[hpsdr] Computer required for HPSDR - a little bit off topic

[Jim Sanford]

All:
I have been a bit disappointed with HPSDR performance. Specifically, CPU 
load is high, I can't run RX2 without unacceptable distortion on both 
receivers, and forget the Automatic Noise Limiter.

I am using a dedicated computer specifically built for HPSDR:
     Intel Atom  CPU D250 @ 1.8 GHz
     4.0 GB RAM
     Windows 7 SP1, 32 bit.
Software:
     Avast Anti-Virus
     Firefox browser (only runs to get info, software/firmware updates, 
does not run when using HPSDR
     HP Generic Print Driver
     the HPSDR software, pretty sure I'm on the latest version of the 
mRX flavor.
     drivers for LogiTech wireless mouse and keyboard

It is connected to the HPSDR hardware via a giga-bit network switch here 
in the shack.  Access to the internet is via another gigabit switch, a 
Linksys router, and a satellite modem.  Due to satellite internet 
latency, I have no intention of trying to run HPSDR other than on local 
network.

Based on what I think I read on here, I would have expected this system 
to be more than adequate.  I do not think it is, based on the 
performance I'm seeing.

Background:  (The partially off-topic part)  The spousal unit's laptop, 
which she uses for email and web browsing just died.  I have recovered 
the data off the hard disk which appears to be good.

SO, here's the questions:
1.  What is the assessment of this learned group of the adequacy of my 
HPSDR computer?
2.  If the hardware is assessed as adequate, any suggestions on changes 
to make?  In particular, I note that MS loads a LOT of services, which I 
suspect I don't need in this dedicated use.  Can someone point to a list 
of things I could disable, or a list of things that I MUST have?  I've 
turned a few that are obvious OFF, but do not know enough about the guts 
of Win7 to go any further without guidance.
3.  If the hardware should be adequate, are there any other suggestions 
to improve performance so that I could at least run the second RX?
4.  If the hardware is inadequate to HPSDR (In which case this device 
will be repurposed as the spousal unit machine, she doesn't need a 
laptop, just a small footprint on the desk), what would be minimum 
hardware to successfully enjoy all of HPSDR functionality? I'd like to 
keep it small (hence the atom) because once successful, a duplicate will 
be built to go on the road in a microwave rover station.
5.  In particular, is there something other than Intel I should be 
looking at?  As I built this thing, I found documentation, drivers and 
support to be "sub-optimal".

Thanks!!
73,
Jim
wb4gcs at amsat.org


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com