[Elecraft] SDRs and embedded processors

[Don Wilhelm]

Jim,

I don't think software updates are a problem, but Windows Automatic 
Updates can (and do) happen at the most inconvenient times.

I do not believe concern about obsolescence of dedicated processors is 
any great problem.  The K3 could be re-designed with a different 
processor to take care of repairs.
Loading of updated firmware into a dedicated processor is a concern 
because transmission methods tend to change from time to time - consider 
the problem the older Flex owners have bedause Flex choose to use 
Firewire - and I foresee USB going the same way.  I am very glad to see 
that the K3 and KX3 have serial interfaces.  Serial ports may be 
disappearing from consumer computers, but there are readily available 
adapters.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/22/2012 1:54 PM, Jim Lowman wrote:
> Just a thought - I agree completely about the harm that software
> updates can do.
>
> But isn't there another problem lurking with passing time?
> I refer to the obsolescence of some dedicated processors that
> are no longer available from their source.
>
> Will Elecraft be able to support these embedded processors
> well into the future?  It's been mentioned that the older, tube-based
> radios of 50 years ago work just fine today (as long as one can
> still obtain the required tubes).  I don't expect to be around when
> any of my Elecraft transceivers hit the 50-year mark, but I'd like
> to think that they'll be good to go 20-30 years from now.
>