[TenTec] (ham station computer choice)

[Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP]

John, sorry but I'm not much help with tips for Linux.
I guess I began playing with it about 20 years ago as well, but only as a
second (switchable) operating system.
I just never saw any point in going to Linux as long as I still needed to
work in Windows.
Every now and then I'll install some flavor of Linux on one of my computers
to see how far it has advanced.  My most recent try was 2 months ago, where
I tried Mint.   I was amazed at how much easier it has gotten and how
complete the package is.  Very tempting, if I didn't need Windows
compatibility for my QRL.

For contesting, I chose to stick with the standard logging software that my
club uses, Win-Test.  I won't make any claims to it being better; it's
simply what was best for me under the circumstances.  I do still
occasionally operate with some of the teams and they always run Win-Test.
As the name suggests, it's a Windows application.

For anyone who speaks German, the latest (May) issue of CQDL Magazine was
devoted largely to Linux software for ham radio. There is Linux software for
just about anything you wish to do.  As long as you are working in a vacuum
then I'm sure it's fine.  The problem is when you need to be compatible with
others.  The least common denominator is still Windows.

As for specific Linux contest logging software, I simply do not know.
Perhaps someone else here does.

73 - Rick, DJ0IP
(Nr. Frankfurt am Main)


-----Original Message-----
From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of K3GHH
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 3:26 PM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] (ham station computer choice)

On Linux: I've been using Linux for 20 years --- unfortunately without
really learning much about it. My previous shack computer was purchased with
no OS, and this one had Ubuntu (I replaced it with Kubuntu). The only
non-Linux use in our house is of a Dell WinXP laptop that runs a scanner.

Rick DJ0IP and others here are serious contesters. I'd be interested to
learn how such an op handles (or would handle) logging in Linux. I've been
using Xlog. It's simple, and although it has contest modes (CQ,
S&P) with function keys to generate CW (or the keyboard, for general
use) it relies on cwdaemon, with which I'm having trouble. Also installed
are CQRLog (which also uses cwdaemon) and Fldigi but I have not yet invested
the time to learn them.

In a sense I feel as if I have conflicting hobbies here, and am willing to
compromise my amateur-radio achievements to indulge my interest in Linux.

--John K3GHH

On 05/08/2014 02:12 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> Though you solution is sound Clayton, we don't all have that luxury.
> Some of us are compelled to stick with Windows.
>
> I had always said I am switching to Linux once I retire and don't need 
> Windows for the QRL.
> Unfortunately I couldn't afford to really retire, and since I'm still 
> working and need Windows for the job...
>
> The best thing is to address the problem at its source.
> Don't buy computers that come with that stuff.
> Business computers come only with the software you order them with.
>
> 73 - Rick, DJ0IP
> (Nr. Frankfurt am Main)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
> Clayton Brantley via TenTec
> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 1:51 AM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment; Kimberly Elmore
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] (ham station computer choice)
>
> The best solution is to simply install Linux Mint and let it remove 
> all that "crap".  No more worry about all the virus and garbage that 
> is attracted by a windo$$ system.
>
> Clayton N4EV
>
>
> On Wednesday, May 7, 2014 7:28 PM, Lee <ny6p01 at gmail.com> wrote:
>   
> I would second that motion, Kimberly, and recommend in addition that 
> one build their own OS from the ground up - and for the same reasons. 
> No, you don't have to be a coder - there are several brands of Linux 
> that offer this DIY approach - where you can configure and compile 
> your own kernel, and compile, install & configure all the software -  
> according to your own specifications. I have done this myself, and 
> it's much easier than you think.
>
> Then you'd really take ownership of your computer, and be able to fix 
> almost anything that arises. To say nothing of the satisfaction of 
> putting it together.
> On May 7, 2014 9:28 AM, "Kimberly Elmore" <cw_de_n5op at sbcglobal.net>
wrote:
>
>> I always simply build my own and install the OS myself. That way, I 
>> have complete and total control over every aspect. It's remarkably 
>> easy, relatively inexpensive, has no proprietary hardware, and I know 
>> what's in it. Simply pick a CPU flavor you like, buy a motherboard 
>> that supports the CPU, buy a case and power supply, get a graphics 
>> card that does what you want, plug in memory, get a hard disk that's 
>> far bigger than you think you'll ever need (no less than 1 TB) and 
>> have at it. Much, much easier than "building" anything radio!
>>
>> Kim N5OP
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--
-- John K3GHH

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