[RTTY] HAL ST-8000 and 6000 vs. Sound Cards

[psussman at pactor.com]

Chen hit the nail on the head, thanks!

Both TNC's and software solutions have their place. Using software
can be beneficial when the installation is properly implemented. I
do question the relative 'ease' a novice doing a good install job. 

The 'slap-dab' nature of humans is to read the instructions AFTER
installation, if there is a need. Simplicity of installation means
if it works 'right out of the box' then it doesn't need attention 
-- sort of like installing a dipole that 'nearly loads' and 
and unknowingly accepting less than adequate results.

There is a difference between doing it right and doing a quick install
job. All I'm saying is that software installation can be challenging to 
get top performance without a way to measure, test and 'tweak' errors.

Thanks, Chen for your insight.

Phil Sussman
Clayton, Ohio

-------------

Quoting Kok Chen <chen at mac.com>:

> 
> On Jan 29, 2005, at 6:23 AM, psussman at pactor.com wrote:
> >  Rather that TNCs are easier to set up
> > because they come with instructions ....
> 
> I think I agree with Phil here.
> 
> My twist on the statement is that the reason could be because a 
> software based modem can (emphasis on the word "can") be better than 
> TNCs so it may be easier set up your station to max out the decoding 
> capabilities of a TNC than it is to max out the decoding capabilities 
> of a software modem.
> 
> > ... while software stuff requires a lot of patience or a dedicated 
> > Elmer to get it right.
> 
> I don't think it is difficult to provide the tools within the modem app 
> itself to aid proper set up, and be able to bypass a human Elmer.  An 
> example of a good tool is actually in a hardware box -- the Timewave 
> 599zx.  That box has an AC millivoltmeter built right in.  You can very 
> easily adjust the gain of the audio chain so that its A/D converter is 
> optimally set up.   It also has a built in AFSK generator (generates 
> tones, diddles, RYRY) for adjusting the transmitter.
> 
> As a couple of folks have repeatedly mentioned here in the past: if you 
> are not printing at least as well with a proven good software modem 
> than you can with a TNC, the likelihood is you need to look closer at 
> how everything is put together at your station.
> 
> I would first make sure that the A/D converter is top notched (don't 
> just look at how many bits it supports but look for the actual noise 
> floor numbers, whether it supports balanced inputs, etc etc -- the 
> stuff the professional recording world looks for), with gains in the 
> audio chain adjusted for maximum dynamic range and never clipping 
> (RITTY has always bragged about the use of a non-limiting front end, 
> for what I believe are solid reasons), and with as much hum/noise 
> removed as possible.  In most cases, with the basics done properly, you 
> can do as well or better than a TNC using just a good "textbook" 
> software modem with no special tweaks.
> 
> 73
> Chen, W7AY
> 
> 
> 
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