[Elecraft] SDRs and embedded processors

David Gilbert xdavid at cis-broadband.com
Tue May 22 15:11:38 EDT 2012



That's an interesting question, but I don't see how it is any different 
than for any other rig that has been introduced in the last 20 years.  
Microprocessors have been in use for ages to handle all sorts of tasks 
from menu functions to display.  It doesn't matter whether those 
processors are controlled from ROM or flash RAM, or whether the software 
processes signals or human interface ... when the processor quits so 
does the rig.

I suppose one way to mitigate the chance for obsolescence is to make as 
much of the rig modular as possible ... i.e., put the critical 
semiconductors (processors, flash ram, etc) on daughterboards that could 
be functionally replaced with more modern devices.  I think to a great 
extent Elecraft has done that in the K3, but let's be honest ... how 
many people would actually buy a 50 year old tube rig with the intent of 
making it their primary rig anyway?  The only reason anybody cares about 
such an old rig is nostalgia since the overall performance of a modern 
rig is much more compelling.  50 years from now that will probably be 
the case for the K3 as well, and I'm not even certain that ham radio 
will still be relevant enough then for anyone to care.

73,
Dave   AB7E




On 5/22/2012 10:54 AM, 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.
>
> One other note on software:  I have some software for receivers
> and transceivers that are currently on the shelf (example: a Ten-Tec
> Pegasus) that were designed back in the days of DOS or Windows 95.
> It will be interesting to see if they will still work with Windows 7.
>
> 72/73 de Jim - AD6CW


More information about the Elecraft mailing list