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Radio Software Induced Madness
They say that you can't lose somthing that you don't have, but I am
living proof to the contrary. I am losing my mind. It shouldn't take long, there isn't much of it. I have a Yaesu FRG-100 and I downloaded free software for it, but it only works on the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I have the Icom R-75 and I downloaded shareware software for it that works with the serial interface on the radio (RX Plus), but it has expired. Nice stuff, I want to purchase, but the ability of the software to function is based on the "Register to" name for my computer, which is a long series of numbers, as I bought this laptop from Gateway. Not really a problem, unless I need to reload Windows and the "Registered to" name changes. Then the software won't work. I would be out $80. I downloaded a freeware program for the Icom R-75, looks impressive, Ham Radio Deluxe, but it only works with the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I am looking for scanner software for my Uniden 785D, I found a nice site, looks like good software, I think that I tried the trialware version of it in the past. (When I had a different computer). The site says that it won't work with USB to Serial converters, that the computer must have a serial port, and I don't have one. Why is there such difficulty in supporting USB to Serial converters? Why the fetish with the CAT interface on the Icom R-75 when it has a serial port? Is there any reasonably priced software for the Icom R-75 and the Uniden 785D that would work with the Computer's USB to Serial interface and the Radio's serial ports? Thanks. Dr. Artaud |
§ Dr. Artaud § wrote:
They say that you can't lose somthing that you don't have, but I am living proof to the contrary. I am losing my mind. It shouldn't take long, there isn't much of it. I have a Yaesu FRG-100 and I downloaded free software for it, but it only works on the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I have the Icom R-75 and I downloaded shareware software for it that works with the serial interface on the radio (RX Plus), but it has expired. Nice stuff, I want to purchase, but the ability of the software to function is based on the "Register to" name for my computer, which is a long series of numbers, as I bought this laptop from Gateway. Not really a problem, unless I need to reload Windows and the "Registered to" name changes. Then the software won't work. I would be out $80. I downloaded a freeware program for the Icom R-75, looks impressive, Ham Radio Deluxe, but it only works with the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I am looking for scanner software for my Uniden 785D, I found a nice site, looks like good software, I think that I tried the trialware version of it in the past. (When I had a different computer). The site says that it won't work with USB to Serial converters, that the computer must have a serial port, and I don't have one. Why is there such difficulty in supporting USB to Serial converters? Why the fetish with the CAT interface on the Icom R-75 when it has a serial port? Is there any reasonably priced software for the Icom R-75 and the Uniden 785D that would work with the Computer's USB to Serial interface and the Radio's serial ports? Thanks. Dr. Artaud This may be of help. It's not that complicated and could be put together in a short time. If you build two, the time taken for each will be greatly reduced. A small preprinted project board could replace the printed circuit board. http://www.min.at/OE1RIB/CAT/Default.htm The printed circuit board resembles the solderless one pictured here, at least for shape and size. http://members.axion.net/~rduff/rcxprototype.jpg You would stick the components through the holes and solder. this plastic board allows you to transfer the components directly from the prototyping board shown above. It has the same connections/routes as the spring loaded solderless version shown above. mike |
m II wrote:
§ Dr. Artaud § wrote: They say that you can't lose somthing that you don't have, but I am living proof to the contrary. I am losing my mind. It shouldn't take long, there isn't much of it. I have a Yaesu FRG-100 and I downloaded free software for it, but it only works on the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I have the Icom R-75 and I downloaded shareware software for it that works with the serial interface on the radio (RX Plus), but it has expired. Nice stuff, I want to purchase, but the ability of the software to function is based on the "Register to" name for my computer, which is a long series of numbers, as I bought this laptop from Gateway. Not really a problem, unless I need to reload Windows and the "Registered to" name changes. Then the software won't work. I would be out $80. I downloaded a freeware program for the Icom R-75, looks impressive, Ham Radio Deluxe, but it only works with the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I am looking for scanner software for my Uniden 785D, I found a nice site, looks like good software, I think that I tried the trialware version of it in the past. (When I had a different computer). The site says that it won't work with USB to Serial converters, that the computer must have a serial port, and I don't have one. Why is there such difficulty in supporting USB to Serial converters? Why the fetish with the CAT interface on the Icom R-75 when it has a serial port? Is there any reasonably priced software for the Icom R-75 and the Uniden 785D that would work with the Computer's USB to Serial interface and the Radio's serial ports? Thanks. Dr. Artaud This may be of help. It's not that complicated and could be put together in a short time. If you build two, the time taken for each will be greatly reduced. A small preprinted project board could replace the printed circuit board. http://www.min.at/OE1RIB/CAT/Default.htm The printed circuit board resembles the solderless one pictured here, at least for shape and size. http://members.axion.net/~rduff/rcxprototype.jpg You would stick the components through the holes and solder. this plastic board allows you to transfer the components directly from the prototyping board shown above. It has the same connections/routes as the spring loaded solderless version shown above. mike Sorry for the dxAce style double posting. This looks like what the board should be: Available at fine electronics outlets everywhere. Part number 22-508___________________$8.95 http://demarelectronics.com/prototyping_boards.htm mike |
