>Harry, methinks it is you who is missing the big picture. Weather we
like it or not, >the industry is going the way of TT and either firmware
upgradeable rigs, or the pure >software control like the SDR-1000.
>
Yup, it sure is. However, if the industry en mass adopting SDR means
years of buggy firmware, well, then all that SDR represents is a cost
reduction for those who make amateur equipment and a consequent rise of
the bottom line for those who peddle it. We, the consumers end up
suffering because we will now only be offered hi-tech junk that sounds
cool, but is really a bunch of .......well, you know.
If, however, the industry offers quality products - and they will, make
no mistake - then we are on the verge of a revolution in radio
technology. However, TT has yet, in my opinion, to make the Orion a
*true* quality product. Imagine what would happen to Amateur sales if
one of the Big-3 (Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood) offered a radio with the quirks
of Orion? - that company's reputation would be tarnished and all of the
hard work they put into getting people loyal to their brand may have
been for naught - and that may well be happening to TT unless v2 of the
Orion firmware works as promised. A company can only peddle a marginal
product for so long; consumers aren't stupid, brand loyalty only goes so
far. Make no mistake, most of TTs current products are outstanding.
Take their RX-340 for example - a true world-class HF receiver (and
SDR). The Orion, well, it still needs work after 2+ years.
>We can not think in terms of the old plug and play version 1 or 2.
>
>The other three manufactures are all working on their versions. Icom
has allready >released one in the 7800 which has upgradable
firmware.(They had to recall the whole >lot for a harware mistake).
>
And when they price their SDRs reasonably watch out!
>The times they are a changing, get the rig now and enjoy.
>
Yes, but, again, if SDR means years of buggy firmware and endless
upgrades, well I'll just go back to my old JRC gear thank you very much.
Bill kc4atu
QRP,doing more with less
*73
Harry, AB7YF*
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