[Skimmertalk] CW Skimmer Server CPU overload caused by transmitting nearby (too many decoders)

[Andy KU7T]

Hi,

I can take down my skimmer server when transmitting on another antenna. This does not seem to be an HF issue, but CPU issue. When this happened, I can see that the CW skimmer tells me it has 19,000 decoders and the CPU was overloaded.  See attachment.


The computer is running 2x8x192kHz for CW (thats 2 CW skimmer servers), 1x8x192kHz for FT8 (thats 8 instances of WSJT-x) and RBN aggregator.  I know that is a lot. On a quiet day, my CPU is between 60 and 70%.


I can cause this failure while running 50 W FT8 on 20m into an antenna 200 ft away.  I know I could disable the skimmer antenna with the PTT line but am wondering if this can be prevented by adjusting other parameters.  This is a dedicated computer (Z400 Workstation) that I do not need for anything else, so if it uses up to 80 or 90 % CPU there are no issues.


Can CW Skimmer be told to not go higher than a certain CPU load or number of decoders? Or WSJT-X?

Are there any other settings that could be changed, number of threads, etc.?


See attachments.


Thanks and 73

Andy

KU7T