[PCR-1000] Re: Just say NO to Radiocom

[Skip Flem]

Google says:
"A dongle (pronounced DONG-uhl) is a mechanism for ensuring that only 
authorized users can copy or use specific software 
<http://searchWebServices.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci211585,00.html>applications, 
especially very expensive programs. Common mechanisms include a hardware 
key that plugs into a parallel or serial port on a computer and that a 
software application accesses for verification before continuing to run."
  Dongle is another word for key. During the '80s they were quite simple; 
wire a joystick both north and south; or use a preset resistor value on 
the  analog control, or even
more tricky, add another capacitor. One of the last techniques 'debugged' 
was a 5% dutycycle pulse.  A couple one-shots and pots worked.
   I never thought about opening up the radiocomm dongle. But I would guess 
there's a PIC microcontroller inside. ( a smart chip, to you and I)


At 04:27 AM 3/22/2003 -0800, you wrote:

>I'm curious. I've seen "dongle" mentioned from time to time. What is it?
>skip
>  The Copy is FREE, the Dongle is $250.00 and is not included with the
>PCR1000...