[Elecraft] K3 - interfacing to N1MM Contest Logging software

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> I really don't agree. There is no reason why a highly 
> accurate background thread cannot be implemented in a 
> Windows NT-based system for sending CW where the solution 
> does not use all CPU or affect other programs which are 
> running, it's up to the programmer to code properly.

There are several problems ... first, most of these developers 
insist on maintaining support for Windows 98 (although I 
think Win 98 users should be left to fend for themselves 
along with any DOS users who might still be hanging on). 
Second, no programmer can protect against poor programming 
by other programmers and the bloatware that gets installed 
as part of other software (auto stat/auto update/auto config, 
etc.) on many computers unknown to the user.  Finally, too 
many users insist on using ancient (PIII/450 MHz with 256 MB 
RAM) hardware that is just not up to the task and destroys 
performance due to memory paging issues.  

> 
> WinKey is the very best option IMO.

We agree.  Since the serial WinKeyer 2 kit which is available 
for $36 from K1EL can be extended to full two radio support
with two FETs, two resistors and two capacitors, I don't see 
any reason for the resistance by so many. 

It is strange that folks with graphics, mathematics and sound 
coprocessors in their computer object to adding a CW coprocessor! 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
     



> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Simon (HB9DRV)
> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 4:07 PM
> To: microham at microham-usa.com; 'Julian, G4ILO'; 
> elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - interfacing to N1MM Contest 
> Logging software
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <lists at microham-usa.com>
> 
> > It is the lack of Windows' ability to handle real-time events...
> 
> I really don't agree. There is no reason why a highly 
> accurate background 
> thread cannot be implemented in a Windows NT-based system for 
> sending CW 
> where the solution does not use all CPU or affect other 
> programs which are 
> running, it's up to the programmer to code properly.
> 
> > WinKey is the only "transceiver independent" way to get that timing 
> > outside of Windows where it is not effected by the vagaries 
> of Windows 
> > (or any other operating system).
> 
> WinKey is the very best option IMO.
> 
> > The development teams of BOTH major US based Windows contesting 
> > programs and several other major integrated packages have 
> stated that 
> > the lack of editing, the "transceiver specific" nature of the KY 
> > command, and the differences between the Elecraft and Kenwood 
> > implementations make "KY" an absolute non-starter.
> 
> Agreed - unlike WinKey with KY you have no idea how many 
> characters are 
> inside the radio waiting to be sent. It's OK for sending CQ 
> DX ALL NIGHT 
> LONG etc. but for anything else it's not a good option.
> 
> Simon Brown, HB9DRV
> www.ham-radio-deluxe.com 
> 
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