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1991-04-03
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CAT757
Version 3.0
Yaesu FT-757GX Mark II
Copyright (c) 1989, 1990, 1991
Written by
Richard M. Roux N1AED
25 Greenfield Dr.
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603)429-0945
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
CAT757 is a control program designed to provide control of
the Yaesu FT-757 GX Mark II with an IBM compatible PC. The
program provides programming of all front panel functions
from the keyboard. The program allows you to store a maximum
of 480 frequencies in the Station Directory, which may be
scanned in numerous ways. Alternate files may be loaded
providing database functions limited only by disk storage
available. The program has a built-in Terminal Program for
PACKET/RTTY or AMTOR that allows simultaneous transceiver
control. A second COM port is required for a simultaneos
Terminal function.
Minimum requirements for hardware are 512K of memory,
Mono/CGA/EGA/VGA display and one COM port (2 Desirable).
Disclaimer
This Demonstration Disk is being distributed via the
Shareware concept. You are encouraged to try the program out
and make unmodified copies for others who may be able to make
use of the program, but no fees may be charged other than a
nominal copying fee.
If you would like to order the program, Please send $39.95
plus $3.00 Shipping & Handling to the author at the above
address. Specify 5.25" or 3.5" disk.
-- 1 --
PROGRAM INSTALLATION
FLOPPY SYSTEM
No special installation is required. Make a working copy
of the distribution diskette, log on to the drive where the
working disk is located and run the setup program to
configure colors, COM port setup and baud rate for the
Terminal program. DO NOT write protect the disk, this will
allow updated Station Directory entries to be saved to the
working disk.
HARD DRIVE SYSTEM
Create a sub-directory to hold the files, such as C:\CAT.
Copy all the files to it and run the setup program to
configure colors, COM port setup and baud rate for the
Terminal program.
THE SETUP PROGRAM
NOTE: The SETUP program only exists in the Registered Version
After you have either created a working disk or copied the
files to your hard drive, log onto the floppy where the
program files are located or into the subdirectory on your
hard drive where the files are located. At the DOS prompt
type SETUP. The setup program will check to see if a color
card is present and if a COM 2 port exists.
If a COM 1 and COM 2 port are detected, you will be
prompted for port assignments for the Transceiver controller
and for the Terminal program. If only one COM port is
detected, the Transceiver controller is automatically
assigned to COM 1 and assignment of COM 2 is bypassed. You
will be prompted for the desired SCANDELAY and STEPRATE
values when the program boots. These may be changed within
the program, but this prompt allows setup of the initial
values.
You will then be prompted if all settings are correct.
Next, you will be prompted for color assignments. If a
monochrome card was detected in the previous step, then color
assignments are bypassed, settings are saved, and you will
exit the SETUP program. With a color graphics card detected,
you will be shown a screen where you can select foreground ,
background, status line, highlight, and window colors. The
color number is shown near each selection to aid you in
selecting the color. If you have a color graphics card and a
monochrome monitor then you are limited in your selections.
-- 2 --
The available colors are:
0 Black 8 Gray
1 Blue 9 Light Blue
2 Green 10 Light Green
3 Cyan 11 Light Cyan
4 Red 12 Light Red
5 Magenta 13 Light Magenta
6 Brown 14 Yellow
7 White 15 High-Intensity White
After desired colors are selected, selecting '8' will save
the settings and allows you to exit the program.
PROGRAM OPERATION
Log on to the drive where the program is on a floppy
system or on a hard drive system CD to the sub-directory
where the program resides. Run the setup program by typing
SETUP at the DOS prompt. The SETUP program examines the
computer for the presence of a Color Graphics Card and a
second COM port. Answer all the prompts and exit the program
to store all your selections.
Start the program by typing in CAT757. Additionally,
alternate files for the station directory may be loaded on
the DOS command line at this time. Just type CAT757
filename. A couple of sample Directory files are supplied on
the distribution disk.
EXAMPLE:
CAT757 TOP100.DIR or CAT757 TOP100
This loads the program and the alternate Directory
TOP100.DIR. The default directory CAT757.DIR will be loaded
if no alternate directory is specified on the DOS command
line.
After the initial Welcome and Copyright screen the Main
Status Display will appear. At the graphic presentation of
the FT-757, the program sends the radio an initialization
command putting the transceiver in somewhat of a "known"
condition. Then a STATUS REQUEST is sent to the Transceiver.
