[Skimmertalk] CPU for Skimmerserver

[kaz]

Interesting thread.

I know it is an apples vs oranges comparison, but FWIW running a 
cwskimmer/softrock/soundcard setup uses more CPU, and that varies 
GREATLY by model of sound card and its version of the sound card drivers.

So a question regarding the Skimmerserver/QS1R set-up.  CW skimmer has a 
parameter for the "number of decoders".  Does skimmserver have a similar 
parameter for limiting the decoders?

If it does, I've found relatively little perceived drop-off in the 
ability of the skimmers to grab spots when the number of decoders is 
limited, but it does help to throttle the CPU usage substantially.  If 
the server version has the same ability, that may be useful for the 
slower CPU set ups.

One of the skimmer boxes here croaked during CQ WW, and I wasn't 
available to monitor the skimmers.  But on normal days the early 
generation dual core processors can handle up to three bands at 96kc 
using sound card skimming.  Or one band at 192kc.  :o  Two bands per CPU 
at 96kc seems to be the limit/sweet spot for a slower dual core box.

The sound card skimming leaves much to be desired....but it was the only 
option available.  Sort of like antennas, a poor skimmer is better than 
NO skimmer.  ;)

73 de w4kaz


> CPU usage of CW Skimmer Server on an XP machine using a E6600 (Core 2 Dual
> CPU @2.4 Ghz) with 4GB DDR2 800 is 34% average at 192khz 6 bands.
>
> CPU usage of CW Skimmer Server on an XP machine using a Q6600 (Core 2 Quad
> CPU @2.4 Ghz) with 4GB DDR2 800 is 18% average at 192khz 6 bands.
>
> CPU usage of CW Skimmer Server on an Win7 machine using an i5-2500K (Quad
> CPU @3.30 Ghz) with 16GB DDR3 1600 is 7.5% average at 192khz 6 bands. (Just
> built this one for W6PH)