[HATS] Fujitsu Pen Based Computer

[Ed Manuel]

Several Houston QRPers have expressed interest in the Pen Based computer 
George (W5GFP) and I have had at the regular Amsat Lunch in Houston.  For 
those of you not in Houston, sorry.  Read on.

Since the next batch of them has shown up on Ebay, I thought I would 
describe them for those who might be interested.

These are Pentium 100 machines, 32 mb RAM with 2.1 gb. hard drives.  They 
are the only pen based computer Fujitsu made that uses a passive stylus 
like the Palm organizers.  Other pen based machines use an electro-magnetic 
stylus that is very expensive to replace WHEN you loose it.

These machines have no floppy or CD Rom drive to load software.  I use my 
PC Card adapter and the memory card from my digital camera.  Works just 
fine.  I'll be glad to help anyone in Houston who wants to play with one of 
these to load software.  Just bring it to the next HQRP meeting.

The neat thing about these machines is that they are selling for around 
$150 and are perfect for ham radio work - particularly PSK-31.  They are 
full size and not particularly light - but a simple desk stand is easily 
fabricated and they take a regular PS-2 keyboard for when you want to use 
normal input.

I've loaded Digipan and had it running just fine.  My latest project is to 
build the interface to use FT-817 Commander.  This software combines 
complete control of the FT-817 radio from the computer with PSK-31 
software.  The Point 510 comes with a serial port and a VGA port if you 
want to use an external monitor.  It does NOT have USB.  These are running 
Win 95 and I don't intend to upgrade it.

Since these are designed for handheld computing, they have many battery 
saver features built in to reduce current use.  They will typically last 
longer than a notebook.

If you already have computers running ham radio software, you probably 
don't need one of these.  But, if you were looking for a cheap, Windows 
machine that travels well for use with your radios, give it a look.

Below is an Ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1345453729

But, do a search on +fujitsu +510 to get all them up.  Don't go crazy - 
they should not sell for more than $150 so be patient.  There are over a 
dozen up right now and this is the SECOND batch to make it to Ebay.  Who 
knows how many are out there waiting to be sold.

The Fujitsu site for you to read more about the details is here:
http://www.8fujitsu.com/www/support.shtml?support/techspecs/pentabs/Point510

I personally think these are really cool radio accessories for the 
price.  But avoid getting excited just because I like them.  Check them out 
and see what you think.

I am working on an article about using them for Ham Radio (QRP Quarterly) 
and have started a Yahoo E-group on this computer to share ideas.  More on 
the E-group as info gets posted and it becomes useful.

And NO, I'm not the one selling this stuff on Ebay before someone libels me 
on the QRP-L.  I bought one on Ebay and have been satisfied.

Ed Manuel, N5EM
n5em@amsat.org


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