[2m] PC based controllers

[Dave Stephens]

Hello all,

Ok i got a good one for you all. i have played a bit with echo station (
a PC based repeater controller), and it sparked an idea. the echo
station is kinda neat BUT it doesnt do what i want. now here are the
questions i have for all you brains that have knowledge in these fields:

Computer programing
Repeater controllers

so here we go with the questions.

1. i am sure that it is hard for someone that doesnt know anything about
designing and writing computer programs (me) but, how extencive is the
programing for something like Echo Station? i mean is this a very
extencive program or is it a realitivly simple program?

2. there are sound cards out on the market for musicians that have muti
channel inputs and outputs. lets say that i learn how to write the code
for a computer based repeater controler, could i use one of these multi
channel soundcards for ports for a repeater and a couple link radios
and/or a few repeaters on one control?

now i know that i would be taking on a huge task in doing what i would
like to do but, i want to learn. there are people that i work with that
know how to do the programing (these people design and build the
programs that we use at work and these are anything but simple little
programs) and i know that they would be willing in helping me learn, so
there really wouldnt be any reason for anyone telling me that i shouldnt
try to do this.

i know just as well as anyone that the same amount of money that i would
spend on this project could buy me 2 really nice controllers from NHRC
or Link Comm or whoever. but i am not doing this for anything but the
learning experiance.

and with that i will end this email, but i would like to take the time
to thank you all in advance for your time and help.

take it easy and 73's from California

Dave Stephens
KF6WJA
DM04