[Kenwood] Notebook control?

[Rick Bates]

Hey all and Happy New Year,

 

I have a TM-D710 and (new) TS-480 in my truck (haul vehicle for the RV).
Rather than having to move a mess of wires to go from digital data, Sky
Command and normal use on HF I was thinking of using a laptop in the cab and
the net control software from the RV.  Then, I was wondering if a netbook
could do the same instead (MUCH cheaper and smaller) via USB dongles and
some audio routing.

 

Is anyone using a netbook for remote control of the (at least TS-480)?  Does
the software run ok?  Is there other than Kenwood software that does the job
(better)?

 

I'll have another laptop in the RV for the other end (via trailer LAN).  It
would sure simplify things in the cab if I could use a computer interface
instead of groups of cables.

 

Failing that, is there a SIMPLE way to wire it all up so if I change modes
(Sky Command, packet/data, voice) I don't have to redo it all?  Is there a
reason I can't use the connectors on the rear for audio or is there a reason
that that speaker/mic connectors must be used?

 

Thanks,

 

Rick WA6NHC