[Mldxcc] [NCCC] Shack computer advice

[CATFISHTWO at aol.com]

I actually prefer the big box computer for the shack and a laptop for use  
at "other " venus, like in the pickup mobile and such.
 
I actually accidentally ended up with 3 monitors on my radio computer, (  
long story)  but I would feel lost now with any less.  Most of the  time I 
use only one monitor, but in a contest I put the logger on the  "main"  
screen, the secondary logging screens on the #2 screen and then  stuff like my 
email, and stufff like that ( non contest stuff) on the third  monitor.
 
I have made due with serial to usb converters and find the Keyspan HS  19  
the only one that pretty much  to work  with most all   devices..  I wish I 
had a couple more open slots in the box  to add  some real serial ports.  
Perhaps some day the ham folks will start putting  usb ports on the ham gear.
 
As far as operating systems, most of my multiple machines run XP . and I  
can get around there pretty well.  I use a slightly older laptop for my  
mobile stuff, its not as fast as the newest laptop, but runs XP so I am more  
comfortable with it..  the newer laptop has vista on it and I am not so  good 
getting around there so I use the older laptop , it does ok for mobile  
stuff.
 
Tom
N6AJR


In a message dated 8/25/2010 6:18:17 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
richard at karlquist.com writes:

The  argument against a laptop for a fixed station is as follows:

1.   Can't install a real serial port card to talk to rotators,
SteppIR  antennas, etc.  If you manage to do everything over
USB, it isn't  clear that you can unplug all USB's from the
laptop and later plug them in  again, without going through
a cumbersum "installation" procedure.   Devices that claim to
be USB, but actually just have USB to serial port  adapters
inside are the worst of both worlds.

2.  Can't install  a 192 kHz sound card for SDR work.

3.  Doesn't support 3 or 4  monitors.

4.  Can't power up remotely (for remote bases).   Locust
ran into this.  He had to have a button pusher  constructed).

Yes, that means you need to buy both a desktop and a  laptop.
There are many advantages to having 2 independent  computers
anyway.  I often use the laptop in the shack at the same  time
as the desktop in the shack.

Rick N6RK


REHill  wrote:
> Time has come to buy a new computer for the shack and for radio  related
> activities (EZNEC, HAFTA, perhaps remote operating...).   I'd be
> interested in hearing what you think makes a KB shack computer  and why.
> I'm anticipating a Win 7 machine, my backup laptop is running  XP.  I'm
> leaning towards a Lenovo laptop and docking station, but  just started
> looking.
>
> I am running a K3 via a  microKeyer II (K1EL inside), a W2 watt meter,
> and working to get an  amp inline to my vertical and dipole.  Simple
> station, but  looking to expand. I'm using N1MM in contests, and will
> expand to  MMTTY and PSK31 when time permits.
>
> Thanks
> Rich
>  NU6T
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