Kentrol is shareware. Please read and respect the terms of licence explained in the Registration section of this document.
Kentrol is a Windows 3 control program for Kenwood HF transceivers and the R5000 receiver, which has built-in logging and memory management capabilities. This version auto-detects the TS-440S, R5000, and TS-940S. Interfaces for other models are easily possible, and will be created on demand.
WHAT KENTROL DOES
The TUNING Window tunes both VFOs and selects memory channels using a scroll bar interface. You can tune any source at any time, independent of which you are listening to. The tuned source can be copied to any other. Bandspread of scroll bar can be full range, a single Megahertz, or a single ham or broadcast band. In a band, the SUB button automatically sets mode and tuning step according to frequency. Other pushbuttons allow you to jump up and down a band or megahertz at a time. Jumps when SUB is selected are to the next correct sub-band so, for example, it skips 30m in Phone mode. The AutoScroll feature moves the bar along through the range you have selected, at a selectable speed. Jump bands while autoscrolling.
Simultaneously, the ACTIVE CHANNELS Window displays the contents of your radio's memories so you can select any memory with a single click. Gives the TS-940S 40 consecutively numbered memories to replace the normal 4-bank system. Select any combination of 1 to 100 memory channels (1 to 40 on the TS-940S) and scan the group, at a selectable speed with a constantly updated display.
Automatically logs UTC date and time, frequency, mode and band, along with your text up to 50 char., to a pure ASCII log file. View and edit the log file.
Memory sets can be annotated (up to 50 char per memory), are fully editable and can be saved to files and loaded into the radio's memories as you wish. Multiple memory files can be opened simultaneously so you can copy and paste between them. Or copy from the log to a memory set. Sample memory files are included.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Any ibm-compatible pc with at least one serial port, running Windows 3.0. Basic functions are accessible from the keyboard, but some operations require a mouse. Display resolution should be vga or better, preferably svga.
Any Kenwood transceiver with a serial port, though the current version of Kentrol is fully usable only with the TS-440S, the TS-940S and the R-5000 receiver. Please note that these models require that you install two $4 ICs to enable the serial port.
A level translator to match the TTL-level serial port in the radio with the RS232C-level port in the computer. The Kenwood IF-232C is such a translator, but plans are readily available to build your own. If you build, you will need a cable to connect to the radio and even if you buy, you will need a serial cable to your computer.
If your translator and cables don't connect the CTS and DSR lines, you must use the Windows Control Panel to disable hardware flow control. An IF-232C with 8-conductor cable DOES connect them, which is preferable.
If running Norton Desktop for Windows, the launch list and task list should be disabled, or operation will be erratic.
GETTING STARTED WITH KENTROL
No installation is required, though you will probably want to add Kentrol to a Program Manager Group in the usual way. Just copy KENTROL.EXE, KENTROL.LOG and (optionally) the supplied *.KTM files to any directory in your DOS path, switch on your radio and IF-232C interface, then run Kentrol.
The first time it is run it will ask you to specify the correct comm port (1-4), ask you to specify the time zone offset from utc and give you the chance to rename the default memory file. Then it will read your radio's memories into that file; all before opening the main window. This takes a minute or two; subsequent start-ups are almost instant.
Most of the program documentation is in the Help system, so you have to be running Kentrol to read it. BROWSE THE HELP INDEX THE FIRST TIME YOU RUN KENTROL for all the details, but don't worry; the Tuning window which is in the foreground when the program starts is very easy to use. Open the sample file BRIANS.KTM to see how annotated memories look.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If Kentrol doesn't connect with the radio at start-up with everything connected and turned on; exit, switch the radio off and on, and try again.
If that doesn't work or if you get a UAE (Unrecoverable Application Error), exit Windows, re-boot or run a port-resetting utility and switch the radio off and on, then retry.
If Kentrol hangs at start-up, it is probably a serial port conflict in Windows. Although Windows 3.0 allows 4 serial ports, it only lets you USE 2 in a session. If you use COM1, then you CAN'T use COM3 and if you use COM4, you can't use COM2, and so on. To switch from the 1/2 set to the 3/4 set you have to exit Windows and either run a port-resetting utility or re-boot. Microsoft promises this stupidity will end with Windows 3.1.
If Kentrol gets out of synch with your radio while it's running, select RESET (on the Setup Menu).
If your radio beeps so much while running Kentrol that it's driving you mad, read NOBEEP.TXT, then turn it off.
VERSION HISTORY
Ver 1.00 -- first shareware release
Ver 1.01 -- keyboard interface introduced
Ver 1.10 -- support for TS-940S banked memories added
-- band logging introduced
MORE FEATURES COMING SOON...
Support for split operation of the 440 and 940, and variable bandwidth on the latter will follow shortly. The keyboard interface will be further extended. Importing data from database file formats and DDE links to, for example, Excel will come later. The Help will be extended, then converted to use the Windows hypertext Help system.
A printed manual is being prepared for registered users.
REGISTRATION
As pointed out at the top of this note, Kentrol is shareware. That means it is not public domain software, not free. Users are required to register and obtain a licence to use the software.
You are welcome, indeed encouraged, to try Kentrol out for a reasonable period of time to decide whether you like it. If you don't, I thank you for your interest and wish you well; if you could find the time to tell me why you don't find Kentrol useful, I would be extravagantly grateful.
If you do go on using Kentrol, you are legally and morally obliged to obtain a user licence. To do so, please send your name, address, callsign, diskette size and radio model, along with a cheque or money order for $35 (US funds) or $40 (Cdn.) to:
Brian Gilhuly,
490 Concord Avenue,
Toronto, ON,
M6H 2P8,
Canada
Registered users will receive a diskette copy of the latest version of Kentrol, customised with your callsign or name, a printed manual, and access to telephone support. New versions which correct bugs or are specific to your radio model will be free, and upgrades will be available at low cost.
Questions and bug reports are also welcome, to the above address or via Compuserve.
