Laptop PCI Max Compatable? ... Maybe

[Ian Kogneato]

I just received word that my order has arrived and plan on picking it up within the next few days. Previous to placing the order, I purchased (for the purpose of the PCI Max) a laptop and a docking station. I would like to be able to use the PCI Max with my laptop if possible and I think I have a solution.

The docking station has a PCI slot for desktop cards. I'm not sure how quiet the operation will be with the fan or with the ext plug. I will know more within the week. My last posting (as I write) has received a whopping 102 views and no responses! Any of you can view this topic all you wish... but if there are no responses of interest... then take a guess as to if I will chose to follow up to the above.

This will be my first set-up ... Oh and as long as I'm on a roll, I have a few questions.

How easy (and how much time) is involved with tuning a Yagi Antenna?

How much time and how accurate should I expect with a Kenwood SW-100 SWR/POWER METER ( 1.8mhz through 150mhz, 50-52 ohms, 0-150 watts)

Is a dummy load really necessary? If not, how would you suggest I go about this?

Other than MP3 Gain (which I think is great!!!) I've heard that there's certain software that will improve the sound or make it more compatable sounding with other radio stations. Do any of you know of any 'natural sounding' presets or a good winamp plugin?

It's kind of a let down when there are a lot of views and no replies to a post. I would really appreciate if someone might be able to answer a few questions. If interested, I'll also follow-up with the lap top results.

[Dogen]

How easy (and how much time) is involved with tuning a Yagi Antenna?

They can be tricky to tune unless the one you have is made for the FM broadcast band. If it is, then you adjust the driven element and gamma match for low SWR. Unless you need the directivity, I'd stick with an omnidirectional or dipole type antenna.

How much time and how accurate should I expect with a Kenwood SW-100 SWR/POWER METER ( 1.8mhz through 150mhz, 50-52 ohms, 0-150 watts)

Most SWR meters need a minimum of 1 watt (some go down to .5 watts) to get an accurate reading. I wouldn't count on being able to use it except as a power meter. You can still use it to tune your antenna, but you'll have to go on forward/reflected power readings, tuning until you get a minimum of reflected power.

Is a dummy load really necessary? If not, how would you suggest I go about this?

PCIMax is no-tune, so you don't need it to tune the transmitter, but you'll definitely want one while playing with your audio processing settings to avoid splattering all over the place. Until you get your audio right, you don't want to hook up an aerial. Here is a simple, fool proof, dummy load that you can build in a half-hour or less. The only thing not shown on the website that you'll need is a F male to UHF female converter (not available at your local Radio Shack - call electronic supply stores in your area or order online).

http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc/dummy_load.html

Other than MP3 Gain (which I think is great!!!) I've heard that there's certain software that will improve the sound or make it more compatable sounding with other radio stations. Do any of you know of any 'natural sounding' presets or a good winamp plugin?

You'll want to download Sound Solution 1.3 and the 1.3 preset package.
http://www.soundsolution.it/

I like one of the presets not in the package, but on the preset message board. It's called, "Loud and Clear." If you use SS, I don't think you'll need MP3 Gain.

D.

[Sir Nigel]

Speaking of sound processing, does anybody know what happened to MBL4? The guy's website is nonexistent.

[Ian Kogneato]

Dogen,

Thanks a million for the reply... this was great help!

[pcs]

BTW, I've tried it in docking station and it worked.

[Ian Kogneato]

BTW, I've tried it in docking station and it worked.

That is encouraging news to read! I've been following the forum for nearly a year now and had read that others seemed to be interested in using the PCI-Max with a laptop, but had not read anything about this compatablilty. I would bet that this would be a good selling tool for those (as myself) looking for portability.

While you (and other members) are here, I thought I'd ask one more question.


The Yagi that I bought (link below) is designed for FM purposes

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... eName=WD1V

Below is the SWR/Power Meter that I'll also be using.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... eName=WDVW

As to the Dummy Load, I've heard two different opinions. I've heard that I do not need one and also that should get one. I'm not a high-tech person and would rather trust a manufactor than taking the task of buidling one myself (if necessary). From PCS, I have purchased the
PCIMAX 2005
15W booster (13.8V/5A DC)
Mains power supply for booster


If I was to look on ebay for a dummy load, what specs should I look for? Here's a seller that seems to have a few different itmes, but will any of these do the purpose?

http://search.stores.ebay.com/search/se ... o=1&fsop=1

[Dogen]

The Yagi that I bought (link below) is designed for FM purposes

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... eName=WD1V

The manufacturer should supply adequate tuning instructions to get you started. Yagis can be tuned for maximum gain, maximum front-to-back ratio, maximum broadbandedness, and compromise points inbetween. Most of it has to do with adjusting the element spacing on the boom if your antenna allows it.

Below is the SWR/Power Meter that I'll also be using.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... eName=WDVW

You probably will have to use your amp to get enough output to get an accurate reading. You will probably need 1 watt or 5 watts for a model like this.

As to the Dummy Load, I've heard two different opinions. I've heard that I do not need one and also that should get one. I'm not a high-tech person and would rather trust a manufactor than taking the task of buidling one myself (if necessary). From PCS, I have purchased the
PCIMAX 2005 15W booster

If you are going beyond the 300mW PCIMax puts out natively, then you should purchase a dummy load capable of handling 15 watts continuous.

I'd purchase this one: http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products. ... d=MFJ-260C If you get one off of ebay, make sure it's new, that it can handle 15-20 watts continuous, and that it is designed to cover up to 2 meters (some are HF models and only cover up to 30mhz).

Also, remember that the PCIMax uses an F connecter while your SWR meter and dummy load will use a UHF connector. Make sure you buy an F male to UHF female adapter for the back of the card and a couple 2 foot patch cords of RG58 or RG8mini to connect the dummy load and power meter.

[Ian Kogneato]

Dogen,

Wow, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help! I hope that one day, I will have some of your experience and will be able to pass on the favor to a newbie. You have been a great help. Thanks again!