OS/2 Shareware BBS: OtherApp/OtherApp.zip/rados209.zip/RADIOCTL.HLP

OS/2 Help File | 1996-02-04 | 40KB | 1,133 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. About Radioctl ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Radioctl program is a Presentation Manager application for controlling
various radios using the RS232 port.

This program is being distributed as ShareWare. A donation of $25.00 U.S. funds
is requested for registration. Registrations should be sent to:

    Lydia Rosa
   P.O. Box 414
   Marlboro, N.Y.
   12542

The author (and the latest versions of RADIOCTL) can also be contacted on the
following Bulletin Board System:

  Rosa's Folly BBS
  [phone]
  300/1200/2400/9600/14400 baud

Thank you for your support.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Introduction to Radioctl ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The RADIO REMOTE CONTROL PROGRAM for OS/2 will allow you to control your
ICOM-R7000, KENWOOD R-5000, AOR8000, AOR2500 or AOR3000 radio from any computer
with a serial port running OS/2. With the standard interface adapters provided
by the manufactures of these radios, you can store and recall multiple radio
configurations. The program expands the capabilities of your radio to 10000
channels and  100 programmable scan or search banks. Using a special interface
circuit, you can scan, search, and log active channels. This circuit diagram is
provided free of charge to all registered users.

The program allows you to select various baud rates, COM ports, and other
parameters associated with individual radios. Up to 5 different radio
configurations can be defined for easy switching. A LOCAL mode is also provided
to run the program without the need for a radio connection.

Frequency information can be loaded or saved from a text file. An interface to
a DBASE type file is also provided for frequency to service lookup. Most setup
information is saved in a .INI file for ease in restarting the program.

Although it has not been tested, this program may work with other radio models
produced by the manufactures of the supported radios.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Radioctl overview ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

RADIOCTL provides the user with a flexible way of controlling a radio. It also
provides a uniform interface for different types of radios. This is a
high-level block diagram of the program:



  ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
  |search  |ΓöÇΓöÉ
  |banks   | Γöé
  ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ Γöé
             Γöé    ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
  ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇ>|   |  serial ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
  |memory  |<ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇ|VFO|ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇ>|radio|
  |channels|ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇ>|   |<ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇ|     |
  ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ      ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇ>|     |
      ^  ^              Γöé port  ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ
      Γöé  Γöé  ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ Γöé
      Γöé  ΓööΓöÇΓöÇ|channel #|ΓöÇΓöÿ
  ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ  ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ
  |scan  |
  |banks |
  ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ

Memory channels store information on frequency, modulation, squelch count,
duration, and other important parameters. The program provides for a maximum of
10000 memory channels. Information can be directly entered from the control
panel, loaded from a text file, loaded from the radio's memory, or transferred
from the program's VFO.

The VFO represents a single frequency and modulation. This setting can be sent
to the radio, or stored in a memory channel. The VFO can be set from the
control panel direct input, loaded from a memory channel, loaded from a search
bank, or set from the radio.

Scan banks provide the ability to group blocks of channels for scanning. Scan
banks allow the user to define  up to 100 different blocks of memory channels
for selection.

Search banks provide groups of frequencies to search. Up to 100 different
ranges of frequency, modulation and step value can be defined.

The Channel # provides selection of the memory channels. It can also be used to
address the memory channels of the current radio.

Radio control information is sent to and received from the radio by way of the
serial port. The program provides for selection of up to 5 different radios,
each with a unique set of operation characteristics. The program can also
provide simulation of a radio. The actual commands to the radio are defined by
a protocol setting. The program current supports protocols for KENWOOD, ICOM
AOR8000 and AOR3000 radios. A LOCAL protocol is also provided which does not
require a radio to be attached.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Program Requirements ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In order to run this program you will need an IBM compatible computer running
OS/2 2.1 or higher. A mouse is also required.   It is also recommended that the
COM driver included with OS/2 be replaced with the SIO driver by Ray Guinn.
This driver has proved to be more reliable than the default COM.SYS driver.
This driver package is available in shareware, and can be found on most
bulletin boards.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Interface ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If you are controlling the R7000, you will need either the ICOM CI-V interface
adapter, or the modified RS232 interface. If you wish to use the signal
detection feature of this program, you will need to use the modified interface.

For the R-5000, you will need the IC-10 option kit. A modification must be made
to the R-5000 if you wish to use the signal detection feature of this program.

The AOR3000 radio already has a RS232 interface. No modification is needed for
these radios, as signal detection is done in software. However, the
modification instructions include a change to the AOR3000 to allow 9600 baud
operation.

It is highly recommended that the modified interface be used for ICOM and
KENWOOD radios. Most of the features of this program make use of the detection
of an available signal (SQUELCH). These radios do NOT currently have squelch
detection as part of the standard interface. Although this program will work
fine without this signal detection, operations such as SCAN and SEARCH will
have no usability.

