Elecraft

Windows Computer for K-line station

Classic

List

Threaded

17 messages Options

Edward A. Dauer

Windows Computer for K-line station

OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)

Thanks in advance . . .

Ted, KN1CBR
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Chris Hallinan

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

I have one of these, that I use for experimenting. It's four core and
very high performance, including graphics. I think it comes with
WIndows and Linux pre-installed, but you'd have to verify that. It's
4" x 4"!

On Wed, Mar 18, 2015 at 7:59 PM, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:

> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)
>
> Thanks in advance . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

--
Life is like Linux - it never stands still.
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Chris Hallinan

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

Sorry, I fat-fingered the Enter key before finishing my post. The
small form factor I use is here:

http://www.sapphiretech.com/embedded/product.aspx?pid=db-ft3b-lc&lid=1

-Chris
K1AY

On Wed, Mar 18, 2015 at 8:05 PM, Chris Hallinan <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have one of these, that I use for experimenting. It's four core and
> very high performance, including graphics. I think it comes with
> WIndows and Linux pre-installed, but you'd have to verify that. It's
> 4" x 4"!
>
>
> On Wed, Mar 18, 2015 at 7:59 PM, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)
>>
>> Thanks in advance . . .
>>
>> Ted, KN1CBR
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>
> --
> Life is like Linux - it never stands still.

Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Machines based on Intel's NUC (New Unit of Computing) are quite small.

This one is 4.5" x 1.47" x 4.26"

http://www.logicsupply.com/computers/hardware-line/commercial/nc200b-30/

This is an i3, you can get other processors.

73 -- Lynn

On 3/18/2015 4:59 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)
>
> Thanks in advance . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Scott Manthe-2

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Ted,
I'm sure you know this already, but if you have an Intel-based Mac, you
already own the best Windows computer for the money. Buy a copy of
whatever flavor of Windows you prefer and use Boot Camp to boot your Mac
directly into Windows. It'll run Windows natively, and better than most
Windows machines.

I know that finding ham stuff for the Mac can be frustrating, but it can
be done. I only run Macs in my shack exclusively, and the only reason I
ever run Windows on them is when I have to program my HTs. My logging
programs, etc. are all OSX programs and free ones at that. I don't
venture too far into the esoteric operating-wise, though...

Good luck!

73,
Scott, N9AA

On 3/18/15 7:59 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)
>
> Thanks in advance . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
> ______________________________________________________________
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Bill-3

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Build an ITX size desktop - I have about $350 in mine with a quad-core,
8 Gig memory, etc. See the case at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CKNOVN2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bill W2BLC K-Line

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Just a quick tip on your Mac. In order for some monitors to work
correctly on OS X you need the right cable plugged into the Thunderbolt
port. You shouldn't need any drivers for your monitor - just the right
cable.

Intel has a line of NUC (New Unit of Computing) computers that are 4" x
4" x 2". They come in a variety of processor configurations. I use a
Celeron unit and it is attached to the back of my monitor. Plenty of
power for anything in the ham shack. They also come in i3, i5 and i7
configurations if you need more power. The NUCs are available through
Amazon and most other computer distributors. You can also look up the
specs and the various models on intel's website.

73, Doug -- K0DXV

On 3/18/15 5:59 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Edward A. Dauer

Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

My thanks to everyone who replied to my question about small-size
Windows-based computers for the K-line, all with useful ideas and leads.

Some of the off-list messages cautioned against using a Mac as a platform
for Windows, while others (below) have had more favorable experience. The
problem for me, however, is the footprint of my MacAir on the desk - which
is one of the things I would like to be rid of.

Among the suggestions made both off-line and on is the NUC from Intel.
Interestingly, one of the housings made for the NUC is called the K3. Who
could resist a marriage like that?

Ted, KN1CBR

>------------------------------
>
>Message: 21
>Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:37:20 -0400
>From: Scott Manthe <[hidden email]>
>To: [hidden email]
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
>Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
>Ted,
>I'm sure you know this already, but if you have an Intel-based Mac, you
>already own the best Windows computer for the money. Buy a copy of
>whatever flavor of Windows you prefer and use Boot Camp to boot your Mac
>directly into Windows. It'll run Windows natively, and better than most
>Windows machines.
>
>I know that finding ham stuff for the Mac can be frustrating, but it can
>be done. I only run Macs in my shack exclusively, and the only reason I
>ever run Windows on them is when I have to program my HTs. My logging
>programs, etc. are all OSX programs and free ones at that. I don't
>venture too far into the esoteric operating-wise, though...
>
>Good luck!
>
>73,
>Scott, N9AA
>
>On 3/18/15 7:59 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
>> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much
>>trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor.
>>Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with
>>drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can
>>play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the
>>smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one
>>that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc.
>>goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on
>>my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The
>>Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)
>>
>> Thanks in advance . . .
>>
>> Ted, KN1CBR
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>
>

Rick Prather-3

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

Ted,

Looks like you are getting a lot of good advice for a PC. I wonder though
what software you feel is missing for your Mac?

