[misc.handicap] monitoring downloads

Donald.Roberts@p0.f5.n119.z1.fidonet.org (Donald Roberts) (06/28/91)

Index Number: 16541

I found a great way to monitor the progress of downloads if you do
not happen to have a device like a tweedle dump.  And, the price is
right too.  Everyone knows that computers generate rfi.  So I put
an fm radio near the computer and tuned around 108 megs until I
found something which sounds like an unmodulated carrier.  I found
that when I am downloading files, the computer causes the radio to
emit a low-pitched pulsating buzz.

It is unobtrusive but easily heard.  When you chain several
downloads, the sound changes when the computer switches files and
then reverts to the rhythmic pulsing buzz when starting to download
the next file.  When the download is finished, the sound in the
radio again changes.  The point is that it is quite easy to
determine that your download is progressing smoothly and also when
it has terminated.  Although everybody's machine generates rfi, I
don't know if this technique will work for everyone.

But it is certainly worth a try. Although I didn't say so,
obviously the computer should be turned on  before tuning the radio
for the carrier.

Don Roberts

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