[ct-user] Has anybody used a Dell System with CT?
Frank Grossman
Frank Grossman" <fgrossma@idt.net
Thu, 30 Nov 2000 23:39:16 -0500
I like this switch thing, Bob, but have slightly different idea. Suppose I
use the switch to go between a 56K external dial-up modem and my packet
controller. Obviously, I couldn't use the Internet and packet at the same
time, but I could live with that...
Frank
----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Naumann - N5NJ <n5nj@gte.net>
To: <ct-user@contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2000 8:05 AM
Subject: Re: [ct-user] Has anybody used a Dell System with CT?
>
> Frank what you're looking to do is not impossible.
>
> What you may want to consider as an alternative is to have your two
> PC's connected to a device that will allow you to use the same
> monitor, keyboard and mouse with either one.
>
> Belkin makes a very good quality switch that you can get at any of the
> major computer chains or via the Internet.
>
> Please note: To do this correctly, you'll need one of the electronic
> switches like the Belkin that I refer to. The less expensive,
> mechanical switches will not allow you to toggle back and forth. With
> a mechanical switch, you must decide which computer you will use,
> place the switch in that position, then turn on the computer and only
> use that one. The mouse and keyboard connections can get interrupted
> with such a switch if you try to switch 'live' to the 'other'
> computer.
>
> A DB-9 serial port has all the connections you need.
>
> Robert E. Naumann
> N5NJ / V26O
> N5NJ@arrl.net
> www.qsl.net/n5nj
> Plano, TX USA
> ex KR2J, V26RN, W6V, WA2OVE
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Frank Grossman" <fgrossma@idt.net>
> To: <ct-user@contesting.com>; "Michael Walker" <mike.walker@home.com>
> Cc: <Grossmanzz@aol.com>
> Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2000 05:27
> Subject: Re: [ct-user] Has anybody used a Dell System with CT?
>
>
> >
> > Thanks Michael...and everyone else who took the time to comment on
> my
> > question...
> >
> > I will consider keeping CT on the 486, and will do that if I can't
> make it
> > fully functional on another machine, or if the machine generates too
> much
> > RFI. What I'm trying to do though is get all my ham applications on
> one
> > machine and be able to run them without switching cables around. In
> > addition, I'd like to have an Internet connection available so my
> Dad
> > (W2LOZ) can use the machine for Web surfing and stuff without
> jumping
> > through hoops. So, the issue is to find a machine with two external
> serial
> > ports for radio control and packet accessible with DB25 connectors
> on the
> > rear panel. (Will a DB9 do for radio connections, if need be?) and
> an
> > internal 56K modem on another port. I also need a sound card for
> modes like
> > PSK31.
> >
> > 73,
> > Frank
> > wb2bxo@arrl.net
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Michael Walker <mike.walker@home.com>
> > To: Frank Grossman <fgrossma@idt.net>; <ct-user@contesting.com>
> > Cc: <Grossmanzz@aol.com>
> > Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2000 7:44 AM
> > Subject: Re: [ct-user] Has anybody used a Dell System with CT?
> >
> >
> > > Frank
> > >
> > > It isn't really a problem.
> > >
> > > In the DOS world, the program (CT) has direct control over the
> hardware
> > > (serial ports, parallel ports, video, etc). We need to tell CT
> how the
> > > hardware is configured. (Memory addresses and interrupts). As
> long as
> > you
> > > can do this, then you won't have a problem. DOS does one thing at
> a time
> > > and does it well.
> > >
> > > In the Windows, or Unix world, we have many programs that want to
> use the
> > > hardware at any given time as it is a multi-tasking operating
> system. We
> > > define the hardware to the Operating systems and the programs talk
> to the
> > > OS directly (not the hardware). This is why CW doesn't work well
> under
> > > Windows. CT has to tell Windows to send a DIT and then the OS
> tells the
> > > parallel port to send the dit. If the OS is busy, then it takes
> longer to
> > > do this. This is why there are some CW daughter boards.
> > >
> > > So, if you really like CT and want it to work the way it was
> designed,
> > keep
> > > your 386 (or your 486) and your 14" VGA monitor and use it only
> for
> > > CT. Or, if space is a premium, buy a video switch to switch back
> and
> > forth.
> > >
> > > Hope that helps. In the end, your new machine should be just
> fine, just
> > > make sure you boot it in Native DOS mode for your best
> performance.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > >
> > >
> > > At 10:20 PM 11/28/00 -0500, Frank Grossman wrote:
> > >
> > > >Mike,
> > > >
> > > >What kind of "problem" are you referring to?
> > > >
> > > >I know that CT is "happiest" with a straight DOS machine, so I've
> stayed
> > > >with DOS machines in the shack for as long as I could get away
> with it.
> > The
> > > >problem is that CT is the only program left that needs an old
> > > >machine--everything else is being made for Win-95 on 200 MHz and
> faster
> > > >machines so I'm being forced to upgrade.
> > > >
> > > >Frank
> > > >
> > > >----- Original Message -----
> > > >From: Michael Walker <mike.walker@home.com>
> > > >To: Frank Grossman <fgrossma@idt.net>; <ct-user@contesting.com>
> > > >Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2000 7:28 AM
> > > >Subject: Re: [ct-user] Has anybody used a Dell System with CT?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Frank
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds OK.
> > > > >
> > > > > Most people have a problem with Serial Ports. As long as you
> can
> > address
> > > > > them in the BIOS and know that their base address and IRQ's
> are, then
> > you
> > > > > shouldn't have a problem.
> > > > >
> > > > > Mike
> > > > >
> > > > > At 12:40 AM 11/28/00 -0500, Frank Grossman wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > >I'm considering buying a refurbished Dell OptiPlex for CT,
> DX4WIN and
> > > >PSK31
> > > > > >applications. (I realize Dell is an expensive brand but I've
> been
> > real
> > > > > >happy with their service and support, so I'm starting there.)
> > > > > >
> > > > > >Has any tried used an OptiPlex or related Del system with
> these
> > programs?
> > > > > >In what configuration? With what results?
> > > > > >
> > > > > >It seems to me that a system with two externally accessible
> serial
> > ports,
> > > > > >SoundBlaster, 128 Mb of main memory, a 10 GB HD and any clock
> speed
> > over
> > > >400
> > > > > >MHz should be fine.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >Comments?
> > > > > >
> > > > > >Frank
> > > > > >wb2bxo@arrl.net
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >--
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> > > > > >Submissions: ct-user@contesting.com
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> > > > >
> > > > > *********************************************************
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> > > > > VA3MW FN03
> > > > >
> > > > > CLX Custer - telnet//:va3mw.homeip.net:41112
> > > > > *********************************************************
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> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >--
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> > > >Submissions: ct-user@contesting.com
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> > > >Problems: owner-ct-user@contesting.com
> > >
> > > *********************************************************
> > > Mike Walker Corbeil Contest Club
> > > VA3MW FN03
> > >
> > > CLX Custer - telnet//:va3mw.homeip.net:41112
> > > *********************************************************
> > > new email address: mike.walker@home.com
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
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> >
>
>
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