m II wrote: m II wrote: § Dr. Artaud § wrote: They say that you can't lose somthing that you don't have, but I am living proof to the contrary. I am losing my mind. It shouldn't take long, there isn't much of it. I have a Yaesu FRG-100 and I downloaded free software for it, but it only works on the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I have the Icom R-75 and I downloaded shareware software for it that works with the serial interface on the radio (RX Plus), but it has expired. Nice stuff, I want to purchase, but the ability of the software to function is based on the "Register to" name for my computer, which is a long series of numbers, as I bought this laptop from Gateway. Not really a problem, unless I need to reload Windows and the "Registered to" name changes. Then the software won't work. I would be out $80. I downloaded a freeware program for the Icom R-75, looks impressive, Ham Radio Deluxe, but it only works with the CAT interface. I don't have the cable. I am looking for scanner software for my Uniden 785D, I found a nice site, looks like good software, I think that I tried the trialware version of it in the past. (When I had a different computer). The site says that it won't work with USB to Serial converters, that the computer must have a serial port, and I don't have one. Why is there such difficulty in supporting USB to Serial converters? Why the fetish with the CAT interface on the Icom R-75 when it has a serial port? Is there any reasonably priced software for the Icom R-75 and the Uniden 785D that would work with the Computer's USB to Serial interface and the Radio's serial ports? Thanks. Dr. Artaud This may be of help. It's not that complicated and could be put together in a short time. If you build two, the time taken for each will be greatly reduced. A small preprinted project board could replace the printed circuit board. http://www.min.at/OE1RIB/CAT/Default.htm The printed circuit board resembles the solderless one pictured here, at least for shape and size. http://members.axion.net/~rduff/rcxprototype.jpg You would stick the components through the holes and solder. this plastic board allows you to transfer the components directly from the prototyping board shown above. It has the same connections/routes as the spring loaded solderless version shown above. mike Sorry for the dxAce style double posting. You know where to put it 'tard boy. dxAce Michigan USA |
For cables,cards,monitors,I reccomend checking with www.si87.com and
www.monitorworld.com Last year I bought a $60.00 fifteen feet long VGA cable from si87.com in Bozeman,Montana. cuhulin |
dxAce wrote:
Sorry for the dxAce style double posting. You know where to put it 'tard boy. dxAce Michigan USA I've told you before. I'm not interested in your homosexual advances. Stop sending those damn flowers. mike |
m II wrote: dxAce wrote: Sorry for the dxAce style double posting. You know where to put it 'tard boy. dxAce Michigan USA I've told you before. I'm not interested in your homosexual advances. Whose homosexual advances are you interested in then, 'tard boy? LMAO dxAce Michigan USA |
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote in
: Having forestalled my purchase of RX Plus (I used the Demo period, very nice program), due to my concerns about not being able to use the program on a future computer, I happened to download HAM Radio Deluxe. Superb. Has anyone here tried it? I use the Icom R-75, (among others, but for the sake of discussion), with the serial port connection to my laptop. Well, to be more specific, the R-75 Serial connection to the USB on my laptop. Anyway, it was my understanding that I needed a CAT connection to use HAM Radio Deluxe, but apparently not. I had a friend (his DSL vs. my Dial UP) download the CD Image (image being a compilation of files, not a picture), initially a zip file 69 MB in size, that is unzipped onto the CD, producing a CD suitable for distribution (at HAM clubs, to friends, etc, but it must be distributed free). Loaded it onto my computer, and ran the program, figuring that I could learn something about it before purchasing the CAT adapter. I was astonished to see that the display in HAM Radio Deluxe had the same frequency as my radio, which was on at the time. Moved the volume control in the program, and the radio grew silent. Moved it the other way, louder. It was actually working. http://hrd.ham-radio.ch/index.html This program is great. I downloaded the version 3.0, but I think that in order to have the bandscope, the Beta version 3.1 Build 579 or later is needed. http://www.ham-radio.ch/kits/CD%20Im...CDv031b579.zip The official released version, 3.0 Build 531 http://www.ham-radio.ch/kits/CD%20Im...CDv030b531.zip Though I had a CD made of the Official Release version, downloading and installing the Beta Kits, available here, brought the software up to the level I needed for the bandscope. http://hrd.ham-radio.ch/downloads.html#Beta_Kits They are 7 MB in size, and simply install over the existing software. Anyway, all the controls seem to be available and functioning. This through the USB port, to a USB to Serial converter that I bought through RT systems (they sell Amateur Radio Software). It has to be seen to be believed. There is literally too much to write about. Bandscope (in versions 3.1 Build 579 and up) volume, squelch, Dual Passband Tuning Controls, RF Gain, NR Level, and much more. And it's free. Kudos to the writers of this great program. Dr. Artaud |
Don't look at me! I am not a freak.