The interface circuit is a inexpensive, easy to build project. All the parts
are readily available at any electronic store. Estimated cost for each
interface is $15. Plans and instructions for these interfaces are provided to
you when you become a registered user.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Display Fields ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The control panel shows you the status of your radio, as well as the status of
the program. There are several status fields that provide visual indication of
both the program and the connected radio. Status fields are updated by the
program, and cannot be changed directly by user input.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. VFO Frequency ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This display shows the current frequency of the program. This frequency may or
may not reflect the VFO state of the attached radio. Any frequency information
sent to the radio is displayed in this field. The value of this field can be
changed by pressing the UP/DOWN mouse buttons, or the VFO SCROLL BAR to the
left of the frequency display. A frequency value can also be entered in the
entry field under the UP/DN buttons. If a value is entered, changed with UP/DN
buttons, or scrolled with the VFO SCROLL BAR, it is also sent to the radio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. VFO Modulation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is a combination display and selection box. It shows the current
modulation used by the program. This may or may not reflect the state of the
radio. A modulation can be set by pressing the drop-down control on the right
of the box, and double-clicking on the desired modulation. When selected, the
radio's modulation will be set.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. Channel Number ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This display shows the current channel number being used by the program.
Depending on the state of the COMPUTER/RADIO button , it will represent the
internal memory channels in the program, or the radio's memory channels. The
memory channel can be changed using the MEMORY SCROLL BAR to the left of the
memory display, the UP/DOWN mouse buttons, or entering a memory channel number
in the entry field under the display. When a memory channel number is changed,
and the COMPUTER/RADIO button is set to COMPUTER, the corresponding computer
memory channel information is set to the VFO, and to the radio. If the
COMPUTER/RADIO button is in the RADIO setting, the radio's memory channel is
changed.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.4. VFO Step Value ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This display shows the current step value that is used for Search mode. This
value will be added to or subtracted from the VFO frequency to obtain the next
VFO frequency. This value can be set using the UP/DOWN mouse buttons, or direct
entry in the field under the display. During a bank search, this field will be
loaded from the selected bank.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.5. Priority Indicator ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When the unit is SCANning, and the PRIORITY button is selected, a specific
channel is defined as the priority channel. When this channel is being scanned,
the Priority Indicator is lit. This is a red "P" situated next to the Channel #
display.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.6. Status Line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The status line displays messages from the program. This may be error messages,
or normal operation messages. The time and date are included with all messages
as an indication of when the error occurred.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.7. Spectrum Display ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The spectrum display shows a graph of frequency vs. signal strength. An active
channel will be shown as a red  line (if the graph is in the range of the
active frequency). Frequencies representing past activity will be displayed in
green.

In the lower left hand corner, the starting frequency will be displayed. The
lower right hand corner will display the end of the spectrum range. The range
and center frequency displayed are changed by moving the horizontal and
vertical scroll bars by the spectrum display. The horizontal scroll bar changes
the center frequency. The spectrum can display frequencies from 0 to 9999.9mhz.
The vertical scroll bar changes the resolution of the display. Resolution goes
from 100khz per pixel to 1khz per pixel in 1khz steps.

Tic marks are displayed for reference. Tic marks are displayed every 10 mhz
when the resolution is above 10khz/pixel. When the resolution is 10khz or
below, the tic marks are displayed every 1mhz.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Controls ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

There are various controls that affect the operation of the program and the
connected radio. There are numerous controls that can be updated by the user.
Push button controls are selected by moving the mouse cursor over the control
and clicking the left mouse button. Select controls are toggled on/off by the
same action. Entry fields require a ENTER or TAB key to complete the entry.
Some entry fields will only accept numeric input, while others will accept any
normal alpha-numeric input. There are several controls that also double as
status fields. These fields are updated by the program as needed.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. Up/Down Buttons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The VFO Step Value, VFO frequency, and Channel # displays can be changed by
clicking the left or right mouse button when the cursor is positioned over the
display. Each button will increment or decrement the digit directly under the
cursor. This allows quick changing of any of the information in the display.

Up/Down Buttons also affect the direction of SCAN or SEARCH mode. In SCAN mode,
the Channel # Up/Dn buttons will force increment or decrement of the channel
number. For SEARCH mode, the frequency Up/Down buttons will force increment or
decrement of the frequency.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. VFO SCROLL BAR ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The VFO frequency display  can be changed using the scroll bar next to the
display. The frequency can be incremented or decremented using this control.
The amount the frequency is incremented or decremented will be determined by
the value of the VFO STEP setting.

The scroll bar also affect the direction of SCAN or SEARCH mode.

 In SCAN  mode, use of the scroll bar  will force increment or decrement of the
channel number. For SEARCH mode, the scroll bar will force increment or
decrement of the frequency.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. MEMORY SCROLL BAR ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The MEMORY display  can be changed using the scroll bar next to the display.
The memory channel an be incremented or decremented using this control. The
increment/decrement value is always 1.

