[Icom] Introduction of the IC-7800

[George, W5YR]

To the contrary, Bob, every Icom radio that I have ever bought worked
"correctly" out of the box. No bugs, not patches, no upgrades, required,
etc.

Icom follows that path of distributed embedded processor control for their
software-controlled radios. They are honest enough not to claim
"software-defined" which is a virtual impossibility on the amateur market so
far.

That approach allows for optimum code and processor memory and speed, etc.
in each section of the rig where it is used. All processors operate in
parallel as the real-time load requires. No tradeoffs are required by
multi-tasking the control processes as they occur in real time.

One recently released top-tier transceiver appears to be having control
software bugs, which are the subject of an unending series of firmware
upgrades, which are likely the result of a single processor lacking either
the memory or the CPU-cycle capacity required to keep up with everything.

In each case, the 706 for example, a new model was not brought out to remedy
any deficiencies or correct any errors in the former model but rather to add
new capabilities *that cannot be added by changing control program
software*.

Similarly, the 781 was ported over to more popular price-points in the
amateur market as the 756 which evolved into the PRO and the PRO2. The
series was not produced to correct problems but to add capabilities and
features.

Yes, the PRO2 is a better radio than the PRO which is a better radio than
the 756. But, each generation provides new capabilities which could not have
been realized by mere software changes alone.

Any collection of hardware ultimately reaches a performance limit in various
areas due to the characteristics of the hardware as well as to how it is
being used. Software control determines the latter - the basic hardware
determines the former.  In a true "software-defined" radio, the hardware is
transparent and has minimal effect upon performance and capabilities.

Software upgrades will not add 6 meters or 2 meters to that radio I
mentioned above - the hardware doesn't support it. It does allow 60 meters
to be added because, presumably, the hardware design comprehended that band
from its inception and the right tuned circuits, etc. were included for it.

Surely there are better ways to compare radio brands and the characteristics
of certain models than to make blanket criticisms about releasing a new
model "to get it working fairly correctly."

73/72, George
Amateur Radio W5YR -  the Yellow Rose of Texas
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13QE
"In the 57th year and it just keeps getting better!"
<mailto:w5yr@att.net>





----- Original Message -----
From: "BJ" <rajohngm@worldnet.att.net>
To: <icom@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 9:43 AM
Subject: Re: [Icom] Introduction of the IC-7800


> It's not humor, remember the 706? Takes Icom about 3 versions to get it
> working fairly correctly.
>
> Bob, AA8X