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Re: A new trakbox like device?
- Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] A new trakbox like device?
- From: "Andrew Glasbrenner" <glasbrenner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 14:53:57 -0400
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> I'd rather have the track box comunicate via a serial
> port and not have all the overhead of an internet interface.
>
Serial ports are dinosaurs. It's almost impossible now to buy an off the
shelf laptop with a serial port, and many devices will not work reliably
with USB-Serial converters, or only with specific ones. At work I have
several pieces of geophysical gear with serial interfaces and they all have
their own quirks and preferences for adapters, including a seismograph,
electrical resistivity surveying system, well loggers, and analog to digital
converters on cone penetrometer rigs. Ham gear is about the same as far as
compatibility.
Beyond the brand quirkiness, USB adapters are a pain to dis- and re-connect
and land on the same COM port. I hate reconfiguring my software each time I
unplug something.
On the other hand, the devices that connect using ethernet (which is
different than "the internet") are slick as can be.
73, Drew KO4MA
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