Kurt Pawlikowski wrote:
Frank, Et Al,
Hello Kurt!
Okay. I have to fess up... I'm a programmer (or am trying to make
some money doing it!).
I'm not :)
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.
Well like everything it has it's good and bad points, eg I'd really like
the noise reduction function to have a slider to control it and a
keyboard shortcut for the MOX button would be nice, on the other hand
changing TX and RX bandwidth "on the fly" is pretty neat. But remember
it is only software! Better than that it's open source software, so you
can improve the bits you don't like (if you have the ability) in fact it
is actively encouraged. Why don't you head on over to Flex's site and
download PowerSDR and a few audio files and try it for yourself?
In the long run, I expect that flexibility, price and
customization of computer interfaces will, for many Amateur
applications, outstrip the physical interface.
I agree, it was seminal moment for me when my softrock took to the air,
here was a few cheap componemts with clever software offering a
price/performance ratio that was simply staggering.
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.
Oh I love my knobs and meters too :) To me there is no greater thrill
than working dx with a few watts from a homebuilt RX/TX and cw, but I
imagine the relationship between operator and machine is just as
rewarding for someone who has written or improved the code controlling
his radio. TBH, I see little if any difference between turning a knob or
twiddling a mouse wheel - they both get the job done.
Should we not as hams have always done use or modify that which is
cheaply available? In days gone past it was military surplus, nowadays
it is cheap consumer pc hardware and electronics that is available with
the added bonus that it keeps getting cheaper and better, we ignore it
because it has no knobs at our peril!
I'll make this my last posting on the subject to the group as I'm sure
it's starting to bore people, I'll reply to you privately Bill.
73, Frank GI4NKB
--
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