Two Disturbing Trends ?

A customer mentioned the MMX Zero:

https://www.wimo.com/media/akeneo_connector/media_files/M/M/MMX_ZERO_Reference_Manual_V1.1_images_formatted_final_copy_2d27.pdf

He had a question about interfacing the MMX Zero to the Keyall HV kit.  So I looked at the manual but the thing that stood out to me was: no schematics.  What was going on inside that box ?

Also, the MMX Zero is essentially a Morse code terminal.  In effect, Morse code is now like Radio Teletype: JADM - Just Another Digital Mode ?  Maybe I'm just getting old but even if I had the technical prowess to create such a product (I don't) I doubt I would.  Morse code was the genesis of the hobby - having a magic box do all the work for the operator ?  I think that's a step too far.

Recently the Elecraft KH-1 also came to mind.  Again, looking at the manual:

https://ftp.elecraft.com/KH1/Manuals%20Downloads/KH1%20Owner's%20Manual,%20rev%20B7.pdf

No schematics.  Not even in the kit manual:

https://ftp.elecraft.com/KH1/Manuals%20Downloads/KH1%20Kit%20Assembly%20Manual,%20rev%20A.pdf

To be fair Elecraft does have a circuit explanation and a block diagram but why leave out the schematic ?  I realize that the builder doesn't actually solder the circuit board.  But in 1946 the buyer of a Hallicrafters SX-28 didn't build the radio but they did get a schematic in the manual.

And in some ways the KH-1 is a Morse code terminal plus radio combo - the only thing missing is a keyboard which wouldn't be that hard to do.

It won't be long until a ham will be able to buy a robot that will have a radio option.  It will be able to do the operating as well as the Morse decoding and sending - and I'll bet the robot manual won't have schematics either !  :(

Best Regards,
Chuck, WB9KZY
http://wb9kzy.com/ham.htm