New computer

[KE4YOG]

I recently purchased a new laptop. I will be using the old computer for ham radio stuff and not much of anything else. What programs would you recommend? I dont like using my computer to control my radio.

[K6ABZ]

You may not want to control the radio with your computer, but you may find it useful to hook up a remote control connection for logging: logging software can automatically record the frequency for you.

You can also do all kinds of digital stuff: PSK is a lot of fun, although I'm not seeing as much lately as I used to. (Maybe I'm just looking at the wrong times.) You can of course also use your computer as a CW keyer...

Then there's Echolink.

The real question is: what do you want to do with your computer & radio?

[KE4YOG]

Logging and possible digital. I think my real question should have been "What logging programs do you suggest?" I am learning the digital stuff. Would an interface make things easier than using sound card? I am also a weather nut. Being from Eastern North Carolina hurricane season brings much interest in the weather. Even though not hame radio connected I would like a good weather fax program and a contest logging program and possible something for DX spotting. I am a DXer in training. I am working on learning CW. I also like QRP so that makes my desire to learn code even more pressing. Since October 14th I have work around 160 different DXCC enities/countries but I know that CW will bring more. I really want to learn CW and not use the computer. Seems kinda like cheating plus my typing speed is about 5 WPM any way.