[RTTY] Ritty on a notebook

Ron Lodewyck ronl@toto.csustan.edu
Sun, 3 Mar 2002 16:19:41 -0800


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