Frank, Et Al,
Okay. I have to fess up... I'm a programmer (or am trying to make
some money doing it!). The real question is, how well is the interface
written? I've seen really, really bad interfaces. Better off with pen
and paper. Or, to keep the analogy, better off with "knobs." But, on the
other hand, a well designed interface makes the task almost a joy. And,
in fact, even in the "real world" of knobs, there are good and bad
designs. In the long run, I expect that flexibility, price and
customization of computer interfaces will, for many Amateur
applications, outstrip the physical interface. Myself, I like the
physical. I guess in that way, I'm "old school." I like dipping meters
and turning knobs. There is a challenge and a fuller relationship
between operator and machine when there one is more involved. This is
also one of the reasons I like kits and straight key CW. Of course,
there are things I do on the computer that help operation, like logging
and a spectrum programs (yeah, I'm a geek too!).
Regards,
kurtt
Kurt Pawlikowski, AKA WB9FMC (KX-1)
The Pinrod Corporation
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(773) 284-9500
http://pinrod.com
Frank Hunter wrote:
Bill Tippett wrote:
Hi Frank,
Hi Bill!
I would ask the article's author Vic K1LT who
has "been there and done that". I notice many who are "no
knobs" advocates are never seen high in contest standings.
K1LT actually does place well in contests so I tend to attach
some credibility to his comments.
I found 112 K1LT contest results hits below:
http://dayton.contesting.com/archives//html/3830/
...but I don't see any results for GI4NKB. When I begin to
see some "no knobs" folks placing high in actual results,
then I will become a true believer. Until then, I am like
the guys from Missouri..."Show Me".
Thanks for that Bill. I hadn't realised until you pointed it out that
to win a contest I don't need huge amounts of real estate, an antenna
farm, massive power and skill. All I need are knobs! Rather than
avoiding the issues raised and cherry picking K1LT's article what you
should be doing is asking yourself "why is K1LT using SDR?" think
about it. Oh and please don't label me as a "no knobs" person, I've
plenty of radios with knobs on them including K2's. I simply find as
one who has used computers for fun and work for years that it is no
big deal using a computer to control a radio it is in truth very
intuitive and quick. If you'd read my original post properly you would
realise that if contesting with a computer based logger you're
effectively a "no knobs" person anyway! Whether you care to admit it
or not :)
>Yes it will because then more people will be staring at a spectrum
scope
and clicking on it to qsy to any intersting looking signals but
wondering why they then have to leave this environment to fiddle with
knobs
The beauty of a K3 / Panadapter is that you can use
mouse, knobs or both. You are not forced to only either/or.
And neither are you forced to do either with a Flex/PowerSDR combo.
73, Frank GI4NKB
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