[SixClub] comment on the morse testing

[kd4e]

I have asked about this on other lists recently and
received opposite responses.

The responses varied from major resistance to the
high cost of the Icom D-Star technology, the fact
that no other manufacturers have agreed to use it -
thus the fear that it could suddenly be orphaned -
and concerns about gaps in the technology.

I am fond of new technology but could not justify
the huge cost of the required proprietary D-Star
add-in hardware to enable D-Star-friendly Icom gear
to actually communicate with other D-Star rigs and
repeaters.

It will be interesting to see if this succeeds outside
of a few geographically local pockets.

> Likewise "digital" communications are coming into play big time with 
> ICOM marketing "D-Star" digital format in VHF & UHF bands, the focus is 
> on major population hubs to get digital repeaters linked nation wide.
> 
> Houston, Tx. area should have 4 digital sites operational in 2M & UHF 
> bands by early 2007, 1 digital VHF repeater went into operational test 
> mode in early November with repeater to mobile distance of just under 20 
> miles an tests, this repeater is linked to other D-Star repeaters nation 
> wide, Dallas, Tx. being the first location in Texas.
> 
> A presentation about the new technology was given at the Houston Red 
> Cross to area ham club officials in October, who knows, maybe it will 
> expand to 6M...
> 
> Howard Bingham
> KE5APJ

-- 

Thanks! & 73, doc, KD4E
... in sunny & warm Florida  :-)
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