Well, Icom at least has a voice chip for most if not all of their newer hf 
gear.  I honestly think that the way things are going to go now however, is 
software such as ham radio deluxe.  Which brings me to the next logical 
question.  Has anyone had luck programing radios with a cable using a USB to 
serial converter?  I read something in an issue of qst that said that most 
radios have issues with that because of the way USB addresses the serial 
configuration.  something like USB sends commands too fast for most radios 
to interpret correctly.  With this being said, I have a friend who uses an 
ICOM 91AD with his computer using a USB to serial adapter.  That's one thing 
that I'll say for Icom, they do have USB cables for most of their hf rigs 
now as well.
73,
Chris, w8cjs
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Clegg" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 5:29 PM
Subject: Re: Getting on HF


>I can't imagine someone in a high position actually making a statement like
> that but that's probably not the first time I'm sure.
>
> Of the big Japanese companies I think I'd buy Kenwood first.
>
> I don't care much for Icom gear either.
>
> Eric
> KU3I