The scroll bar also affect the direction of SCAN or SEARCH mode.

 In SCAN  mode, use of the scroll bar  will force increment or decrement of the
channel number. For SEARCH mode, the scroll bar will force increment or
decrement of the frequency.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. Signal Meter ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The signal is a 12 step indicator corresponding to the signal strength being
detected. For ICOM and KENWOOD radios, the signal indicated will always be 9.
This is due to the fact that the signal detection is a binary (On or OFF) line,
with no way to read the actual strength. For the AOR3000 radio, the actual
strength detected by the radio will be displayed.

The signal meter is also a push-button control. For a LOCAL radio, clicking any
of the signal display buttons will turn on the signal at that strength. When
not running in LOCAL mode, the signal buttons can be used to define a minimum
squelch trigger. Clicking on a button will cause the program to ignore any
signal at or below that signal level. When the squelch minimum is active, the
signal limit level buttons are displayed in green.

Note:  Signal limit is not useful for the ICOM and KENWOOD radios, as these
radios do not have the ability to determine signal strength values.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.5. Signal OFF Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

For all radios, the OFF button will temporarily turn off the signal. If
scanning or searching, this SCANning or searching, this will cause the radio to
resume scan or search. the OFF button will also reset any signal limit. For
LOCAL operation, the OFF button will turn off the signal detection simulation.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.6. Signal Attenuator Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The AOR3000 and AOR8000 have a built in attenuator. This can be switched on to
reduce overload from a strong signal. Pressing this button will toggle the
current attenuator setting in the radio. When in SCAN mode, this button will be
set by the currently scanning memory channel's attenuator setting.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7. Manual Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selecting this button switches the program into MANUAL mode. In this mode, the
program will continuously monitor the signal strength from the radio. For the
ICOM, changes in the radio frequency or modulation will be logged in the VFO
displays. If the MEM SYNC switch is selected, The memory display channel will
be synchronized to the Channel # display.

Note:  The program will switch to manual mode if one of the following
conditions is met:

     The MANUAL button is pressed.

     SCAN mode detects no valid channels or banks.

     SEARCH mode detects no valid  banks


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.8. Scan Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selecting this button switches the program into SCAN mode. In this mode, the
program will scan through selected memory channels. Memory channels that are
flagged with the VALID field will be scanned. Channels with the VALID flag off
will be bypassed. For each Memory channel scanned, the frequency, modulation
and attenuation values are set in the program's VFO settings, and also in the
connected radio's VFO. If a signal is detected, scanning will stop, the signal
strength will be displayed in the Signal Meter, and information (duration,
squelch count, etc) will be logged in the current memory channel. The Memory
Channel display will change to the Memory Channel number that is being logged.
When the signal stops, or resume time has been reached, scanning will continue.

The following controls affect the way that SCAN mode works:

 Speed Control                      Controls the amount of time between
                                    channels waiting for a signal.

 Memory UP/DOWN mouse buttons       Changes direction of SCAN (increment or
                                    decrement).

 VFO SCROLL BARS                    Changes direction of SCAN (increment or
                                    decrement).

 MEMORY SCROLL BARS                 Changes direction of SCAN (increment or
                                    decrement).

 COMPUTER/RADIO button              Selects the radio's memory or computer's
                                    memory. If in COMPUTER mode, program's
                                    memory channel determines frequency,
                                    modulation and attenuation. In RADIO mode,
                                    the settings to the radio are made from the
                                    radio's memory channel.

 PRIORITY                           If selected, the program will check on the
                                    status of a selected priority channel after
                                    a set interval. If a signal is present on
                                    the priority channel, the scan will stop
                                    until that signal goes away.

                                    Note:  The RESUME counter is disabled when
                                    the priority channel is active. The
                                    scanning will continue ONLY when the signal
                                    disappears.

 Banks on                           Selects bank scan. If on, memory channel
                                    selection is determined by information in
                                    the BANK memory. Otherwise channels are
                                    scanned in numeric sequence.

 Resume                             If selected, scanning will resume on a
                                    signal detection after a preset amount of
                                    time.

 Ack                                If selected, the program will wait for
                                    acknowledgment from the radio that the
                                    settings were received before continuing to
                                    the next channel.

 Mem Sync                           If selected, the memory channel information
                                    display will change to the current channel
                                    number when a signal is detected.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.9. Search Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Selecting this button switches the program into SEARCH mode. In this mode, a
range of frequencies is searched for action. Up to 100 different ranges can be
programmed. Each range consists of a starting frequency, stopping frequency,
increment value and modulation. In addition, searching can start at the current
VFO frequency and be incremented or decremented by a set amount. For non-bank
processing, the program will normally increment the frequency. Pressing VFO
STEP UP/DOWN mouse buttons will change the search direction.

