[TenTec] OT Computer Assistance

Sat Nov 22 10:52:01 EST 2014

A couple of the responses have advised to stay away from Windows 8. I'm 
curious about why. Perhaps this isn't a conversation that should be 
continued on the list since it is off topic, so feel free to reply to me 
directly.

Earlier this year I bought a new computer with Windows 8.1 64-bit and 
I'm running my whole station with it.

I'm using the N4PY program to control the Omni VII, my KPA500 amplifier, 
and the Softrock Ensemble II that I use as the second receiver/spectrum 
display for my Omni VII.

I'm using Logic 9 as my logging program and it reads the radio just fine 
through the N4PY software for getting the frequency and mode of the 
contact for the log entry.

The Omni VII and KPA500 are connected to the computer through 9-pin 
serial ports on the computer. Other things that connect using USB ports 
are also working fine,
like my Signalink USB digial interface and the cable that connects my 
LDG auto tuner to the computer. I'm using an old copy of MixW(version 2) 
as my digital mode software and it's working fine.

I did configure Windows to boot into the desktop instead of that goofy 
tile screen or whatever they call it, and I made a few other 
configuration changes to Windows to make it more to my liking, but 
overall I've had good success getting all my hardware and software to 
work with Windows 8.1 64-bit.

I get that newer versions of some software might have to be obtained to 
work with newer versions  of Windows, and I get that some folks don't 
like the normal Windows 8 user interface (and that can be changed), but 
in my case it's working fine.

So I am curious about the caution to stay away from it.

Thanks,

Mike - WB4HUC
Austin, TX
http://wb4huc.home.texas.net

On 11/22/2014 9:25 AM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> Dave,
>
> If you go to any of the companies selling business computers (instead of
> consumer computers), you will find that you can order and configure new
> computers as you please and Windows-7 is still an option.
>
> It is indeed tough to find a Win7 computer in the retail outlets.
>
> Dell used to have an online "Dents and Scratches" store.  I believe they
> still do.
>
> You can find some outstanding deals in there.
> I worked for Dell when I was in the states a few years ago and I bought
> computers for all of my family members there.  It was cheaper than buying
> new with an employee discount.
>
> The computers in dents and scratches are basically new computers that have
> scratches, or new computers that are shipped to a customer and been
> returned.  Although some were returned as DOA, they are repaired and carry
> the full new warranty.
> Dell gets hundreds of returns because people buy the wrong stuff and don't
> notice it until they receive it.
> So they pack it back up and ship it back for a full refund.  It goes into
> their dents and scratches inventory.
>
> They also have a business outlet where they sell certified refurbished gear:
> http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/?cs=28&c=us&l=en&s=dfb&redirect=1&dgc=IR&cid=25
> 9428&lid=4668286
>
> I'm not promoting Dell over the other commercial brands, I just know Dell's
> operations better because I worked there.
> I worked for HP too, but that was long ago, back when most of us still had
> hair.  ;-)
>
> 73 - Rick, DJ0IP
> (Nr. Frankfurt am Main)
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TenTec [mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dave
> Edwards
> Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2014 3:36 PM
> To: tentec at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] OT Computer Assistance
>
> I just switched to a Dell. (refurb)....Then I wrote over the Vista install
> with an ebay Windows 7 64bit.
> Everything works....office, rig control, weather station, logging, digital
> voice, psk, WSJT, in fact, I have not come across anything that doesn't
> work.....yet!!!
> I'd stay far away from Windows 8....In fact, my mother-in-law wants a new
> 'puter for XMAS. We're having a bit of a tough time finding new desktops
> with 7 on them. Stores are all selling 8....But you can go online and find
> them...new, with 7.  That's the ticket!!!
> ...Dave
> On 11/22/14, 9:19 AM, Carl Moreschi wrote:
>> If you  get Windows 7 32 bit instead of Windows 7 64 bit, you should
>> be fine.
>>
>> Carl Moreschi N4PY
>> 58 Hogwood Rd
>> Louisburg, NC 27549
>> www.n4py.com
>>
>> On 11/22/2014 8:15 AM, Phil Sussman wrote:
>>> I have been researching the replacement of the three XP machines here
>>> in the shack and the results have been discouraging. None of my
>>> programs: word processing, spreadsheet, logging, rig interface, and
>>> scanner programming is compatible with
>>> WIN-7 let alone WIN-8.1.
>>>
>>> In addition, my interfaces for the printer(s) [non-serial, but
>>> parallel] aren't USB compatible either! I currently have five serial
>>> interfaces, but my two USB ports have yet to operate with serial
>>> adapters. I believe this is because my USB ports are USB-1 type (just
>>> plain old)
>>>
>>> Obviously, I do not have an unlimited budget to replace three
>>> computers, two printers, all the software and still be unable to
>>> interface with my rigs.
>>> I've got a JRC JST-145 (interfaced with LOGic) and an ICOM IC-756
>>> pro-II.
>>>
>>> Any helpful suggestions welcome.
>>>
>>> Thanks ES 73
>>>
>>> de Phil - N8PS
>>>
>>>
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