Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
David E. Greer (N4KZ)
on
February 12, 2006
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I've had a love-hate relationship with computers for years. For a long time, I hated the mere thought of putting one in my hamshack. What would I do with it, I wondered. But once I did, I loved it. I was hooked, addicted. Go figure.
Let me back up a bit. I really had three old, nearly obsolete -- and therefore very cheap and clunky -- used computers in the shack going back to the mid-1980s. I used them to work digital modes starting with radioteletype but they were little more than dumb terminals with macros. They wouldn't do much more than that.
A nice Dell computer was dropped down my chimney at Christmas 2000 by you-know-who and I've been on a ham-computer roll since. First came AMTOR, PACTOR and then G-TOR. Then it was on to PSK31, MFSK16, WSJT, MT63 and a host of other alphabet-soup digital modes for HF and VHF DXing and ragchewing. About that time I began keeping a computerized log -- the Holy Grail of ham computing, in my book.
Now fast forward to Feb. 1, 2006 -- just a few days ago. At long last, I crossed the Final Frontier by successfully interfacing my computer, logging program and my Icom IC756Pro3 rig. It's now several days later and I'm not sure if I have become the ham kid in a ham candy store or if I have poisoned myself and my hobby forever. You be the judge.
For many, this would not have been a particularly challenging project. Many of you love computers, understand computers and actually know how they work. In reality, I suspect several hundred thousand 3-foot tall Sponge Bob Square Pants-loving kindergarteners across the nation could have done this too -- and faster -- but for yours truly, it was a real victory since my computer knowledge has successfully lived in a thimble since 1981.
My logging program, ACLog, by Scott, N3FJP, has a telnet function for connecting to Internet sites supplying DX spots. You know, those are the brief Internet announcements giving the callsign and frequency of a DX station now on the air. There is a small window at the bottom of my logging program screen that lets the latest DX spots scroll down the screen. Now, since the logging program controls the rig I just have to click on a spot and my rig and SteppIR beam antenna automatically tune to that frequency, the QSO data is entered automatically in the log and I just have to shout or send my call to complete the QSO.
Could it get any easier? It's click here, click there, click everywhere. It's maddening. So many DX stations to work and so little time. Work Germany? Why bother? I've worked it a thousand times before. But wait, there's a spot and all I have to do is click and talk. Click and talk. I think it's driving me i-n-s-a-n-e!
Is this a DX godsend or is it just plain ridiculous? Will it leave me a bored ham without purpose -- without the challenge of listening, listening and more listening trying to pull the weak ones out of the noise or will it lift me effortlessly to the coveted DXCC Honor Roll?
Time will tell but in the meantime, I'll be looking for you on DXspots.com.
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA0ZZG on February 12, 2006
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Don't expect technology to replace what you do. Expect it to more redifine it. We are not doing anything the same way our Fathers did, except one thing ( you figure it out). What will our children be complaining about? I'm sure they will be complaining. How would you picture this conversation in 50 years?
WA0ZZG
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by NA4IT on February 12, 2006
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Oh boy! You better watch out. Someone will tell you "It ain't radio!"
Enjoy the set up!
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by N1IV on February 12, 2006
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I don't think the computer has made anything boring. I'm not sure how easy it was for you but getting Windows and a myriad of ham software packages to accept and run six Com Ports was a challenge. Com 1 runs APRS via my Kenwood TH-D7A HT while Com 2 runs my Yaesu G-1000DXA Rotor via a Rotor-EZ Interface from Idiom Press. Com 4 runs the PTT input of my RigBlaster Pro for Digital modes, Com 5 goes to the Rig Control connection of the Rigblaster Pro and runs my Icom IC-756Pro3 and Com 6 runs my Davis VantagePro Weather Station. Yes, Com 3 is free... phewww! It has been fun and I still enjoy using all of them. Like WA0ZZG said, "Imagine what this converstaion will be like in 50 years!" Keep going forward... 73 de N1IV
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Nobody is pointing a gun at your head.
