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When buying a new laptop, how do I know if it has a Sound Blaster compatable sound card that will work with PSK-31. I have not checked with any sales people yet about this and I am thinking this is something they may not understand. Probably all the Laptops have sound cards built into their Motherboards and can't be changed. Can anyone enlighten me on this subject as I know nothing about Laptops.    73's and thanks for any input.   AC6IJ     Bill

[KB8YSV]

Hi, I hope this helps you. Most soundcards in modern laptops are SoundBlaster compatible. You are correct, however in assuming that they cannot be changed. These types of components are integrated into the motherboard itself. Probably one of the most common manufacturers of audio components for laptops is Yamaha. Yamaha chipsets are used by Toshiba for one and many others. Their chipsets are SoundBlaster compatible. Also used (especially by Dell) are the chipsets from ESS (formerly Ensoniq). These also are soundblaster compatible. The most important thing for you to keep in mind is not necessarily the make of the onboard soundcard, but if you will be able to connect your equipment. You will need both INPUT ports and OUTPUT ports for the soundcard. Most laptops nowadays have Line in, Mic in and Speaker (or headphone) out. Some will also have a Line out, but this is not absolutely necessary. Ass long as you have some way to get recieved audio into your computer and processed audio back out, you'll be OK. If you're looking at brand new laptops, I'd be quite comfortable in saying that whichever make and model you get, you'll have no problem using PSK31.

73 de KB8YSV

[KL7IPV]

I am using a HP 5500CTS and an IBM 1310 laptop for PSK and they have compatible sound cards. ASK at the place where you buy the laptop whether the sound card is compatible or not. I believe most are now. The sound cards are mostly generic and use the software to generate the sounds. They work well and PSK is FUN!
73,
Frank
KL7IPV

[W4CNG]

I have a Toshiba CDS200 (not y2k compliant).  Loaded DOS version of PSK software (from website).  Works good. Laptop has audio in/out conectors on left and front side.  In on left (mic), out on front with audio level adjust.  Test it with a CD.  Slid it in, select audio controls and check CD output with stereo headphones plugged into jack on front.  Add external matching circuits (blaster and others) to go to your rig.

Good Luck

[EI2JC]

I've an ancient AST P75 and psk works great on it (WinPSK se)Only thing is that I have to use the Mic in socket(rather than the line in)as the internal mic can't be switched off,my newer DeLL is the same.
73 Noel