MacSailing.net

Just installed a pactor III usb modem with bluetooth connected via either bluetooth (haven't been able to connect to any station via bluetooth) and or usb to our macbook (intel) running XP through bootcamp. We are using "airmail" connecting via "winlink" to hopefully be able to send and receive email, so far somewhat spasmodic.

I have been having a fair number of problems, but the main one is that the Macbook "loses" the connection between "airmail" and the modem while running XP. I have to do a total reboot re the XP and often (mostly) it will lose the connection again. Today it even lost the com 5 port and said it didn't have one. Managed to get that back, but once again "lost" the connection. I have installed "chokes" on the ends of the usb cables connecting the computer to the modem which enabled me to connect to a station accepting email.

A side issue is that I have only been able to connect to Ks1Xa to down load email, a reputably, very reliable connection, anybody else; not so much, as in never!

Getting very frustrated, as we're leaving soon to go down the west coast to Mexico and we really like to rely on out setup, but not so far.

Does anyone have similar experiences and thus some answers? I'm sure I have my settings correct, but am getting somewhat lost in the arcane world of XP!!!!

Really appreciate any help

Richard

I know this may sound silly but try to change the usb cable. It sounds dumb but once in a while you win one. I had a similar problem and after weeks of tearing out what hair i have left it was a bad cable.

Also, in the salt environment those contacts get sometime get gunked up, Especially after any period of storage in a humid climate. I had that problem also.
Beware though if you start spraying that contact cleaner around---contact cleaner does not like plastic. It eats it! It will disolve fittings and even your radio. Use some on a Q tip. And et it dry before you re connect.

I have used Airmail for years under native Boot Camp XP and it works fine. I do NOT have the USB Modem so that could be a factor but I doubt it.

When there is trouble I ALWAYS blame it on XP.
Good Luck.
Ed

Ed, in the hopes you pick this up...I'd like to know which cable you are using between your PTC modem and your Mac. I've had the same unreliable experience with my (new) MB Pro that is mentioned above, and I'm concluding that is the serial/USB cable. Would love to know what a 'good one' might be...as otherwise, no success with several MB Pro's and the current cable assortment.

Thanks!

Jack