Hi Michael There are some latency issues with the Windows nVidia 320M video driver for the 2010 Mac Mini that make it unsuitable for use as a Flex computer at the moment. This is likely the case for MacBook Pros that use the 320m and 330m GPUs as well.
As James (KK6MC) mentioned, the trick to using a Mac computer with your Flex radio is to install Windows XP or Windows 7 with Bootcamp. It will not work correctly in a virtual environment using Fusion or Parallels. I've just been through the process of trying to turn my Snow Leopard Server (a 2010 Mac Mini) into a portable PC for my Flex-3000. The effort was unsuccessful. I found the DPC Latency on Windows 7 professional 32-bit ran a pretty consistent 2000 microseconds with occasional spikes higher. After a day of tuning and research I found the culprit was the Bootcamp driver for the nVidia 320M GPU. With this driver disabled the DPC latency drops to a respectable 145 microseconds. However the default Windows VGA driver is really limited. I tried the latest 320M drivers from the nVidia site but they weren't any better. I have a 13" black MacBook that I'm using instead and it seems to be an outstanding Flex PC! Until Apple/nVidia releases a driver for the 320m GPU that corrects the latency issue it looks like the Mac Mini is a non starter. Unfortunately! 73, Sheldon, VE1GPY From: Michael Goins <wmgo...@gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 May 2011 19:14:01 -0500 Cc: "flexra...@yahoogroups.com" <flexra...@yahoogroups.com>, FlexRadio List <flexradio@flex-radio.biz> Subject: [Flexradio] Flex 1500 I am totally new to the Flex, having seen it at one hamfest. I am not a computer guy, though I am pretty competence as a ham (built a lot of stuff, never owned a commercial antenna, etc.). I recently switched here from Windows and PCs to Mac (I'm a writer), and really would prefer a mac platform if cost possible. That said, money, as usual, is an issue. I am considering a 1500 for the primary station and I am looking for some help with making this as painfree as possible. From all I've read, it appears most of the issues seem to be related to compatibility and speed, so I am looking for suggestions to try and get things right the first time around. I'm considering a mac mini as the computer half of the system. Small, and with the 1500, it would make a really compact station. Again, not a computer guy so if someone is using a setup that is working well and was reasonably priced, I'd sure like to talk - mac or PC if a PC setup worked for you easily. If you'll contact me off list, I'd very much appreciate it. Thanks. mike, k5wmg _______________________________________________ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flexradio.com/ _______________________________________________ FlexRadio Systems Mailing List FlexRadio@flex-radio.biz http://mail.flex-radio.biz/mailman/listinfo/flexradio_flex-radio.biz Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/flexradio%40flex-radio.biz/ Knowledge Base: http://kc.flexradio.com/ Homepage: http://www.flexradio.com/
