[TenTec] Question for Contesters:

[W1GOR]

Rick,

Briefly, traditional radios are 'hard-wired' as originally designed.
Any revisions, be they improvements or 'fixes', must be made by changing
component values, adding components, or removing components.  Basically,
a 'hardware-based' product can only be revised or upgraded with
hardware.

On the other hand, SDR (software defined radios) can be upgraded,
modified, or controlled (RF Squared, N4PY, manufacturer's programming,
etc) by software (firmware).  Features may be added or deleted by simply
re-programming the radio, or other device.

SDR offers tremendous flexibility to any digitally controlled device,
radios as well as personal, industrial, or military systems.  In the
case of two-way radios that are used in 'first response' scenarios
(Fire, Police, EMT, Military) can be easily reprogrammed to allow
interoperability between critical services. SDR units that do not meet
the immediate need can be 'cloned' to make them compatible. 

A hardware defined radio would require changing crystals, P/L tones, and
ANI codes.  This process requires considerable time, technical talent,
may introduce errors, and depends totally upon the availability of the
components necessary to accomplish the task. 

73, Larry - W1GOR


-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of NJ0IP
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 8:54 PM
To: Tentec at Contesting. Com
Subject: [TenTec] Question for Contesters:

This pertains to SDR radios in general, and not specifically the
Ten-Tec SDR radios.

Question:

What are the advantages of an SDR radio over traditional radios
for contesters?

73
Rick
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