Tim Shoppa wrote:

"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.

US Digital has a line of optical encoders that spin freely
and with no hint of inbalance or friction, let alone actual
detents.

I played with one and was as impressed by its performance as
I was shocked by its price. Then again, $50 for an
optical encoder that lasts forever is probably a lot better
than $25 for one that feels "clicky" and mechanically wears
out after a short time, especially in the "Craft" end of
production volumes.

I still am rather annoyed at Drake for putting such a
lousy encoder on the R8B. For that kind of money, I'd
expect something with a lot better longevity and feel. I'd
have gladly paid an extra $50 for the radio for the
"optical" option, if Drake had offered it. I bet a lot of
you would too, given how much better they work.

-- Ross


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.