I do understand that one......................anyway, I will be going with a
PLL type of synthesizer. I will be using a DAC to provide the tuning voltage
for the tracking front end. I may have a feedback system that monitors the
RSSI; this way, the front end can be optimized pretty easily.
As far as that tuning knob, I agree..................it is good to have that
analog feel. I also like knobs vs. menus. If you take a look at my general
coverage models, I even use a variable BFO; this way, you can set the
carrier reinsertion point down at the right point on the filter slope
(approximately -24dB). There's just something about those old receivers!

Pete

Tim Shoppa wrote in message
om...
"Pete KE9OA" wrote in message
...
As far as the receiver itself, we have located a pretty good
CPU..................my boss wants to put in some fancy features, such
as a
spectrum display, etc. I would also like to aim this receiver at the
average
person, so I am thinking about bass and treble controls.

I may not be the average person... but some random thoughts away from
"fancy features":

1. A tuned front end? It really does make a difference.

2. Still using DDS for the LO? Make sure the encoder knob "feels" like a
good old variable capacitor (or variable inductor). I have been
universally disappointed by the shaft encoders used on current
synthesized radios.

3. The closer any spectrum display can be made to a good old panadaptor,
the better. They did that user interface right. Again, I'm
disappointed
by the spectrum displays on current production hardware, but I may
be the last guy who still likes knobs over a bazillion mode buttons.

Tim.