[Ham-Linux] RE: Anyone using ...

[Nate Bargmann]

* Harv Nelson <harv.nelson at gmail.com> [2005 Aug 11 17:58 -0500]:
> Hi Nate
> 
> You asked:
> 
> >>Why hasn't Linux taken over as the OS of choice for hams?
> 
> One my answers to this question has been the advertising  of many of
> our suppliers and vendors (including the ARRL).  The ads state that
> the "required OS" is some version of Windows ... even when the CD
> offered for sale contains nothing more than ".pdf" files or text files
> all easily readable with Open Source software.
> 
> One of my responces to this situation has been to offer a FREE Linux cd:
> 
> http://hamshack-hack.sourceforge.net/

I will check this out.  Thanks!

> Those of us who are experienced Linux users can make the point more
> directly with manufacturers and vendors by requesting that necessary
> software be made available for OpenSource systems.  When a competing
> product is available that offers Open Source support, make sure you
> tell the vendors and MANUFACTURER of the "Windows only" product how
> you spent your money, how much money you spent,  and WHY!

I'll admit to not doing this as I'm probably cynical regarding the
impact to be made, however, as always the squeaky wheels get the
grease.  Some years back at Dayton I was walking through the ARRL booth
(been a member for 20+ years) and one of the staffers was showing off
their then new repeater mapping software.  I asked if it worked with
Linux and he got this puzzled look on his face and said it required
Windows of some variety.  So I said I wasn't interested and moved
along.  The look on his face was priceless.  Unfortunately, it's still
Windows only.

> If you intend to write your own scripts or programs to run a
> particular radio or interface, buy the product from the vendor and
> manufacturer who makes his information readily available and
> accessable.  Once your program is running share it with the rest of
> the community so that we can also contribute to it.

Perhaps you've heard of Hamlib.  I've been involved in that project for
the past several years (mostly off as of late) and at least most of the
devices are open and easy to support.  We've had requests for things
like memory cloning software for HTs.  The manufacturers are keeping
that information proprietary so we can't support that without a huge
reverse engineering effort for each radio.

I look back over the past two decades of ham software that has been
left to die because its author stopped updating it for whatever reason.
Imagine how much less work it would be if that code had been released
under a free license so that it could be built upon today.  There are
many nifty programs in the FTP archives that could be very nice if they
could be updated for today's needs.

> Thanks for the $50/hour - 4 hour minimum ... or, Linux for free ...
> suggestion.  I'm going to implement that one here.  I may end up with
> fewer friends but, more time for my own projects, and less baby
> sitting in the long term.

You're welcome!

73, de Nate >>

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