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by WB4M on February 12, 2006
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I have used computers since the C-64 days and find they have made my operating much more flexible and pleasureable. They stimulate activity on the air by allowing hams to operate the digital modes, and like you mention, logging and DX spotting programs.
But nobody is making me or anyone else use them; its your choice. You can always go back to the "old ways" if you wish or hate computers.
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RE: Nobody is pointing a gun at your head.
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by K3AN on February 12, 2006
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I know that the computer has taken away from my ham operating time. I'll bet the majority of hams would say the same thing.
Fortunately I don't use the hamshack computer much- just for digital modes and contesting. I don't want to have to genuflect in the direction of Redmond (or Finland for Linux users) every time I simply want to scan the bands and make a casual QSO or two.
The other night I worked a new one and got so excited I crashed my logging system. No problem- I just grabbed a different pencil!
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RE: Nobody is pointing a gun at your head.
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by NN6EE on February 12, 2006
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It is really amazing how much Computers used in conjunction with contesting have increased the overall production/numbers of Qs!!!
Back in 1971 when I won the ARRL Sweepstakes for my section (EB) everything was done manually including paper logging and I won it with 368 Qs in 68 sections!!! That nowadys would'nt even put you in contention for squat!!!
Computers are great for digital operation of course, but alas I'm one of those "Old-Schoolers" and am proud of it!!!
:-))) Jim/ee
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RE: Nobody is pointing a gun at your head.
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by KG4RUL on February 12, 2006
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I use the computer to tune for doppler shift and aim antennas when working satellites, for various digital modes and to manually enter log data.
I suppose I could manually tune for the birds but, continually running outside to aim antennas quickly becomes a bore.
Buying hardware for digital modes is not within my budget so that will continue.
However, I think I will stick with manual logging into my homebrew program even though I have the routines worked up to interface to the rig. Otherwise, we could all just go to ALE, automatic logging and not bother to even show up!
Dennis KG4RUL
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by AB7JK on February 12, 2006
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I think you've answered your own question - the answer is in the question. If it's too easy why do it? Nobody but you cares if you have a gazillion countries but you are not having fun? Who do you want to please after all?
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by N6AJR on February 12, 2006
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I love it, I have the orion hooked to the computer and to the Alpha 87 A so that is all automatic, then I have the steppir on there for 20-6 and a gap voyager for 40-160. so virtually no tune any where, click, work and log.
I also use AC Log, great program and now they are developing WOTA whic lets you see everyone on the the program ( Who is On The Air) and email them.
I also have the ic 746 pro set up on its own computer and logger there, and then there is the APRS machine setting on its computer.. and so on.
Now you need to join the local contest club ( I am in the NCCC, northern california contest club) and then you will really appreciate the ability to click, tab tab enter the serial number and enter to log , next..
good for search and pounce or a run freq.
the more you use it the more you love it. what a nice set up. enjoy it..
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA4DOU on February 12, 2006
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" Is this a DX godsend or is it just plain ridiculous? Will it leave me a bored ham without purpose -- without the challenge of listening, listening and more listening trying to pull the weak ones out of the noise or will it lift me effortlessly to the coveted DXCC Honor Roll? "
Well I can't say for you. For me, I'd consider it just plain ridiculous. For me it would leave me feeling boored, without challenge as I don't wish to be lifted effortlessly to the DXCC Honor Roll.
I use my computer for logging and for contesting. In the case of logging, there is but one function that my computer can do that I'm interested in. It can retrieve information quickly. It can retrieve every qso I've had with a particular station or it can retrieve every qso I've had with a particular country or entity. I make the qso and use paper logging. Then I later transcribe that qso into the electronic log.
In the case of contesting, the widespread use of computers made the single operator using paper logging and fully manual contest exchanges obsolete. Obsolete in the sense that he/she cannot compete with computers. They relieve the tedium of dupe checking. They extend the hours of contesting before fatigue sets in.
DX spots - you can have them. They have been responsible for thousands showing up on frequency without the slightest clue as to how to behave. Listen to the 3Y0X pileups. Thousands without the slightest clue where or when to call. Many calling incessantly. That behavior is counterproductive in that it slows the rate of qsos for all. Thats not competition, thats chaos.