The GX Mark II responds with 75 bytes of status and, at this
point, the correct VFO and Mode should appear on the Main
Status Display. If "0.00" for a VFO frequency appears, then
there is an interface problem between the Computer and the
Transceiver. Check all cables, the interface and make sure
everything is powered up. Also make sure you have selected
the correct COM port in the SETUP program.
-- 3 --
THE MAIN STATUS DISPLAY
The commands available on the Main Display:
Alt-Q
Hitting Alt-Q will allow you to exit to DOS.
F1
Brings up the Help Window. Hitting any of the command
keys activates that function and any other key closes the
window.
F10
Pressing F10 will bring up the Memory Contents Window
allowing you to view the contents of the transceiver's 10
memories. Hitting any key closes the window.
( < Left Arrow ) Load VFO W/ Memory
This allows you to load the contents of any of the
memories into the active VFO. The Memory Contents Window will
appear allowing you to view what's in the transceiver's 10
memories.
( > Right Arrow ) Load Memory W/VFO
This allows you to program any of the 10 memories with the
contents of the current active VFO. The Memory Contents
Window will appear allowing you to view what's in the
transceiver's 10 memories.
(S)plit
Hitting "S" toggles the transceiver in/out of the split
mode.
(D)ial Lock
This toggles the Dial Lock on/off.
(V)FO A/B
This toggles between A and B VFO.
(C)larifier
Toggles the clarifier on/off.
-- 4 --
(F)requency Change
Allows you to type in a new VFO frequency between the
limits of 150 - 29999.99 Khz. All frequencies in this program
are displayed and typed in Khz only. Mhz input is rejected.
EXAMPLE: Enter 21.230.10 Mhz as 21230.10
Status Re(Q)uest
This allows you to request a fresh set of parameters from
the transceiver to update the display if you have made any
manual changes to the transceiver.
S(W)ap VFO/MEMORY
This swap the contents of the VFO with the contents of the
currently selected memory.
(M)ode Change
This step the current VFO through the six available modes.
(H)am/General
Toggles between HAM and General receive.
Change Step (R)ate
This allows change of the step rate, minimum of which is
.01 Khz. This is the change in VFO frequency when the "+" and
"-" keys are hit. Great for fine tuning SSB and Packet
signals. .01 Khz.= 10 Hertz/Cycles
Station Director(Y)
This bring you to the 480 entry Station Directory display.
(L)og VFO Freq/Mode to Station Directory
This allows logging of the current VFO Freq. & Mode to the
first empty entry in the Station Directory. You will be
prompted for a Name/Description (IE:"Radio Moscow") for the
entry. Only the first 21 characters of the description are
retained.
(T)erminal Program
This selects the built-in terminal program which is
suitable for controlling a TNC for PACKET/RTTY/AMTOR. If no
second COM port is detected you will be given an error
informing you of that fact. All baud rates 300 - 9600 are
available in the Setup Program. You can change VFO
-- 5 --
frequencies, change modes, and make small (down to .01 khz.)
step changes in VFO frequency while using the Terminal
Program. The controller for the transceiver is connected to
one COM port while the TNC is connected to the other. If you
don't have a second COM port, consider installing one, as
this program makes operating a TU a real pleasure. Most
serial I/O cards have provision for a second COM port and all
that is usually required is installing some extra chips. See
the section on the Terminal Program for detailed instructions
on how to use the Terminal function.
(E)dit Memory Contents
This allows you to edit/update any of the 10 transceiver's
memories. The Transceiver's memory is updated as well as the
Memory Contents Display.
(Up-Arrow)
Step the active VFO Frequency up 500 Khz.
(Down-Arrow)
Step the active VFO Frequency down 500 Khz.
(+) (-) Fine Tune
This allows incrementing of VFO frequency by an amount
determined by the setting of the STEP RATE.
ALSO NOTE: The "=" also functions as the "+" key for those of
you who have keyboards that do not have the separate number
keypad.
(SPACE)
Hitting the SPACE bar will update the Signal Strength
meter which displays relative signal strength. If you AGC set
on SLOW, this might need to be tapped a second or two after
changing frequencies. Actually, hitting any other none-
command key will update the signal-strength meter.
THE STATION DIRECTORY
After selecting 'Y' form the Main Menu, the first page of
the Station Directory will appear. The Station Directory
provides up to 480 frequencies at your disposal for uploading
to the VFO or for programming of any or all of the
transceiver's 10 memories. Any entry in the directory can be
tagged for scanning or uploaded to memory or can be locked
out for bypass the same way a police scanner operates. This
way you can limit scanning to the particular frequencies of
-- 6 --
interest.
