From: Mike Coslo on Jul 19, 8:08 pm

http://www.getboost.com/dz/sienna.htm

My thoughts.

First, the unit has a lot of promise. While I think I prefer separate
components between the computer and the rig for flexibility, this setup
might just be fun to use.

It's not the first such integrated radio transceiver.

The DZ Sienna "predecessor" - called the PSKUBE - no longer on
the market, was even more integrated. See the assembly-
instruction-theory manual available on the DZ website. A single
box with an LCD screen for a Windows-like display, plug-in
keyboard, obviously intended to be a "starter rig" (20 W)
mainly for PSK-31. Kind of a niche market in itself.

Next, I don't buy the teeny florescent screen rationale. My idea of the
modern integrated rig is more along the line of looking like a laptop,
with a folding large screen on top of the RF portions of the box. But
that's just me.

You can get those now from other folks, use a "real" laptop for
the entire control of them. Otherwise the modern ready-built HF
transceivers generally have the same size "teeny" displays.

Interesting that they chose an LDG autotuner. This is a concept that
might be expanded upon.

Why is that "interesting?" SGC makes several autotuners, buildable
inside or use externally. The DZ Sienna isn't the first to offer
a built-in automatic antenna tuner.

Don't like the computer interface screenshot.

Okay, then program up an interface using the Windows format and
calls. Maybe the internal operating system is as accessible as
the Sienna itself? Like "addressing it on-line like it was
another PC." It uses a single-board computer, PC compatible.

I really hope that they do well. I do think the price point is too
high.

What, with your choice of three different front panel colors? :-)

I would be willing to pay extra for an American made unit, but 3K
for the entry level, and 6K for the works unit is pretty high.

Hmmm...sounds vaguely like the Signal One and MIL-Spec market
tries.

Of course, if you can't afford a Rolls-Royce, there is always
the Bentley... :-)

Unless of course, the rig has outstanding performance. I would love to
see some test results.

Technically, it should have equal performance with all other HF
ham transceivers in its price range. Emotionally, that's another
story, and that is entirely subjective.

Hoping that they can sell enough to expand the concept, because it is a
good one....

Maybe, maybe not.

Take a look at the predecessor, the PSKUBE. Looked like a neat
idea but it was withdrawn as a product...even though it was
obviously all set for kit production. On-board PC-compatible
computer, built-in screen. Probably did not "look like a
radio" to many potential buyers. There's a terrible conservatism
to many hams who could afford such a rig. A product has to fit
the market first...innovation can be introduced gradually later.

The off-shore designer-manufacturers got into the American
market by first entering with radios that had the same features
as Heath, Hallicrafters, National, and Collins. Heath and
Hallicrafters went defunct. National just kind of disappeared.
Collins is still making radios but for government/commercial
use, having left the ham market decades ago. The innovations in
modern ready-built ham radios (PLL-DDS frequency control with
memory storage, easy "split" operation, RIT (or equivalent),
DSP (of many kinds), all through an internal microprocessor
(which allows even more features) were done by Yaesu, Kenwood,
Icom. The latter-day American saints came after them with the
possible exception (maybe) of Drake. [arguments from Ten-Tec
fanatics but then they always argue a lot anyway...]

Incorporation of ready-built assemblies and sub-systems is not
a new thing. That's been in the works here and off-shore for
about four decades. Using an industry-standard single-board
PC in an amateur transceiver IS a new thing, carrying on-board
flexibility to uncharted new heights. Having (total?) remote,
done through the net kind of operation is going to batter some
of the Part 97 regulations on remote control if this had been
a ready-built instead of a kit. [a small pause while Hans
assembles the appropriate sub-Parts for publication here]

An on-board computer - using a true ADAPTING algorithm (I've
seen one such in operation) - could obviate the need for the
"trained morse operator" who could "work" through the worst
QRM or QRN that is in the universe. :-) Right away that
makes it a no-no for the PCTA extras in here. :-)

If Brian and his small DZ company succeed, they will have a
niche market still in my viewpoint. Sort of like Elecraft.
If there are complaints about a "kit," then look at Elecraft's
"service" of having "builders" who will assemble sets for those
customers that want that particular model ready-built. Assembly
costs extra, of course.

I'll tip my hat to Wood and the DZ Sienna just for trying. It
looks like a well-engineered set and the Heathkit-flavored
manual format is right on the money for Heath fans. It looks
like the design is a Labor of Love for Brian Wood...a good
start for a long relationship.