[Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 144, Issue 12

[Dave B]

On 08/04/16 23:36, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
> Message: 8
> Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2016 12:08:49 -0600
> From: Ken G Kopp<kengkopp at gmail.com>
> To:elecraft at mailman.qth.net,KX3 at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft Utilities
> Message-ID:
> 	<CAD4CdTOH8AqA32YmGLthq-U3Aedo3E7UeYJfWy+pZKMuFfZV-w at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Wayne and Eric:
>
> PLEASE don't cave in to the requests of those on the reflectors who are
> asking
> you to disclose the "genetic makeup" of their radios by publishing the
> software
> that would enable anyone to modify how a given radio operates.
>
> I see this as no different than a breeder of a thoroughbred breed of dog
> opening
> the pen and letting all comers mate with the females.  You would end up
> with a
> "contaminated" breed.
>
> I envision an increased workload at Elecraft in dealing with the customers
> who
> manage to "mess up" their radio's "brains" and want help in restoring them
> to
> the original state.  Nothing but non-profit overhead.
>
> I would be wary ... read "never" ... of buying a used Elecraft product for
> fear
> that it's genetic makeup had been altered and really wasn't an Elecraft
> anymore.
>
> Perhaps I'm not understanding something ...
>
> 73!
>
> Ken Kopp - K0PP
> Full K-line, KX3, PX3, KXPA100, K2/100, W2's, etc.
Hi.

It's not the internal secrets of the radios that is wanting to be 
revealed, just the ability to run the firmware maintenance utilities 
(I'd also include the XG3 tool in the list) on a non ix86 platform, such 
as the Pi.

It could be done independently, as it's trivial to intercept the data 
flowing between the PC and rig, then write from scratch something to do 
the same.   That could then be released as open source so could then be 
built (compiled) to be used on other platforms.  I'm sure there are some 
reading this list that have the skills (I don't, but I have looked at 
the serial traffic between rig and software.)

In the case of the Pi, it already runs Linux.   Plus there are already 
Linux versions of the K3/KX3 and XG3 tools, but as they are not open 
source, they can't be built to run on the ARM equipped Pi's or Beagle 
Bones by us "the paying users" of the equipment.  Shame really.

It would be relatively easy for the authors concerned to create an ARM 
compatible Linux version, but that takes time to do and importantly test 
and perfect, as there are always subtle differences to trip over, that 
and "They" don't have Pi's or BBB's in their shack's, to test on.

A "Command line" version of just the firmware up-loader tool's would 
indeed be a fine compromise for many.   Such things can always be 
wrapped in a simple GUI or desktop launcher for those who suffer fright 
of black screens and just text!  ;-)

The 64/32 bit thing is also possible to overcome, in the same way as 
x86/ARM cpu compatibility, but that does mean potentially multiple 
versions of the same tool's!

I don't know if the Pi (or BB's) can have a Java run time installed.   
If so, the Elecraft tools could be ported to Java, then that can be run 
on anything that supports a JRE.   Many many similar tools for other 
(non radio) and some Ham products are run that way.

Anyway, add my name/call to the list of "interested parties" in regards 
to Pi compatible (however done) Elecraft support tools.

73.

Dave G0WBX.