There is no challenge to dx'ing when you can have your life and without any effort on your part, your computer calls you to announce that this or that country is on. All you have to do is plop down at the station and go to it. In the case of your fully automatic station, I suppose its set up and ready with the antenna pointed and rig on frequency. Not for me. I prefer to be the mind controlling my station.
As for me, my interest in amateur radio will last a lifetime. Any achievements that merit certificates or awards will take longer. They'll require more personal involvement on my part and more effort. I believe the reward is greater personal satisfaction.
Your mileage may vary! 73 de Roy WA4DOU
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by K7SU on February 12, 2006
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Dave....what are you doing Dave?
Nothing Hal...and it's for your own good.
In just a few years it will be the computer controling the radio to make contacts with other computers via ham radio. We humans will merely get a report at the end of the day to see what our computer/radio has done that day in the way of contacts....... :>)
Hey...could happen!
73 to all
K7SU
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by N9VO on February 12, 2006
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Software is currently under development (EZ DX Deluxe) which will do many of the things described. Complete radio control, antenna/rotator, amplifier, auto dx spot detection, etc. Rig will spot the dx, qsy, transmit and log the contact. All with no hands by the operator. Daily log of contacts provided and a monthly qso tally report is given with automatic LOTW and EQSL figures.......(interested parties may want to preorder this vaporware before the line starts)
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA8MEA on February 12, 2006
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If anything, my computer/Internet access has:
Enhanced my homebrewing activities, not reduce it.
Enhanced my emergency activities, not sideline it.
Enhanced my interest in vintage gear, not obstruct it.
Enhanced my DX'ing, not hindered it.
Enhanced my audio quality, not degrade its performance.
Enhanced my record keeping, not created more confusion.
Enhanced my SWL'ing, not replace it.
Enhanced my contact with other hams, NOT FORESAKE IT.
Sincerely, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioun.com
wa8mea@hotmail.com
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by KF4VGX on February 12, 2006
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WA8MEA, Good honest post.
..
Sponge Bob Square Pants.
...
You just upset kids around the world with that comment. Good Luck to you! ;->
....
Enjoy the Hobby ! After all it is yours to enjoy !
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by KY4Z on February 12, 2006
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Strange, this article seems oddly familiar ... hi!
Thanks Dave for the article, and glad to see others have a chance to enjoy it too.
73,
Jim, KY4Z
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by NL7W on February 13, 2006
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I bet many of "us" hams who are 30 and 40 something are working in the melding telecom / IT business, sitting in front of computers all day. I also imagine many of us come home use PC's in the hamshack and telecommuting with the workplace -- at the same time.
Are we all insane? No, maybe not... But, I've always wondered about a former collegue's comments of about 10 years ago. He said, "Computers are the devil's spawn."
Maybe we really do have a love/hate relationship with these things. For you recent trekkies, "Is Borg'dom in our future?"
73.
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by W5ONV on February 13, 2006
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I have never had any use for a computer controlled rig and hopefully I never will. I like to do it the old fashion way by turning knobs, pushing all the buttons etc on my rig.I could easily connect my rig to this goofy computer but I never will.Just my thoughts.73, Jim
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by KE5GK on February 13, 2006
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Don't look now, but HAL did not really die in the movie "2001". Hang on, Dave is ready to enter your hamshack. "What are you doing Dave?"
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by W9RPE on February 13, 2006
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Unless the control program offers more than what I can do or see on the radio manually(i.e. digital modes, spectrun analysis, etc.)I look at computer control as a fun gimmic. I don't really enjoy tuning an IC-756PII via my mouse when I can actually tough the radio and do it in fewer steps.
I do use the pc with Hamalyzer, Rigblaster, etc., and will always have one in the shack.
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA8MEA on February 13, 2006
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>WA8MEA, Good honest post.
>Sponge Bob Square Pants.
