[amsat-bb] Re: D STAR

[Gregg Wonderly]

What is most important to consider is that there is only one choice, because of 
the investment and low return there is because HAM radio operators don't want to 
spend money.  Yet, we buy antennas (isn't there only one source for patented 
antenna designs that we flock to?), coax, power systems and lots of other things 
which are largely single sourced by manufacturers that do a great job creating a 
valuable product.

Ultimately, that is the decision to make.  Is the money for the product the 
right value to pay?  If you really believe you can't get a chip, I think you are 
mistaken.  Can you get the cheap price in single quantities?  No.  But, they are 
available last I had heard.

At this point, we are moving into the world of "software" components.  These are 
things such as micro-controllers, DSPs and Codecs which are all put together to 
create a useful RF based device.

In the end, SDR is what we actually need to be focused on.  That would allow 
everyone to "write their own radio" and expand our capabilities with "digitial" 
emissions well beyond where we are at now.

The future is automatic frequency selection, varied modulation techniques 
combined with embedded FEC to create an instantaneous solution to interference 
problems.

Gregg Wonderly
W5GGW

On 11/11/2013 9:22 AM, Gordon JC Pearce wrote:
> On Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 08:46:24AM -0600, damon runion wrote:
>> Well back in the days of AM and when SSB came out it was the same
>> thinking then BUT what has happened to AM . Same thing with DSTAR it
>> is growing and will grow . Thats what makes ham radio so much fun,
>> there is something for everyone
>> 73,s Damon
>
> But the difference there is that *anyone* can make an SSB rig.  Only one
 > manufacturer is allowed to make AMBE codecs, and they will only sell to
 > a handful of approved radio manufacturers.
>
> It is illegal to make your own DStar radio, without buying the AMBE codec
 > from DVSI.  That sort of thing has no place in amateur radio.
>
> --
> Gordonjcp MM0YEQ
>
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