[Elecraft] How 'bout a USB interface?

[Ed Tanton]

Yes indeed, ham radio is SUPPOSED to be about advancing the state of the 
art, etc. etc. A reality check will certainly disappoint you John.

It IS POSSIBLE that the HR manufacturers will bring out models with a USB 
port. It is simply not very likely any time soon. The percentage of hams 
demanding such a change is so small as to be non-existent in comparison to 
who buys what, and why. You may certainly lobby for such a change. Would 
suit me fine. If there is a ghost of a chance, it would be Ten-Tec.

Until there are multiple published articles illustrating USB software, 
asking where the USB ports are, it's not going to happen. Even then, until 
there is some REASON for them to change, obviously they won't. And as good 
as USB is, one inexpensive serial <> USB converter board provides all the 
utility required-and that "advancing state-of-the-art"? There isn't a 
SINGLE example of something you cannot do with a serial port you COULD do 
with USB ham radio application-wise. Possibly frequency-hopping, 
spread-spectrum... but I'm not at all certain that's legal anyway.

So, USB may eventually find its way to HR, but I wouldn't hold my breath.


73 Ed Tanton N4XY <n4xy@earthlink.net>

Ed Tanton N4XY
189 Pioneer Trail
Marietta, GA 30068-3466

website: http://www.n4xy.com

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