On Jul 06 08:37, "Robert Naumann" <w5ov@w5ov.com> wrote:
>
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Radio appliances (long and OT)
>
> Bob,
>
> Which modern radios have standardized USB connectivity built into them?
>
> None.
>
> Even the new TenTec Omni 7 that has Ethernet capability (pretty cool) has a
> DB-9 serial port on the back panel. The new EleCraft K3 also has a DB9
> serial port on the back.
>
> You are right - all manufacturers should use a standard hardware and
> software interface - but they don't.
>
> I agree that it all should be better, but the fact is that it is not. There
> is no plug and play in ham radio interfacing of radios, computers, sound
> cards etc. The user must, and I repeat, must assume responsibility for doing
> some work to make these dissimilar, non-standardized devices work together.
> An expectation otherwise is just unrealistic and unfair to those who are
> trying to help make these things work together.
I've been reading this thread with considerable interest, given the problems
I've been having getting my rig and laptop interfaced.
I submit that expecting a standardized interface system is not unfair in the
slightest (never mind that it might be unrealistic). In fact, your examples of
brand-new designs using DB9, serial-based connectivity - along with Kenwood's
current models - points out something which is, to me, more troubling: a move
toward standardization of an aging technology.
That disturbs me because, like many, I don't have serial ports or LPT ports.
Not one, on any of my computers. All I've got is USB.
I also submit that there is no reason why market pressure cannot be applied to
encourage manufacturers to design modern radio-computer connectivity into the
radios. There is a reason USB has overtaken serial and LPT connections on
modern computers: it's easier for the user. That's why they call it "plug and
play," after all. Why *shouldn't* the amateur radio market push toward simpler
connectivity? Why *shouldn't* we expect to plug a USB cable into the radio,
instead of purchasing an interface box and having to wrestle with addresses,
yadda yadda yadda?
All manufacturers *don't* use a standard hardware and software interface - but
they could if they wanted to. If the computer industry can do it - from
cameras to printers to flat-bed scanners - why not amateur radio designers?
Isn't USB just the latest in a long line of industry-wide standardization?
I realize it cuts out a job-creating aftermarket for interfaces and associated
hardware, but there are enough older rigs around that require that technology
that no one will starve (at least for a couple of decades!).
Cheerio,
Bob, NQ3X
(yeah, yeah; new guy!)
--
No cute furry animals were harmed in preparing and sending this email.
Countless electrons, however, were terribly inconvenienced.
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