>You just upset kids around the world with that comment. >Good Luck to you! ;->
>Enjoy the Hobby ! After all it is yours to enjoy !
---------------------------------------------------
Thank you, Sponge Bob! I'm a big fan of yours. So are my kids. I took them and my niece to see your motion picture. You should have been nominated for an Oscar, Sponge Bob. I didn't realize you were a ham? I knew Herman Munster was. And Willie from ALF fame.
73, Bill - WA8MEA - Sponge Bob & Patrick Fan
*Graduate of Mrs. Puff's Drivers Ed school
*Frequent Customer of the "Krusty Krab"
*One of only a select few who knows the first name of Mr. Krabs
http://HamRadioFun.com
wa8mea@hotmail.com
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WF7A on February 13, 2006
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You're not there, yet! Pick up the program, Dragon Naturally Speaking (by Nuance (formerly ScanSoft))--it does the typing for you while you speak into a microphone. So, for all you poor or slow typists out there using digital modes, you have another digital goodie to add to your ham arsenal. ...but I'm sure some goof will use "Dragon" to send code by vocalizing "dah-dit-dah-dit..."
I wonder if it'll work with my Altair I computer...
Rich
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by K5UJ on February 13, 2006
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I like the concept of a rig as a remote rf box and all the mod/demod etc. functions done by a PC, however when it comes to running a traditional front panel rig with control software installed in a computer, my interest drops to zero.
When I first got back into ham radio in 2000 I thought I'd get back into contesting which I enjoyed in the 1970s but could not effectively compete at, due to limited funds for decent gear and antennas. Now, equipped with a rig, amp, modest antennas, cans, keyer, mic and footswitch along with sharp pencils and paper logs and dup sheets I gave it the old college try. After about two contests I quit. my station, which would have been okay 30 years ago was absolutely no match for today's contest environment. I quickly learned that any serious contester ran everything--rig, packet, voice/cw keyers, logging, rotators, a second hunt and pounce station--all from a PC. And an average decent qso rate / hour had tripled. The tail was wagging the dog. I could not write fast enough for guys calling me. The whole scene had become so complicated and expensive with a large percentage of time spent fooling around with computer problems, that I punted it and took up my other operating activity, ragchewing. Then the QSL cards rolled in, entirely generated by PCs. there I was, filling out qsl cards by hand, in response to a machine. Talk about feeling like a fool. I view a computer the way I view a wattmeter or a screwdriver, as a tool. Once it gets to the point where my hobby time is being spent on it instead of something having to do with RF, I dump it. Great for eHam, logging, modelling antennas, callsign lookup etc., but running the station? Forget it.
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by N0AH on February 13, 2006
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Glad my XYL isn't controlling mine yet. But here's what does control my rig:
1. NFL Schedule
2. Effectiveness of nighttime medications
3. Connection of coax(s)
4. The rareness of the DXCC on
5. Top, but not least, the level of hash noise from my switching power supply "controlling" my rig-
As for my computer, it is my rig's punk-
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by N9XY on February 13, 2006
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For those interested in computer control of your rig, with integrated log book with interface to QRZ and Google Earth; DX Cluster; Satellite Tracking and Control; PSK31 and more..... all absolutely free of charge...
check out Ham Radio Deluxe: http://hrd.ham-radio.ch/
hrd.ham-radio.ch
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by NI0C on February 13, 2006
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This was a very timely topic for me! Just the other morning, I was chasing 3Y0X on 30m and I lost a contact in my eagerness to get it logged! Here's how it happened.
After hours of calling, 3Y0X came back to me and I hit the TAB key on my laptop, signalling the computer to log the time/date and read the VFO frequencies from my radio. When I went back to them, the serial port was still in communication with the radio, and my keying caused a glitch in the radio's microprocessor that took me out of split mode! By the time I figure out what happened and reset the microprocessor and get back on, the 3Y had already moved on to other contacts.
This morning I was much more careful-- logging only after final acknowledgement of the contact.
73,
Chuck NI0C
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by NI0C on February 13, 2006
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N0AH:
Paul, that was a funny post! But can't you get your computer to move your power supply hash out of your passband by tracking your VFO frequency?
