Microsoft Windows XP-- The Down Side

I have been a Microsoft Windows fan since Windows 3.0 came out. I say this as a precursor to why I am looking at another Operating system now. I got hit with what is called the "MS gotcha", I changed my motherboard in my Compaq computer and now my software licence is voided. Why is this you ask, because the software is OEM and tied to the Bios of the original motherboard. I have never run into this problem before so it has been an interesting adventure. There seems to be something inherently wrong with this software issue. I have right now about two viable choices, buy Windows7 or go with a Linux version. I am going to look at the Linux route at this point because I do like the open source and the lower costs involved. I will review some distros and go with the one that I like. It will need to be easy to use and somewhat Windows like because the wife also uses this one. I am not to worried about running Windows software so this should not be a problem. So here I go on a great adventure!

NBEMS/FLDIGI Sound Card Calibration

Make sure your sound card is calibrated for your FLDIGI software using CheckSR.exe. Olivia and MT63 will really benefit with this calibration. CheckSR.exe comes free with MixW software. To get the software without MixW and some good instructions, go to the Western PA Amateur Radio EmComm Digi Net Website Click Here. These guys did a good job with their website with NBEMS and FLdigi.



http://mixw.net/

http://www.pa-sitrep.com/NBEMS/fldigi_calibration.htm

HSMM and the Future

I would have to agree with KB9MWR about the state of  HSMM and the Microwave bands. See here: http://kb9mwr.blogspot.com/2010/10/interesting-article-bounty.html We need to band together and promote these under used bands and modes. I think we need to build the systems and set them up and show how it works. Most Hams are very happy doing what the like, APRS, DX, Ragchew, PSK-31. If we show them new things it can light a spark for the new band or mode. We really need to get out there and promote our cause. Here is a picture of  HSMM at our Henderson Emergency Services Awareness Day that was held October 2, 2010. This display started many conversations and may lead into some other people getting involved with the project.

USBlink by G4ILO

I have been playing around with building a USB interface using a cheap USB soundcard. It looks like Julian G4ILO has beat me to it. He has built a very nice interface. It also uses Skip Teller's KH6TY Vox circuit. The only thing I would do different would be to add some isolation transformers. Check out his build here:

http://www.g4ilo.com/usblink.html