[Elecraft] RE SDR - May break in the future (was K3 vs. 7600)
Darwin, Keith
Keith.Darwin at goodrich.com
Fri Jun 19 08:28:17 EDT 2009
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve, NN4X
That is something which I keep very much in mind with radios like the
Flex, and the idea of PC-dominated radios in general - really, you're
always potentially one Windows update away from breaking the rig. If
the company goes out of business, or does not feel like supporting an
X-year old, non-current version of their product, you are done. Over
and out.
--------------------------
I'd not thought about that but I think Steve is right on. A hardware or
self contained rig will continue to work even if the company goes out of
business or the rest of the world around the rig changes. Once it
works, it always works. If the company goes away, the rig still works.
The true SW radios (Flex, others?) depend on having the right version of
Windows. When Windows changes and the flex SW doesn't work, your radio
doesn't work. So to keep your old Flex running, you have to keep your
old PC running as well. No upgrades. And good luck if your 8 or 10 yr
old PC needs to have a part replaced. Now, think about the value of a
20 year old Flex radio. Compare that to the value of a 20 Yr old Drake
or Heathkit rig. One is a rig you can put on the air, the other is
probably a doorstop.
- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -
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