73,
Chuck NI0C
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by W9OY on February 13, 2006
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This may devolve into a code/no code discussion, or the SSB vs. AM discussion of 50 years ago, but the bottom line is that the flexibility and performance of these new radios outstrip the performance of the discrete component era rigs, and I don't see things going backwards no matter how many OM's grumble about "gimmee a knob".
50 years ago people pined for a Johnson desktop KW. Then Drake and Collins ushered in SSB in a big way with their "twins" and we saw the end of the AM era. 25 years ago the Japanese gave us cheap solid state transceivers and we saw the end of the receiver/transmitter room full of radios era. Today's rig weighs 20 lbs and covers DC to daylight, but it is not particularly customizable. Now I have a 10 x 9.5 x 4.5 15 lb black box that runs rings around my previous 75 lb big as a battle ship FT-1000D.
I use a computer to control both of my radios. The plasticity of the programming allows for rapid upgrade of the interface, and allows you to rapidly change the system design of your station limited only on your own creativity and desire to engage in learning how to make it work.
I can see a future where the control program is modular and you can at will, customize the radio and its behavior according to a form, and a skin, and a few scripts or macro’s. As to knobs, there are a variety of actual physical knobs available that plug into the computer to control the applications. An example is the Contour Shuttle Pro. Eventually USB based ham radio specific knob sets can be developed, so you can have all the knobs you want, limited only by the number of USB ports you have.
The Orion uses a dedicated "pod", which is a knob with 15 buttons. When this unit is combined with N4PY's software, it gives you finger tip control of up to 14 functions of the radio. Carl's program has a choice of about 40 parameters that can be assigned to these buttons. The knob on the POD can be used to control radio functions that use a knob like volume or pass band tuning. It is very convenient to use during S&P in contests and tail ending in the pile-ups, or just lean back in the easy chair and tune the band. I virtually never touch the front panel of my Orion except to dig into a menu settings. If I want to change the entire line up of things I control with the POD: click click click and it has a totally new feature set.
The SDR-1000 has no "front panel" as such. All it has is an on/off switch. The SDR-1000 is totally dependent on a computer for its functionality. The RX in this radio is simply amazing, and about twice a month new improved software appears on the horizon from the hard working team at Flex-Radio. The experience is a lot of fun, and the flexibility of the radio is beyond any other radio I’ve used. It is at home dueling in the 3Y0X pile-up or behaving as an IF receiver for tracking satellites or running a stack of transverters for doing weak signal VHF/UHF/SHF. There are virtual serial port drivers and virtual audio port drivers so you can set up an entire digital radio station with PSK31 RTTY SSTV etc. all within the computer. No external interface boxes or special cabling need apply. The software does the trick instead. Playing around getting all this stuff to work together is just as much fun as solder based home brewing ever was. There is the same intensity of "making it work" and "figuring it out" and doing the desigm. The panadapter in this radio is fantastic. All you have to do is line up a station in your cross hairs and click you are on his freq. It is a totally different experience than turning the knob. It is great for rapidly scanning the low end of 80 for example trolling for DX. The SDR has an adjustable automatic scanning function built in so I can scan up the band while I am reading my email, or soldering on a project. If it comes across a signal, it pauses and I can investigate further.
I have both of these radios controlling my antennas and switches automatically and I combine the control programs with AA6YQ's excellent DXlab software, for that total point and shoot experience. I have written a few scripts that I use to initialize different combinations of applications, so when I turn on my computer it brings up all the software automatically and sets the soundcard levels etc, all while I'm out in the kitchen getting a cup of coffee.
For me, computer control has reinvigorated my interest in ham radio. I'm sure for an IT guy it may be a busman's holiday, but for me give me a mouse, a dual core Pentium and a 19 in monitor, next to my rig, my 8877, and my Begali paddle.
73 W9OY
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by EXWA2SWA on February 13, 2006
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I guess I'm just having too much fun playing with the radio to want to let HAL take over. As an earlier poster noted, the 'puter is nice for making sense of the log and getting information out of it, once I've finished writing it up with pen & paper and have written my QSL's ...
