[RTTY] Ritty notebook compatibility results tabulated

[Ron Lodewyck]

Hi everyone,

I recently requested input from anyone who has successfully run the Ritty
RTTY program by Brian Beezly K6STI on a notebook computer.  A number of hams
responded and, as promised, I have compiled and posted the results at the
following website:

http://cis.csustan.edu/ronl/Ritty_and_Notebooks.htm

The good news is that there are a few notebooks that are known to run Ritty
AOK.  They are all older machines running DOS, Windows 95, or maybe Windows
98.  They can sometimes be found at www.usedlaptops.com, www.micon.com, or
www.ebay.com for under $300.

The bad news is that, so far, I have not found a newer notebook (>166 Mhz
Pentium) compatible with Ritty.  I have also not found a notebook which
supports Ritty AND a USB port so that I can easily add serial ports, a
trackball pointer, and other odds and ends.  If you know of one, I'd really
appreciate hearing from you.

I SUSPECT that maybe the Compaq Armada 7400 or 7800 series or the Sony VAIO
PCG-505TR may fill the bill since they apparently use the ESS 1879 audio
chip which looks 100% Soundblaster ISA compatible.  Does anyone have one of
these notebooks who could try running Ritty if I emailed you a copy?  It
would NOT have to be installed - just run from a floppy or HD in a DOS
window.  The program is copyrighted and copy protected so you can't use it
and couldn't benefit from using the program for anything other than the
test.  Anyone able to help?

In fact, if you know of any other notebook not on the list which runs Ritty,
please email me and I will add it to the table so others can benefit from
your experience.

My sincere thanks to all who responded:
K2YG, N3OC, K3MM, AH6OZ, KK5OQ, and N5KO

Your help is greatly appreciated!
73,
Ron N6EE
RONL@toto.csustan.edu