Each of these has it's merits and the sustained sales show that hams find those products appealing and within their budgets. There are many competing solutions varying from $15 kits to $450 integrated systems. Many hams are unsure about how to interface their radio equipment to their computers. Many of the new modes are finding their way into the Emergency communications and Military Affiliated Radio Systems (MARS) activities. It is natural for Hams to migrate to the Linux Operating System if their interests carry them to the PC and especially the new digital modes for SSB Voice, SSTV pictures, and popular keyboard modes such as RTTY, PSK31, MFSK, and Olivia. The Linux community is populated by programmers and computer geeks who have the same core beliefs as many Ham Radio operators - there should be a free exchange of ideas and information to benefit the whole community.