Adding and editing entries is a breeze, as compared to
older versions of CAT757. Scan delay and step rate are also
fully adjustable from the Station Directory as well as the
"+" and "-" fine tune keys being functional during this
display making small adjustments of the VFO frequency a
simple task.
Printing of the Station Directory entries to a line
printer is also supported, with printout of up to 120 entries
per page.
The commands available on the Station Directory in detail:
F1 Help
Displays the Help Window
PageUp/PageDown/End/Home
These keys allow you to move back and forth, to the
beginning or to the last full page of the Station Directory.
Selecting Entries
To select an entry to be uploaded to the transceiver's VFO
type in the entry number and hit <ENTER>. No other menu
selection is required.
Tagging Entries
Entries are tagged for scanning/upload by selecting the
entry number, followed by a "T" for tagging or a "L" for
lockout and hitting <ENTER>. A check-mark will appear near
the tagged entries or a small block near the locked out
entries.
EXAMPLE:
22T <ENTER>
Will tag entry # 22.
22 <ENTER>
Will load entry # 22 into the active VFO.
To untag/unlock entries, type the entry followed by a "U"
and <ENTER>. This will either untag or unlock any previously
tagged or locked out entries. The check-mark and/or graphics
block will then disappear.
-- 7 --
ESC
Exit back to the Main Status Display.
(A)dd
Hitting ADD will advance you to the first empty Directory
Entry and the cursor will be placed on the Name field. Type
the name of the entry followed by <ENTER>. The cursor will
be advanced to the Frequency field. Type a valid frequency
(in Khz) and hit <ENTER>. Invalid frequencies will be
rejected. The cursor will advance to the Mode field. Type a
valid mode (USB, AM etc.) and hit <ENTER>. Invalid modes will
be rejected.
The cursor will advance to the next empty Directory
listing. The ADD function has a DITTO mode in which hitting
<ENTER> on any one of the three fields will bring up the
entry of the field on the PREVIOUS directory entry. If you
need to enter a group of entries with the same Name and Mode
the DITTO will save you a bit of unnecessary typing.
Continue until you've entered all the listings you desire.
To terminate the ADD function type DONE in the name field on
the last entry and the ADD mode will be terminated.
All entries are now in memory and will be saved when you
exit back to the Main Status Display. Matter of fact, any
changes made to the Station Directory will ONLY be saved
if you exit back to the Main Status Display or if you select
another Directory file for loading. MAKE SURE that if you are
running the program from a floppy, that disk IS NOT write
protected. Powering down the computer WITHOUT exiting back to
the Main Status Display will cause loss of all updates, so
make sure to exit the Directory.
(B)lock Load
This allows upload of any 10 tagged or continuous
Directory entries to the transceiver's memories. Make sure
not to tag or select more than 10 entries or the input will
be rejected. Locked-Out entries are ignored in TAGGED mode
but are included when a continuous block is uploaded.
(C)lear
This selection allows you to globally clear all tags and
lockouts.
(D)elay
This allows adjustment of the scan delay (entered in
seconds) from a minimum of .5 seconds to HOURS (if you want
to calculate the seconds).
-- 8 --
(E)dit
This allows editing of the Directory entries. You will be
prompted for the entry to edit and the cursor will be placed
on that Directory entry Name field. If you don't want to
change anything in a particular field, hit <ENTER> and the
previous entry will be retained. Continue on for the
Frequency and Mode fields and you will automatically exit the
Edit mode. Typing ERASE in the name field will erase that
complete entry and exit the edit mode. Empty directory
listings will be purged from the file when it is saved to
disk.
(L)oad Memory
You will be prompted for the selection to upload and the
transceiver's memory number to be loaded.
Li(M)it Scan
This will allow you to scan between two VFO frequencies.
You will be prompted for the Beginning and Ending
frequencies, again, invalid frequencies are rejected. Make
sure to set the desired SCAN DELAY, STEP RATE and SINGLE STEP
or CONT. scan before selecting LIMIT SCAN.
The VFO will scan at the rate and delay you selected. If
in the CONT. scan mode, the SPACE bar pauses the scan.
Hitting SPACE a second time resumes the scan. If in the
SINGLE STEP mode, pressing the SPACE bar advances the VFO
only. Hitting <ESC> exits the LIMIT SCAN mode.
