[WT-support] computer/skimmer problems

[Rick Dougherty NQ4I]

Hi Joe...one more question...how about paddle input to WinKey via WinTest?

thanks de Rick

On 2/23/12, Joe Subich, W4TV <lists at subich.com> wrote:
>
>> in using the MicroKeyer for generating cw...does the path to reach
>> the radio include the computer via the Microkeyer or does the cw go
>> directly from the microkeyer to the radio?
>
> I don't understand your question.  MK, MK II, DK II, CK all use the
> original Winkey chip connected to the processor in the interface.
> Router provides a virtual serial port to access the processor so
> when the logging program generates CW, it sends ASCII to the virtual
> port where Router packages that data into the format necessary to
> communicate with the processor and sends it on to the "keyer".
>
> WinKey generates properly timed CW which goes directly to the rig.
>
> Note, Win-Test sends *one character at a time* and waits for an echo
> from the keyer.  If your system is so severely lacking in memory
> that Windows must swap processes between RAM and disk to switch
> between processing a skimmer feed and generating CW, your CW will
> be *extremely* choppy because the computer has to wait for the
> program data to be moved between active RAM and cache or disk.
>
> While multiple cores are nice, the best thing one can do for
> performance in typical amateur use is have 2 GB or more of RAM
> and a processor with a large "level 2" cache.  Process swapping
> is a real performance killer when moving among network service
> (spot processing),  User interface (keyboard response), output
> (CW or DVK generation) and log processing (save, dupe check, etc.).
> The biggest contributor to process swapping is dealing with a high
> volume spot feed (e.g., skimmer) and the need to constantly update,
> sort, dupe the spot data.  A system that is perfectly acceptable
> in a single operator unassisted situation is completely unusable
> when forced to "drink from a firehose" by being faced with a
> skimmer feed with hundreds of spots a minute.
>
> 73,
>
>     ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2/23/2012 7:37 AM, Rick Dougherty NQ4I wrote:
>> Hi Joe...a quick question...in using the MicroKeyer for generating
>> cw...does the path to reach the radio include the computer via the
>> Microkeyer or does the cw go directly from the microkeyer to the
>> radio? I see the need to upgrade the computer RAM and its help in
>> running the logging program...but how will it impact the microham
>> router and cw generation? Thanks so much...de Rick
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 21, 2012 at 6:36 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV<lists at subich.com>
>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> This Machine is 1800 mhz and has 384 meg of ram...more ram needed??
>>>
>>>
>>> 384 MB or RAM is not nearly sufficient for modern operating systems
>>> - particularly if you are processing a skimmer "firehose" in addition
>>> to running a logging program.   256MB is the absolute minimum for
>>> Windows XP to even run.  I would not even consider running Skimmer
>>> along with microHAM Router and a logger on a system with less than
>>> 1 GB of RAM and a 2 GHz CPU.
>>>
>>> If you can't upgrade memory to at least 2 GB, it's time to replace the
>>> computer (or move it to a place that it only deals with one radio).
>>> The 80% CPU usage with Skimmer is an absolute red flag.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>>    ... Joe, W4TV
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2/21/2012 5:57 PM, Rick Dougherty NQ4I wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi All...I am wondering if I am the only one to see this...my number
>>>> one computer which is designated 80m RUN is the one that distributes
>>>> everything to the network...part of its job is handling skimmer
>>>> traffic...I am noticing
>>>> the CPU % of usage is way over 80 %...when skimmer is off it is in the
>>>> low 30% or high 20% range..in conjunction now there are some strange
>>>> cw keying issues...is the CPU bogged down and not have the resources
>>>> to handle MicroKeyer??
>>>> Would a faster 4 core machine be needed?? This Machine is 1800 mhz and
>>>> has 384 meg of ram...more ram needed??
>>>>
>>>> Thanks de Rick
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