What is Aurora?
FlexRadio has developed a new HF transceiver with a 500W output on 160-10m HF bands (200W on 6m). This radio does not use a legacy RF exciter followed by a linear amplifier. Instead, it uses a transmitter that employs Polar Modulation (PM).
Having a 500-watt transceiver with an integrated automatic antenna tuner (ATU) in a single unit offers a few clear advantages, especially for seasoned operators who value simplicity and efficiency. First, it reduces the need for interconnecting multiple devices, which cuts down on cabling, potential RFI issues, and the complexity of station setup. This integration can also streamline operation, as the ATU and amplifier are designed to work in harmony, often offering faster tuning and better protection for both the radio and the amplifier. Another big plus is the space-saving aspect—ideal for both compact home stations and portable setups where minimizing gear is a priority
Aurora provides significant benefits over transceivers with linear amplifiers. The polar modulation technique used is significantly more efficient than linear amplification. This change to the transmitter yields significant power savings, generates less heat resulting in the need for a much smaller heat sink which also reduces size and weight. It is the most significant advancement in amateur radio transmitter technology in the last 50 years.
By adopting the proven architecture of the FLEX-6000 and FLEX-8000 series and maintaining compatibility with SmartSDR, Aurora offers a familiar yet powerful upgrade path for today’s FlexRadio operators.
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500W PEP HF, 200W 6m operation with 80% nominal efficiency
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Built in 500W Antenna Tuner
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Integrated AC/DC Power Supply, 80-264VAC, 47-63Hz, PF > 0.94
Spectrum Overview – Visibility of all HF/6m bands in a single, unified panadapter window to provide awareness of bands to spot openings easier, DX stations moving between bands. All this with greatly reduced noise floor than it is today. You’ll be able to setup multiple bands next to each other so if you want to watch 10, 15 and 20m you can keep an eye on them in a single panadapter window, as compared to now where you would need to have 3 receivers open to do that.
When is AURORA
FlexRadio will unveil the Aurora Series at the Dayton Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio, May 16–18, 2025. The Aurora Series will begin shipping in Q4 2025 once FCC/CE authorization has been obtained. At Pileup we are taking preorders now. Visit our FlexRadio department here.
AURORA Series 500 Watt Transceivers
AURORA “AU-520”
AURORA “AU-520M”
AU-520M Features
- 500W PEP HF, 200W 6m operation with 80% nominal efficiency
- Integrated AC/DC Power Supply, 80-264VAC, 47-63Hz, PF > 0.94
- All Modes/Amateur Bands 160m-6m
- Integrated Remote Operation with a Maestro™, iPad®, iPhone® or PC/Laptop
- Four Independent Band/Mode Receivers
- Full Duplex Cross-Band Operation
- True Diversity Reception
- Two Receive Only Ports
- Two Transverter/Exciter Ports
- Integrated SO2R Solution (OTRSP) Support in one radio
- Contest Band Filters: >50dB Rejection band-to-band
- Direct Sampling SDR 245.76Msps, 16 bit
- 115 dB 2kHz RMDR
- 8-Inch 1920 X 1200 IPS Display on 8600M with external monitor port
- >155 dB Dynamic Range
- Built in 500W Antenna Tuner
- 10 MHz Reference Input
- Integrated GNSS receiver with antenna maintains radio frequency with no adjustments
- Optional High-performance GPSDO provides 10MHz output for external equipment
Plug & Play Remote*
- No complex setup required
- Operate anywhere, any time
- Use a Maestro, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Laptop
- Across the country or across the world
Anywhere, Anytime, From Any Of These Devices:
With SmartLink and a FlexRadio AURORA transceiver, you can operate your radio from almost anywhere! Just take an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Laptop, or Maestro with you and instantly connect to your radio with virtually no setup required.
Best in Class Performance
- 115db RMDR
- No listening fatigue
- Ultra-Low Phase Noise
- Full Break-in QSK CW
- Brick Wall Filters
- Stunning transmit audio
Backed by an Amazing Suite of Software
- SmartSDR for Windows
- SmartSDR for Mac
- SmartSDR for iOS
- SmartSDR CAT
- SmartSDR DAX
*SmartLink Remote Requires SmartSDR V2.x License or Later. Requires an Internet connection.
AU-520M Specifications
Receiver
- Independent Band/Mode Receivers (Max): 4
- 1 / 2 kHz Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR): 110/115 dB
- ADC Bits/Sampling Rate: 16/245.76Msps
- Frequency Coverage: 30 kHz-54 MHz
- Amateur Band Preselectors: 7th Order
- Cable-less Digital Audio (DAX/DAX IQ) Channels: 4/4
- Receive Only Ports (Base/Including XVTR Ports): 2/4
- Full Duplex RX/TX Operation
Spectrum / Waterfall Display
- 160m-10m Transmitter Output: 1-500W (125W AM)
- 6m Transmitter Output: 1-200W (50W AM)
- Harmonic Suppression (Typ): ≤ 60 dBc
- Spectrum/Waterfall Displays (Max): 2
- Spectrum/Waterfall BW (Min/Max): 5 kHz–7 MHz
- Spectrum Dynamic Range (Max Zoom): >145 dB
- Spectrum Resolution Bandwidth (Min): 1.46 Hz/px (bin)
Aurora Transmitter
- 160m-10m Transmitter Output: 1-500W (125W AM)
- 6m Transmitter Output: 1-200W (50W AM)
- Harmonic Suppression (Typ): ≤ 60 dBc
- Transverter Ports: 2
- Transverter IF Frequency Coverage/Power: 100 kHz – 54 MHz/adjustable up to +10 dBm
- Integrated Automatic Antenna Tuner Range: 3:1 SWR
- Integrated Adaptive Pre-distortion (SmartSignal™)
General
- Modes1 SSB, CW, AM, SAM, FM, RTTY, DIGITAL
- Integrated Remote Operation with SmartLink™
- Maestro, PC, MAC, iPhone®, iPad® Client Options
- Integrated 12-channel GNSS Receiver, TTFF (COLD) <35s: GPS, Galileo, GLOSNASS, QZSS, SBAS
- Frequency Stability (0C – 50C): 0.001ppm (GNSS), 0.5ppm (TCXO)
- Optional GPS Disciplined Oscillator Optional 5 x 10-13 Over 24 Hours
- External 10MHz Reference Input
- Power Supply Requirements: 80-264VAC, 35W Receive, 675W Transmit
- Dimensions: 6.74″H (17.1 cm) x 14″W (35.6 cm) x 13.25″D (33.7 cm)
1. RTTY and other digital modes use 3rd party software over DAX channels.
AU-520M Whats in the Box
- AU-510 Transceiver
- FHM-3 Hand Mic
- DC Power Cable
- Ethernet Cable
- Quick Start Guide
Shiping Late 2025
AU-520M Price (Aprox.): 11.740 USD / 10,490 EUro
AU-520 Price (Aprox.): 10.550 USD / 9.429 EUro
PileupDX Communications