FlexRadio Introduces Aurora™ Series First-Ever 500W Integrated SDR Transceiver Debuts at Dayton Hamvention 2025
Austin, Texas—May 16, 2025: FlexRadio Systems, a leader in high-performance software-defined radio (SDR) solutions, proudly announces the Aurora™ Series—an all-new family of HF/6m transceivers featuring the world’s first truly integrated 500W SDR transmitter. The Aurora Series defines a new category in amateur radio, eliminating the traditional boundaries between transceiver, amplifier, tuner, and power supply. Designed for the modern operator, the Aurora Series delivers exceptional RF performance in a radically compact form factor—leveraging cutting-edge high-efficiency technology that produces more power with less weight, lower heat, and dramatically reduced power input requirements.
Efficiency Redefined: 500W Inside the Box
At the heart of Aurora is a revolutionary 500W transmitter module that achieves up to 90%
efficiency—a dramatic leap over conventional MOSFET and LDMOS designs, which typically operate at 40–60%. The result: less heat to dissipate, a smaller heatsink, and a much lighter radio. The entire 500W transmitter fits in the same physical envelope as traditional 100W PA systems and runs cool enough to share the existing FLEX-8000 heatsink footprint.
This level of integration means operators no longer need to carry or connect external power amplifiers, tuners, or heavy AC/DC power supplies.
The Aurora Series includes everything needed inside the chassis—power supply, automatic antenna tuner, and 500W transmitter—with a standard IEC AC plug accepting 80–264V.
A Platform, Not Just a Radio
The Aurora Series is a FlexRadio-only platform—its 500W transmitter is not an external amplifier and cannot be paired with third-party exciters. Instead, it is tightly integrated with FlexRadio’s SmartSDR architecture, allowing for precise control, intelligent load handling, and seamless operator experience.
All Aurora models are rated at 500W on HF (200W on 6m) and include an integrated ATU. Aurora transceivers are available in both M and non-M variants:
• AU-510 / AU-510M – Single SCU models
• AU-520 / AU-520M – Dual SCU models
Innovation for Every Operator
The Aurora Series was engineered with flexibility in mind, making it ideal for operators across the spectrum:
• Home Stations benefit from less cable clutter and a cleaner setup
• Portable Operators enjoy a single-box solution with drastically reduced size and weight—
one 500W radio you can carry
• DXpedition Teams can minimize logistics, fuel, and generator power
• Remote Operators simplify station control and infrastructure with an all-in-one platform
Notable Specs & Comparisons
Compared to a traditional 500W station with external components:
• Weight: Aurora weighs in at just 18 lbs. (8 kg) vs. 47 lbs. (21 kg) for equivalent setups
• Power Input: Less than half the AC power required
• Heat: Just 125W of heat generated—an 84% reduction vs. conventional systems
Aurora redefines the meaning of “QRO” for both seasoned DXers and emerging portable operators.
Debuting at Dayton Hamvention FlexRadio will unveil the Aurora Series at the Dayton Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio, May 16–18, 2025.
Attendees can experience live demos and place pre-orders at the show or online. The Aurora Series will begin shipping in Q4 2025 once FCC/CE authorization has been obtained. Aurora AU-510 models will start at $6,199 USD and AU-520 models will start at $8599 USD.
FlexRadio Inc. is a leader in technologically advanced software defined radio (SDR) systems for the consumer, commercial, and government markets. Founded in 2003, FlexRadio has customers in more than 30 countries with a wide range of products spanning consumer HF radio systems, government geolocation sensors, and signals intelligence platforms. FlexRadio is headquartered in Austin, Texas.
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