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?

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.

Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks

"Dealmeister" wrote in message
m...
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?

I solved the problem by using a Toshiba Laptop.
Laptops by design can be well shielded and some like the Toshiba are.
And laptops have an LCD screen eliminating the CRT noise problem, otherwise
see

Computer noise abatement at URL;
http://ac6v.com/comprfi.htm


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.

Your computer can decode digital signals -- for software see URL:
MixW Software
http://www.nvbb.net/~jaffejim/mixwpage.htm
Does:
SSB
CW
AM
BPSK/BPSK63
QPSK
FSK31
RTTY any speed any shift
Packet (VHF) & (UHF)
Pactor RX
AMTOR RX & FEC TX
MFSK/Graphics Color/BW
Throb
MT63
Hellschreiber
FAX
SSTV
------------------------------------------
Others at URL:
http://ac6v.com/software.htm#DIGITAL

--
73 From The Signal In The Noise
Caveat Lector Ya All

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