency line. The carrier
frequency line will turn yellow indicating it is now the active
Slice receiver.
Additional FlexControl features will be enabled in subsequent
versions of SmartSDR for Windows.
Step 1: Install SmartSDR for Windows
Step 2: Plug FlexControl
™ into a USB port
Step 1: Install SmartSDR for Windows
Step 2: Plug FlexControl
™ into a USB port
Step 3: FlexControl with SmartSDR
Step 3: FlexControl with SmartSDR