(N)ew Directory
Clears out the present Station Directory, first saving any
changes made to disk, then prompting you for a filename to
create a new file. Type in a name up to 8 characters (NO
EXTENSION). A filename extension of ".DIR" is automatically
added.
SteP (R)ate
This allows you to specify a new step rate. A minimum of
.01 Khz on up. Use something realistic. Setting a step rate
of 100 Mhz probably will cause the program to crash. Common
step rates are:
1.0 initial setting for SSB, CW, Packet, RTTY etc.
.01 for fine tuning SSB, CW, Packet RTTY etc.
5.0 for AM broadcast (start with a frequency ending in 0;
IE 9650.00)
-- 9 --
(S)can
Starts the SCAN mode. As in the LIMIT SCAN. set the STEP
RATE and SCAN DELAY and CONT/SINGLE STEP functions first.
When entering the SCAN MODE you will be prompted if you want
to scan just TAGGED selections. If you type "Y" the scan
starts in the TAGGED mode. A minimum of two (2) Directory
entries are required for TAGGED scan. If "N" is answered to
the prompt then you will be prompted for the beginning and
ending selections to scan. When the scan process begins the
SPACE pauses the scan as explained in the LIMIT SCAN above.
Any Locked Out entries will be skipped. ESC terminates the
SCAN FUNCTION.
Prin(T)
Allows printing of the Station Directory to a line printer,
120 entries per page. Make sure the printer is ON-LINE.
(X)change Directory
This allows you to load an alternate Station Directory.
You will be shown a disk directory of all files with the
extension of ".DIR". Type the filename (no extension needed)
and the alternate file will be loaded. Any previous Directory
updates will automatically be saved to disk.
"/" Slash
The slash key toggles the CONTINUOUS and SINGLE STEP modes
of scanning.
"+" "-" Fine Tune
Allows adjustment of the VFO frequency by an amount
determined by the setting of STEP RATE. The "=" also
functions as the "+" key for those keyboards without a
separate number keypad.
TERMINAL PROGRAM OPERATION
If you have a second COM port selecting "T" from the Main
Status Display, selects the TERMINAL PROGRAM. A menu of
options appears at the top of the screen and a STATUS BAR is
at the bottom of the screen.
You now have control over your transceiver and a TU or
TNC.
The Commands available are:
-- 10 --
ESC
Exits the Terminal Mode and returns to the Main Status
Display.
F1 Clear Screen
Clears the screen.
F2 Disk Save
Toggles the Save-To-Disk mode. The first press of F2
prompts you for a file name. After that, all received text is
saved to disk and the word "Saving.." appears on the Status
Bar. The second press of F2 closes the disk file and
terminates disk saving.
F3 Change Frequency
Allows you to change the VFO frequency. Operates the same
as the CHANGE FREQUENCY on the Main Status Display.
F4 Change Mode
Toggles the transceiver though all six receive modes. Same
operation as on Main Status Display.
F5 Change Step Rate
Changes the step rate. Same operation as on Main Status
Display.
F6 / F7 VFO Up/Down
Works the same as the "+" & "-" keys on the Main Status
Display and the Station Directory.
Program Tips
The Station Directory Files are in standard delimited
ASCII format, as in the following example:
"Radio Moscow","7115","AM"
It is possible to edit or create them using an ASCII text
editor. Being in the delimited format, they can be easily
imported/exported to most popular filing programs. Keep each
file you create down to 480 entries. Files containing more
than 480 entries will only load to the 480th entry.
Directory files can be sorted using the DOS SORT command.
The following format should be used.
-- 11 --
SORT <source file >target file
This will sort the file by Name/Description first, then by
frequency and then by mode. The DOS file SORT.EXE will have
to be in the path or reside on disk when using a floppy
system.
You might want to organize the Directory Files into
similar type services. World Band stations in one, Ham Nets
in another, Government Frequencies etc. Also, what is handy
when storing AM shortwave stations is to store files by
operating time. You could, lets say, create a file of all
stations that are on the air from 2000 - 2100 UTC and give it
a filename of T20-21Z.DIR. This way, you would know all the
stations loaded into the program would be on the air during
that time frame.
In closing I would like to thank all the Hams who have
used this program and have provided their support and
suggestions on how to improve CAT757 in prior versions. I
have implemented as many as practical and attempted to keep
the program useful and easy to learn. As always all comments
are welcome.
NOW.. Explore the Airwaves and see what is being transmitted
from 150 Khz to 30 Mhz ....
ENJOY !!
-- 12 --