[hpsdr] Computer hardware advice

[Bill Diaz]

Conrad,
     I am happily using an I3, 3.1ghz CPU, 6GB on RAM under Win7 64 
Pro.  No problem running PowerSDR mrX PS 3.2.8,  Skype, Email, browser, 
and FLDigi at the same time for use by my ANAN-100D.  I am also using 2 
monitors.  The internal graphics card drives my HP 1920 by 1080 monitor 
and a Startech.com USB to VGA convertor is driving my Hyudnai 1024 by 
768 (If I remember correctly) monitor.  I usually have PowerSDR on the 
little HYundai monitor which sits right next to its big brother.  No 
problem moving it from one monitor to the other with a mouse.

     I have a Netgear N600 WiFi router with 1GB Ethernet but use an 
external TP-Link TL SG108 8 port gigabit switch for connection between 
the computer and radio.  I chose the switch partly because it had a 
metal housing, always welcome in ham shacks.  I also use shielded cat 5 
cable where possible, but particularly on the link between the radio and 
the switch.  Ehternet noise has not been much of a problem here, but I 
have battled that problem in high density environments and have the 
scars to prove it.

     While I can use WiFi to connect between my desktop or Android 
Tablet and my ANAN=100D, I can only recommend it under controlled 
conditions.  My WiFI router sits within 2 ft of my desktop and 4' from 
the radio, so that portion of the link is pretty solid. However, when I 
am using my Android Tablet to control my radio, fading and dropouts can 
become problematic as I more around the house.  You may need to run at a 
lower sample rate to keep your Wifi bandwidth reasonable.  When running 
at a 384khz sample rate, I was using about 84mbs on the ANAN-100D 
radio's 100mbs ethernet link. This was just too much for my WiFi router, 
so I drop the sample rate when I expect to operate via WiFi.

HTH,
Bill KC9XG

On 2/9/2014 11:08 AM, Conrad Farlow wrote:
> ***** High Performance Software Defined Radio Discussion List *****
>
> I will be ordering either a Hermes or ANAN-10 in 2 weeks time and I 
> have been wondering about computer hardware. Could someone give me 
> some indication of what sort of performance/specification I will need? 
> I already have an older i5 machine with an Intel DP55WG motherboard 
> 8GB DDR3 RAM and an Nvidia GE9600 video card. This machine has Gigabit 
> ethernet and will happily run 2 monitors. I also have a Delta 44 in 
> there which I intend using with an IQ+ SDR for adaptive EME. I suspect 
> that this machine would run what I need  but I will use it for a very 
> specific purpose and so I will need a new machine. I would like to use 
> at least 2 monitors, maybe even three and will need to run WSJT, a 
> simple log program and PowerSDR with the Hermes/ANAN-10.  I intend to 
> have internet connectivity using WiFi connections to cut down on noise 
> being radiated from Ethernet cables so I don't see the need for a 
> switch, or am I missing something?
>


 1391967735.0