For software control with a computer, the only partial solution was to use a Pactor I program developed for Linux, but from comments from those who have used it, the results were mediocre at best since it can not equal the dedicated box. I am not sure if this is still true with the much more powerful computers of today. Perhaps someone here in the group has tried it with a 2 or 3 GHz computer and can report on its effectiveness, or lack thereof.
It is possible that someday we might see more adoption of the PSKmail system, which also uses the Linux OS to operate. This system has few servers at act as the go between the internet and the remote user. The throughput is very slow compared to the Winlink 2000 system but it is also much more bandwidth conserving. I am assuming that you want to connect to the Winlink 2000 system which now only uses Pactor I, II and in some areas will likely continue with III. If you want to connect with good speed, you would need the proprietary, single sourced German SCS box since no one has come very close to matching the Pactor 2 throughput for 500 Hz bandwidth with using a soundcard mode. And the Winlink 2000 SCAMP effort failed to compete successfully so was never further developed and now would be illegal under the new rules:( The Winlink 2000 servers typically have a maximum connect time of 30 minutes per 24 hours, so a slow modem might not get everything through depending upon your needs. The only less expensive alternative would be a used Kantronics or AEA/Timewave box running only Pactor I. The new boxes from these companies are so expensive now, that you would be better off to go with the SCS. Because of the FCC mandated changes for U.S. amateur licensees, it looks like Pactor 3 will no longer be possible on the ham bands unless the FCC makes a change to its recent decision. I don't see how it can possibly do that and still support their contention that there must be narrow bandwidth areas for data, unless they allow wide bandwidth data modes in the phone/image area. 73, Rick, KV9U James Hickox wrote: >Hello all, >Does anyone know of a way to both copy and transmit on pactor? I need >to put together a small digital station with just the xcvr and >laptop. I don't need another box!!! Will be using it to send E-mail >back from the wilds of Peru this summer if all goes well. > >Thanks and 73, > >James HIckox, AA5AO > > > >
