AmateurRadio.com

In the past, when I downloaded and installed software updates, new software, or Windows updates, problems have occasionally occurred. I also like to experiment with Python scripts for automating my radio software, modifying how Windows behaves, and controlling external devices such as turning monitors on and off when I am finished using them.

Because of this, I decided to purchase another SSD and clone my main SSD to it. This gives me a safe environment to experiment in and provides peace of mind. The new experimental clone SSD is a place where, no matter what happens, it is okay. If the worst happens, I simply re-clone this SSD from my main drive and start over again.

Never again will my “eyebrow-raising” attempts to “try this” or “try that” affect my main drive.

On my PC, when it is starting up, I repeatedly press the F11 key. This brings up all the drives installed in my computer, and I can then choose the experimental drive to boot from. Once loaded, I am in an identical workspace to my main SSD.

The new drive.

What this setup allows me to do:

1. Try out new amateur radio software and see how it interacts with my existing software.
2. Make changes to my radio software programs and ensure I like the changes and that there are no issues. I can even take part in my weekly mini radio contests (CWops Mini Test or Medium Speed Mini Contest) and see in real time whether the changes affected anything.
3. Install upgraded radio software programs that are known to have issues and see if I can locate or troubleshoot the problem.  
4. Write Python scripts, trial-run them, make changes, and experiment as much as I want. Once the script is ready, I can transfer it to my main drive.

What I currently have on my PC:

• Drive C: Western Digital Black SN770 1TB M.2 SSD — This is my main drive.
• Drive G: Crucial CT1000MX 1TB SSD — This is a clone of my main drive.
• Drive E: Seagate SATA 1TB Drive — This holds images of my main drive.
• Drive D: Western Digital Black SATA Drive — This holds another clone of my main drive.
• Drive H: Vulcan SSD 500GB — This is my new experimental SSD.