[Elecraft] WIN 7 (32) reprise...

[John Ragle]

There was recently a short exchange about the suitability of new 
machines running WIN 7 for station use. I was in the process of taking 
delivery on a 3rd generation work-station running WIN 7 (32) to replace 
a "terminal" DELL XPS 420. I have now checked the new machine out on my 
station functions, and report to the list that it functions very well, 
indeed. It had no trouble finding drivers for my add-in boards, 
including the Aver MediaCenter frame grabber (for windowing the P3 
output). I am still uncertain about unleashing the 64-bit version of the 
OS, as I worry that some of the ham radio program material might not run 
in that environment. There seems to be little point in running a 64-bit 
emulator running 32-bit WIN 7.

I also report that this particular machine is dead-quiet. The chassis 
and case would sustain a direct hit by an RPG, and there is no sign of 
life other than the LED tell-tales on the front panel. I recall that 
noise has been  put forward as a concern about having a computer in the 
operating corner. Also, there is no RF noise that I can sense on my K3.

'Vantage number 3 for a machine of this sort is the presence of several 
PCI and PCIe slots.Because the chassis is roomy, these slots will 
accommodate older, full-height, boards that smaller machines could not. 
Granted that it is a bit behemothic in this day and age, but between it 
and my 70-amp Astron power supply, I feel safe even in high winds and 
minor earthquakes.

John Ragle -- W1ZI

-- Sent from my lovely new Dell Precision T3500