When a range is searched, the radio is set to the initial frequency and
modulation. If a signal is detected, the frequency and and modulation are
recorded in the next free log record, and the VALID flag is set for this
record. If this frequency is already recorded in the log, then COUNT, TIME and
SIGNAL values are updated. If the log entry has the VALID flag off, the signal
is ignored. If there are no more free channels (frequency = 0) then the message
"SEARCH FULL" is displayed, and the information is NOT saved.

The following controls affect the way that SEARCH mode works:

 Speed Control                      Controls the amount of time between
                                    frequencies waiting for a signal.

 VFO UP/DOWN mouse buttons          Changes direction of search (increment or
                                    decrement) when not in BANK search.

 VFO SCROLL BARS                    Changes direction of search (increment or
                                    decrement) when not in BANK search.

 MEMORY SCROLL BARS                 Changes direction of search (increment or
                                    decrement) when not in BANK search.

 Banks on                           Selects bank search. If on, frequency
                                    search range, increment and modulation is
                                    determined by information in the BANK
                                    memory.Otherwise search starts at the
                                    current VFO frequency and modulation
                                    settings, and increments (or decrements) by
                                    the value in the VFO step value.

 Resume                             If selected, searching will resume on a
                                    signal detection after a preset amount of
                                    time.

 Ack                                If selected, the program will wait for
                                    acknowledgment from the radio that the
                                    settings were received before continuing to
                                    the next channel.

 Mem Sync                           If selected, the memory channel information
                                    display will change to the current channel
                                    number when a signal is detected.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.10. Load All Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When pressed, all of the radio's memory channels are loaded into the computer's
memory channels. The load starts at the first channel in the radio (0 or 1) and
continues to the maximum channel. The maximum channel can be set on the PARMS
panel. The contents of computer memory channels are overwritten with the new
information. Any memory channel with a non-zero frequency is marked as valid.
The count, duration and strength fields are reset to 0. The service string is
also cleared. For a LOCAL radio, a set of random frequency and modulations is
set for each channel. The operation can be cancelled by pressing the Load All
button again, pressing the Manual button, or pressing the ESC key.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.11. Set All Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When pressed, the contents of the computer memory channels are stored into the
radio's memory channels. The set starts at the first channel in the radio (0 or
1) and continues to the maximum channel. The maximum channel can be set on the
PARMS panel. The contents of radio memory channels are overwritten with the new
information. For ICOM and KENWOOD radios, a zero frequency will cause the
memory channel to be cleared. For AOR3000 radios, zero frequency channels will
NOT be set. For LOCAL mode, each memory channel will be transferred to the VFO
in turn. The operation can be cancelled by pressing the Load All button again,
pressing the Manual button, or pressing the ESC key.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.12. Mem->VFO Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button will transfer the contents of the Memory Channel indicated by the
MEMORY # display, to the VFO. If the COMPUTER/RADIO button switch is in the
COMPUTER setting, the Computer's memory channel will be transferred. If the
RADIO setting is selected, the information will be transferred from the radio's
memory. For a LOCAL radio, the input will be a random frequency and modulation.
This operation is the same as a Load All for one channel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.13. VFO->mem Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button will transfer the contents of the VFO frequency and modulation to
the Memory Channel indicated by the MEMORY # display. If the COMPUTER/RADIO
button is in the COMPUTER setting, the Computer's memory channel will be
updated. Count, Strength, and Duration fields are reset. The Service string is
also cleared. If the RADIO setting is selected, the information will be
transferred to the radio's memory. For a LOCAL radio, no data is transferred.
This operation is the same as a Save All for one channel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.14. COMPUTER/RADIO Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

For various Scan modes and operations, the program needs to determine who's
memory is the source or destination of the operation. The COMPUTER/RADIO button
is a toggle button that will select the computer's memory or the radio's
memory. When in the COMPUTER setting, the program is using the internal Memory
Channels for the operation. If the RADIO position is selected, the operation
will affect the memory channels in the selected radio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.15. Mem Sync Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If selected, this switch keeps the channel number in sync with the memory
channel information display. In manual mode, changing either the channel number
or the memory channel display number will cause the other control to change
with it. In SCAN and SEARCH mode, the memory channel information display will
change whenever an active signal is detected on a given channel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.16. Priority Switch ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Priority scanning allows a selected channel to be tested for a signal once
every interval. The channel number to select as a Priority channel is entered
in the entry field next to the Priority switch. If the Priority switch is ON,
then the priority channel will be used. The priority checking interval can be
set using the PARMS panel. Priority only works during SCAN mode.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.17. Banks On ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When in SCAN or SEARCH mode, the program can make use of banks of scan or
search information. These banks allow the grouping of channels or frequencies
for the SCAN mode. The Banks On switch allows the scan mode to use the bank
associated with the SCAN mode. When selected, the indicator next to the switch
will display what bank number (00-99) is currently being used.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.18. Resume ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Resume switch will allow the SCAN or SEARCH to continue when a signal is
present. This is useful when a Scan or Search encounters a constant signal.
With Resume on, the signal is ignored after a set amount of time. This time
interval is set using the Parms panel. The indicator next to the Resume switch
shows approximately how many seconds are left until the SCAN/SEARCH resumes.

