Hm...
If the RS-232 standard has been around more than 50 years, it then would
predate transistorised logic circuits.
The most common computer serial communications standard well into the 60's was
the 20 mA single-current loop.
What this poster meant may have been that serial double-current (or bipolar)
signalling has been around for a very long time,
actually since the first long undersea telegraph cables.
73/
Karl-Arne
SM0AOM
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Kirkby" <david.kirkby@onetel.net>
To: <w4kv@arrl.net>
Cc: "amps" <amps@contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 6:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Amps] Alpha releases New Amp 9500
> John Adkins wrote:
> > A number of us are still using Commodore and Atari computers. Should
> > Alpha--the avant-garde
> > amplifier company (their suggestion)--expand the new computer to
> > accommodate them, too?
>
> You are missing the point.
>
> If the only criteria is working with current PCs, then USB would be the
> way to go. That is why scanners, printers and other low-cost items use USB.
>
> In the case of an expensive amp, you probably want the interface to be
> around in 15 or more years time. It is hard to predict what ones will be
> and what ones will not, but but this newsgruup post
>
> http://groups.google.co.uk/group/sci.electronics.misc/tree/browse_frm/thread/44449994adeb90fd/79bd3542af1f2f35?rnum=1&hl=en&q=rs232+invented&_done=%2Fgroup%2Fsci.electronics.misc%2Fbrowse_frm%2Fthread%2F44449994adeb90fd%2Fb1493b2213522e1e%3Flnk%3Dst%26q%3Drs232+invented%26rnum%3D11%26hl%3Den%26#doc_b1493b2213522e1e
>
> claims RS-232 was around *50 years* before USB. Experience tells us
> computer interfaces come and go quickly. So it seems likely that if
> RS-232 has been around 60 or so years, it is likely to be around another
> 15 or more.
>
> > What
> > they're doing is not good marketing.
>
> You might well be right on that. That is a very different issue.
>
> > If Alpha is making a state-of-the-art amplifier, I would
> > expect it to be state-of-the-art. I don't believe that it should require
> > hams with today's
> > technology to retrofit their computers to allow serial ports.
>
> As I say the problem with selecting an interface on a bit of expensive
> equipment you expect to last is not selecting one for today (that is
> easy) but selecting one likely to be around in 15 or more years time.
>
> Serial has a good chance of being such an interface.
>
> Other possible candidates would be
>
> 1) Ethernet
> .
> 2) SCSI (invented around the 1980's and still available on new
> equipment) Very high performance, with no indication it is going to die
> any time soon.
>
> 3) HP-IB/GPIB/IEE488 (invented in the 1960's to control instruments) and
> still available on new equipment).
>
> However, both SCSI and GPIB are expensive to implement. And given their
> performance is not needed, and neither have lasted as long as RS-232, it
> is hard to see them being an ideal choice.
>
> Ethernet might be sensible, but serial seems the lowest risk option.
>
> > Regarding USB troubles--they're there, but so are the troubles with serial
> > ports. Particularly
> > with IRQ assignments.
>
> IRQ assinments is a PC (as in IBM PC) issue. I have serial ports on this
> computer and can't select IRQ, DMA or anything else. It just "works".
> Always, every time.
>
> This computer I am using is too old to support USB, but has serial.
> Unlike the Atari you speak of it is not an old 8-bit relic, but one with
> quad 64-bit processors.
>
> Yes, despite what the computer indusry might try to tell you otherwise,
> 64-bit processors have been around a very long time, and were around
> well before USB.
>
> > I prefer the USB.
>
> I doubt you will say that in 15 years time. But perhaps then you will
> want to "upgrade" the amplifier yet again.
>
> > Why bother with an upgrade if it ain't an upgrade.
>
> I think the main point about an amp would be its RF performance. Not how
> many flashing lights it has, or whether it uses the latest fastest
> interface.
>
> --
> David Kirkby,
> G8WRB
>
> Please check out http://www.g8wrb.org/
> of if you live in Essex http://www.southminster-branch-line.org.uk/
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Amps mailing list
> Amps@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
> Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.1/104 - Release Date: 2005-09-16
>
>
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.1/104 - Release Date: 2005-09-16
_______________________________________________
Amps mailing list
Amps@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/amps
|