cuhulin |
wrote in message ... Don't look at me! I am not a freak. Take some advice, cuhulin...don't seek a second opinion. ;) |
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote:
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote in : Having forestalled my purchase of RX Plus (I used the Demo period, very nice program), due to my concerns about not being able to use the program on a future computer, I happened to download HAM Radio Deluxe. Dr. Artaud Which build, 031b687 or 030b531 ? |
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"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote:
wrote in : Version 3.1 Build 579 Not really knowing what I was doing, I downloaded the official "released version", 3.0 Build 531 but soon became aware that it did not include the bandscope, a feature that I had hoped was included. Another check revealed that the bandscope was added in a later version/build, and I upgraded to a Beta version using a file from the web site. I realize that there are builds newer than the one that I have, but everything works well and I don't wish to tempt fate. Regards Dr. Artaud Which build, 031b687 or 030b531 ? Better safe than sorry, have you been able to do any big time automated HF scanning with it? |
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote:
wrote in : Automated? Perhaps I don't understand all the functions of the program, or I simply don't understand your usage of the word Automated. Dr. Artaud As an aside to the "Automated" question I found a program for Kenwoods at the HAM Radio Deluxe main page. I didn't check for other brands. Allows the changing of the 100 memories. If a person wants another 100 you just use another file. This is an excellent site :'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):'):' ):') |
wrote in
: Thanks for the link. Perhaps you can help me with something? I see that the site that you provided the link for sells cabling for the Yaesu FRG-100 and the Yaesu FT-840, and I need both cables. (you probably just got them 2 sales) I know that my Icom R-75 has the ability to connect via the CAT or the Serial Port. The Yaesu radios only have the ability to connect via their CAT ports (i.e. that have no conventional serial ports). If I bought these cables, would I be able to directly connect my Yaesu radios to the computer, without additional signal level conversion? I downloaded HAM Radio Deluxe with the idea that I was going to need to get CAT compliant cabling. On a lark, I used my USB to serial adapter, into a serial cable, into the Icom R-75 serial port, and viola, the program works with the radio. I didn't expect this. I thought I had to have a special CAT cable to use HAM Radio Deluxe with the radio, as the software does not make any fanfare about using the serial port. "Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) is a suite of free Windows programs providing CAT control for commonly used transceivers and receivers." Look He http://www.eham.net/articles/2148?eh...b6dc8340758a5b It's a homebuilt circuit to interface your radio with a computer. Is all this circuitry included in the cabling from the link that you provided? I am somewhat confused concerning the difference between the CAT port, the serial port, and the expectations that the software has concerning these ports. Any help would be appreciated. Dr. Artaud My fault for being loose with the word. I meant could I run .txt files with HF freq's. I have downloaded and installed the program and am starting to play with the software virtual radio's. I have ordered a LUK-3 cable and USB adapter for my Kenwood ts-450-sat. http://www.sarrio.com/sarrio/w1gee.html ILG is still supported with the newest software release 031b687. The learning curve seems pretty quick. CAT software for the ts-450-sat is hard to come by. |
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote:
wrote in : Thanks for the link. Perhaps you can help me with something? I see that the site that you provided the link for sells cabling for the Yaesu FRG-100 and the Yaesu FT-840, and I need both cables. (you probably just got them 2 sales) I know that my Icom R-75 has the ability to connect via the CAT or the Serial Port. The Yaesu radios only have the ability to connect via their CAT ports (i.e. that have no conventional serial ports). If I bought these cables, would I be able to directly connect my Yaesu radios to the computer, without additional signal level conversion? I downloaded HAM Radio Deluxe with the idea that I was going to need to get CAT compliant cabling. On a lark, I used my USB to serial adapter, into a serial cable, into the Icom R-75 serial port, and viola, the program works with the radio. I didn't expect this. I thought I had to have a special CAT cable to use HAM Radio Deluxe with the radio, as the software does not make any fanfare about using the serial port. "Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) is a suite of free Windows programs