For logging I like RUMlog or the new RUMlogNG. They integrate with my K3
nicely, and in the case of RUMlogNG, the P3 control screen is something I
miss when I play with other loggers.

For Digital there is FLDIGI or cocoaModem. While cocoaModem is no longer
supported by Kok Chen it is still very functional and has the unique
advantage of being able to watch two RTTY screens at the same time if you
have the Sub.

For contesting I use RUMped or Skookumlogger.

BTW, I am puzzled about your comment about lacking drivers for your Dell
display for the Mac. I have never needed any drivers for any monitor I
have used on my Macs. Currently I have an Asus connected to my mini using
DVI and an HP using HDMI.

73,
Rick
K6LE

On Wed, Mar 18, 2015 at 4:59 PM Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:

> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much
> trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor.
> Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with
> drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play.
> So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest)
> Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would
> serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one
> might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a
> real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000
> small format is too big.)
>
> Thanks in advance . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

g8kbvdave

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

> Subject: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
> Message-ID: <D12F6D65.E081%[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too
> much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple
> flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't
> come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the
> monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest
> (physically the smallest)

Whatever the physical machine attributes you go for, from hard won personal
experience, try to get the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS.

32 not 64bit, why? Because the most useful stuff either doesn't run on Win64
(com0com, eterlogic's VSPE etc.) Or you need to open up security holes to
make it run, like running as the "Administrator" or some other sillyness.

Though a 32 bit OS will only be able to address up to 4G RAM, its a lot less fussy
about much legacy (older but good) Ham software, even some realy old Win 3x
and DOS stuff! (Try that on a 64 bit OS, and youre in a world of pain at best.)

As for the machine itself. I do like the Acer One series of netbooks, Dell do
similar. Toshiba are always good to find spares for. But whatever, max out the
ammount of RAM it has, to the limit of what the hardware will support. If less
than 4Gig, then youre best with a 32 bit OS anyway, Win64 uses up way too
much RAM just sitting there doing nothing.

Lastly, though I've grown up with Windows in one or another flavor over the
years, when security patches for Win7 are finally dropped, I'll be moving over to
Linux in one form or other in the shack. There is some seriously good HAM
software out there for 'nix now. The Fldigi suite is just one fine example.

73.

Dave G0WBX.

>><<

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

tomb18

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

Hi,
That is definitely NOT the case. I have yet to run into any application
that will not on on a 64 bit version of Windows. There are 64 bit COM0COM
"signed" versions, VSPE is available in 64 bit and every single Ham radio
application I have used works on a 64 bit system.
True some DOS stuff might not work, but going 32 bits limits you too much to
< 3G of memory and really prevents you from using your system to the
fullest.
If you do find some software that doesn't run, then you are better off
dumping it and moving to more modern technology.
Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave B
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 12:02 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station

Whatever the physical machine attributes you go for, from hard won personal
experience, try to get the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS.

32 not 64bit, why? Because the most useful stuff either doesn't run on
Win64
(com0com, eterlogic's VSPE etc.) Or you need to open up security holes to
make it run, like running as the "Administrator" or some other sillyness.

Though a 32 bit OS will only be able to address up to 4G RAM, its a lot less
fussy
about much legacy (older but good) Ham software, even some realy old Win 3x
and DOS stuff! (Try that on a 64 bit OS, and youre in a world of pain at
best.)

As for the machine itself. I do like the Acer One series of netbooks, Dell
do
similar. Toshiba are always good to find spares for. But whatever, max
out the
ammount of RAM it has, to the limit of what the hardware will support. If
less
than 4Gig, then youre best with a 32 bit OS anyway, Win64 uses up way too
much RAM just sitting there doing nothing.

Lastly, though I've grown up with Windows in one or another flavor over the
years, when security patches for Win7 are finally dropped, I'll be moving
over to
Linux in one form or other in the shack. There is some seriously good HAM
software out there for 'nix now. The Fldigi suite is just one fine
example.

73.

Dave G0WBX.

>><<

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

vk2rq

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

It would be a Windows virtual machine running on your Mac -- it takes up no space at all.

