I bought a used laptop over the weekend to use primarily in the ham station. The place I bought it specializes in reconditioned equipment, and while I didn’t get a rock-bottom price for the thing, I do think I got a decent deal.
The first thing I did was to download a bunch of utility software, such as:
- the Opera Web browser,
- FreeZip, to unzip files,
- and AZZ Cardfile, a program that mimics a 3×5 card file and helps me keep track of various bits of information.
I also tried to get some anti-virus software, and after doing a little searching, decided to purchase the F-PROT software. This software used to be freeware, but now they charge $30 for it. The funny thing about it is that the developer and his company are in Iceland, and while I ordered the software on Saturday, I had to wait until this morning for them to process the order and give me the password needed to download the program.
Another funny thing is that the license reads that all of the clauses are subject to the laws of Iceland. I rather doubt that I have any other software that reads this way.
I also began the process of download some amateur radio software. What I have so far is:
- EchoLink, which allows you to connect with ther stations and other repeaters around the world via the Internet,
- XMLog logging software, and
- DigiPan, software that will let you run PSK31.
I think I got EchoLink working. I had to configure my router to allow traffic through to the laptop, and I seem to be able to connect to repeaters, but I haven’t actually made any contacts yet. I connected to several repeaters, but no one responded to any of my calls. I also had one guy connect with me, but he never said anything, so I’m not sure if I was gettting through to him or not.
The plan I have for this software is to set up a link between EchoLink and the K8PBA repeater (146.96-). I’m going to use my old ICOM IC-22U as the radio. I already have the interface board and have assembled all the cables. I just have to find the time to hook it all up and test it.
After the EchoLink sofware, the next thing on my ham radio software wish list was logging software. After downloading and installing the XMLog software, I spent several hours pounding a couple months worth of QSOs into the program. While I like the program, I think there are several areas where it could be improved. For example, I’d love it if, after entering a call, the program would notify me automatically if I have already contacted the station. I think it would also be a good thing if the software would use previously entered information, such as the operator’s QTH and name, when entering subsequent contacts. Of course, it may already do all this, and I just don’t know how to configure it properly.
The last program I downloaded was DigiPan. I haven’t gotten this working at all yet, aside from installing it and seeing that it loads and runs. I tried hooking the IC-735 audio output directly into the sound card input and then tuning around for a PSK31 signal, but I didn’t have any success in decoding any signals. More experimentation is definitely in order.
Overall, I’m quite happy with my purchase so far. The laptop is relatively easy to use once you get used to it. My one gripe is that the touchpad seems a little sensitive, but I just have to learn to take my finger clearly off of it if I don’t want it to do anything.
Leave a Reply