Buying a laptop and operating PSK

[G0GQK]

While I'm still in the computer department, at some time in the future I would like to buy a laptop. The computer magazine in the UK, Computeractive, voted the Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo pi 1505 the best value and gave it ***** a 5 star rating last year.

Is there anyone using this model for PSK ? Presumably the name used, Amilo, would be used in the US as they are an international manufacturer. I asked on a UK board but didn't get a response.

Kind regards, Mel G0GQK

[KC9ECI]

The last laptop I usd to run PSK with was a Toshiba that I bought in 1997. In short, it doesn't take much computer to run PSK.

[ai9nl]

I'm using an ACER aspire 3000. I've added a Byterunner/serialgear PCMCIA card that provides 4 DB9 serial ports. it just works better than the USB converters.
It cost about $500 from Tiger direct. about 3 months ago. Runs linux very nicely.

Harv, AI9NL/N9AI

[G0GQK]

Thanks for the replies, I was hoping someone might answer who was using the Fujitsu. I do realise that PSK doesn't take much space and power but some people who have bought laptops have had problems which could not be solved. In other words they bought the wrong laptop, and I don't want to !

G0GQK

[k7mh]

It probably wasn't a problem with the laptop. Probably just couldn't get things set up correctly. It can be a bit tricky.

[KC9JNZ]

Most of the problems with computers and PSK revolve around the sound card only. Even if the laptop soundcard is inferior, just buy an external soundcard and you're back in business. I use an external Soundblaster 32-bit which even has a noise filter for removing 'some' static.

[W4INF]

I run Digipan 2.0 with a Kenwood TS-120 in the past, and a TS-440 currently. About 50W RF with the mic gain set right for a proper stream on the waterfall. Im running an older Dell laptop. Only the audio is routed in and out, T/R is switched on the rig with VOX. Im making bunches of DX tacts on 20m.

HTH!
Andrew de W4INF

[kf6rdn]

I use a Dell xps1210 with the HD sound chipset in it.

No problems at all.

Usual is home based desktop system though. 24" monitor vs 12"

[2E0TFE]

I've used both laptop and desk top with a signalink USB from tiger tronics. I made up my own cables and can swap between a Kenwood ts140 and Yaesu FT817. Had QSOs on the FT817 from all over Europe on 80, 40 and 20m with no problems at all. Not bad for 5w into a g5rv.

I'd say that any laptop that supports USB is a good way to go then load some software like ham radio delux and something like the signalink and you should be ok as long as the laptop is reasonably modern. I've not used vista so I don't know if that'll work and I've not got around to configuring my linux boot for the signalink.

I've only been licenced for a few weeks so I'm still trying to find time to build all the stuff and save the pending divorce!

73's
Jonathan
M3TFE

[n0ov]

One way around the sound card issue is to go with a USB sound card. If your computer supports USB, Sound Blaster makes an external sound card that I've found works quite well with PSK.

I'm not sure if the site is still active, but go to http://www.qsl.net/w0pee --- may still have some examples used for APRS setup. (Same idea, different application)

Only trick is with the initial setup -- don't use the software the device comes with, just let windows assign it one of the generic drivers. Next, make sure your system has not defaulted to the new device. Once initial setup is done, you can use the USB soundcard for PSK31 and still have sound through your normal speakers