Pactor

[Auzzee]

I have been offered an SCS Pactor modem, PTC-11ex, upgraded to PTC 111. The unit is still in the box, has not been used as it was bought by a would be cruiser who has decided to abandon the dream. The appliance has been offered to me at AU$550 (US$ 617).

Is it a good piece of gear, is it good value, would you buy it if you didn't have one but wanted HF email?

Cheers

David.

[Trim50]

Found this at Landfall for $1099

http://www.landfallnav.com/pactor.html

Sounds like you have a good deal...

[camaraderie]

The IIex works with Pactor III but will not tune your radio directly as some of the other Pactors will.

So...it is still a quite usable model but your "deal" is not very good as you can get a brand new one for US $739.

I would want to see not more than half that amount for a used one. Here's a site that sells them and has good info and support on Pactor:

http://www.docksideradio.com/ptcii.htm

[svjacaranda]

Hi David

I am running an older SCS PTC-11Pro. It does control the radio. Like most of Pactor modem users once you use your computer to control the radio you will be very pleased. For us it was well worth the extra charge. Would we buy another one again? Yes without hesitation. Many times we switch to many different frequencies before connecting. By using the computer its just a click versus turning the knob, etc. Much Faster and easier

Also some of the older models like ours do not have a USB connector. So we had to purchase a converter to go from the old pin style connector to a USB. The newer modems are now setup with the USB to USB fittings. Makes it much easier and one less piece of gear you have to buy, install and fix.

So my final vote is to spend the extra money and go with the SCS modem that will enable you to drive the radio from the computer.

Kind regards

Chuck

Jacaranda

www.jacarandajourney.com

[Lew on Harmony]

some of the pactors use a 9 pin rs232 connection to the computer. New computers take only USB ports. Make sure the units can connect.

Lew

[camaraderie]

Lew...Belkin makes serial to usb adapters that let you use those pactors with any computer.

[manor]

I came across this on another website that is of interest:

....... A serial-usb converter gives you the worst of all worlds. Use serial-PCMCIA, it is far more robust. The new USB modems are much more immune to RF interference than the older ones, but can still cause problems...