73, Matt VK2RQ

> On 19 Mar 2015, at 10:59 am, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest (physically the smallest) Winows-running computer other than a laptop or an all-in-one that would serve well for all of the computer control, logging, and etc. goodies one might reasonably hang on a K-line station? Real estate on my desk is at a real premium, and knee-hole space is even less. (The Dell Inspirion 3000 small format is too big.)
>
> Thanks in advance . . .
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Phil Hystad-3

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by tomb18

I have read a few answers to this post below but I am not sure what is
meant by the request:

> So, advice please - what is the smallest
> (physically the smallest)

Do you mean physically small monitor or physically small computer.

I just noticed that the new Raspberry Pi (about the size of a credit card)
is coming out with support for Windows 10 when it is released. I can't
imagine finding a smaller Windows machine.

73, phil, K7PEH
*Mac fanatic, but maybe I will experiment with the new RPi/Windows 10.

Matt Murphy

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

Have not evaluated compatibility with ham software but plan to do so in the
near future. The price is right ($35).

http://www.adafruit.com/products/2358

Also windows 10 will be free for this device:

https://dev.windows.com/en-us/featured/raspberrypi2support

I've had good success using Mac hardware for ham stuff, both using
virtualbox and using bootcamp. If you have specific compatibility glitches
that you've run into, you might want to post them to the list just in case
any of us have found a solution.

73,
Matt NQ6N

On Thu, Mar 19, 2015 at 11:18 AM, Phil Hystad <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have read a few answers to this post below but I am not sure what is
> meant by the request:
>
> > So, advice please - what is the smallest
> > (physically the smallest)
>
> Do you mean physically small monitor or physically small computer.
>
> I just noticed that the new Raspberry Pi (about the size of a credit card)
> is coming out with support for Windows 10 when it is released. I can't
> imagine finding a smaller Windows machine.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
> *Mac fanatic, but maybe I will experiment with the new RPi/Windows 10.
>
>
>
>
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
> > Message-ID: <D12F6D65.E081%[hidden email]>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> > OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too
> > much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple
> > flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't
> > come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the
> > monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest
> > (physically the smallest)
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

g8kbvdave

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by tomb18

Yes, but you have to pay for them. Not everyone has the spare funds, some of
the costs for "signed" programs and code, can be quite expensive, for a ham on
a pension.

I do run Win64 here in the office, but there are many XP and earlier app's that
do not play well on it, if at all due to direct IO needs.

The XP emulator is not up to that sort of work, even when it can be kicked into
life. NO Win16 apps will run in any way shape or form on Win64, period!
(Some don't play well on Win7 32 bit either, but they can be coaxed and
cajoled.)

Running XP in a real VM (V'box) is OK, but again, you need a licenced copy to
install.

I do this sort of thing for a living, not just for my own needs, so I do know what
can/can't be done.

73.

Dave G0WBX.

> Hi,
> That is definitely NOT the case. I have yet to run into any
> application that will not on on a 64 bit version of Windows. There are
> 64 bit COM0COM "signed" versions, VSPE is available in 64 bit and
> every single Ham radio application I have used works on a 64 bit
> system. True some DOS stuff might not work, but going 32 bits limits
> you too much to < 3G of memory and really prevents you from using your
> system to the fullest. If you do find some software that doesn't run,
> then you are better off dumping it and moving to more modern
> technology. Tom
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave B
> Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 12:02 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
>
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
> > Message-ID: <D12F6D65.E081%[hidden email]>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> > OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too
> > much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple
> > flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't
> > come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the
> > monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest
> > (physically the smallest)
>
> Whatever the physical machine attributes you go for, from hard won
> personal experience, try to get the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS.
>
> 32 not 64bit, why? Because the most useful stuff either doesn't run
> on Win64 (com0com, eterlogic's VSPE etc.) Or you need to open up
> security holes to make it run, like running as the "Administrator" or
> some other sillyness.
>
> Though a 32 bit OS will only be able to address up to 4G RAM, its a
> lot less fussy about much legacy (older but good) Ham software, even
> some realy old Win 3x and DOS stuff! (Try that on a 64 bit OS, and
> youre in a world of pain at best.)
>
> As for the machine itself. I do like the Acer One series of
> netbooks, Dell do similar. Toshiba are always good to find spares
> for. But whatever, max out the ammount of RAM it has, to the limit
> of what the hardware will support. If less than 4Gig, then youre
> best with a 32 bit OS anyway, Win64 uses up way too much RAM just
> sitting there doing nothing.
>
> Lastly, though I've grown up with Windows in one or another flavor
> over the years, when security patches for Win7 are finally dropped,
> I'll be moving over to Linux in one form or other in the shack.
> There is some seriously good HAM software out there for 'nix now.
> The Fldigi suite is just one fine example.
>
> 73.
>
> Dave G0WBX.
>
> >><<
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
> ---
> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
> protection is active. http://www.avast.com
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by g8kbvdave

I agree with Windows 7 32 bit as the most compatible. But 32 bit is
essentially obsolete. Most software that is still currently maintained
and most hardware for which current drivers are available will run
without issues on 64 bit Windows.

