Speaking of inexpensive options and PIEXX, I use an old TS-930S with the 
PIEXX board in it.  I've written software to control the 930 using a Windows 
PC.  It works with a screen reader, and is really nice with a braille 
display, allowing you to monitor and control the 930 without having to 
listen to speech while in a QSO or tuning around.  It also has logging 
capability, and will import/export using ADIF.  Of course on the TS-930 you 
can only control the frequency and memories.  The mode and other functions 
are easily controlled from the radio.  My software also gives you a relative 
meter reading.  It will show the RIT setting, and which VFO is in use and 
whether the VFOs are separate.

Contact me offlist if interested, see below.
--
Jim Shaffer, KE5AL
NLS Certified Literary Braille Transcriber and Proofreader
Pflugerville, TX
email:  [log in to unmask]
cell:  512-699-9251
skype:  cyber_blink
web page:  www.jjshaffer.net
facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1586793618
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Miller" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: HF operation on the cheap


It's piexx, web address is http://www.piexx.com/ and they have the old PL
tone boards for the older radios, the older voice boards like the VS-1 and
VS-2, Kenwood still makes the VS-3 so they're all still made. In fact this
company also has the older computer interfaces for the TS-440, 940, 450 and
what not.