Last year at Dayton, Eric2 and I had a long discussion about a number of SDR issues including the future of SDR and Linux. The SDR and Linux combination has been on my mind for some time.
Judging from the comments of the past couple of days it looks like we are ready for an SDR Linux User Group. Most Linux user groups use an acronym ending in LUG. Software Defined Radio Linux User Group contracts to SDRLUG, pronounced (if it doesn't sound too much like a disaffected cadre of Apple users) Cider Lug. Among other possible activities, a user group could make a big impact by: Assisting anyone that would like to install the Debian Linux distribution. Providing assistance to those that have any Linux distribution up and running, are comfortable with it and would like to install the TeamSpeak client, the jsdr core or DttSP-Shell. Developing utilities, installation packages and documentation for the jsdr core and DttSP-Shell. Giving encouragement and feedback to those who are developing Linux applications. Developing a self-installing suite of programs in a live Linux distro (ala Knoppix and Harv's Hamshack) that would include both application and development software for the SDR-1000. This could be on a CD, DVD or even an OS on a (memory) stick. I am not a Linux Patriot. I don't give a hoot about the cathedral and the bazaar or the Evil Empire. My knowledge of the Linux OS has come the hard way. Over the past few years most Linux distributions have become an easily installable, very stable, OS with an avalanche of applications, libraries, development software and utilities. Linux is ready for prime time. We have a perfect storm brewing in the ether that includes increasingly capable digital electronics, computer audio hardware, and DSP application software. There is no question that the Linux community offers the widest range of tools for taking advantage of the SDR opportunities in front of us. For our purposes the installed user base is irrelevant. We want the best available tools. When we get together for the weekly Friday night sessions on TeamSpeak, I do an informal survey of the operating systems that everyone is using. This can be done by highlighting the user and clicking Get Connection Info with a right-click menu. Normally, it is about 20% Linux, 5% Mac and 75% Windows 2000 or XP. OK. So lets move ahead by getting together on TeamSpeak next Tuesday evening at 10:00 pm EST. For those of us who are world time challenged that is 0300 UTC on Wednesday, February 22. We will adjust our times to accommodate everyone as we move forward. I'll serve as the net control. If you want to listen but aren't too excited about talking, just turn off your microphone. The session will be recorded, edited slightly for dead space and posted as an MP3 for later download. This for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are experienced, a noobie or just think the Penguin is cute. Bring your comments, questions and suggestions. This is a user group. 73 Dan N4XWE __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
