I've been in the radio hobby since the '60's. I'm used to 'twiddling knobs" on my radios, tuners, and pre-amps. I'm presently using a Yaesu FRG-100 and am looking to upgrade to an Icom-R75...
but...
I'm real curious about the SDR "revolution" going on. My main interest is DC to 30Mhz, but I see I can get an SDR to perform above that. I'm looking at the Elad FDM-S2 which I can purchase under $600, the R75 will be about $100 higher. The specs on the Elad seem to be very impressive.
Thus the quandary... what do I do? I'm not afraid of new technology, but I'm wondering if I'll make a financial mistake. In five years will the SDR be supported? Will it be compatible with a higher version of Windows/Linux/whatever? Will it be like owning a PC with antiquated hardware that no one would want on the used market? Is this SDR a better performer all around than the R75?
The R75 should probably hold some value in, let's say, 5 years. I would think it would always have more value in the used market than any SDR over time.
Man, this is a tough decision!
Any thoughts?
but...
I'm real curious about the SDR "revolution" going on. My main interest is DC to 30Mhz, but I see I can get an SDR to perform above that. I'm looking at the Elad FDM-S2 which I can purchase under $600, the R75 will be about $100 higher. The specs on the Elad seem to be very impressive.
Thus the quandary... what do I do? I'm not afraid of new technology, but I'm wondering if I'll make a financial mistake. In five years will the SDR be supported? Will it be compatible with a higher version of Windows/Linux/whatever? Will it be like owning a PC with antiquated hardware that no one would want on the used market? Is this SDR a better performer all around than the R75?
The R75 should probably hold some value in, let's say, 5 years. I would think it would always have more value in the used market than any SDR over time.
Man, this is a tough decision!
Any thoughts?