[DSP-10] Computers, what are you using ??

[w3sz]

HI, Mike!

I have used a Dell 486/50, a Toshiba Satellite 1605 CDS Laptop with AMD K6-2,  and
newer computers, but settled on using PS2 76/486's as I have been able to get them
for about nothing.  I currently run the DSP-10 on a PS2 76/486 with 16 MB of memory
and everything is happy.

I have used various versions of MS-DOS and true MS-DOS mode with Windows 95 and then
98 and 98SE, but I have settled on Caldera DR DOS v 7.03.  I have been running that
for a couple of years with no problems on the PS/2.

I originally chose Caldera DR DOS because it allowed me to do [limited] multitasking
in a DOS environment, and I find that the operating system has a lot of user-friendly
features lacking in the stock MS-DOS.

I have found this perfectly adequate for running the DSP-10.  

The only negative I have with this system is that I have not connected it to the
network, nor have I interfaced it with one of the GPS units here, and so I must
manually enter the time for the 'special' DSP-10 modes that require accurate timing.

This is an annoyance, but it is my fault I haven't resolved this issue.

I didn't have any computer-related problems with any of the various hardware /
software combinations I tried.  This is in line with the way bob designed the
software, to run with very little CPU load.  The only significant computer troubles I
recall hearing about were those related to people trying to run things in DOS windows
from within Windows, or trying to use old versions of EZFAST.  But I haven't really
paid close attention to all of the problems reported on the reflector.

Anyway, I am running the DSP-10 on essentially "free" computers, and I have
stockpiled enough in my attic so that I think I have a lifetime supply of them.  So I
am OK as long as they keep making the CMOS/clock batteries for them.  If they stop I
guess I'll have to jury rig something as you did, for I also discovered that the
IBM's won't run without a good battery [or substitute].

I apologize if this email is a bit 'poor' in syntax or content, but it is the middle
of the night as I write this.  I am having a lot of fun trying to see [in vain, I am
afraid] the MGS CW test signal with a homebrew setup and Linrad.  No real signal, but
as it gets later I am able to see more and more interesting patterns in the waterfall
noise display.  Hmmmm...  ;)

73,

Roger Rehr
W3SZ



----- Original Message Follows -----
> I recently acquired an IBM "Thinkpad" which gave
> me a little trouble figuring it out.... this got
> me to wondering what others are using, DOS
> versions, computers.. etc.
> 
> So far I have used MSDOS 5, MSDOS 6.22, MSDOS 7
> and DRDOS 7.02. All have worked perfectly.
> 
> Computers used to date are Compaq 386-33, Generic
> 486 DX100 and a Custom P133 desktop.
> 
> Laptops : Quantex P233, Canon 200 LS 486DX4 100
> AND IBM 775CX P75. 
> 
> The only problem encountered was with a dead
> system battery ( the big expensive one) in the IBM
> 775CX. The machine kept trying to go into the
> "hibernation mode", but was only cycling the
> processor on and off leaving very little processor
> time for the program, and very annoying beeps. 
> 
> Complete removal of the battery, and running on
> the A/C supply cured the problem 100%.
> 
> Oh yes, one other thing.. the IBM likes to run
> DOS7. Not sure what the difference is, but with
> the other OS's there is an" E2 data lost" error
> fairly often. With DOS7, no error. I think it has
> to do with APM support not being available in the
> other DOS's.
> 
> So any horror stories ?? Success stories ??
> 
> Mike KD7TS
> _______________________________________________
> DSP-10 mailing list
> DSP-10@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/dsp-10


73,
Roger Rehr
W3SZ
FN20ah
http://www.qsl.net/w3sz