[Dxbase] my comments on interface and MMTTY

Sun Dec 11 10:08:03 EST 2005

I'm a rtty/psk dxer with over 300 digital countries.
I've used Hamscope, and it works well.
But it is a bit on the 'basic' side.
It does use the MMTTY engine, so it's not an issue of decoding ability.
The serious rtty dxers I know, use the MMTTY engine in programs such as Writelog.
I don't program, so I can be sure if there is any more efficiency in having DXB run MMTY 
directly over having DXB run HamScope, which then runs MMTTY.
Now for the issue of interface.
I've tested and use the full microHAM USB Router interface.
While it's a bit pricey, I think in the long run it will save money.
New computers are eliminating serial and printer ports while most rigs still rely on them.
The usb approach allows you to buy one small box (and a cable designed especially for that 
rig). note: The USB box is a LOT smaller than Rigblasters...
This eliminates all those adapters and odd cables that never get marked or charted 
properly.
For people taking their rigs on the road, rig, USB box, and a laptop is all you need.
I've used/built/fussed with, sworn at, every type of interface, including ICOM CIV 
catastrophe. This USB router approach has them all beat.
I even have the USB Router software installed on my laptop, if a Desktop disaster occurred 
right in the middle of January's Peter 1 operation. I could plug the USB router into the 
laptop and be back in the pileup in less than a minute.
I just wanted to make everyone aware of the various pitfalls of 'interfaces' etc.
I'm not knocking other suppliers products, but they all have different capabilities and 
the direction I took seems to cover them all, and have the capability for easy future 
enhancements/rig changes.
Back to contesting/dxing and preparing for football game.
I'm an ex firefighter, still have my turnout gear so feel free to flame away!
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It's hard to believe that someday I'll be an ancestor
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Bill H. in Chicagoland