[Elecraft] Computers In The Shack

[Jim Brown]

On Tue,3/10/2015 4:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> I am "old school".  Yes, I have a 6 core AMD computer with 8GB of 
> memory dedicated to the ham station, but I do not use it a lot for rig 
> control - its main use right now is to give me a panadapter display, 
> but that part will soon be replaced by a P3.
> I still paper log, and automated spots do not excite me - I can bring 
> up the spots on the computer and then dial the K3 to that frequency 
> should I be so inclined. 

Since getting back on the air in 2003, I've always had a laptop in the 
shack. It great at taking care of the routine stuff, like day to day 
logging. With the push of a few buttons, I can upload my log to LOTW and 
eQSL. When I enter a call, I can see vitals for previous QSOs if I want 
them. When I hear a DX station (or see a spot), I can immediately see if 
I "need" a QSO for some goal. LOTW and eQSL mean that I only need to 
send cards to guys who really want a paper card. That sames me a LOT of 
time. It also saves me a lot of time and money if I need confirmations 
for awards.

All of that is without rig control, without digital operation, without 
contesting, just logging and log-related stuff. I view the shack 
computer as making my life easier, freeing up my time to play radio, 
upgrade the antenna system and the station (or repair it), and so on.

73, Jim K9YC