I somewhat agree that there is a lower ratio of computer connected
users than one would think. Some time ago I asked around the club
who had computer hookup and who did not. I then did a presentation on
logging software using Logger32. and later with N1MM this was a few
years ago.
My findings were that most did not have the computer connected for CAT
control. those that had older rigs didn't, Id say less than a half
with newer rigs were connected. Some using the yeasu DMU (if that
counts as a computer) even some that did digital only had just
the audio connections no RS232. myself included before I had the K3.
For the Contesters the ratio was higher probably half Most of
our contesters are casual but even a few of the more intense
contesters still have no RS232 or equivalent connected. they
manually entered the band into their software.
Almost all of these members have computers in the shack. I think
in some cases is they feel that since they have never had it before
they don't want it now. others have said "the radio has knobs to
control it why bother with a computer" some just say "Oh I'm not a
computer person and don't understand that stuff" I think there
are some misconceptions out there one being that if you hook a radio
up to the computer you have to control it that way. I blame HRD for
this as it sure makes it look that way even though its still not the
case. the other is that its complicated and difficult. Many don't
really understand the potential of using some level of computer
connection. In my case its very little mostly just the information
gathering like mode frequency etc and using the band map and Packet
cluster feed and being able to just click and automatically tune to a
new or interesting spot. Today I think the ratio of those that have
a connected computer is going up. I often offer assistance in this.
There are only two of us that have K3s in the club. I've had mine
for several years and the other member has only had his for a month or
so. ( Hi Ken.) both of us have computer connections.
I would assume however and yes this is an assumption that since the
K3 is a complex rig that is most often purchased by those that are
more than just the occasional ham, I suspect that the number of people
with RS232 connections is significantly higher than my findings
covering members that own a broad range of radio types. Personally
I couldn't wait to get a rig that could be hooked up the K3s
predecessor was a TS430s which cant be connected.
For those that have a computer in the shack for logging but don't have
the serial connection, give it a try. It offers allot of
conveniences that you might not recognize until you use it. If you
are logging with just about any half decent logging software it
probably will connect just fine, even if just for information
gathering.
If you dont have an RS232 port on your computer you can add either a
USB to RS232 adapter or better a multi port PCI or PCIE serial
adapter, these all can be had for less than $30 and much-much less
if you buy online.
David Moes
VE3DVY
--- Original message ---
Subject: [Elecraft] Bad Assumptions
From: Al Lorona <[email protected]>
To: Elecraft Reflector <[email protected]>
Date: Monday, 16/02/2015 8:10 PM
There seems to be an almost universal assumption that, if you have a
transceiver in the shack, it is connected to a computer full-time.
That is certainly not the case. Plenty --perhaps most-- of hams
operate their rigs in a standalone mode without computer, even while
at home. This may come as a shock to some of you. Exceptions to this
rule include while updating firmware.
This bad assumption usually rears its head when someone asks, "What's
the best way to operate split?" or, "How do you use the CW memories?"
and someone immediately responds, "Well I push this here button in my
favorite software and everything works great."
I'm always frustrated and even a little annoyed by responses like
this. A response like this is not answering exactly what was asked. Or
at least, it assumes far too much.
I recommend that, unless computer control is explicitly mentioned by
the original poster, we shouldn't automatically offer a solution that
requires a computer to work. Original posters should be more clear
about whether a computer can be part of the solution.
Al W6LX
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