Note:  This is a global resume setting. This forces all channels to implement
the RESUME function. If this switch is off, the channel RESUME on the currently
selected memory channel controls the RESUME function.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.19. Ack ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Ack sets radio acknowledgement on. When a command is sent to the radio, the
program will normally wait for acknowledgement of that command to come from the
radio. In the event that the command is lost or garbled, the program will
resend the command. Ack forces the program to wait until this acknowledgement
is received before continuing to the next channel during SCAN or SEARCH mode.
If Ack is OFF, then the program will not wait for acknowledgment. This will
speed up some Scan/Search operations, but may cause incorrect data to be
exchanged between the radio and program.

Note:  If Ack is ON, the radio will retry a command up to three times if
acknowledgement is set on. After the third failure, the program will continue
to the next command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.20. Logging ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When this switch is selected, all actions are logged to a data file. This
includes mode changes and squelch breaks. A time stamp is also logged with each
event. This file is cumulative, and is not erased by this program. The name of
the logging file can be changed with the FILE menu selection.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.21. Radio Selection ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Up to five different radios can be defined to the program. These radios can
have different BAUD rates, Com ports, protocols, etc. Each radio is assigned a
name. You can change the name (and other parameters) for a given radio from the
Parms panel. Radio Selection is a drop-down selection field. Click on the right
button to display the radio list. Double click on a radio to select it. The
Baud and Com port used will be displayed next to the Radio Selection control.

Note:  When a new radio is selected, Manual mode is forced.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.22. Speed Control ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

For SCAN or SEARCH mode, the speed control determines the time between each
channel or frequency. When the control is all the way to the left, the time
between each setting is minimal. If the slider is moved to the right, the
program will delay for a certain time before changing the setting on the radio.
During this time, the program will monitor the radio for a signal. The SPEED
control allows you to reduce the SCAN or SEARCH speed to give the radio more
time to respond to a signal.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Memory Channels ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Program memory channels contain information for a specific radio setting. Each
channel contains information on Frequency, Modulation and attenuation to be
sent to (or received from) the radio. In addition, information on signal
strength, number of squelch breaks and the frequency assignment are also
displayed.

Each program channel displayed has several fields associated with it. Some of
these fields are entry fields that information can be entered. Other fields are
toggle switches that can be turned on and off.

Note:  entry field information is NOT accepted until ENTER is pressed, a TAB
key is pressed, a new entry field is selected with the mouse, or the channel
display is changed with the scroll bars.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.1. Memory Channel Number ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Memory channel number determines which memory channel is being displayed or
changed. The memory channel can be changed by direct entry in the channel
field, or using the scroll bars to the left of the channel number. The PgUp and
PgDn keys will also scroll the memory channel up and down. If entering the
channel number, keep in mind that the data will NOT be entered unless you press
ENTER or a TAB key.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.2. Channel Valid ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The VALID field determines whether or not SCAN SCAN and SEARCH will use the
frequency currently entered into that channel. For SCAN mode, the program will
not scan the memory channel if VLD is OFF. For the SEARCH operation, a
frequency entered in a memory record that has the VALID flag off will NOT cause
the search to stop and log.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.3. Channel Delay ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The DELAY  field is use during the SCAN and SEARCH operations. If delay is set
ON, scanning will continue DELAY seconds after the signal ends on that channel.
If delay is set OFF, then scanning will continue immediately after the signal
ends. The DELAY time value can be set on the PARMS panel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.4. Channel Attenuation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The ATTENUATION field selects the attenuator of the radio. This is a circuit
that reduces the signal strength so that high level signals do not overload the
radio. During a SCAN operation, this setting is set in the VFO Attenuator and
also in the radio (if supported). Then AOR-3000 and the AOR-8000 radios support
this feature. This option has no effect on KENWOOD and ICOM radios.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.5. Channel Resume ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The RESUME field selects the RESUME function for the selected memory channel.
The Resume switch will allow the SCAN or SEARCH to continue when a signal is
present. This is useful when a Scan or Search encounters a constant signal.
With Resume on, the signal is ignored after a set amount of time. This time
interval is set using the Parms panel. The indicator next to the global RESUME
switch shows approximately how many seconds are left until the SCAN/SEARCH
resumes.

