On Sat, 13 Sep 2003 14:26:40 GMT, "Dealmeister"
wrote:

Two questions:

1. I like to surf the web while Dxing; my computer creates a lot of noise.
Too DX and surf, obviously the radio and PC need to be in relatively close
proximity. Anythoughts on how I can cut down the noise?

Most of the noise comes from the monitor. I solved it by investing
in low-radiation LCD monitors.

2. Can anyone recommend a good decoder? Years ago I used the AEA PK-232.
These days I'd like to buy a decoder that covers as much of the used formats
as possible. Key for me will be simplicity though. I don't want something
with a manual or operation that's so technical it won't be fun. I want
something that is as "plug and play" as possible.

Difficult one.

There are some good ones: Hoka's Windows decoders - very good
but enormously expensive. Code3 and Code30 are cheaper, but
run on MSDOS.

Wavecom's offerings are also expensive, but don't measure up
to the Hoka products.

Have a look also at Skysweeper, it isn't too expensive.

There are lots of decoders for RTTY, SITOR-A/B, FAX etc., but there
isn't an awful lot of that sort of stuff around nowadays.

A couple of dedicated decoders are available for ALE and HFDL,
look for PC-ALE and PC-HFDL by Charles Brain. The first is free
and the second requires a donation of 10 UKP to be made useable.

--
JimDee
in Somerset
afton at sideband.fsnet.co.uk