[WARC] Some thoughts, suggestions, comments, and philosophy regarding the clubs on-going discussion on infrastructure

[Jerry Brancich]

   Both the Oct and Nov, 2007, issues of QST,  "Correspondence"  columns, gives some interesting comments particularly in regard to digital vs analog and D-STAR.  Reading between the lines, when it comes to D-STAR, I think that one has to step back a little (maybe a lot) and the one thing that is rather obvious that right away begins to stand out is that we read, (at least I do)  is D-STAR = BIG BUCKS!   Realizing, of course, that this digital "thingy" is still very much in its infancy, especially when utilized in amateur radio.  Yes, we have to start somewhere.  But why not let industry spend some of its resources getting things off the ground and working out the bugs.  As consumers of their products, we hams will ultimately pay for them anyway.  In the meantime, let's consider working with and improving the basic analog infrastructure that we already have operating....minimal cost and much to be gained.  This way, we'll have something that we know will work, from the
 get-go and can be built upon when the "new" technology has proven itself.   Call me "old fashioned", "stuck in the 20th century", or whatever, but remember, how long ago the light bulb was invented and it still works just fine.  Newer isn't necessarily always better.  
   Reading "It Seems to Us" is also worthwhile time well spent.    
   You also might want to peruse pages 74-77, including Gary Pearce's side bar comment on page 77, on D-STAR.  This stuff is all part and parcel of the "whole ball of wax".   
   Although I'm not really a proponent for ICOM products, I feel that they do need to be commended for the work that they have on the efforts and ground work they have laid in the area of amateur radio digital communication.  Some may complain that they currently hold a monopoly on the market and, therefore, sort of control the prices.  But, is this really fair to them?  I don't think so.  Do you see any of the other "big guns"  doing anything in this area right now?  If they are, they certainly are very quiet about it or else are doing it in an encrypted fashion.    
   Finally, we all need to have an open mind about all of this and steadily, slowly, firmly proceed---one step at a time. 
  "73"
  Jerry Brancich, WAØX
   
   
   

       
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