Note:  This is switch only affects the selected channel. If the global RESUME
switch is set on, this setting of this switch is ignored.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.6. Channel Frequency ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The FREQUENCY field is used to record or set the current memory channel
frequency.  Frequency information is entered in Mhz.

Note:  INS and DEL keys do not work when editing the FREQUENCY field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.7. Channel Modulation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The MODE field represents the modulation being used for a specific frequency.
This field is a drop down selection box. To select a modulation, click on the
button to the right of the box. Double click on the desired modulation. Note
that not all modulations will be accepted by your particular radio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.8. Squelch Count ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This field displays the number of times a signal was detected on a specific
channel. This field cannot be edited. However, left-clicking on this field with
the mouse cursor will reset the field to 0.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.9. Signal Time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This field displays the average number of seconds that a signal was detected on
a specific channel. This field cannot be edited. However, left-clicking on this
field with the mouse cursor will reset the field to 0.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.10. Signal Strength ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The signal strength of the last recorded signal is reported here. This field
cannot be edited. However, left-clicking on this field with the mouse cursor
will reset the field to 0.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.11. Channel Service ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This field is used to record the service for a specific channel. This is a
scratch pad location to record information about a specific frequency. If the
squelch breaks on this channel during SCAN or SEARCH mode, the program will
attempt to lookup the service for the frequency entered. If the frequency is
found in the current frequency database, and the SERVICE field is blank, then
it will be filled in with the service found in the database.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.12. Time Stamp ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The time and date of the last recorded signal is reported here. This field
cannot be edited. However, left-clicking on this field with the mouse cursor
will reset the field to "NOT LOGGED".


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Scan Banks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Scan Bank entry  allows you to define banks of channels for scanning. RADIOCTL
allows you to assign any range of channels to various banks. Up to 100 banks
(0-99) can be assigned. Banks can overlap, and can be turned on or off
selectively. In order for SCAN mode to recognize banks, the Banks On button
must be active. The bank displayed has several fields associated with it.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.1. Scan Bank Channel ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is the first field on the display. It determines which scan bank  is being
displayed or changed. The range for this channel number is 0 to 99. The Channel
number can be changed by direct entry in the channel field, or using the scroll
bars to the left of the channel number. The shift-PgUp and shift-PgDn keys will
also scroll the memory channel up and down. If entering the channel number,
keep in mind that the data will NOT be entered unless you press ENTER or a TAB
key.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2. Scan Bank Valid ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The VALID field determines whether or not SCAN will use this bank. Scanning
banks without the VALID flag will be ignored at all times.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3. Scan Bank Start ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

START identifies the first channel to start scanning with for the given bank.
When this bank is active, START will be the first channel scanned  if the
channel's VALID flag is set. If the channel's VALID flag is NOT set, then the
first channel to be scanned will be the next sequential channel with a VALID
flag.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4. Scan Bank Stop ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

STOP identifies the last channel to scan when the bank is active. After this
channel is scanned, scanning will continue with the START channel of the next
VALID scan bank.

If the STOP channel is set lower than the START channel, the SCAN will
decrement channel numbers. If STOP is greater than START, channel numbers will
increment. If STOP and START are equal, the single channel number in START and
END will be scanned.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5. Scan Bank Service ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 This field is provided to enter comments about a given bank. It is not used or
modified by any program function.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Search Banks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The search bank panel allows you to define banks of channels for searching.
RADIOCTL allows you to assign any range of frequencies, along with a modulation
and step value for searching. Up to 100 search banks (0-99) can be defined. In
order for SEARCH mode to recognize banks, the Banks On button must be active.
The bank displayed has several fields associated with it.

When searching, the program will start with the first search channel marked as
valid, set the radio VFO to the frequency in the START field and the modulation
in the MODE field, and check for a signal. If no signal is detected, the
program will increment or decrement the frequency by the amount in the INC
field, and repeat the process. When the frequency in the STOP field is reached,
the program will select the next valid search bank and repeat the process. When
all valid search channels have been processed, the program returns to the first
search bank.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1. Search Bank Channel ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is the first field on the display. It determines which search bank  is
being displayed or changed. The range for this channel number is 0 to 99. The
Channel number can be changed by direct entry in the channel field, or using
the scroll bars to the left of the channel number. The alt-PgUp and alt-PgDn
keys will also scroll the memory channel up and down. If entering the channel
number, keep in mind that the data will NOT be accepted unless you press ENTER
or a TAB key.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2. Search Bank Valid ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The VALID field determines whether or not SEARCH will use this bank. Search
banks without the VALID flag will be ignored at all times.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.3. Search Start Frequency ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Start-Freq identifies the first frequency to set for the SEARCH.

