Why FLEX-8600 is the Ultimate Contest Transceiver

• Antenna tuning and matching across all contest bands
• Logging software fully integrated with rig control
• Reliable power supply and backups (UPS, batteries)
• Audio levels, PTT, and footswitch tested
• Ergonomic layout for comfortable operation
• And last but not least: consider upgrading your transceiver

Why the FLEX-8600 is the Ultimate Contest Transceiver

The FLEX-8600 from FlexRadio is purpose-built for serious contesters and DXers. It delivers world-class performance, full remote capability, and the features competitive operators demand.

Key Benefits of the FLEX‑8600 for Contesting

Four Independent Receivers: Maximize Band Awareness

The FLEX‑8600 supports four fully independent slice receivers. In contesting, this allows you to run on one frequency while monitoring multiple bands for openings, multipliers, or band activity. Even more powerful: integrate CW Skimmer or RTTY Skimmer to decode signals on each slice, feeding real-time spots to your logger. It’s like having a built-in, multi-band band map that updates itself—ideal for SO2R, assisted, or multi-op configurations.

Spectrum Display Built for Strategy

While the FLEX‑8600 supports wideband spectrum display, its strength in contesting lies in its high-resolution focus. Use multiple panadapters to monitor different bands or zoom tightly on your run frequency to detect QRM, clean spots, or adjacent activity. This gives you visual, real-time awareness to make split-second decisions—without ever touching the dial.

Direct Sampling SDR with Elite Specs

With 16-bit ADCs running at 245.76 Msps, the FLEX‑8600 delivers a dynamic range over 155 dB and an RMDR of 115 dB at 2 kHz spacing. This means cleaner audio, fewer missed weak calls, and less fatigue in crowded band conditions.

Advanced Bandpass Filters for Cleaner Signals

Contest bands are equipped with 7th-order bandpass filters offering >50 dB of band-to-band rejection—far superior to 3rd-order filters in entry-level rigs. This minimizes intermodulation and front-end overload during peak activity, especially critical in SO2R and multi-op environments.

Full-Duplex Operation with Logger Integration

The FLEX‑8600 offers full-duplex cross-band operation—transmit on one band while receiving on another. This enables true SO2R operation and is fully supported by leading contest software like DXLog, N1MM Logger+, Win-Test, and others via SmartSDR CAT and DAX. Combined with the Power Genius XL amplifier, this forms a fully integrated legal-limit SO2R setup with reduced complexity.

Built-In Tuner and GNSS Frequency Reference

The internal tuner handles mismatches up to 3:1, ideal for quick band changes during contest sprints. Integrated GNSS (GPS) provides rock-solid frequency stability, ensuring precision in digital modes and multi-station setups. It’s also future-ready with support for time synchronization (NTP) in remote configurations.

SmartSDR Remote Operation

Operate your FLEX‑8600 from anywhere using SmartSDR for Windows, Mac, iOS, or the Maestro console. SmartSDR v3 supports multi-client capability, enabling team operations or remote logging without compromising control—ideal for club stations, DXpeditions, or multi-op contest efforts.

Future-Proof Design with APD Support

Built on a 4× faster CPU and 2× larger FPGA than the FLEX‑6600, the FLEX‑8600 is ready for tomorrow’s SDR innovations. It is designed to support Adaptive Pre-Distortion (APD), a technology that reduces IMD for cleaner transmitted signals—key to maintaining a competitive signal on crowded bands.

Top-rate discount: 50% Off RadioSport RS60CF-10A Headset

When you order the FLEX-8600 or FLEX-8600M, you’ll unlock a special deal: get the RadioSport RS60CF-10A headset with FLEX-8xxx headset cable for 50% off. This premium headset is lightweight, durable, and tuned for high-performance contesting audio. Reduce fatigue and stay sharp for longer operating hours.

🛒 Ready to Order?

Chose between the FLEX-8600 or FLEX-8600M and add it to the cart to unlock the discount. Then add the headset and the cable to the cart. Discounts are shown in the cart.

Learn more about the FLEX-8600 here. and FLEX-8600M here (links opens in new tabs).