I am looking for a newer laptop but when I read the ads, I notice that serial and parallel ports are not listed. Are they not in use and if so, what is used instead to control the radios and rotators?
Gene
You're right. New computers rarely come with serial or parallel ports. Newer radios and controllers are USB, older radios will need a USB/Serial converter.
WB2LLP wrote:
I am looking for a newer laptop but when I read the ads, I notice that serial and parallel ports are not listed. Are they not in use and if so, what is used instead to control the radios and rotators?
Gene
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
99% of the laptops out there these days have only USB ports. To use them with older serially controlled devices, you have to use a USB-to-serial converter. I happen to like the Keyspan products, but there are many others available. 73, Jim KQ6EA
--- On Fri, 10/3/08, WB2LLP [email protected] wrote:
From: WB2LLP [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Computer hardware To: "AMSAT -BB" [email protected] Date: Friday, October 3, 2008, 7:53 AM I am looking for a newer laptop but when I read the ads, I notice that serial and parallel ports are not listed. Are they not in use and if so, what is used instead to control the radios and rotators?
Gene
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
I second the Keyspan products, I have 3 USB-4 port devices (never know when you need an extra)
Scott Gillis N3UJJ My Current Location http://location.n3ujj.com My Amateur Weather Station http://weather.n3ujj.com/
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jim Jerzycke Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 14:38 To: AMSAT -BB; WB2LLP Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Computer hardware
99% of the laptops out there these days have only USB ports. To use them with older serially controlled devices, you have to use a USB-to-serial converter. I happen to like the Keyspan products, but there are many others available. 73, Jim KQ6EA
There was a similar thread on TAPR_APRS group and many good suggestions were made. I had a similar need and bought a TOSHIBA TECRA A9-9019X (WIN XP PRO) about 6 weeks ago. I have noticed they are rapidly disappearing so others must like it too. I believe it has been out of production for about 8-9 months.
WA4EJR
At 10:53 AM 10/3/2008, you wrote:
I am looking for a newer laptop but when I read the ads, I notice that serial and parallel ports are not listed. Are they not in use and if so, what is used instead to control the radios and rotators?
Gene
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
participants (5)
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JD -
Jim Jerzycke -
Nigel Gunn G8IFF/W8IFF -
Scott Gillis N3UJJ -
WB2LLP