Note:  The program does NOT check the range of this value. If it is outside the
range of the radio, the radio may  ignore the setting.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.4. Search Stop Frequency ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Stop-freq  identifies the last frequency to set for the SEARCH. The search bank
ends when the vfo frequency reaches the Stop-freq value. If the Stop-freq value
is less than the Start-freq value, the frequency is decremented. If the
Stop-freq value is greater than the Start-freq value, the frequency is
incremented. Please note that the program does NOT check the range of this
value. If it is outside the range of the radio, the radio may  ignore the
setting.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.5. Search Increment Frequency ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Inc-Freq determines the steps for the given search bank. The Inc-Freq value is
added to (or subtracted from) the VFO frequency for each step. If an Inc-Freq
value of 0 is entered, the SEARCH SEARCH will automatically reset the VLD flag
for that bank.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.6. Search Modulation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Mode field represents the modulation being used for the SEARCH range. The
radio will be set to this modulation at the beginning of the search range. This
field is a drop down selection box. To select a modulation, click on the button
to the right of the box. Double click on the desired modulation. Note that not
all modulations will be accepted by your particular radio.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.7. Search Service ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This field is provided to enter comments about a given bank. It is not used or
modified by any program function.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. File Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The File menu contains commands that you use to load and save the contents of
memory channels and banks to or from a file. The following commands can be
selected:

 Recall                             Loads a file into the computer memory.

 Save                               Saves the channel memories, scan banks and
                                    search banks to a file.

 New DBASE file                     Selects a new DBASE file for service
                                    lookup.

 Logging file                       Selects a file name for event logging.

 Exit                               Quits the program


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. File Recall ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You can load a file that exists on any drive or in any directory by using the
Recall command. To open a file, do the following:

     Select the File menu and choose the Recall command.

 A dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the current directory.
 You can select a file from the current directory, or change directory and
 select files from other directories.

 Warning: The program may fail if a non-ascii type of file is loaded.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.2. File Save ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You use the Save command to save changes you've made to your file. To save
changes to the current file, do the following:

     Select the File menu and choose the Save command.

 A dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the current directory.
 You can select a file from the current directory, or change directory and
 select files from other directories. You can also enter a new file for
 creating.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.3. File New DBASE ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The NEW DBASE FILE  operation allows you to change the DBASE file used for
service lookup. To change the current DBASE file, do the following:

     Select the File menu and choose the New DBASE option.

      A dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the current
      directory. You can select a file from the current directory, or change
      directory and select files from other directories.

      Warning: Unpredictable results may occur if a non-DBASE format file is
      chosen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.4. File Logging file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Logging file allows you to change the file used for event logging. This file is
used ONLY when event logging is selected with the Logging button. To change the
current logging file, do the following:

     Select the File menu and choose the Logging file option.

      A dialog box appears, showing you a list of files in the current
      directory. You can select a file from the current directory, or change
      directory and select files from other directories. You can also enter the
      name of a new file to be created.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.5. File Exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You quit the RADIOCTL program by using the Exit command. To quit the program,
do the following:

   1. Select the File menu and choose the Exit command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Database Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Database menu allows you to manipulate various aspects of the memory
channels. The following commands can be selected:

 Sort                               Sorts the frequency database by frequency.

 Service Search                     Updates all SERVICE fields in the memory
                                    database base on the current DBASE file.

 Clear                              Clear allows you to clear all memory
                                    channels, all service fields from all
                                    memory channels, or all count, time and
                                    signal logs from all memory channels.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1. Database Sort ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This function will sort the memory channel in ascending frequency order.

Sorting the memory channels by frequency provides a better stabilization time
for the radio. Since the VFO will not be changing over as large a frequency
range, signal detection can occur much faster, allowing faster scan rates.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.2. Database Service Search ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 The Service search will update all Service fields for any memory channel with
a non-zero frequency. The service information is obtained from the current
DBASE file.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.3. Database Clear ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 The Clear option allows you to clear all memory channels, all service fields
from all memory channels, or all count, time and signal logs from all memory
channels.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. Parms Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 Various parameters determine the operation of the program. For the most part,
these parameters are set once when you first install the program. There are two
types of parameter setting pages:

     Program operation parameters.

     Radio specific parameters.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1. Common Parms ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 The common operation parameters panel allows you to customize the program for
your specific tastes. The following parameters can be changed from this panel:

 Priority                      Sets the time (in seconds) between priority
                               checks. Only has effect when PRIORITY switch is
                               set in SCAN mode.

 Delay                         The number of seconds that the program will wait
                               on a channel after a signal disappears. This
                               value only has affect if the DELAY flag is set
                               on the current memory channel.

  Resume                       If RESUME is selected, this is the number of
                               seconds that SCAN or SEARCH will continue after
                               a signal is detected.

