Hmmm, you know, basically just two guys built the first apple desktop
computer--you think it is that much more difficult? Well, maybe!

I think one can begin with at least a mental pic...

....all the voltages which are to be used run on a common bus, the digital
lines are there to, without the "motherboard card", these are pretty much
unused... the audio lines can be hear for digital cards (on the bus for the
audio amp card)--very low level rf might have access though a proper
connector, of some sort (maybe on a shelf now, maybe need to do new specs
for one), there is a bnc/so-239, etc... which "floats" in a slot, capable of
sliding along to gain access to all cards (why limit where the PA will be
inserted?)...an analog bus with connectors available to each card lays on a
line which is also available to any cards requiring it, and provides
connection to a plug which is accessible if an analog panel is used--on this
analog panel are standard components (which may be all there, or added one
at a time, as needed)--meter, vol, squelch, rf gain, tuning (variactor card,
or old variables if room) lcd readout, etc...

Certainly one would just begin with the case, power supply, and the bus(s)
providing everything one can imagine a "card designer/builder" would require
in the future--and put some flexibility in it, just in case you want to do a
case revision/upgrade in the future, maybe you start out with too big a case
right now--looking forward to future times when it would be desirable to
have it smaller, etc...... rf out, rf in?, audio, etc lines--duplicate most
everything in both digital and analog-- ... then "analog panel"/"digital
panel" connectors... maybe expect the case to house no larger than a
100-500 watt PA... larger power through an external unit...

You point is well taken that my bench, time and abilities are limited--I am
trying to finish putting three boys through college...

.... even my overpaid colleges at work just wanna sip beer on the weekends
and watch the game or dvds, or plan the next cruise--could be a sign of my
generations age or decline... my access to real "innovators" is limited...
so is this countries...

.... but, as has been pointed out--this newsgroup is read in other
countries... countries where innovation is not dying but, rather just
blooming...

And, placed beside the first apple desktop (built by, basically, two boys in
a college lab and a garage)--I think most would say "IT IS DO-ABLE!"

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

"Roy Lewallen" wrote in message
...
| I'm eagerly awaiting the block diagram and system specification which I
| assume you'll be working on. I'm sure it won't take you long. Good luck!
|
| Roy Lewallen, W7EL
|
| John Smith wrote:
| 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