[Elecraft] Root of problems

[Jim Lowman]

When I first saw "peanut whistle," I assumed that Larry was talking 
about QRP rigs.  Then I re-read what he had written.

Maybe not so much today, since a computer has become such an integral 
part of the hamshack, but there was a time 10 or so years ago that guys 
would scour the swapmeets and buy some obsolete (to me) computer for the 
shack.  Maybe then it was just to have a computer for logging, but today 
there are myriad uses for a computer.

I say "obsolete to me" because I spent 30+ years as a software 
developer.  During that time, I saw many lay people who should never 
touch a keyboard.  I'm not necessarily talking about the clerical staff, 
but folks with advanced degrees, as well.

73 de Jim - AD6CW

On 2/10/2014 11:52 AM, Bill Turner wrote:
> ORIGINAL MESSAGE:          (may be snipped)
>
> On 2/10/2014 9:14 AM, Larry Wassmann wrote:
>> the majority of reported problems have something to do with the 
>> digital modes. I am always amazed that a ham will go out and buy the 
>> latest rig, tower, anteannas, and such and try to run it all on a 
>> peanut whistle computer. Believe me when I say after spending my life 
>> working with computers everyday, there are a bunch of hams who should 
>> not be left alone in a room with a computer. 😊
>
> REPLY:
>
> "Peanut whistle computer"?  I've been using digital modes, RTTY and 
> others, since 1993 and I have yet to find a computer that will not run 
> these digital programs satisfactorily. None of the digital modes 
> presently being used by hams demand much of a computer as long as it 
> can run Windows XP or later and has enough com ports.
>
> Having said that however, I agree with the very last part of your 
> post. Some people have endless problems with computers and need help 
> with even the simplest things. I have a non-ham friend who calls me 
> about once a week with problems, most of which are repeats of previous 
> calls. He is a smart guy but just has a mental block about computers. 
> Sigh.
>
> 73, Bill W6WRT