Roy:



Like Linux, a superior operating system when compared to windows--it would
mainly be done by "the community"... all the hardware guys would have to do
is make known the ports, address, etc... they are really un-needed from
there--but, it would speed the takeoff of the "system" if they did provide a
beginning point... and, one can always run a de-compressor (if they have
compressed the executable), then a disassembler to asm, then a converter to
"C" and, if you can program, you can now "tweak" the code anyway you would
like... you will have a copy of it!!!!



If the "hardware guys" didn't know how to provide a software interface,
there are "linux hams" who would, most likely, if asked, "sponsor" such a
effort on the Linux platform--hopefully--the interface to such a radio would
bypass BOTH Mac and Windows, why these OS's are sufficient for home users,
non-technical business and gov't--the technical mind deserves more, the
power of linux (unix really) would serve them much better...



However, the "system" we are speaking of would ONLY require a software
interface if you inserted that card/module which allowed computer control,
otherwise it would be using the analog card/module and associated
faceplate...



I think most here start right out trying to "limit" this "system" I have put
forward--there would be no limits to it... if you can see a limit, that is
only a bug which needs designed around...



The homebrew community might be the best place to design, develop and
introduce this from... as, if you allow too greedy a manufacturer
control--it will just end up dying from his/her attempts to squeeze too much
blood from the turnip!!! That is what has happened in the past...



Warmest regards,
John
--
When Viagra fails to work--you are DOOMED!!!

"Roy Lewallen" wrote in message
...
|I don't think much of the discussion has looked very closely at what I
| think is envisioned here -- a mainframe which would accept various
| "cards" from numerous vendors. As I detailed in an earlier posting, it's
| tough enough (and costly) to make a robust interface when a single
| company has full control of the mainframe and plugins. But let's think a
| little about the problems of making a mainframe which could accommodate
| cards from various vendors -- cards which have different performance
| characteristics.
|
| The first question is, who will define the interface? Who will dictate
| modifications as they become necessary?
|
| Then let's consider a vendor who wants to make, say, an audio amplifier
| card. It has digital signal processing with a dozen different modes.
| Each mode has considerable adjustment range, for example the width of a
| bandpass filter. The interface would have to have pins dedicated to
| these functions, and the front panel would have to have switches and
| controls for them. How about an oscillator? One might be digitally
| tuned, another analog. There are bandspread and RIT to accommodate in
| addition. What do we do about T/R switching and timing if it's to be
| used in a transceiver? How about shielding specifications so it won't
| interfere with other cards?
|
| The only possible way I can see something like this being even possible
| is for a virtual "front panel" being done in software and appearing on a
| PC screen; only in that way could each card be sure that the necessary
| controls would be present. Some sort of serial bus with expandable
| protocol would be used for all controls.
|
| Then the question becomes, who will define, develop, and maintain the
| software? I can tell you from experience that it's no easy matter to
| keep any software working properly as new operating systems, protection
| software, and hardware appear. Add the necessary hardware interface to
| the equation and the job gets tougher yet. Oh, and what do you do when
| key components of the interface become obsolete and no longer available?
|
| It's common for people who've never had to design something which will
| be reproducible by the thousands and operate without error, to say how
| easy something will be. As one of those people who spent a career
| designing just such equipment, I'd bet serious money that the cost of
| development and maintenance of the interface would never pay itself back
| in sales. Unless, of course, it's done by volunteers. My question is:
| Why don't folks like "John Smith" get off their duffs and do it?
|
| Roy Lewallen, W7EL