If you want an extended example of the PC implementation of SDR, take a look at LP-PAN. That is an "SDR converter" (for receive only) to take the IF of a receiver and convert it to I/Q signals which can be further processed in a panadapter display on a personal computer.
One of the things Larry Phipps emphasizes is that once you get everything working, do NOT allow Windows to update. While supposedly, Windows updates are good for security situations, it is known that such updates will "upset the applecart" with the SDR handling software. I bring this example in to point out the dependency that SDR systems that use a personal computer have on the operating system which can change from day to day. The embedded processor does not have that exposure, and IMHO is much better because it is more stable. The downloadable firmware for the K3 and KX3 definitely put those radios into the SDR arena. I certainly hope Elecraft does not begin to charge $200 a year for firmware (and technical) support. Yes, charging for upgrades within the software community is not unknown, and I do not begrudge Carl N4PY for doing that - he has an excellent product, but $200 a year seem a bit "steep" - Carl charges $35 per year - a big difference. 73, Don W3FPR On 5/21/2012 7:37 PM, Tony Estep wrote: > On Mon, May 21, 2012 at 5:50 PM, Don Wilhelm<w3...@embarqmail.com> wrote: > >> .....An SDR can be implemented by means of software in a personal computer >> *OR* embedded computing device > > >> ....other SDRs are moving toward the embedded processor approach >> because it does away with obsolescence due to changes in personal >> computers... > ============== > Don is right on. The old notion of what constitutes an SDR is no longer > meaningful, and leads only to confusion. > > The embedded processor approach does a lot of good things, but not > everything. > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