As a Windows 10 Beta Tester I can also say that I'm experiencing Windows
Fatigue. I'm tired of the constant churn in the U/I. XP, Vista, Windows
7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 all rearrange things just enough to be
annoying and confusing.

I'm now very much a Mac fan, although I find the prices of Apple
products outrageous. While it is a highly usable U/I that is very
consistent from release to release, the hardware remains a real issue.
A decent Mac Mini is about $700. An equivalent NUC PC is half that.

So, like Dave, I see linux as the future. My favorite is Linux Mint
with the Cinnamon U/I. Perhaps the most popular linux distro on the
planet. When I login to my linux box, it is always a pleasure to see a
simple, non-intrusive, intuitive user interface, completely lacking in
the heavy, complex and confusing baggage that Windows carries around.

Mint Cinnamon and most other linux variations will take the average user
a couple hours to get their arms around. Once you do however, you'll
find yourself getting addicted to its beautiful looks and simple
organization. Must linux distros will run circles around Windows on
pretty basic hardware. It's also, surprisingly, extremely reliable,
having been under non-stop development for over 20 years.

73, Doug -- K0DXV

On 3/19/15 10:02 AM, Dave B wrote:

>> Subject: [Elecraft] Windows Computer for K-line station
>> Message-ID: <D12F6D65.E081%[hidden email]>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>>
>> OK; I give up. Trying to use a Mac at the station QTH is just too
>> much trouble - too much of the good stuff doesn't come in the Apple
>> flavor. Even the Dell monitor I just bought for the P3 SVGA doesn't
>> come with drivers for Mac OS, which limits some of the tricks the
>> monitor can play. So, advice please - what is the smallest
>> (physically the smallest)
> Whatever the physical machine attributes you go for, from hard won personal
> experience, try to get the Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit OS.
>
> 32 not 64bit, why? Because the most useful stuff either doesn't run on Win64
> (com0com, eterlogic's VSPE etc.) Or you need to open up security holes to
> make it run, like running as the "Administrator" or some other sillyness.
>
> Though a 32 bit OS will only be able to address up to 4G RAM, its a lot less fussy
> about much legacy (older but good) Ham software, even some realy old Win 3x
> and DOS stuff! (Try that on a 64 bit OS, and youre in a world of pain at best.)
>
> As for the machine itself. I do like the Acer One series of netbooks, Dell do
> similar. Toshiba are always good to find spares for. But whatever, max out the
> ammount of RAM it has, to the limit of what the hardware will support. If less
> than 4Gig, then youre best with a 32 bit OS anyway, Win64 uses up way too
> much RAM just sitting there doing nothing.
>
> Lastly, though I've grown up with Windows in one or another flavor over the
> years, when security patches for Win7 are finally dropped, I'll be moving over to
> Linux in one form or other in the shack. There is some seriously good HAM
> software out there for 'nix now. The Fldigi suite is just one fine example.
>
> 73.
>
> Dave G0WBX.
>
>>> <<
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

George M. Badger, III

Re: Windows Computer for K-line station

In reply to this post by Edward A. Dauer

FYI: I just redid my computer system. Went from 5 desktops to 3 & from 3
20" monitors to 1 34" monitor. All the chassis are mounted away from the
operating position and I use remote desktop to access them. They run a
variety of tasks.

The main is a win8 dell with lots of HP. The other 2 are dell 745 USFF,
Ultra Small Form Factor, mounted under shelves/desks. I purchased them
on ebay for $25 each, refurbed by dell, with XP loaded in and the disc
attached to the top. I found the $99 each dell mounts, again on ebay,
for 5 for $50, NIB.

My biggest PITA was the RS-232 serial ports. My world runs on them. All
my cards are for full sized desktops so they wouldn't fit. I went to 1 X
4 & 1 X 8 USB to RS-232 convertors. Now I have plenty of real RS-232
ports as well as lots of USB ports.

IMHO, newer & new small form factor are ideal because they can easily be
mounted away from the general clutter.

73 de W3AB
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]