[hpsdr] parts kit vs mounted SMT

[Eric Ellison]

Folks/Group!

This message from Lyle got very little comment, but is the lifeblood of what
this project can do for everyone magnetized by the synergy of this
Phenomenon. 

Perhaps this should be in the Foreground of discussion:

The intended direction of this group is fun!, (and I am 100% behind this
effort). It is learning, synergy of ideas, and open sourcing of talent. TAPR
stands for the same goals and purposes. This type of activity has always
been at the CORE of amateur radio: Call it Magic!.

We live in a real world where commercialism sort of 'makes it tick'. The
talent is assembled here to make it work for everyone.

[embedded comments follow]

 
****************************************
Lyle Said:

We know that there is at least one player in the assembled and tested 
SDR marketplace that has zero reservations about pursuing open-source 
designers with threats of lawsuits and cease-and-desist orders at the 
drop of a hat.  It would be unfortunate if TAPR, in an effort to provide 
better services to the Amateur community, found itself embroiled in 
legal wrangling.

***
Unfortunate to say the least! It should not have been this way. Different
market shares entirely. However, mess with someone's food source, even
perceived, and there is bound to be a fight!
*** 

I am sure there are for-profit companies that will be wanting to step in 
and offer assembled and tested board level products.  Being open source, 
no one can or should try and prevent them from doing so.  Being open 
source, there is plenty of opportunity for the marketplace to keep 
pricing efficient, especially if we are successful in getting an open 
source hardware license structure in place that assures derivative 
designs are just as open as the source designs.

***
Of course! Let's turn over our (your) copyrights to TAPR. Let's find a way
for them/us to license the IP you generate. Some of these productions like
Mercury, or Gibralter will produce the best state of the art, products in
the world. Why limit them to a 'kit of parts'. I think that TAPR could
manage the income by giving the $ earned in licensing fees to electronics
oriented scholarships or some other beneficial, non-profit donations! 
*** 

I suggest that we start with bare boards and kits of parts and see where 
it leads us.

***
I suggest we start with all SMT mounted on any Project board. Through hole
components up to the user, and essentially a non-compete to any potential
commercial interest. I'm old and 'somewhat' of an appliance operator. Many
are in 'my boat'! I always admire the "ship in the bottle" folks, who pulled
all three masts up with a dental explorer at the end, but never owned a
dental explorer! But I CAN buy the 'ship in the bottle' and use it!
***

I could be very wrong, and there may be no issue at all for TAPR to 
enter the marketplace with assembled and tested boards without risk to 
their tax-exempt status. But TAPR must be very careful about approaching 
this, I suspect.

***
Heck, is this not what life is all about! Makes it FUN... Risk!
***
 

**************************************



 1150049650.0