[Elecraft] Ham Radio Deluxe: some new features

[Julian (G4ILO)]

Umm, integrated logging, support for all modes, including SSB (voice 
memories), CW (send and receive) SSTV and and most data modes not just 
PSK, powerful macro capability that can be used for custom rig control 
not just text buffers (e.g. select a CW signal in the waterfall display 
and hit one button to center it in a narrow filter), contest support, DX 
cluster window, more stuff even I haven't discovered or found a use for yet.

I don't understand why so many folks balk at paying $50 for a bit of 
software when many spend more than that just on the tools to build their 
new Elecraft kit, never mind the cost of their actual radios. Why will 
people pay $100 for a simple box like a rigblaster, but not for the 
software they use with it?

As a programmer, I'm not denigrating the work Peter and his colleague 
have put in, but a program with the breadth and scope of MixW is the 
result of professional development and not many programmers want to 
spend that much time on something unless it's how they earn their 
living. Look at Linux: so much potential, yet it will never catch up 
with Windows because of its reliance on volunteer effort. The state of 
ham software seems much the same: umpteen so-so amateur-developed 
programs all doing much the same thing, few of which even work together, 
and hardly any feature-rich, comprehensive, innovative professional 
products. Even MixW probably wouldn't exist if its developers weren't 
Ukrainian and able to get by on less money than an American or European 
programmer would need. Why do hams consider software to be worth 
nothing, unlike the work of hardware designers?

73,

Julian, G4ILO. RSGB, ARRL, G-QRP. K2 SN: 0392.
G4ILO's Shack: http://www.qsl.net/g4ilo




W2AGN wrote:

>On Monday 01 December 2003 05:39, Julian (G4ILO) wrote:
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>
>>Not to denigrate your efforts, Peter, but you're still a long way short
>>of what MixW can do, so that's why my name doesn't appear on your list.
>>
>>73,
>>    
>>
>
>Not that short, from what I found. Certainly not enough difference for $50.00.
>
>  
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