Description | Rules and Guidelines
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 FlexRadio Reflector Descriptions and General Usage
What is a Reflector?
An e-mail reflector is a program that acts as the forwarding broadcaster of e-mail messages to registered members on a distribution list.
Here is how a reflector works:
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One member of the reflector or distribution list composes an e-mail message or replies to one.
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The user sends the message to the e-mail reflector (which to the user usually appears to be the list e-mail address)
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The e-mail reflector receives the e-mail message and automatically forwards a copy to each person on the distribution list.
The advantage is that the distribution list can be centrally managed so that everyone will always have near instantaneous access to information from the Reflector’s members and have the ability respond in kind. The distribution of messages can be managed so that the mass distribution of unwanted or e-mail
SPAM
is kept to a minimum.
General Description of the Different FlexRadio Systems’ Reflectors
The FlexRadio reflectors are provided and managed by FlexRadio Systems and membership is open to all people. The reflectors are intended to be an e-mail based electronic medium for the free flow of ideas, a place to ask and receive support and feedback from other Flexers (users of FlexRadio Systems transceivers) and the general advancement of software defined radio technology. Membership is a privilege, not a right and with that privilege comes the responsibility of abiding by a few simple guidelines related to the type or category of topics posted on the reflectors and basic reflector etiquette so that the FlexRadio Systems reflectors do not decay into anarchy and serve no value to the Flexer community.
There are two types of FlexRadio Reflectors. The first is the general purpose or "users" reflector that has been in existence for several years, known simply as the
"FlexRadio Users Reflector" or Reflector.
The latest reflector is the FlexEdge Reflector and it has been designated as a development or experimentalist reflector and it is for people who like pushing the technology to the “edge”.
- [FlexRadio] FlexRadio Users Reflector – Discussion and user based support for officially released and supported hardware, system, and software configurations. The FlexRadio Users Reflector is where new and experienced users
alike share ideas and experiences, express their opinions, help others
with configuration and setup issues, and ask questions
regarding the operation of their FlexRadio SDR with the current
officially released version of software. This reflector is for the ham
who wants to get the most out of their software defined radio, use it
to make QSOs and enjoy the endless possibilities that SDRs can
provide. In other words, Flexers who are looking for stability and a
consistency of experience so that they can get the most fun and
excitement out of their software defined radio. This reflector is not for obtaining official support from FlexRadio Systems support engineers. If that level of support is required use the Support e-mail address.
- [FlexEdge] FlexEdge Reflector – Open discussion of beta software/firmware and hardware/system configurations. Note that FlexRadio does not provide official support for any experimental or pre-released software or system configuration. The FlexEdge Reflector is specifically for Flexers who are
actively testing new software features, involved with the software
development process, using FlexRadio Systems’ SDRs in creative ways on
unsupported hardware platforms or who just want to be involved with
what is happening in regards to the technical advancement of SDRs. The
FlexEdge Reflector is for the tinkerer, the experimentalist, the
software “geek” and various SDR gurus who are pushing SDR technology
into places that only a few years ago where just dreamed about.
The General Purpose Reflector
Examples of Acceptable Topics
- Any topics regarding the features, operation and configuration of the current released version of FlexRadio Systems’ SDR software (PowerSDR) running on any supported operating system and PC hardware platform.
- Any topics related to the configuration, setup and use of third-party software, such as digital mode software, CAT enabled programs, DDUtil commonly used with the current released version of FlexRadio Systems’ SDR software (PowerSDR) running on any supported operating system and PC hardware platform.
- Any topics about the integration of third-party hardware, configuration and or setup of FlexRadio Systems software defined radio hardware. Examples include interfacing power amplifiers, microphones, keyers, outboard audio equipment, RF signal processing.
- Any topic related to seeking general information on FlexRadio Systems SDRs and PowerSDR.
- Any topics about the technical operation of software defined radios in general and FlexRadio Systems’ SDRs specifically.
- Any topics that include announcements regarding ham radio operating activities that would of general interest to all hams, even the occasional “off topic” post.
How to Sign up for the Reflector
To sign up for the general purpose Reflector, proceed to the Reflector User Management web page and go to the Subscribing to FlexRadio section.
