I'm not really sure why a change to the air protocol is needed. Sure there could be a lot of changes to it, but I think that most of the changes that folks desire would be either in the network or radio GUI.
The network is something that is just going to take a while to occur. The radio GUI is another item and that is really something that is at the discretion of the manufacturer. Kenwood has evidently decided that flash upgradability is a desirable feature while others haven't subscribed to the concept. Often, a lot of the functionality is driven by the elements on the radio's LCD screen and can't be readily enhanced. (The exception being the larger radios with fully bit addressable displays) Now, the other side is that Icom's radios ARE upgradable. I believe that there have been a couple of radios that have had software updates, they just need to be sent back to Icom to be flashed. Do we need a new air protocol? I don't know of any features that would make me want to change it. Ed WA4YIH From: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com [mailto:dstar_digi...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of bosshardss Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2010 9:13 AM To: dstar_digital@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] State of the DSTAR Union I wonder if we just look at DSTAR without Icom's Gateway system or Robin's DPLUS additive, what we would really have. 1 - Very Narrow Bandwidth in terms of spectrum use. 2 - All Digital - not FM with all the variations in quality or lack thereof. 3 - Simultaneous slow text with voice - including built in position reporting overhead. 4 - Advanced features - Individual calling, Group Calling, Call Sign capture, Breakthrough and Emergency Calling (not sure if these are part of the JARL spec). 5 - Reasonably decent performance for AMATEUR radio with product readily available to hams (not hacked or converted commercial radio products). My thoughts are that there will be a flash prom upgradable radio (maybe along the lines of SDR) with some backwards compatibility. A streamlined or more intuitive user interface is essential and with new features and flash upgrades the present network will have to change with the times as well. In terms of an amateur grade product, the DSTAR radios are OK. Not great but not all that bad. (Not comparing ham radio to commercial stuff costing 5X more $$$$$). Instead of doctoring the present system I believe an eye to the future will be the better course. A Next Generation DSTAR System. Time will tell. Best to all in 2010, The Future is Bright, and the Union is Sound. steve nu5d (Strictly my opinions - your mileage may vary - and with 42 cents US you can get coffee).
