Collin,
Exactly correct.  In fact, there are at least 4 control surfaces that can be
used with the Flex Radio software defined radio software.  They range from a
small knob that can be turned left or right, and pressed in.  With that,
several SDR functions can be controlled with turn right, turn left, push in
and turn right or left, press and release, or push and hold.  Then there are
double knob control surfaces with 5 or so buttons.  The DJ Console is nice
because it has more knobs and buttons than you could reasonably need.  I
have the "DJ Control MP3 E2."

73,
Jim, KY2D


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of colin McDonald
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2011 1:40 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The DJ Console

well, there are DJ style consoles that have this kind of functionality, but
what you are really using is what is called a control surface.
I find it pretty neat that the radio software allows you to control it via a
control surface.
There are lots of various control surfaces availible, from around $100 for
basic ones, up to $2000 for really high end advanced ones.
Most of them aren't much bigger than a desktop computer keyboard, usually
smaller.
They are used allot in audio work stations, or digital audio work stations
as they relate to controlling recording software with a piece of hardware.

Which model are you using Jim?

73
Colin, V A6BS
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Duke, K5XU" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 8:00 PM
Subject: The DJ Console


> Hi, Jim.
>
> How much does this console cost, and how much space does it take on
> the desk?
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jim Kutsch" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, September 16, 2011 8:33 PM
> Subject: Re: I have to ask
>
>
> Richard,
> To add to what others have already said, yes, there are a few of us
> working
> on software defined radio with screen readers.  I have the Flex 1500
> and
> find the PowerSDR software can be used with Jaws to some limited
> degree.
> There are keyboard shortcuts for most of the controls.  Still, it's
> far from
> "accessible."  I started writing some Jaws scripts and that's helping.
>
> There's a neat alternative though.  A device called the DJ Console can
> be
> interfaced as a control unit for SDR.  This console is a DJ mixing
> board
> with lots of buttons and knobs.  It connects by USB to your PC.  Then,
> you
> can assign the various knobs and buttons to control various pieces of
> the
> SDR software.  For example, I have the large knob assigned as main
> tuning, a
> smaller knob for volume, a button for band selection, etc.
>
> Flex Radio and Elecraft are both great SDR radios.  The Flex uses your
> PC
> and has no controls on the hardware itself whereas the  Elecraft has
> an
> internal processor and knobs and buttons.
>
> 73,
> Jim, KY2D
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Richard Fiorello
> Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 8:10 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: I have to ask
>
> Hi folks;
> I made the mistake of going to a local radio club meeting the other
> night.
> They were demonstrating software defined radio.  Someone had I believe
> a
> plex 3000 and a laptop.  Got all the usual stuff about how great the
> display
> was but when they started discussing the fact that you had to set up
> virtual
> cables I lost it.  I guess I too am a certifiable ot.
> Has anyone tried playing with one of these things and a screen reader?
> Sounded like he used hrd for somethings and the software that came
> with the
> radio for others.
> On a more sain note, someone also suggested that the k3 was also a
> software
> defined radio.  Can the k3 be used all by itself without a pc
> connected?
> Thanks
>
> --
> richard