Last year I decided that the dual core desktop was not enough to run the
station so I built a new computer, something I hadn't done in over a
decade (because pre-assembled is cheaper).
I didn't want the bleeding edge, but I wanted something quick that would
run without much intervention for ten years. What I assembled was:
I-7 clocked at 4 GHz (actually now overclocked at 4.3 GHz) on an Asus
mobo, PLENTY of USB 2 and 3 ports
32 GB memory (maxes the mobo; too much memory is not possible, OS keeps
growing)
M.2 SSD (Google this, VERY fast transfer rates, connected onto the mobo)
2 TB spinning drive (D:, data storage)
4 port serial card, 4 REAL serial ports
Card reader (I do photo work too, this is USB 3))
Tower cooler for the CPU, keep it icy
Tower case with multiple fans...
The results are that Win7/64 from power switch flipped on to fully up
and running (POST included) in under 20 seconds. It runs the entire
station (K3, KAT500, KPA500) via HRD 24/7 plus the weather data
collection, web site production and a couple other chores and does this
with the clock idled down to 800 MHz on the CPU (it's bored) to save
energy. The fans are nearly silent, more than enough cooling. I can
also run the entire station remotely (have several times, if I want to
see the from panels, I turn on the Skype video).
Total cost was under $2,000 including a new copy of Win7 (you can buy an
assembled for much less, but not get serial ports or card reader or all
the memory or the M.2 SSD). I applied Rick's Rule of purchases; "Buy
all you need, plus whatever you THINK you may need at the original time
of purchase, because the budget will never allow you to upgrade later."
By using cheaper components (CPU and memory), one could cut this cost
nearly in half, but once you're in, why not go all the way in (without
water cooled grossly overclocked speed monsters, stability is critical)?
At some point, I will add a non-mobo video card (the only thing limiting
this system to less than a perfect OS "score") to run multiple monitors,
but for now I'm good (have the second monitor on the P3 'scope).
Most folks want Windows as the OS (more choices in software). The Atom
will run XP, but it gags early on with a real workload that a station
can require. I use that for the IRLP node (Debian linux) which is
perfect for that (REALLY tiny) computer (have it doing other chores too).
Goals met, this will work for a long time. When it comes to computing,
there is no kill like overkill; think big, buy bigger.
HNY, 73,
Rick wa6nhc
On 1/5/2016 10:19 AM, Gordon LaPoint wrote:
Jerry,
An I7 is more than enough processor. You will want a video card
that can driver at least 2 monitors. You should consider adding real
RS232 ports, at least 2 or 4 if you will ever run two radios, and even
more if you want to control rotors, amps (KPA-500) or other accessories.
I use an FX-6300 3.5Ghz processor with 16Gb of ram and a 250Gb SSD
for the boot drive.
I find that the SSD speeds the system up, I get from a cold boot to
ready to run my software in about 10-15 seconds from power on.
Gordon - N1MGO
On 01/05/2016 12:53 PM, Jerry wrote:
Now that I have had my k3s on the air for a couple of months I'm
ready to interface it to a computer. I am planning on a dedicated PC
just for use in the shack. My only uses (that I can think of now) are
logging and control of the k3s, perhaps remotely at some point.
It seems to me an I7 processor of any speed would be adequate with a
500gb SSD and wifi capability to my LAN (I guess I could hard wire
this). What else do I need in the box in the way of
interconnectivity? Any need for a large amount of memory (>8gb)?
Any suggestions would be appreciated
Jerry, k1tgx
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