  Spectrum Background          This is the color of the SPECTRUM DISPLAY window
                               background. The default is BLACK. However, it
                               can be changed to suit personal preference.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.2. Radio Parms ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The program provides settings for up to five radios. Each radio can be setup
with different operation characteristics. For the most part, these parameters
are set once when you first install the program. However, you may need to
update these parameters if you connect different radios.

Except for Baud rate and Com port, the defaults for the particular radio types
should only be changed if a non-standard radio is being supported.

The following parameters can be changed from this panel:

 Radio Name               This is the name that you give the radio. There are
                          no restrictions on the name, other than is is limited
                          to 30 alpha-numeric characters. This name is used in
                          the Radio Selection control on the main panel.

 Radio Type               This field defines the type of radio (protocol).
                          There are currently five types of radios supported.
                          ICOM, KENWOOD, AOR3000, AOR8000, and LOCAL.

 TXADR                    ICOM radios require an address. For the R-7000, the
                          address is normally 8. If you connect a different
                          ICOM radio, or you have more than one ICOM radio
                          connected, you can change this address to match. This
                          parameter has no affect for other radio types.

 Max Channel               This field defines the maximum memory channel in the
                          radio. For the ICOM R-7000, and KENWOOD R-5000, this
                          would normally be 99. For the AOR3000 this value
                          should be 399. Changing this field allows the program
                          to support other radios with more (or less) memory.

 Origin                   Origin is the first memory channel. ICOM radios start
                          with memory channel 1. The AOR3000 and KENWOOD start
                          with memory channel 0.

 Max Frequency            This is the maximum frequency that the radio will
                          accept.

 Min Frequency            This is the minimum frequency that the radio will
                          accept.

 Baud Rate                The baud setting for this radio. Most radios can be
                          configured to accept baud rates from 1200 to 9600
                          baud. The default setting for ICOM and AOR3000 is
                          9600. For the KENWOOD, the default is 4800 baud.
                          Adjust this setting to match the baud rate that your
                          radio is set for.

 Com Port                 This is the com port that your radio is attached to.
                          The program allows you to select com 1 thru com 4 or
                          LOCAL. A LOCAL selection will bypass all serial port
                          output.

 Data Bits                 Most of the radios supported work with an 8 bit data
                          format. If you have a radio that requires 7 bits,
                          this can be changed.

 Stop Bits                Most of the radios supported use 2 stop bits. If
                          needed, you can change this to 1 stop bit.

 Flow Control              Flow Control provides the ability to stop and start
                          communications based on the ability of the radio and
                          computer to accept data. Flow control requires the
                          use of additional control lines (RTS/DTS). These
                          lines are used as signals to indicate to the radio
                          and the computer to start and stop sending
                          information. The ICOM interface that this program is
                          designed to work with does NOT provide for RTS/CTS
                          control lines (flow control). The KENWOOD and AOR3000
                          interfaces will use RTS/CTS flow control. It is
                          recommended that flow control be left on for these
                          radios, as they may not function correctly without
                          it.

 Software Signal Detect   AOR radios provide the ability to detect a signal
                          using normal serial port communications. This
                          eliminates the need for any modification to the
                          serial port to detect signal strength. However,
                          software detection is slower than the hardware
                          signal. For speed in detection, you may wish to add
                          the hardware detection (needed by ICOM and KENWOOD
                          radios) to the AOR. In this case, turn off this
                          button to enable the hardware detection. This button
                          is disabled for ICOM and KENWOOD type of radios.

 Send Delay               Some radios require a delay between each character
                          sent. If this value is set greater than 0, the
                          computer will pause for the number of milliseconds
                          entered between each character sent to the radio.
                          Although this delay is not needed on the currently
                          supported radios, this option is provided for future
                          support of other radios. The maximum value that the
                          program will allow for this value is 50. If a greater
                          value is set, it will be reduced when the PARMS panel
                          is exited. Be aware that setting this parameter will
                          slow down the SCAN and SEARCH rates of the program.

                          Note:  The delay time generated is approximate. This
                          is due to the unpredictability of the multi-tasking
                          dispatching environment. If this option is required,
                          some experimentation may be needed to determine the
                          correct value.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Special Keys ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 ENTER                              The ENTER key finalizes input to the
                                    program. For data entry fields, the
                                    information is stored into the computer's
                                    memory, and the cursor advances to the next
                                    field.

 ESC                                Pressing ESC terminates the current
                                    operation. It is equivalent to pressing the
                                    MANUAL button.

 Tab Keys                           The tab keys will move the cursor to the
                                    next field. A forward or reverse tab key
                                    will complete data entry of the current
                                    field.

 PgDn/PgUp                          These keys increment or decrement the
                                    current memory channel being displayed.

 ctl-PgDn/ctl-PgUp                  These keys increment or decrement the
                                    current scan bank channel being displayed.

 alt-PgDn/ctl-PgUp                  These keys increment or decrement the
                                    current search bank channel being
                                    displayed.