providing CAT control for commonly used transceivers and receivers." Look He http://www.eham.net/articles/2148?eh...b6dc8340758a5b It's a homebuilt circuit to interface your radio with a computer. Is all this circuitry included in the cabling from the link that you provided? I am somewhat confused concerning the difference between the CAT port, the serial port, and the expectations that the software has concerning these ports. Any help would be appreciated. Dr. Artaud First and foremost I am NOT an expert. I believe the cables that I bought will get any power they need from the computer. The best way to get the correct answer I think is to ask the man himself, his address is = Mark Stennett P.O.Box 2283 Georgetown, tx 78627 ========================== Last known e-mail = Hope this helps :') My fault for being loose with the word. I meant could I run .txt files with HF freq's. I have downloaded and installed the program and am starting to play with the software virtual radio's. I have ordered a LUK-3 cable and USB adapter for my Kenwood ts-450-sat. http://www.sarrio.com/sarrio/w1gee.html ILG is still supported with the newest software release 031b687. The learning curve seems pretty quick. CAT software for the ts-450-sat is hard to come by. |
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote:
wrote in : Thanks for the link. Perhaps you can help me with something? I see that the site that you provided the link for sells cabling for the Yaesu FRG-100 and the Yaesu FT-840, and I need both cables. (you probably just got them 2 sales) I know that my Icom R-75 has the ability to connect via the CAT or the Serial Port. The Yaesu radios only have the ability to connect via their CAT ports (i.e. that have no conventional serial ports). If I bought these cables, would I be able to directly connect my Yaesu radios to the computer, without additional signal level conversion? Found on HRD site. READ THIS NOW BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER! There are many problems that a newcomer can come across while trying to set up both CAT and Audio interfaces: I’ll try to help you avoid the most common problems. CAT INTERFACE PROBLEMS 1. Ham Radio Deluxe displays the error Access Denied. Some previously accessed software will cause problems for the operating system by holding a comport open, thus denying your CAT interface access. Only one program can open a comport at a same time. PDA / GSM software is one example. The simplest way to deal with this is a reboot: the offending program will no longer have control over the port. 2. Some notebook serial ports can’t supply enough current and/or voltage to operate homemade interface cables that rely on the serial port for power. You will have to either make up an interface to a different design, or use external power. 3. Ground loops can be a problem. Fully isolated interfaces are probably the only real option here. Taking all precautions to avoid ground loops should be a matter of course. AUDIO INTERFACE PROBLEMS 1. Probably the most common causes of problems are overdriving the rig, and ground loops. Avoiding ground loops is generally not too difficult if you use isolated input and outputs. See the circuit of the homebrew interface in the AUDIO INTERFACING chapter to see how it can be done. Under no circumstances should you use un-isolated connections: they lead to ground loops, and will in all probability introduce hum and other unwanted artifacts on your signal. One disadvantage of using a waterfall display is that you can see the other guy’s filthy signal – but not your own. I know that some people get away with it – but the risk just isn’t worth it. 2. Overdriving the rig will lead to splatter and deformed signals. Good operators do not splatter! There’s a very useful little gadget called the PSKMeter that can be obtained from http://www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter/ . This makes it impossible to overdrive your rig, yet obtain maximum clean output at all times. I use one myself – it’s ideal. The only drawback is that it requires a serial port: this can be a problem with notebooks and the like – but see the next chapter for more info. ============================================= Hope this helps. |
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote:
"§ Dr. Artaud §" wrote in : Having forestalled my purchase of RX Plus (I used the Demo period, very nice program), due to my concerns about not being able to use the program on a future computer, I happened to download HAM Radio Deluxe. Superb. Has anyone here tried it? Dr. Artaud For what it's worth I got both cables I needed from W1GEE Products http://www.sarrio.com/sarrio/w1gee.html and when I hooked them up NO smoke came out of the box :') I'm using a USB hookup on a Dell Dimension 4100 to the TS450-sat and no extra power was needed for "my" hookup. The HRD software seems to work also, HURRAY!!!! |
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