[Elecraft] An FT8 Radio- just dreaming

[Barry Baines]

Doug:

> On Feb 21, 2021, at 9:36 PM, Doug Millar via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> I have been wondering for some time- How will FT8 change ham radio equipment?  Right off I imagine a radio and computer in one box maybe with the display. (FT8 should vastly simplify the first interface with the radio, with menus reaching deeper into its control. Most of today's designs are not well enough integrated and I think are hampered by preconceptions. Nor do they take advantage of graphic user interfaces that are common in say cell phones.  I think it could be one box with voice and touch control with keyboard and mouse optional. How about an internal projector so that the screen can be projected onto another surface making monitors optional? If it is going to be worth it, It has to be not different but do things differently. 
>     Has anyone else had any thoughts?  

FWIW, we’re already seeing the integration of FT8 into amateur radio equipment.  However, it isn’t hardware but software that does this as exemplified by SmartSDR for iOS and SmartSDR for Mac developed by Marcus, DL8MRE and is available through the appropriate Apple App Store (iOS and MacOS).  Within the software configured to manage Flex-6000 series transceivers, FT8 is a ‘mode’ that allows the operator to use their Flex-6000 product locally or remotely with FT8 integrated into SmartSDR on their device.  This capability is not available through SmartSDR for Windows (developed by FlexRadio), but as an Apple user I’m thrilled with the integration that is now possible with an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Mac/Macbook using MacOS.  It can’t get any simpler to integrate FT8 into an amateur radio station.

I have to presume that as Elecraft evolves the K4 ‘ecosystem’ to include remote operation that similar integration is feasible.  Whether Elecraft will do this or by third party developers remains to be seen.  

73,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW/5
Keller, TX

>       Doug K6JEY
> 
> 
> 
> 
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