[Elecraft] Bad Assumptions

[dmoes at nexicom.net]

 I somewhat agree that there is a lower ratio of computer connected 
users than one would think.    Some time ago I asked around the club 
who had computer hookup and who did not.  I then did a presentation on 
logging software  using Logger32. and later with N1MM  this was a few 
years ago.

My findings were that most did not have the computer connected for CAT 
control.    those that had older rigs didn't,  Id say less than a half 
 with newer rigs were connected.  Some using the yeasu DMU  (if that 
counts as a computer)     even some that did digital only had just  
the audio connections no RS232.  myself included before I had the K3.

For the Contesters the ratio was higher    probably half    Most of 
our contesters are casual  but even a few of the more intense 
contesters still have no RS232 or equivalent connected.   they 
manually entered the band into their software.

Almost all of these members have computers in the shack.     I think 
in some cases is they feel that since they have never had it before 
they don't want it now.  others have said    "the radio has knobs to 
control it why bother with a computer"     some just say "Oh I'm not a 
computer person and don't understand that stuff"       I think there 
are some misconceptions out there   one being that if you hook a radio 
up to the computer you have to control it that way.    I blame HRD for 
this  as it sure makes it look that way even though its still not the 
case. the other is that its complicated and difficult.   Many don't 
really understand the potential of using some level of computer 
connection.  In my case its very little  mostly just the information 
gathering like mode frequency etc  and using the band map and Packet 
cluster feed and being able to just click and automatically tune to a 
new or interesting spot.    Today I think the ratio of those that have 
a connected computer is going up.   I often offer assistance in this.

 There are only two of us that have K3s  in the club.  I've had mine 
for several years and the other member has only had his for a month or 
so.  ( Hi Ken.)  both of us have computer connections.

 I would assume however  and yes this is an assumption that since the 
K3  is a complex rig that is most often purchased by those that are 
more than just the occasional ham, I suspect that the number of people 
with RS232 connections is significantly higher than my findings 
covering members that own a broad range of radio types.  Personally   
I couldn't wait to get a rig that could be hooked up   the K3s 
predecessor was a TS430s which cant be connected.

For those that have a computer in the shack for logging but don't have 
the serial connection,  give it a try.  It offers allot of 
conveniences that you might not recognize until you use it.  If you 
are logging with just about any half decent logging software it 
probably will connect  just fine, even if just for information 
gathering.

If you dont have an RS232 port on your computer  you can add either a 
USB to RS232 adapter or better a multi port PCI or PCIE serial 
adapter,  these all can be had for less than $30  and much-much  less 
if you buy online.


David Moes
VE3DVY


> --- Original message ---
> Subject: [Elecraft] Bad Assumptions
> From: Al Lorona <alorona at sbcglobal.net>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Date: Monday, 16/02/2015  8:10 PM
>
> There seems to be an almost universal assumption that, if you have a 
> transceiver in the shack, it is connected to a computer full-time.
>
> That is certainly not the case. Plenty --perhaps most-- of hams 
> operate their rigs in a standalone mode without computer, even while 
> at home. This may come as a shock to some of you. Exceptions to this 
> rule include while updating firmware.
>
> This bad assumption usually rears its head when someone asks, "What's 
> the best way to operate split?" or, "How do you use the CW memories?" 
> and someone immediately responds, "Well I push this here button in my 
> favorite software and everything works great."
>
> I'm always frustrated and even a little annoyed by responses like 
> this. A response like this is not answering exactly what was asked. Or 
> at least, it assumes far too much.
>
> I recommend that, unless computer control is explicitly mentioned by 
> the original poster, we shouldn't automatically offer a solution that 
> requires a computer to work. Original posters should be more clear 
> about whether a computer can be part of the solution.
>
>
> Al  W6LX
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