Is the FLEX-5000 a “true” QSK transceiver?
This is a problematic question to answer. First what exactly is the definition of “true” QSK? Basically it means the ability to receive signals in between letters and words, and possibly between dits and dahs. There are several significant dependencies involved with the process of evaluating and quantifying QSK when using a software defined radio. Computer speed and latency are just one factor, but a very important one. Other factors include the keying interface, sending speed of CW and the ability of the radio hardware to transition from TX to RX quickly. The FLEX-5000 is capable of QSK operation when the computer and FlexRadio PowerSDR are optimally configured for low latency operation. Since the FLEX-5000 is a software defined radio, we will continue to improve and optimize CW operation so that QSK operation is more predictable and less dependent on external factors mentioned previously.
