[Amateur-SIG] Possible Ham SIG Project

[Mark Erbaugh]

I have a suggestion for a possible Ham SIG project. While this is not 
strictly computer related, I see this as something that could benefit ham 
radio in general.

What I'd like to see is somthing similar to OTAP for older, but for still 
usable ham radio gear.

As most of you should know OTAP is a project of DMA that recycles older 
computers to provide computers for worthwhile individuals and organizations. 
Actually, that's about my limit of knowledge about OTAP.

One of my concerns about the future of ham radio is the high cost of entry, 
especially to HF operation. Here are some features that I think need to be 
in an entry level HF radio.

1) 100 watts output power (personally, I enjoy QRP, but I think that should 
be done once the operator has made some contacts, otherwise they may become 
disillusioned)

2) Digital frequency readout.

3) Solid state

4) Able to be used for computer sound card based modes, such as PSK31 and 
SSTV. After a brief warmup period, the radio should not drift more than a 
couple of Hz. Ideally, there should be a fixed level audio ouput.

5) Decent sensitivity and selectivity.

Here are some features that would be nice, but not absolutely necessary in 
an entry level rig.

6) Built in CW keyer, possibly with memory.

7) General coverage receiver - okay, this doesn't help ham operation, but I 
think the ability to listen to other HF radio transmissions is a plus

8) An automatic antenna tuner.

Looking at the current crop of new radios, the closest I can come to these 
is the Icom 718 and that costs over $500. Add in $100 for a power supply. If 
the new ham has trees, the antenna could be simple dipole, but if not, 
figure another $100 or so for a vertical.

$600 - $700 is a lot of money, especially for a twenty-something who is 
trying to get into ham radio while making car and house payments, and 
especially for something that may or may not turn out to be an interest.

I think the radio manufacturers have forgotten this niche of the market 
because it is relatively small, and it is small because, partly because of 
the cost of entry.  The radio manufacturers seem to be concentrating on the 
well off hams who have to have top level performance and can shell out over 
$1,500 (and up to over $10,000) for a radio.

However, this can create an opportunity for recycling. When a ham buys a new 
multi-megabuck transceiver, we might be able to get them to donate their old 
rig, especially if they feel that it will help someone new to the hobby.

Toward that end, I see a couple of things that we would need to do.

1) agree that we are not doing this to make money

2) agree not to skim off equipment for ourselves

3) make sure that the recipients aren't abusing the system, by getting a 
radio from us for little or no cost and then selling it.


Would the group be interested in looking into the OTAP operation and seeing 
if there are principles that could be applied to a ham radio recycling 
project?

73,
Mark, N8ME