[ct-user] Has anybody used a Dell System with CT?

[Frank Grossman]

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
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >--
> > > >WWW:                      http://www.k1ea.com/
> > > >Submissions:              ct-user@contesting.com
> > > >Administrative requests:  ct-user-REQUEST@contesting.com
> > > >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
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >--
> >WWW:                      http://www.k1ea.com/
> >Submissions:              ct-user@contesting.com
> >Administrative requests:  ct-user-REQUEST@contesting.com
> >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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