tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953397841255562532.post4545065061521739105..comments2023-09-30T14:59:05.385+01:00Comments on G4ILO's Blog: Why SDR doesn't excite meAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11984840704237681015noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953397841255562532.post-37470529691504251492010-01-15T10:04:55.959+00:002010-01-15T10:04:55.959+00:00On the Elecraft reflector you'll read a few ne...On the Elecraft reflector you'll read a few negatives. Amateur SDRs don't have the dynamic range of the top analog radios because they don't work at enough bits (I believe it is possible but the chips are expensive.) There are also concerns about stability, because it runs on a computer. There is a latency issue due to the fact that software has to buffer the data before processing it, which bothers contesting types who fret over every lost millisecond. And I don't think an SDR has yet been made that does QSK accepable to the CW aficionados. The common saying is that "when the top contesters and Dxpeditions use SDR, then you can take it seriously."<br /><br />I agree that most hams never work on their store-bought radios, which is why I think SDR will eventually become commonplace. But I do worry about where that leaves the hobby. The fact that I can look at the K2 schematic and understand exactly what happens and at least contemplate how it could be improved is one of the few things that differentiates talking to someone on the radio and using the phone or the internet. And I don't want to lose that.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11984840704237681015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-953397841255562532.post-76964152976132177612010-01-15T00:55:35.588+00:002010-01-15T00:55:35.588+00:00Hi Julian,
I'll admit to be very intrigued in...Hi Julian,<br /><br />I'll admit to be very intrigued initially about SDR. And while it still holds an interest for me, I have never seen one in action, only via video postings. It does certainly look impressive and it seems that the handful of manufacturers continue to make nice strides. <br /><br />The debate about real knobs and buttons will continue to rage. I expect that it would be unusual at first, but probably something that one could warm up to eventually. Some might find changing to a computer only display to be no challenge whatsoever. <br /><br />You raise accurate and valid points, the normal ham could never work on this, but I guess that's true for most of the new radios on the market today already. Indeed, I believe that's what makes the Elecraft appeal extra special. You don't design it, but you do build it, although that's certainly less true with the K3. You assemble it. You have an extra stake in it, let's say.<br /><br />Oddly, I have yet to read many negatives about SDR and I'm sure there must be some. It is almost like the Elecraft following, you don't dare say anything negative. And while I'm a huge fan of Elecraft, owning a K2, let's face it, it isn't close to being perfect. But the lack of frankness concerns me. Tell me the bad along with the good, then I'll put more stock in what they're saying.<br /><br />73 EdEd N4EMGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06485964458384279183noreply@blogger.com