The FlexEdge Reflector
Examples of Acceptable Topics:
- All discussion related to beta releases of software or firmware.
- Any discussion to computer configurations not officially supported by FlexRadio (e.g. BootCamp on the Mac).
- Any topics regarding the features, operation and configuration of any version of the SDR software running on any operating system and PC hardware platform.
- Topics related to bug reports, enhancement requests for the currently released and beta versions of FlexRadio Systems’ SDR software.
- Any technical topics related to software defined radio in general, DSP development, or software development environments.
How to Sign up for the FlexEdge Reflector
To sign up for the FlexEdge Reflector, proceed to the FlexEdge Reflector User Management web page and go to the Subscribing to FlexRadio section.
NOTE: The FlexRadio Users Reflector and the FlexEdge reflector are two completely separate mailing lists or reflectors and as such, if you want to receive posts from both you must sign up for both. Changes made by the user to one of their reflector accounts does not effect the other one. Changes must be made to both accounts independently.
Examples of Posts to the FlexEdge and Legacy Reflector
Below are a few examples of different kinds of reflector posts and which reflector would be most appropriate for that post.
- "How do I configure PowerSDR to run on Mac hardware?" - Since Mac hardware is not a supported hardware platform for PowerSDR, this topic should be posted to the FlexEdge reflector
- "How do I configure VAC for digital modes on PowerSDR 1.18.1?" - Since PowerSDR 1.18.1 is a released version and VAC is a recognized third-party application integrated with PowerSDR, this topic should be posted to the FlexRadio Users Reflector.
- "How do I install a beta version of PowerSDR?" - Since this post clearly deals with a version of PowerSDR that is not officially released (a beta release) this topic should be posted to the FlexEdge reflector.
- "Should I use a 64 or 32-bit version of Windows Vista for my software defined radio?" - Since both the 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista are fully supported for PowerSDR, this topic should be posted to the FlexRadio Users Reflector.
Obviously there are no specific hard and fast "rules" for what topics are and are not appropriate for a particular reflector just some general guidelines to follow. If you inadvertently post a topic on a reflector that should not be there based on the above guidelines, there is no need to worry. It isn't a punishable offense. What will happen is that a reflector moderator may send a reply to the list indicating why your post should have been directed to the other reflector. This is for education purposes only so you and other Flexers will gain a better feel for what is and is not appropriate on the different reflectors.
ATTENTION: Cross posting, or posting the same message or topic to both reflectors is not permitted.
Using the Reflectors for Technical Support
There are two ways of getting technical support for your FlexRadio Systems software defined radios and software products. The primary method is via the formal support provided directly from FlexRadio Systems by the Technical Assistance Group and the other is
informal support from Flexers just like yourself who provide their wealth of knowledge through experience to other Flexers. The reflectors are the places where you can obtain this informal or user based support.
As noted above, user based assistance or questions related to the officially released or production versions of the SDR software are most appropriate on the general purpose Reflector. All other questions
related to beta software or running on unsupported hardware platforms should be directed to the FlexEdge Reflector. Cross posting on both reflectors should never be necessary and is strongly discouraged.
Occasionally, one of the members of the Technical Assistance Group will offer responses to technical support questions on the general purpose Reflector when the answer will benefit all members of the reflector, but you should always contact FlexRadio Systems support directly and not use either of the reflectors for specific problems getting your software defined radio operational or if you suspect a hardware problem. One other point regarding direct support from
FlexRadio Systems is that support services are limited to the current released software only. All support questions regarding beta or developmental software must be directed to the FlexEdge Reflector.
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©2005-2013 FlexRadio Systems
FlexRadio Systems is a registered trademark
SDR-1000, FLEX-5000, FLEX-3000, FLEX-1500, FLEX-6000, SmartSDR, PowerSDR, FlexWire, ClickTune, MultiRX,
PanaFall, PanaScope and FlexReady are trademarks of FlexRadio Systems
FireWire® and the FireWire logo are registered trademarks of Apple Computer
Inc., under license
FlexRadio Systems, 4616 W. Howard Lane Suite 1 - 150 Austin, TX USA 78728
All rights reserved
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