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Digital Communications
How to Get Started
Computer Equipment
- Terminal Node Controllers and modems will work with most (older) DOS or Windows computers
- Sound Card mode operation requires a (Windows) Pentium II system (200 MHz plus)
- You should be able to find a used computer to support digital operations for little or no money…
Notes:
Computers are the easiest part of “going digital”. My feeling is you should be able to find an adequate computer for little or no money. That has been our experience in Northern Virginia. In most places, computers are being replaced by newer state-of-the-art systems so rapidly that there is a good supply of used equipment. Almost basic computer running under DOS or Windows will be more than adequate.
The two important interfaces you computer needs for digital operation are serial ports and a soundcard.
Serial ports are the standard interface with terminal node controllers (TNCs) and modems. Sound cards are the standard interface where the computer interfaces directly with the radio. A serial port is also used there to key or control the radio. For advanced systems, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) is replacing serial ports. If your computer has USB, you can get USB to serial interfaces, if needed.