My article on the Android HT generated some interesting comments and ideas. Thanks so much! One of the main themes in the feedback is to have the radio be “faceless”, with the user interface done on a mobile device (i.e., smartphone or tablet). The mobile device would communicate to the transceiver via Bluetooth (or maybe WiFi). This approach has the advantage of separating the radio hardware (which probably doesn’t need to change very often) from the compute/display hardware (which is on a faster-paced technology path). I went ahead and hacked together a concept photo of such a device (click the photo to enlarge it). This device could interface with any mobile device that has a Bluetooth interface, so it would be independent of OS on the mobile device (yes, you could use your iPhone).
Such an approach opens up a variety of use models. Imagine sticking the transceiver in your backpack and using an app on your smartphone to enjoy QSOs when hiking. Alternatively, the radio could hang on your belt. At home, the radio could be left in some convenient location, connected to an external antenna on the roof and operated from the mobile device. (Low power Bluetooth is said to have a range of about 10 Meters.) These are just a few thoughts…I am sure you can think of others.
I would expect the original Android HT concept to be easier to use for casual operation, due to the All-In-One Design with dedicated hardware volume control, channel select and PTT switch. I am assuming those functions would be implemented in software in the faceless implementation, which would likely be less convenient. Most mobile devices have their own GPS system included, so that would mean one less thing that has to be in the radio.
The other idea that surfaced in the feedback is using Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology to implement the transceiver. This would provide a higher degree of flexibility in generating and decoding signals, enabling additional areas of innovation. That is a great idea and will require a whole ‘nuther line of thinking.
73, Bob K0NR
Why not take it as a combination and make the radio a case for the phone? The transceiver would be able to accept any Android smart phone; like this car mount http://www.shopandroid.com/arkon-slim-grip-travelmount-deluxe/3A78A9260.htm.
You could also include a separate battery in the transceiver that both powers the radio and recharges the phone, like a Juice Pack: http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-Galaxy-S-III-battery-case-p/2245_jp-ssg-wht.htm
This way you have an all-in-one without the fear of the Android smartphone hardware becoming quickly outdated.
I like the idea, but personally I would prefer it to be a stand-alone unit with it’s own display, but have the ability to use a smartphone via wireless or bluetooth to control it.
With the recent offerings of SDRs I can’t see it being too far in the future when this will be the way. Bring it on!
Bob,
Whilst its no HT (the box is about the same size as a IC-7000) the Hermes SDR can be controlled by a PC over either Ethernet or TCP/IP. I went to a casual talk by Kevin, M0KHZ a few months ago and he demonstrated it doing exactly that. The idea being that you could almost do away with coax. A very impressive devlopment and one that no doubt could be shrunk to a HT in time.
A similar idea to some of those already mentioned but for HF.