ControlDeck

Support

Getting started & getting help.

Setup guide, frequently asked questions, and how to reach us.

About ControlDeck

ControlDeck is an amateur radio companion app for FlexRadio FLEX-6000, FLEX-8000, and Aurora series transceivers. It turns your iPhone, iPad, or Android device into a dedicated touch control surface — SDR hot keys, VFO tuning, band switching, and action macros — that runs alongside SmartSDR or Maestro.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Flex Radio control deck?

A Flex Radio control deck is a dedicated touch surface for operating a FlexRadio transceiver — band buttons, mode keys, VFO, action macros — laid out so every common control is one tap away. ControlDeck turns your iPhone, iPad, or Android device into exactly that for the FLEX-6000, FLEX-8000, and Aurora series. It's the amateur radio equivalent of a Stream Deck — programmable touch controls purpose-built for your SDR.

Is ControlDeck a Stream Deck alternative for FlexRadio?

Yes. Many FlexRadio operators buy a $150–$300 Stream Deck just to get programmable hot keys for their radio. ControlDeck delivers the same functionality on the phone or tablet you already own — no dedicated hardware, no host software running on a Mac or PC, and no per-station setup. Program 36 actions across 9 categories, stack them into one button, name them, and pin them where you need them.

Does ControlDeck replace Maestro?

No — ControlDeck is a Maestro companion, not a replacement. Maestro stays bound to the radio as your GUI client; ControlDeck rides alongside as a touch surface for the controls and macros you reach for most. They're designed to coexist on the same operating desk.

Which FlexRadio models does ControlDeck control?

ControlDeck supports the full FlexRadio FLEX-6000, FLEX-8000, and Aurora series — works as the FLEX-6300 app, FLEX-6400 app, FLEX-6400M app, FLEX-6500 app, FLEX-6600 app, FLEX-6600M app, FLEX-6700 app, FLEX-8400 app, FLEX-8400M app, FLEX-8600 app, FLEX-8600M app, and FlexRadio Aurora app. Connect on your local network via UDP discovery, or remotely via FlexRadio SmartLink.

Does ControlDeck need a computer running?

ControlDeck needs a GUI client (SmartSDR, Maestro, or another) bound to your radio — that piece can run on a computer, on a Maestro hardware unit, or anywhere a GUI client is connected. ControlDeck itself is computer-agnostic — it speaks directly to your FlexRadio over the local network or via SmartLink.

Can I use ControlDeck remotely?

Yes. ControlDeck supports FlexRadio SmartLink, so you can operate your radio from anywhere with an internet connection. Local network use when you're home, SmartLink when you're not — same controls, same speed, same radio.

What does "SDR Hot Keys" mean in the App Store?

SDR stands for software-defined radio — the technology behind every FlexRadio transceiver. "Hot keys" are the programmable one-tap buttons (action macros) that ControlDeck provides. The App Store subtitle "SDR Hot Keys" describes ControlDeck's core function: instant touch controls for your software-defined radio.

Requirements

To use ControlDeck, you need:

  1. A FlexRadio transceiver (FLEX-6000, FLEX-8000, or Aurora series).
  2. iOS 17.0 or later, or Android 9.0 (API 28) or later.
  3. Your device on the same local network as your radio, or a SmartLink account for remote access.
  4. SmartSDR or another GUI client running and connected to the radio.

Getting started

  1. Make sure your FlexRadio is powered on and connected to your local network.
  2. Open ControlDeck on your device.
  3. ControlDeck will automatically discover radios on your network.
  4. Tap your radio to connect.
  5. Select a GUI client to bind to (for example, SmartSDR-Mac).

Contact

For questions, feedback, or support, email support@controldeckapp.com.

Full documentation

Full documentation is coming. In the meantime, the FAQs above cover the most common questions. For anything else, email us — we respond to every message.