[amsat-bb] Re: Hardware or software problems?

[Erich Eichmann]

Larry,
I will answer your mail off the list.
73s, Erich, DK1TB


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Larry Gerhardstein" <W7IN at montana.com>
To: "AMSAT BB" <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
Sent: Saturday, May 01, 2010 3:58 AM
Subject: [amsat-bb] Hardware or software problems?


> All,  I feel like I'm no closer to a working sat station than I was one
> month ago.  I have two computers to run SatPC32 on.  Both are DELL
> Windows 7 Home Premium, one a desktop, the other a laptop.  I have a
> Keyspan 4-port USB to RS232 box with optical isolators from CommFront
> connected to G-5500 and ICOM 910H interfaces.
>
> When I run SatPC32, I set up the COM ports and then enable R+ and C+.
> The computer then controls the xcvr and the rotors.  After clicking on R
> and/or C a few times, or after clicking the transmit button on the ICOM,
> the computer crashes... Blue Screen, screen of death.  IRQ_LESS_OR_EQUAL
> message.  Both computers do the same thing.  They crash after a short
> while.
>
> I've tried connecting the computer to an isolated power source, not part
> of the power company a.c. feeding my shack.  This would be the generator
> in my RV.  Same problem.  SatPC32 ran for quite a time, but eventually
> the computer crashed.
>
> I have disconnected everything from the computer except for the USB
> going to the monitor, Keyspan box, mouse, and keyboard.  Still same
> thing, computer crashes after awhile.  The laptop crashes with only the
> Keyspan connected.
>
> I need expert advice again.  I run SatPC32 as administrator; what about
> compatibility modes?  What about critical o/s or driver upgrades or
> service packs?  What about adding ferrite toroid to all wires going into
> and coming out of the computer?  What about a power source isolator,
> like a UPS with a full-time inverter to get good isolated sinusoidal
> a.c. power to the computer and everything connected directly to it (like
> the monitor)?  The Keyspan is USB powered.  The good UPS's get expensive.
>
> Please reply on this BB (preferred) or to private email w7in at montana.com
> or call 406-826-7373.
>
> 73, Larry W7IN
>
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