> Aristotle Zoulas <jrzou...@...> wrote:
> Well, I go by the Repeater Builder Web site that states
> not to use emulators and various other methods to imitate
> a slow computer. Exact Quote below:
Why slow the computer down?
> I picked up a fully working Compaq Laptop on ebay for $20,
> works great for dos programs.
>
> A low end computer running MS-DOS (486 DX50 - i.e. maximum
> clock speed of 50MHz, with all cache memory disabled), and
> using a faster computer WILL turn good radios into bricks).
> Don't even think of running ANY version of Windows - this
> has to be a straight DOS computer. We are NOT kidding here.
> This is one case where slower is better, and going to a
> 486-33 or even a 386 wouldn't hurt. The required
> characteristics of the programming computer are described
> in depth on the RSS pages mentioned above.
I'll have to make a note to go back an unprogram the Syntors
I just hit with a 2.8 Panasonic Laptop. Everything has to be
taken into context of course. I keep a dos computer in the
service vehicle but rarely pull it out anymore. I boot to a
thumb drive running dos 5 and program any radio I need to hit
without slowing the smoking fast computer down one bit. Some
tricky radio programming software requires cache disabling but
I can do that with a free utility and get on with the show.
Tastes Great, Less Filling...
> The newest revision of the Saber software is still too
> old to have the speed fix that is mentioned there applied.
> I repeat, find an old DOS computer no faster than 50mhz
> and with a real COM (serial) port. Desktop or laptop, it
> doesn't matter, except that many laptops do not give you
> the option to switch off the cache memory.
While I'll admit I haven't had to reprogram a Saber in well
over a year or more... I consider the rest cannon fodder. You
don't need the computer to offer you the cache off option, it
can be forced off with a simple utility and there are a number
of freebies on the web available for download.
Off to never, never land.
s.