FlexRadio Introduces Aurora Series 500W HF Radio

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 AuroraTM 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 at 100% duty cycle.

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

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.

Media Contact: Lori Hicks
FlexRadio, Inc.
Austin, TX
Phone : 512.535 .4713

aurora@flexradio.com

About FlexRadio, Inc.

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.

 

What is an SCU?

 

There's already two or three other threads running on this same subject

 

QUOTE
The AU-510 is a single SCU (Spectral Capture Unit) radio. An SCU digitizes the RF spectrum for signal processing and display, supporting up to 2 slice receivers and 2 simultaneous panadapters, covering 30 kHz to 54 MHz in real time for complete visibility and control across the bands.

 

It's the hardware portion of the receiver, closest to the antenna. It captures the signals and digitizes them.

A single SCU radio has a single physical receiver. The dual SCU radio has two physical receivers. The difference is that the dual SCU receivers can operate full duplex.

 

10,000$ ? Whew!

Aurora AU-520M
FlexRadio Systems
SKU: AURORA-520M
VIEW RESOURCES

$9,599.00

Place a reservation now!

 

SCU (Unidades de Captura Espectral) independientes ,

 

What would really be impressive to me is if they could do it for a third of the cost. Sorry, not in the budget.

 

Too rich for my blood. Even if I sold my Flex-6600 and Icom IC-7610, I still wouldn't have enough to get one of these new radios.

 

Just another $10k "ego radio". Is it nice? Hell yes! Look, I'm married with children, I already spent all that money. My limit,
and there are plenty of top end radios below that limit is $3500 on 6 months credit with no interest.

I had a very nice 6600M that I sold to a friend, and I'm replacing it with a new 8400M. Never had an issue at all with the 6600M!

W5AMG & N5AMG

 

Too bad they have NO CUSTOMER Service...order takes 30 days before they think about sending a radio out.

 

I use Anan's, not good Customer Service but I love the Radio.. 10K is kinda Steep...

N5WJ

 

i was about to pull the trigger on a 8400. think ill pass on all of them. no buy back on 8000 series for Aurora. No pre distortion on 8000 series as promised. Getting into crazy money. But these are just my opinions.

 

They should have put the price at 100k so no one would buy it except for millionaires.

 

It looks good - and I could just about afford it, but I could not run it at more than 100W and I doubt that it performs sufficiently better than my FTdx101D to justify the much higher price.

Martin (G8FXC)