> 1. Upgrade to an XP machine.
> - the good: Very stable now. Everybody knows how it works. Few
> problems
> - the bad: Good luck finding one (especially a new one)
Not a bad idea ... if you stick with well known motherboards and
standard peripherals you can move the XP from an existing system
if you have it. For example, I have a dead laptop and moved the
XP license from it to newer hardware.
> 2. Upgrade to Win7 64
> - the good: New machines are cheap. I just got one for about
> $350 (quad core). Seems stable, everything works except some old 16
> bit code I use for PCB design and the lack of internet Hearts that
> I'm addicted to.
> - the bad: Things are different than XP (and really different
> than ME) thus you will have a learning curve to conquer.
Windows 7 is much more stable than Vista and as long as you treat it
right (install all the "old" ham software is a separate directory)
it will not cause problems. If you have a lot of 16 bit applications
that you can't do without select Windows 7/32 ... you will be limited
to 3.5 GB of RAM but will be able to run the 16 bit code.
If you build your own system it is still possible to find good boards
with serial and parallel standard. You can also install PCI or PCI-e
add-in cards with additional serial/parallel ports quite inexpensively.
> Also, you WILL want to get a Win keyer (K1EL or equivalent). Not
> expensive, but CW keying through LPT or serial ports is NOT
> recommended, although it works OK .. for a while.
>
> I use a microHAM USB box that solves both problems.
I recommend WinKey and a second (separate) soundcard just for the ham
applications - to keep operating system functions and radio functions
completely separate. Obviously I think the best way to do that is
with the microHAM products but it's not difficult to integrate off the
shelf hardware if you're so inclined.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
On 9/2/2010 3:52 PM, Alan Maenchen wrote:
> Scott,
>
> There are two thoughts:
>
> 1. Upgrade to an XP machine.
> - the good: Very stable now. Everybody knows how it works. Few
> problems
> - the bad: Good luck finding one (especially a new one)
>
> 2. Upgrade to Win7 64
> - the good: New machines are cheap. I just got one for about $350
> (quad core). Seems stable, everything works except some old 16 bit code I
> use for PCB design and the lack of internet Hearts that I'm addicted to.
> - the bad: Things are different than XP (and really different than ME)
> thus you will have a learning curve to conquer.
>
> I chose route 2 and haven't regretted it... yet.
> One major issue you need to resolve is the new machines (XP and later) do
> NOT have an LPT port.
>
> Also, you WILL want to get a Win keyer (K1EL or equivalent). Not expensive,
> but CW keying through LPT or serial ports is NOT recommended, although it
> works OK .. for a while.
>
> I use a microHAM USB box that solves both problems.
>
> 73, Alan AD6E
>
>
>
>
>
>> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 21:14:07 -0600
>> From: "\(K7ZO\) Scott Tuthill"<k7zo@cableone.net>
>> Subject: [WriteLog] HELP - New WriteLog PC Recommendation
>> To:<writelog@contesting.com>
>>
>>
>> The time has come to replace the aging WinME machines after many year of
>> admirable service at NK7U. What advice do all of you have regarding the
>> best PC+Outboard device configuration for a WriteLog system these days? If
>> you were going to start from scratch what would you do?
>>
>> As background our current configuration is:
>> * Windows ME PC -- various flavors but typically a Pentium in the
>> 200-600MHz
>> range with a few MB of memory .
>> * Parallel port drives a Top 10 band decoder and the CW keyer built into
>> it.
>> The band decoder drives a Dunestar bandpass filter set.
>> * One serial port used for rig control
>> * Sound board used for Voice Keyer and RTTY using Writelog's built in
>> RTTYRITE module using AFSK. (We have been advised not to try MMTTY with
>> this
>> PC configuration.) We use WriteLog's Sound Board control application to
>> adjust audio levels and we use many RF Chokes in the audio path to
>> eliminate
>> RFI& feedback problems.
>> * Network port for multi-op configuration.
>> * No SO2R operation as we typically do Multi-Op instead of Single Op.
>> * VGA port for a single 19" flat panel display
>> * The only external boxes we have beyond the PCs and Radios (FT1000MP
>> MarkV) are the Top 10 Band Decoder and a small box with an audio isolation
>> transformer. There are no RIGblasters, Winkeyers, Micro Keyer's, etc.
>>
>> Looking forward we want the PC, Radio and external boxes to:
>> * Run WriteLog in a multi-op network environment
>> * Operate in SSB, CW, an RTTY (upgrading to MMTTY and FSK)
>> * Still have computer control of the Radio's (stating the obvious)
>> * Be dual monitor capable (Realizing it is pretty easy to throw a second
>> monitor board in just about any PC to make it dual monitor capable.)
>> * Have an audio path that is easily adjusted and is RFI immune.
>> * Driving the Top 10 Band Decoder from the PC& External Box is optional
>> because we can also drive them directly from the Band Data port on the Mark
>> V. Or for that matter if there is a better way control the Dunestart
>> bandpass filter we don't have to use the Top 10 Band Decoder.
>> *SO2R operation is not required.
>> * Have modern PC security capabilities
>> * The PC's would be dedicated to radio and contesting operation they do not
>> need capabilities to run MS Office, do games and photo editing, etc.
>>
>> So, given this what do recommend?
>> * PC and operating system? If you have a specific brand and model please
>> state them.
>> * What port configuration on the PC?
>> * What external boxes would you use
>> * What is the resulting system configuration -- what is plugged into what
>> and how do you operate in the different modes?
>>
>> Thanks everyone for your advice.
>>
>> Scott/K7ZO
>>
>>
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>
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