Spoločnosť FlexRadio once again pushes the boundaries of software signal processing in SDR technológii. Nová verzia SmartSDR v4.0.1, uvoľnená 30. októbra 2025, prináša sériu významných inovácií, ktoré menia spôsob, akým rádioamatéri vnímajú prácu so signálom. Téma vydania nesie názov Noise Mitigation, DVK, CW Auto Tune & Panadapter Enhancement - and that precisely captures the essence of this extensive upgrade.
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SmartSDR Basic and SmartSDR+
Softvér je rozdelený do dvoch hlavných línií: SmartSDR Basic a SmartSDR+. Základná verzia je bezplatná a ponúka opravy chýb a menšie vylepšenia pre všetky modely rádií série Aurora, FLEX-8000 a FLEX-6000. Pre tých, ktorí chcú maximum, je určený licenčný model SmartSDR+, which unlocks new features within an annual subscription - including those that come with the fourth generation of the system.
Customers can also get the version SmartSDR+ Early Access, ktorá umožňuje testovať nové funkcie s mesačným predstihom a zdieľať spätnú väzbu s vývojármi. Výhodou je, že po vypršaní licencie používateľ nestráca získané funkcie – tie ostávajú trvalou súčasťou jeho rádia.
Main features of version 4.0.1
The new version brings five main functional increments:
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DSP Advanced Noise Reduction
FlexRadio has redesigned the entire core of digital noise processing. The user can now combine multiple algorithms at once and switch them according to the type of interference.
Among the new modes are:-
NRF1/NRS1 – spectral reading with speech detection,
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RNN1 – noise suppression using recurrent neural networks,
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NRL, ANFL, ANFT – variants based on LMS and FFT algorithms.
These techniques utilize artificial intelligence and adaptive filters that dramatically improve clarity even with very weak signals.
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Digital Voice Keyer (DVK)
A feature especially appreciated by contest operators. DVK allows recording up to 12 voice messages directly into the radio and triggering them with a single click or F1-F12 key. Messages can be in 48 kHz WAV format and up to 10 seconds long. This allows for quickly sending predefined calls or reports without manual speaking - ideal for contests like CQWW or ARRL DX. -
Enhanced Signal Clarity (Esc)
Inovatívna funkcia, ktorá využíva diverzitu prijmu - combining signals from multiple antennas. ESC allows shaping the reception beam (beamforming) or, conversely, suppressing unwanted sources of interference (nullforming). Control includes phase and gain shift between antennas, providing users with exceptional control over the purity of the received signal. -
Relative Noise Floor Scaling
The panadapter now automatically adjusts the visual noise level when switching bands. This allows the operator to always see a consistent reference level, greatly facilitating the visual interpretation of band conditions. The 'Floor' function is activated in the menu Display a umožňuje zafixovať pozíciu šumovej hladiny nezávisle od antény či frekvencie. -
Automatic tuning function for CW signals in the band. Mode
Pre telegrafistov prichádza funkcia, ktorá automaticky naladí prijímač na CW signál v pásme. Režim One-Shot sa zameria na najsilnejší tón po stlačení tlačidla AUTOTUNE, kým Intermittent Mode monitors CW signals continuously and tunes the frequency every two seconds. Practical, accurate and significantly speeding up operation.
Enhancements in the basic version
Ani SmartSDR Basic he was not left behind. Improvements relate to traditional functions NR, NB, ANF a WNB, pričom algoritmy redukcie šumu a automatického potlačenia nosných tónov boli optimalizované pre rýchlejšiu odozvu a stabilitu.
Better license management, extended error logging and fixes in the user interface have also been added.
Bug fixes and stability
FlexRadio has released an extensive list of fixes that improve system reliability:
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Troubleshooting the calibration of the 10 MHz clock reference signal,
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More accurate display of performance on Maestro analog gauges,
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Correct FM Squelch and VOX function when switching TX slice,
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Better synchronization of DAX streams and more stable termination of IQ data streams,
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Correction of temperature color display in PGXL amplifier,
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Clearer SmartLink session timeout message.
Together, these fixes increase the overall stability of the system - which is crucial when operating SDR stations in contest or remote mode.
SmartSignal Beta - a new step towards the perfect transmitter
Another interesting feature of version 4.0.1 is the test function SmartSignal, ktorá rozširuje možnosti adaptívnej predistortion (APD). This is a beta version that optimizes the linearity of the output signal and reduces intermodulation.
It achieves the best results in voice operation on bands up to 6 m, where it can automatically generate a correction model according to the current setting of the TX chain. It is not yet fully functional in the mode multiFLEX, no naznačuje smer, ktorým sa vývoj FlexRadio bude uberať v nasledujúcich rokoch.
Recommended installation practices
In the documentation, FlexRadio emphasizes the need to:
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zálohovať všetky Global, TX and Mic profiles pred aktualizáciou,
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make sure Windows is up to date,
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vykonať cold boot radio after firmware update,
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update all devices (PC, Maestro, M-Model) simultaneously.
When reverting to an older version, it is necessary to perform factory reset, pretože databáza nie je spätne kompatibilná.
Purchase and activation of SmartSDR+ license
The new system allows easy purchase of license directly from the software. In the menu Settings → Radio Setup → Radio tab nájde používateľ tlačidlá Get SmartSDR+ a Get Early Access. Po vyplnení údajov sa licencie inštalujú automaticky po obnovení (Refresh).
Pre používateľov Maestro či M-Model the process is similar - the purchase is made through a QR code that redirects to the FlexRadio payment portal.
The future of SmartSDR and the end of Windows 10 support
V poznámkach k vydaniu nájdeme aj dôležité oznámenie: FlexRadio will end official support for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. Používatelia by preto mali prejsť na Windows 11, aby sa vyhli problémom s kompatibilitou či bezpečnosťou.
Conclusion
SmartSDR v4.0.1 is not just another software version - it is a comprehensive evolution that brings smarter noise reduction, more comfortable voice macros, more precise CW tuning, and dynamic control over the received signal.
With this step, the FlexRadio series once again confirms its position at the forefront of SDR technologies.
For radio amateurs who want to stay one step ahead of the competition, updating to SmartSDR v4.0.1 jednoznačnou voľbou.