Great for those who like it, but not my cuppa tea.
73,
Jim
KE5CXX
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA5MKA on February 13, 2006
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Give me a Boat Anchor Rig & a Paper Log. I work with computers all the time @ work. Why in the world would I then go home, control my rig, my antenna, & do my logging with a computer ? It would feel like I'm still @ work ! I wouldn't be able to relax & enjoy Ham Radio. I guess I just don't need to use a computer for everything. I still do my checkbook with a handwritten register. I just do not see the point of entering the very same info into a computer. Just my .$02 worth !
George---W7KCU, ex: WA5MKA
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by W6TH on February 13, 2006
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.
I am a Pragmatic Liberal, I support the most liberal document ever written, the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
Take your Ham radio and stuff it.
Pragmatic:
Dealing or concerned with facts or actual occurrences; practical.
W6TH.......MCMXXII TO MMVI........
.:
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by NS6Y_ on February 13, 2006
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Whatta bunch of Crusty Crabs!
The Sponge Bob show could use a ham station, maybe that squirrel could run it, keeps calling CQ and can't figure out why 20m won't work from the bottom of the sea. That is one great show!
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by KC9HVN on February 14, 2006
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Im a programmer for a bank, when I came to Ham Radio a few short (7?) months ago I made a conscious effort to use real radio's at first, you know the kind with tubes in the finals and analog VFO's (I have a knwd ts-830). Someone turned me on to PSK31, spent a week writing a my own linux client and getting the thing hooked up. After 3-4 QSO's came to the conclusion that this was too much like "work", went back to plain old CW and handwriting my logs.
Call me a luddite.
Mark
AB9LZ
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA4DOU on February 14, 2006
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I'm not opposed to technological change but if you want to call me a Luddite, thats ok. I'm not opposed to calculators and use them all the time, but I can also do math with pencil and paper and because I learned to do it via the fundamental concepts, if its not too complex, I can do it in my head and often times faster than someone with a calculator.
In the beginning there was spark. Later cw followed by voice. After that came RTTY. What can I achieve with RTTY that I cannot achieve with cw or voice? AM gave way to ssb. Hum! 6 db advantage in efficiency and only half the bandwidth. Definitely worthwhile. I made the transition. Since then came a host of digital modes. I don't see anything they can do for me in most situations.
Computer in shack. I use it for contesting and logging. I can control my rig. I can control my rotator. I can control the frequency of my rig. I can log any parameters I want. I know where I am in the world. I know where the rest of the world is in relationship to me. I can find the dx on my own, I don't need any help in doing so. I know from many years of use just about what to expect from the bands and which ones are most likely to further my cause. I also know to investigate the bands of least probability too.
With all that in mind, how would marrying my computer to my ham station really benefit me? I don't mean in a novel way, just to see what can be done. I mean in a practical and pragmatic way. What would I gain?
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Luddite - or Liddite?
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by N5PVL on February 16, 2006
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In a discussion of the ARESCOM proposal on QRZ.Com, N8CPA came up with the following observations:
"All of this appears to be born of what I call a "liddite" mindset. I use that term because they frequently refer to those of us who question their schemes as luddites."
"It's a name we earn simply because we know the difference between using a computer as an Amateur Radio appliance, and using Amateur Radio as a computer appliance, as the liddites prefer and propound. "
N8CPA was speaking in reference to ARESCOM, but the mention of "Luddites" in this discussion brought his words to mind.
Charles Brabham, N5PVL
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need a hobby?
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by NE0P on February 17, 2006
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Does anyone remember the QST article (actually fiction) that came out around 20 years ago concerning the ham who had a friend who fully automated his station? The story concluded with his friend saying that the computer saved him so much time that now he had to find a hobby....
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by N9DG on February 21, 2006
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Re:
"Does anyone remember the QST article (actually fiction) that came out around 20 years ago concerning the ham who had a friend who fully automated his station? The story concluded with his friend saying that the computer saved him so much time that now he had to find a hobby...."
