[TenTec]software defined radio, was "audio"

[K3BU at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/9/03 6:53:32 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
SteveBaron at StarLinX.com writes:

> 
>  > Now, like the Windoze box I am typing this on, the Orion also has some
>  hardware connections that cannot readily be changed. Being adaptable I
>  choose to work around those "problems."
>  >


On the "software radio" I can see problems already with the PTT thing. If the 
hardware is not capable of accommodating change, then there is a bigger 
problem. Suppose you make some mods in hardware, now software guys don't know about 
it, they make some changes that might affect your mode, then you are screwed. 
All radios would have to be the same in order to follow upgrades, unless 
change is such that is not affected by software. Sooo, so much for the 
flexibility, unless hardware is changed to accommodate other software changes, then we 
are sentenced to use the radio we are served. 
I appreciate the concept and performance based on the new (Drake R4B?) 
concept of RF chain and programmability of certain things, but as a contester I am 
deeply disappointed if I can't use PTT in CW mode on the mike connector as I 
was used to on all the previous radios. Softwarebility is nice, but what happens 
if Orion goes way of Kachina? I hope that TT will stay responsive to its 
users, sells lot of radios and is around for a long time. 
Now if I can figure out schematics....

Yuri, K3BU