[usconservative]

These were able to handle data reliably at about 60wpm using simple morse. You could easily program them to handle email traffic, remote device control and countless other duties. More speed as well as a couple of side channels could be added if I was inclined to play with them further.

I can do that with my SignaLink USB which cost $85 with the cables. I get it that you can build it cheaper than I can buy it, however all the software for RTTY, PSK, SSTV and all the other digital modes like JT65 are out there free to download. I don't have to waste my time programming a board.

[Bobalu]

I was interested in seeing what could be whipped up quickly under conditions where you can’t buy commercial gear any more.

Lots of possibilities of using HF for data handling, old cell phones re purposed to create local networks, wifi routers to create a local data network..etc

Plus, the cheap little boards I made can be used to control equipment located remotely by just adding a bit of code.

It’s a hobby that might come in handy some day.