You don't need to purchase a patent license; all you need to do is order the AMBE chips from DVSI (minimum quantity of 6, price per unit is $20US) and incorporate them into your design. Having said that, I don't forsee Elecraft doing this, as there are other sources of hardware for this, that are likely to be of a similar quality to what Elecraft produces.
>________________________________
> From: Greg Troxel <
[hidden email]>
>To: Adrian <
[hidden email]>
>Cc:
[hidden email]
>Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 9:17 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] D-Star
>
>
>"Adrian" <
[hidden email]> writes:
>
>> Thanks Eric, A concise response from you as always. Now to change subject I
>> saw your callsign on a Californian D-Star server log some time back, and it
>> was evident that you have used the mode. I was big on it a few years back
>> and I still have all the gear. However my participation on D-Star waned with
>> my HF interest, and especially the K3 coming along.
>>
>> My question is; Has Elecraft ever entertained the idea of incorporation of
>> DV mode in any of their 2m - 70cm gear?
>> The ambe chip is proprietary codec, but that utilised any manufacturer could
>> provide a module to provide for the mode?
>
>I would hope that Elecraft would not add D-Star support; I think it's
>against the spirit of amateur radio, and particularly contrary to the
>kit culture, to have an on-air specification that an individual amateur
>is precluded from implementing without obtaining a patent license.
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