[Elecraft] Device data retention times

[len at ka7ftp.com]

Hi All,

 

            I'm constantly doing projects with microcontrollers and
programmable logic devices.  I've been doing this long enough that I've got
devices that have "lost their memory."  Things that I designed and built
decades ago no longer function.  Over time flash will lose its mind, I guess
just like we do.

 

At some point in time that will happen to our lovely little radios.  From an
operator stand point we can re-flash the firmware as long as the boot code
is functional.  Does Elecraft have a provision in the radios that will allow
an update of the bootloader to keep it fresh, so to speak?  That is without
sending it back to the factory?

 

I know a lot of people don't keep stuff forever, but I pretty much do.   In
old radios we replace caps, and a few other parts that age.  With
programmable chips you need and ISP, unless there is another provision.  

 

73

 

Len