Dedicated Compter - Must Haves/nots

**M0TZO** · Sun 30th Mar 2008, 15:53

Well after a disaster of a weekend in that I was supposed to enter CQ WPX, everythign that could go wrong, did.

Antenna not completed (missing tools/wrong sizes) & rainy, windy weather, PC crashed, the list goes on. Oh and due to bereavement trip to France was cancelled.

Anyway, looking ahead, I should be getting another computer soon, and one thing I want to do is have a dedicated PC setup for Ham Radio. Nothing else.

So, here's your chance to suggest what I must install, and what I should avoid.

Current list of Items I do intend to install are as follow
Win-Test http://www.win-test.com/
Ham Radio Deluxe http://hrd.ham-radio.ch/
Echolink http://www.echolink.org/

What else should I look at, please include links.

Also upgradeable hardware suggestions as well. Maybe one of those USB tuning knobs.

**m0bov** · Sun 30th Mar 2008, 19:06

USB morse key?

**G0UPG** · Mon 31st Mar 2008, 19:23

A serial port for rig control etc, amazing how many machines do not have them now, same as a 3.5" floppy drive...

**2e0sql** · Mon 31st Mar 2008, 21:53

Hardware wise i'd say no less than 1GHz processor and 1GB of ram but as the saying goes mores better!

Also i'd recommend 2 soundcards, one dedicated just for ham radio stuff if u are going to use dvk and soundcard modes!

As for software you might like DXAtlas

Originally Posted by m0bov

USB morse key?

WinKey USB Interface for sure! I'm after one too

Originally Posted by G0UPG

A serial port for rig control etc, amazing how many machines do not have them now, same as a 3.5" floppy drive...

These days very few come with serial ports, but this can be over come with decent USB to Serial Adapters! Also in this day and age floppy drive is pointless as a storage mediumn unless you still use them! cheaper to by a USB pendrive then a floppy drive!!!

**G0UPG** · Tue 1st Apr 2008, 09:55

USB-serial adapters are not so good, yaesu, for example, specifically state not to use them for connecting rig to PC, but to only use a 'straight through' serial cable.

**m0bov** · Tue 1st Apr 2008, 18:02

I use the "ZLP" system here, its all USB, one USB to a small box and out of that are two audio cables going to my two ICOM rigs.

**2e0sql** · Wed 2nd Apr 2008, 15:40

Originally Posted by G0UPG

USB-serial adapters are not so good, yaesu, for example, specifically state not to use them for connecting rig to PC, but to only use a 'straight through' serial cable.

Didnt see that in my FT950 manual but then again, I've not read the whole manual

seems to work fine tho and i've not spotted any problems with my setup.

For digital modes i have SignaLink USB

**m0bov** · Wed 2nd Apr 2008, 17:25

Yes, Signalink is a great piece of kit, the G4ZLP interface system is in my view, one of the best for such a low price. Never had any probs. Paul needs to add to his list both of those pieces of kit, plus dual montior output, one for HRD and one for MSN!

A weather station interface and Lightning Storm warnings are usful, again most re USB, plus an IP webcam to monitor the antenna, cheap USB TV stick for when your waiting for "your number" in those pile ups.

Since you'll then have two PCs, suggest a Buffalo NAS, two copies of Ghost 12 and you can backup both PCs.

Prolly more, but that should get you started.

**2e0sql** · Wed 2nd Apr 2008, 17:31

Originally Posted by m0bov

suggest a Buffalo NAS,

Interesting you say that James, was thinking about getting one of those myself, they any good? i need to backup about 40GB of Uni work, plus music, video and lots of photos.