[CQ-Contest] Contesting with an Apple Mac computer?

[Bill Coleman]

On Nov 23, 2004, at 8:44 AM, John WA2GO wrote:
> Are there any serious contesters out there successfully using an Apple 
> Mac or Powerbook?

Yes. I have loved Macs for many years. I'm writing this to you on a 
PowerBook now.

> If so, what are the options for software, and how is rig interfacing 
> performed for radio control, voice keying and CW keying?

Contest software is in short supply. Jack Brindle is working on 
Software for the K2. I end up using a Windows laptop for my contest 
logging. (I've been meaning to write a good contest program for several 
years now....)

For rig interfacing, you'll need to buy a USB->Serial converter. These 
can be had pretty inexpensively. The unit I use is from KeySpan. I got 
the unit with the DB-9 connector, since it is much easier to find 
cables for.

> I have never even owned a Mac, but keep hearing such great things 
> about them I thought I would give it some serious investigation.

I love my Macs! I bought my wife an iBook last February. She has fallen 
so deeply in love with it she wonders why she ever bothered to use a 
Windows PC.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901