[hpsdr] Call for Comments and Discussion - OzyII

[Paul Cecil]

It has been interesting to read all of the thoughts and ideas we have, 
but I think it is time to hit the brakes and slow down a moment. Let us 
remember what the initial idea for OZY II was:
*"OzyII* (or maybe Aussie II?) will be a high speed PC interface."
"... in order to implement some of the future HPSDR projects we are 
going to need a faster interface between the various boards on the Atlas 
bus and the PC. "

We also need to remember, at this moment if someone wants to to get 
involved with HPSDR they can get all of the boards (assembled or as a 
kit (LPU)) they need except for OZY. TAPR and Gerd sell all of the rest 
to assemble the HPSDR. For the OZY they have to find someone who is 
willing to sell one. I realize that TAPR still sells the unpopulated 
board, but not everyone will be willing to collect the components and 
build it. My personal feeling is that we need to keep OZY II simpler, 
but give it the ability to expand. The best way for this would be via 
daughter cards. Then the user can select how they desire to interface 
from their PC to the HPSDR.

As I said there are a lot of great ideas being voiced but I am afraid 
that OZY II will become infected with "bloat", and the attempt will be 
made to make it a do everything card. If we make it too complex then 
that can delay its release, and in the end make it too expensive. And 
with that thought we need to keep this in mind. If we want to see more 
people involved with HPSDR then we will need to watch our costs. We have 
all seen the "HPSDR boards for sale" ads that have popped up. And a 
number have admitted the additional expense to complete the HPSDR to a 
usable radio was one of the factors. Just something else to think about.

Lets keep OZY II simple!

Paul Cecil
KA5FPT




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