[Dxbase] USB PORTS

Sat Apr 19 20:22:46 EDT 2008

At 04:45 PM 4/19/2008, you wrote:
>I was wondering how those using usb ports are doing it and what is
>needed to make DX Base work on a usb port.

Well the easiest way is simply to look for a machine with a serial 
port on the motherboard (they do still exist, though harder to find). 
I use a MicroHam Microkeyer for my rig interface and keying and it 
does a perfect conversion from a single USB port to numerous 
"virtual" serial ports. Never a conflict ever, plus it's a fast and 
easy way to get on RTTY, PSK and other digi-modes as well as it 
allows keyboard CW from DX Base.
There are some decent USB-to-serial converters out there (I run my 
rotor on one - no COM ports on my motherboard) and you can probably 
still find dual-serial expansion cards out there too.
Finally, if you're using a laptop, look around for a PCMCIA serial or 
dual-serial card.
Regards,
Peter,
W2IRT 