[TenTec] Future Radios - Knobs!

[Carl Moreschi]

We have the knob device already.  See Woodbox radio's Tmate 2.  It has 3 
knobs and 9 buttons, is a USB device and my software lets you program 
the knobs and buttons to do anything you want.

Carl Moreschi N4PY
58 Hogwood Rd
Louisburg, NC 27549
www.n4py.com

On 11/3/2014 10:59 AM, Tom Mandera wrote:
> We already have CI-V and a few other variations of the same thing.
>
> A single standard would be fantastic to opening up a new market..
>
> we have SDR.  They require a computer.  Computers no longer have knobs
> like some of us prefer, but we have a GUI with a picture of a knob or a
> slider and a mouse to turn it.
>
> Step 1) we need a USB "VFO" (hmm.. perhaps we embrace "gaming controllers"
> with analog inputs - or a steering wheel controller from a driving game -
> there's your big VFO knob!) and then some additional rotary encoder inputs
> for volume, RF-gain, and so forth.
>
> Plug multiple "USB knobs" together (gang them) to make a console.
>
> Lock each knob to an "input" to the SDR software so you can still use the
> mouse, or you can spin the knob.
>
> Set it up with the computer, then hide the computer behind the desk and
> pretend it isn't there.
>
> ..because once the inputs are solved, the next evolution is something that
> resembles a metal enclosure with a bunch of the "USB knobs" ganged
> together, with a Raspberry Pi tucked in the back.
>
> Now you can pretend there's no computer in the mix.
>
> If we had a single standard for rig control (CI-V and whatever the other
> options are) you have a single product that could be used on multiple
> radios.
>
> Need a remote VFO for your Orion?  Here you go.
>
> Like that K3 but hate the small box and lack of knobs?  Here you go.
>
> Want to try a Flex but can't stand the absence of knobs entirely?  Here
> you go.
>
>
> What's the difference between a TenTec Pegasus and a TenTec Jupiter?
>
>
> You could try all of this with a micro-controller, but micro-computers are
> cheap enough and you can do it as an incremental solution to prove it out
> before you commit.
>
> -Tom
> KE7VUX
> TT Scout
> TT Paragon II 586
> TT Omni IV+
>
>> Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:02:17 -0500
>> From: TT fan<jrichards at k8jhr.com>
>> To: n4py3 at earthlink.net, 	Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
>> 	<tentec at contesting.com>
>> Subject: Re: [TenTec] New Radios in the Future
>> Message-ID:<5456B7F9.4070606 at k8jhr.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>>
>> Exactly Carl.
>>
>> That was Rick's initial point  and it still valid.  Perhaps the take
>> away point from this thread is what he said first, that radios of
>> the future may be more computer based, but we may see more
>> and varied forms of knobs and controls added in various formats
>> and layouts.   Based on his vision, I can imagine buying an SDR
>> from Company A,  and a separate interface of some kind from
>> Company B or maybe from Company C to interface with the
>> computer.   Perhaps a new business model is in store... SDRs
>> from one mfr and various interfaces from multiple mfrs.
>>
>> We see this in computer recording products.   One purchases a
>> computer,  and then selects two things:   A)  a preferred software
>> package,  and B)  a preferred hardware recording surface (console)
>> as a physical interface with knobs and buttons.  Perhaps such
>> a business model would suit future radio sales.    Under this scenario,
>> there would be multiple Woodbox T products... one with one knob
>> and X buttons,   another with two knobs and Y buttons, and even
>> a third with a big knob, three or four smaller knobs, and XX buttons,
>> and it would compete with similar products from other companies.
>>
>> This is what I took from Rick's first point and I think it is
>> entirely consistent with your statements, below.  And I think
>> it would work.
>>
>> Picture buying a remote rig like a K3 from Elecraft, but buying an
>> operating head from TT,  or a black box Eagle from TT, and a
>> remote head designed and manufactured by YOU and JERRY H
>> with your programming, and his build design.   I think TT was
>> thinking this very sort of thing when it came out with the Arduino
>> based kits.   It makes a black box starter unit, and hams invent
>> all the rest.
>>
>> ================ K8JHR ================
>
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