Hi Neil: I haven't read the fine print of the various software licenses, but it seems to me that FT8 is a "digital mode" and it might possibly be able to generate FT8 compatible reception and transmission in multiple ways.Or, it might be possible to include a tiny linux computer inside a K4, into which you can load the FT8 software, so it would always be in it's own universe... and not part of the radio's OS. I'm sure that having FT8 as a choosable mode in a K4 would be a popular idea. Having said that, I'm pretty much a CW guy now... although I find it fun to be able to send and receive RTTY and PSK31 with my KX3. 73 de RayK2ULRKX3 #211FN20kg
-----Original Message----- From: Neil Zampella <ne...@techie.com> To: elecraft <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Mon, Mar 25, 2019 1:03 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Will there be a K4 FWIW .. the FT8 code is not 'open source' it is under the General Public License v3. According to the GPL v3 FAQ: "You cannot incorporate GPL-covered software in a proprietary system. The goal of the GPL is to grant everyone the freedom to copy, redistribute, understand, and modify a program. If you could incorporate GPL-covered software into a nonfree system, it would have the effect of making the GPL-covered software nonfree too." So in reality, unless the firmware is then made available under the GPL v3, which I don't see Elecraft doing, you can't use FT8 in the firmware. Neil, KN3iLZ ______________________________________________________________ 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