NEWS ALERT!
August 20, 2026: CTR2-Max-5 is now available in my shop!
CTR2-Max is the newest radio controller in a long line of controllers from Lynovation.
For an in-depth look at Max-5, checkout its operation manuals here.
Larger Display and More Controls
All “Max” units are equipped with a 2.8″ color capacitive-touch display, compared to the 1.28″ display on the M5Dial based CTR2 controllers. That translates into larger text and more space for buttons and options.
NOTE: The panadapter in the Dashboard on the CTR2-Max-5 shown above is only available in direct Flex WiFi mode when running as a GUI client. It is not available when running in MIDI mode..
CTR2-Max-5, the 5-knob unit with four pushbuttons, is currently available in my shop. Max-1 (single 32mm aluminum knob and a pushbutton on the left) and Max-2 (two knobs, on the right) are planned for future release..
Knobs can be assigned to any of the supported variable controls (VFO, volume, RIT, XIT, etc.) All knobs have a push switch that can be used in “push-and-turn” mode to select a secondary knob function, and “push-and-release” mode to execute one of 60 virtual buttons.
Pushbuttons have short-press and long-press actions, each of which can be assigned to any of the 60 virtual buttons. They can also be assigned as a dedicated PTT switch.
Like my other CTR2 controllers, all Max units support paddles and straight-keys for sending “real” CW, and support external PTT switches. When running in Flex WiFi mode, Max provides the keyer and sidetone required to key your Flex radio over the network.
Real Sidetone
Unlike my other CTR2 controllers, Max uses a sinusoidal oscillator with a 1.2 watt amplifier for sidetone when used in Flex WiFi control mode. When operating in MIDI mode, the radio control app Max is connected to provides the keyer and the sidetone.
An optional transformer-isolated Sidetone Audio Interface Board for Max-5 allows you to connect the sidetone from Max-5 to your headphones, powered speaker, mixer, or your PC’s sound card. DIP switches allow you to choose left, right, or both ears, and disconnect the Line-Out or internal speaker..
NOTE: Even though Max has an internal speaker, it does not support Rx (DAX) audio from any radio.
Internal Battery Option
All Max units are designed to support a single-cell Lithium Polymer 3.7-volt internal battery. A battery icon can be displayed that shows the relative state of charge of the battery. A battery disconnect switch is standard. This switch allows you to completely disconnect the battery when not in use.
Max-1 and Max-2 have room for an 1100 mAH (10x30x40) battery. This battery runs the unit approximately 6-hours. Max-5 has room for a 2000 mAH battery (10x35x50). This battery runs the unit for approximately 12-hours. Batteries must be purchased separately and user-installed. They are available from many sources. I do not ship batteries or units with batteries installed.
Firmware
The firmware in Max is based on the CTR2-Flex/CTR2-Dial firmware that runs on CTR2-Quad. Like my other controllers, it supports both MIDI control and direct Flex WiFi control.
In MIDI mode, Max controls 3rd-party apps that support MIDI control such as SmartSDR/SDR-Control/FT-Control/TS-Control/K4-Control for iOS/MacOS, AetherSDR, RimuSDR, SDR-Console, Remote Ham Radio, OnlineRemoteRadio, and RemoteTx. It connects to the app using either Bluetooth or USB MIDI, and in some cases (RemoteTx and OnlineRemoteRadio) it uses HID. I have pre-configured maps and spreadsheets for these control apps here.
The displays are similar, albeit larger, to those on my M5Dial based products (CTR2-Quad, CTR2-Duo, and CTR2-Uno)
In Flex WiFi mode, Max connects directly to your Flex 6000, 8000, or Aurora radio using WiFi. Unlike MIDI mode, Flex WiFi mode is bi-directional so it can display the parameters from your radio in real-time. It can work alone, or in parallel with any Flex control software such as SmartSDR (Windows and Apple), AetherSDR (all OS), RimuSDR (Linux, Windows), OnlineRemoteRadio, etc.
The Dial, Button, and Knob control screens are available in Flex WiFi mode too. In addition, a Dashboard is available that gives you access to all of the Flex controls that Max supports.
When connected to your radio in GUI mode, a small panadapter is displayed on the Dashboard.
A large keypad makes direct frequency entry a breeze.
A favorite frequency list automatically tracks your last 16 frequencies for instant recall. You can lock frequencies you frequent. Favorite frequencies can be tracked on a per-band basis, or globally.
Availability
Max-5 is currently available in my shop. Max-1 and Max-2 are still in development. I hope to have them available soon. Let me know if you’re interested in one of the smaller units. You can contact me if you have any questions.
73, Lynn, KU7Q