[RTTY] Running multiple versions of MMTTY & 2Tone questions

[Ed Muns]

Dick K9OM wrote: 
> Until now, I have only decoded RTTY with either one version 
> of  MMTTY or 2Tone running at the same time.  I'm getting 
> ready to run  MMTTY and 2Tone at the same time and have some 
> questions:
>  
> 1) Using N1MM Logger and MMTTY, I have a great deal of  
> problems getting any computer to decode RTTY quickly and not 
> slowing  down during a contest.  
> I'm not sure, but I believe the slow decode problem  is a 
> result of updates done to N1MM Logger or MMTTY, or both.  I 
> say  that because 2-3 years ago I didn't have as great a 
> problem with delayed  decoding.  So my first question
> is: since I already have problems with  my computers slowing 
> down during a contest with only one version of MMTTY  
> running, won't this problem increase if I run multiple copies 
> of MMTTY or 2Tone  at the same time?  (note: I've tried 3 
> different Windows 7 computers and  only one of them will 
> decode quickly most of the time without slowing down  as the 
> contest goes on, and that's my office computer which I have 
> to  borrow before a contest)

MMTTY does use more CPU cycles than 2Tone and running multiple windows of
either one takes commensurately more CPU cycles.  I have definitely
encountered slow decode and other problems with some older computers.  Turn
off all non-critical programs.  Anti-Virus programs can take a lot of cycles
but there are some that are more frugal than others ... Microsoft Security
Essentials, for example.

> 2) I'm using a K3 and the decode audio comes from the  Line 
> Out on the rear of the K3.  If I want to split this audio and 
> run it  to two different CPU's can I use a simple Y adapter 
> with excellent results, or  would I get likely reduce noise 
> or distortion if I used  a Distribution Amp instead of a Y adapter?

You may or may not encounter ground loops that will degrade audio input to
one or more soundcards or decoders.  The K3 LINE OUT already has an
isolation transformer so the concern will be a ground loop between all the
other parts of the audio system.  The best solution, of course, is to
eliminate the ground loop.  Another alternative is to put a "ground loop
eliminator" in one or both of the paths.  There are many formats of ground
loop eliminators available on eBay and I keep a supply handy for quick
fixes.  They are $2-6 each and the $20 Radio Shack version is also about $6
on eBay without the R/S label.

Ed W0YK