[RTTY] [dxlab] Need to change GU0SUP setup

[Dave AA6YQ]

>>>AA6YQ comments below

-----Original Message-----
From: dxlab at yahoogroups.com [mailto:dxlab at yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
Phil Cooper
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 2:57 PM
To: RTTY; MMTTTY Group
Cc: DXLab
Subject: [dxlab] Need to change GU0SUP setup


Hi all,

I need to get a new PC for the shack. The current PC has a problem, in that
it keeps freezing. I suspect a hardware issue, rather than a software issue,
as there is nothing in the Event Viewer that points to a software problem.
Also, it kind of depends on where the PC box is sat. If I move it a little,
it just freezes. I have already had to replace the soundcard, as my old SB
PCI128 seems to have failed, but the replacement SB Live 5.1 just won't
behave with PSK31, and other AFSK modes.

So, I am looking to get a new PC - probably a self-build job, and will opt
to run WinXP + Service Pack 2.

As most new PC's don't have COM ports, I need to find a way to cover the 4
COM ports I currently have installed.
They are used for:
Com 1 is RF packet (via a TNC - backup to my internet connection)
Com 2 is FSK Keying (via a Buxcomm Rascal)
Com 3 is PTT
Com 4 is CW for Writelog.

>>>I use a VSCOM 8-port adaptor:

<http://www.vscom.de/617.htm>

>>>VSCOM also sells a 4-port adaptor:

<http://www.vscom.de/616.htm>

>>>I know you're planning to use XP SP2, but you might want to avoid
purchasing hardware that won't work under 64-bit Windows 7, should you
eventually decide to upgrade. I don't know whether the VSCOM usits will work
in that environment.


So, what do others use? I've ruled out the Tigertronics Signalink, as it
doesn't do FSK, so maybe it is time to get a MicroHam interface?
I've looked at their website, and got a little confused! Which one would
suit my needs?
And will it cover Com 2  to 4 above all via one USB port?

I may also need a new soundcard, so which are better, and more freely
available? The plan would be to use one soundcard for RTTY/PSK31 etc, and
the on-board card for Windows sounds.
Again, what do others use? Is there a built-in soundcard in any of the
MicroHam interfaces? If so, that would be an advantage over the newer USB
Buxcomm Rascal.

I could possibly do without the RF packet connection (currently on Com 1) as
this is only used on occasions when a bit of RF gets into the wireless
dongle used to connect to my Wi Fi.

The main software in use here is MMTTY, both alone for non-contest work, and
Writelog for contests. I also use Digipan and other digi-mode softwares for
those odd occasions when I chase DX on PSK if there is no RTTY.
My shack logging system is the DX Lab Suite, for which I use most components
apart from WinWarbler, as I prefer the basics of MMTTY.
My rig is an Icom IC756Pro, but I keep looking at the IC7600 or even the
IC7800 for the future.

>>>The IC-7600 includes a USB interface that supports transceiver control,
audio input, and audio output; the latter two functions appear as a "virtual
soundcard", eliminating the need for a second soundcard dedicated to digital
mode operations. However, you will still need an external interface for FSK
keying; this can be accomplished with one serial port's modem control signal
driving an external transistor, as shown in

<http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxlabwiki/FSKConnection>

>>>If you cedie to go the commercial all-in-one interface route, my
experience with MicroHam products has been very positive; some of these do
include a soundcard. The product matrix at the bottom of

<http://www.microham.com/index1.html>

should help you choose the product that best meets your needs.

    73,

       Dave, AA6YQ