I always have to chuckle every time I see this kind of remark posted in response comments about using computers in an integrated way with radios. This line of thinking *completely* misses the whole point, - they simply don't "get it". Truth of the matter is the things that PC integration with radios brings you is an ability to operate *more* "radio", not less. Sure there are gimmicks where you can set things up to highly automate QSO's but that's just trickery. Properly done computer integration can make you aware of many more signals that are out there on the bands that you can work. And once you know where the stations are on the band(s) that there be an easy way to get to them quickly. With a simple knobs and buttons only approach to radio you will never even begin to comprehend how much activity is really going on and where. You have to spend so much of you time twisting knobs instead of operating.
Things like DX spotting is less of an exercise in computer integration than it is a notification system for a collection of additional ears who are all listening simultaneously. Why not make your own station do that for you? And do it in such a way that you don't resort to DX spots or posts. After all once the DX station is posted on the spotting network there is an instant pile-up. Guess what folks? - That is way too late to find the DX station. You need to be the *first* to find them. So that brings us back to having equipment that is *wholly* contained within your shack that can let you do that. Well a VFO knob and couple of VFO's won't be very effective in achieving this. To really make it work you need the power of PC's and increasingly into the future SDR types of technology, PC control alone will only get you so far.
I think you will find that once you have a station configured to find DX before it appears on the DX cluster you will be much more successful at working it. Hint: After you work the new DX be sure to post it on the DX cluster to distract the masses while you go look for something else new ;).
All in all it is folks like W9OY who have really got it pegged; - he clearly "gets it". His point about there being *more* to experiment with in the world of SDR is entirely true. Also the point about the station plasticity/configurability is also right on the mark. The fact you can start configuring your station to do *exactly* what you want it to do is huge. This can then be changed completely from one day to the next if you want it to. No more will we have to be slaves to only buying radios that will only be capable of doing do what their designers think we want to do with them. For many ops this will require a huge change in mindset to get to. I fear that a large number simply won't make the leap.
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WA4DOU on February 22, 2006
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Duane,
Imagine for a moment, that there are lots of us who don't wish to do any of that with our stations. Welcome to reality.
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by NA4D on February 22, 2006
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Dave, if you want me to meet you at Dayton, you are going to have to get back on your medication!
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by M0DCD on April 6, 2006
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Next you'll install "RoboContest for Windows", sit back and come 28th in the restricted section of CQWW hi
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RE: Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by AE6RO on April 16, 2006
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Modern radios offer lots of nonessential bells and whistles at the expense of raw communicating power.
Putting computers in the radio and in the shack raises the noise floor and decreases receiver sensitivity.
Broadband no-tune finals are just so convenient as long as your antenna has a perfect 1:1 VSWR. If the modern transmitter doesn't like the antenna, it will not transmit. Compare that to a tube final which can load up the proverbial bedsprings if need be and aren't bothered by 2:1 SWRs. It's really not that hard.
The bottom line is where radio is concerned I can't stand modern digital radios. The high point was probably 1979 or so, before digital circuits infested radios. It's a visceral, absolute hatered of digital radios.
Take a look at Ebay sometime and see how many working old analog radios are taken apart and sold by the piece. Once they're gone, they're gone.
73s, John AE6RO
CW forever!
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by G8UBJ on May 20, 2006
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I don't see any computer interface on the back of my FT-107...
I sat on 10M this afternoon working a short skip station near Lisbon, its been a bit of a wait. Nobody else was about, just a few die hards. Guess their all to busy with DX clusters and MUF predictions to realise when a band has opened.
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Help! My Computer is Controlling My Rig!
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by WB4ENI on May 29, 2006
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I run 4 computers in my home(s): 1 Toshiba (Win 98SE), 1 HP (Win 98SE), and 2 Dells (Win XP professional).
On a good day, Win 98 SE will crash only 2-3 times. Both Win XPs will crash at least once or twice a week.
In 30 years, my Ten-Tec Triton IV once blew a fuse.
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