On Oct 26, 2023, at 08:48, David Lacey via groups.io <g4jbe@...> wrote:
To Carl Schlueter..... I have to ask if you are really a licensed Ham ? The reason for asking is simple... most of the
Hams I know have at least a basic knowledge of electronics, this being the basis of the hobby.
It would appear that you have little or none!
Even in your critique of Carl you indicate that "most of the hams (you) know have a basic knowledge of electronics" - I simply point out that "most" is a group with fewer members than "every".
There is radio knowledge, electronics knowledge, and small computer knowledge in play here - it was clear to me that Carl's issues were with the "small computer knowledge", not radio or electronics. There are a large number of radio amateurs that struggle with personal computers, to the point some refuse to even have a computer in their shack - it is not a requisite skill for a modern radio amateur, but it is a common one.
I'm not a fan of complaining so publicly about a vendors support, esp when you still want/expect/need support from the vendor, but this is how Carl chose to address his issues, so be it.
Until I get an idea of the time span of this issue (how long has he gone without a response from HF Signals? A couple days, a couple weeks or a couple months?) I don't really have an opinion on these issues, except to say...
Carl, I know I'm a bit put off of the idea of trying to help you, and I suspect others are just as reluctant to help you - were a list member to, for example, write the software to a microSD card and send it to you, the concern is if it didn't work out, the list member would be added to your (very public) list of grievances, and who needs that?
I really think the best approach for you is to look towards your local radio clubs, see if you can find someone that is either strong with Raspberry Pis or, ideally, maybe someone that is actually familiar with their very radio you are struggling with.
As for HF Signals, I would hope they'd take a moment and review their web documents, with an eye towards perhaps being clearer about the skills and technologies a buyer should be familiar with in order to ensure a happy experience with the product. They may feel the current warnings/information is adequate, or they may decide to make some changes - I leave that to their discretion, it's not my place to tell them what they should or should not do in marketing their products.
And a brief reminder - as clearly stated at the beginning of the HF Signals adventure, we hams are not (in my personal opinion) the primary focus for HF Signals, we are merely the beneficiaries of the product assembled by those industrious women in India that assemble and test these boards to provide for themselves and their families. That we find their products useful means that we will continue to buy them, continuing the work these women need. I've been very happy with all my HF Signals purchases, but I've never felt it appropriate to expect "big three" levels of quality or support from HF Signals.
Just my thoughts, I mean them to be constructive, if I've offended anyone, it honestly wasn't my intention.
Ken, N2VIP
