I spoke to Icom technical support doay (Mike) and found they are
very receptive to making more of their gear accessible.  Mike was even aware
of the handiham web site and what they do.  He said he has been contacted by
several blind hams and will add one more suggestion to the higher up's about
voice chips.  I too took the angle that it doesn't just benefit the visually
impared but also the driving hams.

Add that one to the list of potentially blind friendly ham radio
manufactuers.

Brian, k5in
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Hillebrandt" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 25, 2002 4:39 PM
Subject: Re: was tentec access


> I have met a few sighted folks that use the speach synth for frequency
> readout when they are driving around and operating moble HF. That way you
> don't have to look down and take your eyes off the road. I firmly believe
> that if you don't make the effort to at least try it will never happen.
For
> some reason it appears that kenwood is by far more open when it comes to
> making these HF rigs accessable. Even though they are not necessarily the
> very best, they are quite good and since they are much easier the
> independently operate, I've pretty much stuck with kenwood over last 10 to
> 15 years. Ten Tec makes great rigs and ofcourse can make it accessable
> enough that you could operate and i like to be able to do it with as
little
> effort as possible. Had many heathkit and drake rigs over the years so now
> that technology is there to tell me frequency and stuff, no reason to have
> to do without it. Feel that I've already paid my dues. Thanks for going to
> bat for us. Dave