[Elecraft] new computer advice suggestions for using with a K3

[Rick Bates]

I'm using an Atom for one of my IRLP nodes (7962, CentOS 6.4) and file server.  It is mini-itx (small), doesn't use much power (~10 watts) and lowers power (slows, not off) when the need is low.   It has a SSD so there are no moving parts, including no fan (I keep it in the air path of the radio fan just because I can).  Although the docs say it is limited to 4 GB it runs great on 8 GB.  I minimize access to the SSD for improved longevity. 

It is not screaming fast at 1.66 GHz, but could be adequate for your needs. 

However, you will find that most of your computer energy draw is from the display (Atom is CPU only).  That can be significant. 

Turning the brightness down (easier at night) can save a lot. 

A small "I-3/5/7" CPU based laptop (because they conserve energy better) is likely the simplest complete package to purchase.   They can be found cheaper than the Atom system I built (I needed a real parallel port).  Perhaps use Linux (or Hackintosh to set up your OS since you already use a Mac).  Failing that, Win7 is preferred over Win8, which is still developing (bleah!).  Win7 is a mature and stable product. 

73,
Rick wa6nhc

Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable

On Aug 12, 2013, at 9:48 AM, "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> wrote:

> I love the Via C7 "Eden" processor, but unless you have one around to test, I wouldn't buy one for this application without doing a lot of testing.
> 
> Why?  Floating Point performance is lousy, and I think that'll show with fldigi and other digital mode software.
> 
> Look to the Intel Atom CPUs for good floating point and a low-power processor.
> 
> I use the C7 in routers and servers that don't do anything beyond integer math.  They're incredibly good.
> 
> On 8/12/2013 7:00 AM, Richard Neese wrote:
>> http://www.ewayco.com/ <http://www.ewayco.com/51-embedded-systems-100-PC-mini-ITX-low-cost/11-tk-800mhz-low-cost-pc-embedded-system.html> 
>> 
>> R.Neese KB3VGW
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