[DSP-10] Question About The Status of the DSP-10

[Dave Comer]

Hi Everyone,

I apologize in advance for what must be a newbie dumb question. I believe 
I've convinced myself to purchase the DSP-10 kit
through TAPR and start building the DSP-10. I have an EZKIT-2181 and even 
have 6.0 of the DSP Visual Tools. Furthermore,
I have a history with the 21xx family (initially with goal of using it for 
SDR). Hence, this project looks very well matched to my
interests. However, I have a few questions I wonder if someone can help me 
feel at ease with my decision.

1. Is the DSP-10 still is active development?
         Based on the new archives it appears it is.

2. I downloaded the DSP source code (uhf3sc25.zip) and it all appears to be 
assembly based. I'm assuming that this is
         because:
         a) The GNU C compiler  is too expensive for most (I know the 
source can be obtained but AD
                 appears to have some critical parts in proprietary 
software) and/or
         b) SDR needs to be written in assembly due to optimization issues?

         Can someone confirm this or otherwise educate me?

3. After browsing the news archive it appears that there has been much 
activity on getting the tool chain
         (Win98 based?) to work in XP. Apparently DOS Box is one option, MS 
Virtual PC or VMware are the only
         other options to use the tool chain successfully with out shelling 
out $1200 to AD for the latest version
         of VisualDSP (not sure if the latest version works in XP anyway).

4. It appears that the kit is fairly simple (By simple I mean harder than a 
HeathKit). Are there any special tools required for
         assembly? I have a TDS2024 scope, a Metcal SP200 soldering station 
(with fine tip) but no SMD tools. My guess is that
         a good magnifying glass would be needed? (Especially for those in 
their 40's?)

5. BCC 4.0 is required to compile the Windows software?

6. Any other advice from someone that has "been there" or "Is there"?

Thanks,

Dave Comer

AD5TU