[TenTec] My observations

[N4BE_Jim@yahoo.com]

John,

Don't forget the military/commercial market, which is typically big$.  There are several mfgrs of commercial radios (Icom being one) that have built in support for data modes such as ALE and Mil-STD 110-A.  These built in modes are typically implemented with a DSP based signal processor that demodulates and modulates the audio waveforms of these modes, then interfaces to an outboard terminal or PC to send/receive text and even binary files via HF channels.  The built in mod / demod uses a codec chip to generate or demodulate the audio waveforms.  Most hams can't afford these radios (think $7K-10K or more).  I am in MARS and we use outboard sound devices interfaced to a PC which runs freeware software for ALE and M110  data modes.  On MARS I currently use ALE/M-110a freeware, an O2 and Timewave Navigator interface.  The software is developed by Steve Shaduchek N2CKH. Google him.   Runs under Windows but is written in one of the C languages so its portable.   One option your Orion3 could provide is a slot for a user defined DSP board that could host 3rd party modem software like this.  

BTW ALE is legal for hams but not M110a (yet).  M110a is a powerful Mil mode invented by Harris Corp. that supports up to 2400bps coded and 4800bps uncoded on HF.  And for this marketing brief I would like a first off the line version of the radio!

73,
Jim N4BE

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