tdavis801 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

What does the dongle do? As suggested by comments on this forum, it is not a sound card. Note that the headset was USB and plugged directly into the computer and not the dongle. Nothing plugs into the dongle. Any chance it is nothing more than a security device? All I see is a PIC chip blinking lights.

fcsambo (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

JUST GREAT FOR THE NEW COMER WA3AOP

zasbatt (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Interesting, good to see it in operation (shame no audio from the RF station). Thanks for the video. Regards, Dave G0PDL.

xenonarc44 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I disagree that the computer could do this, at least efficiently. I understand that it is as simple as an encode / decode, but the DSTAR format isnt something I would rely on Windows, Linux/unix, or a mac-os to fool with. the tx/rx bog would be like using a CB. I think that as DSTAR gains in popularity, the dongle will plummet in price. I would pay $40, not $200. 73's KG4PQR

DrBuzz0 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

As soon as DVSI allows it - or more likely when the patent runs out.

DrBuzz0 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Yes, it can be done in software but the problem is that DVSI controls the codec and they have strict control on the software licensing. Not only is it expensive, but it limits user development because they license the products it can be used as.The hardware option is imperfect, but it allows the user to have freedom to develop as long as they slave it to the USB port.You won't find any readily avaliable AMBE codec for software. That's just the way it is.

ouirdoe (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

yep, will not buy. The computer can do all the crunching by itself, no need to buy an expensive chip when i've already got a pair of perfectly good CPU's in my computer. Software version please, i don't care if i need a fancy sound card to make it work right.Ham radio = dark ages until they can accept ethernet, bluetooth, 802.11x, and USB (get rid of the f..n serial ports dammit.Oh, and FYI i'm an active Amateur Extra

tenbase (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

from the comments, it looks like the qrz crowd has discovered youtube.you guys let us know when you find the sound card app that does AMBE.

rudyiking (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Sorry, but not impressed. Basically your buying a hardware encoder/decoder. This is something your computer can do already, unless you are doing really big number crunching like encryption. It doesn't even have a sound card built in. All you should need is a computer with sound card, internet, and a piece of software that does what this does.

ortlikasealion (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Good video. $200 for a $19.95 USB sound card with somebody's software, not a good deal. This is Ooooold technology you guys. Stop throwing gold at it. BTW, where are the USB ports on the newest HF rigs? Wonder if the 7200 has USB 2.0? Did you know the ic-7000 and 746pro STILL use the 6 pin DIN data socket connection? Their newest radios! You guys keep throwing gold at it though, why should they change? Experience amat. radio w/out the radio; that's called SKYPE people, google it, it's free.