[TenTec] Technical Correspondence

[Merle Bone]

Bob (K4TAX) wrote:
"I tend to agree with Rick.  Being that many folks have problems operating
or adjusting the parameters of the Orion series of radios, the idea of 
having
the software open for "tinkering" is well..........beyond description."
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I have to disagree with Bob and Rick. Modifying DSP (Digital signal
processing code), in the future, is the equivalent to doing hardware
modification to ham equipment in the past. I think, in the past, most people 
expected to get
a schematic with their transceiver or amplifier so that, if they had the
interest and skills, they could try modifications to, or just repair, their 
equipment. Of course,
not everyone had the skills or interest, but many did and many good
modifications have been developed over the years for commercially developed
equipment. Computers and computer skills are as prevalent today among
young - and older - people as electronics skills were in the past (Although
DSP skills are, today, a minority of the broader computer skills). Some
renewed interest in Ham radio can come through interest in digital mode
operation and continued computer integration into the hobby. In some cases
this may include people having enough skills and interest to take on
modification, or extension, of commercially developed DSP code. Of course in
the end this will depend on the willingness of the manufacturers to open the
code - as they did the schematics. However, just as with open operating
systems and other open code computer systems/programs, those that open
initial work to others with interest and skills will often find new
capabilities added to their base product. Maybe in the future the "General"
test will have questions on FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) just as, in older
days, there were questions on the Hartley oscillator and today we have
questions on satellite technology (And many amateurs involved in developing
and using satellite technology). So I don't find the idea of radio amateurs
modifying DSP code "beyond description." And, I certainly believe any ham
should be able to "adjust parameters and operate an Orion" if they have the
interest.
73, Merle - W0EWM