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C A T 9 8 0 COMPUTER CONTROL
(Writen in Turbo Pascal V4)
For The YAESU(tm) FT980
Ver 1.8
Art Harding K5YEF
P.O. Box 861719
Plano, Texas 75074
CompuServe ID 72770,2653
Copyright August 1988 - Share Ware Registration $20
May Be Freely Distributed - No Fee May Be Charged For Distribution
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PLACE THESE UNMODIFIED FILES
ON YOUR FAVORITE BBS
========**=======
The author of this program believes that the designers of
the FT-980 HF radio were well ahead of their time in thinking
Computer-Aided-Transceiver control. Indeed they incorporated
features which today's 'new' radios, also boasting CAT control,
actually lack. This is probably because the amateur community
didn't respond immediately to the challenge. When the radio hit
the market the next ARRL handbook hinted at the future
possibilities. Yet where was the software?
There are CAT programs but they seem to be toys, more for
demonstrations, leaving the real promises left unfulfilled. It
is hoped that CAT980 is a step away from the demo and in the
right direction, a direction toward flexible operation. Just
what can be done with this program is left to the imagination of
the amateur/SWL user. Just what can be done in future versions
will also be a product of this group.
The author hopes these users will share their ASCII menus,
memory files, tips and operating ideas with the rest of us. The
real possibilities still lie ahead.
FILES ON THIS DISK
==================
1. Your CAT980 disk contains the following files:
A. CAT980.EXE This is a stand-alone program.
B. CAT980.CFG This is a configuration file you can rewrite.
C. *.MNU These are menu files - you can create more!
D. *.MEM These are memory load files - you create too!
E. CAT980.DOC This is what you read when all else fails.
F. README.TXT The latest info.
2. This Manual Contains:
Set Up * Description * Commands * Scanning
* Menus * Memory Loads * Operation
Appendix A: How To Write a Configuration File
Appendix B: How To Write A Memory Load File
Appendix C: How To Write Your Own Menus
Appendix D: Hardware Interface (includes a schematic)
It would be a good idea to put all the supplied files (not
necessarily this .doc file) into a a sub directory called \CAT980 if
you run from a hard disk. Running from a floppy is FB too.
FIRST THE HARDWARE
===================
You can use a Yaesu(tm) commercial interface, such as the FIF-
232C, or you can build the circuit described in this package (Appendix
D) for about the price of a good steak dinner - and not much longer in
time to build as to cook 'n consume.
If you do have any interface problems then send me a SASE and
explain the problem. Don't worry about not being a registered user; I
wouldn't register either until I had it running and planned to use it!
Besides, hamming is more important than money (not an XYL quote).
*YOU MUST CONNECT A H\W INTERFACE BETWEEN YOUR IBM/COMPATIBLE
*AND THE FT980!*
If you don't have a Yaesu interface or are a builder at heart,
you should like the simple circuit in Appendix D. It has excellent
isolation and the parts can be acquired almost anywhere including
Radio Shack(tm). Four op amps in one chip do the job with op amps
left over. (You may even want to develop your own circuit.) For a
power supply, two 9v. batteries work nicely. Battery drain is low
enough that it may be left connected for 9 days without going down -
but it would be a good idea to include an on/off switch or power from
a permanent supply. The author built this circuit on a Radio Shack
breadboard.
GETTING STARTED
===============
If there is going to be any trouble at all it will probably be in
the H/W. If you are using the commercial interface then you're way
ahead of the game; even the cables are ready to go. It should be a
piece of cake.
If you're a mama-please-I'll-do-it-myself, like the author, then
be careful about the pin outs for both the computer and the radio.
Once you get it running it will be a snap from there on.
We'll assume at this point you are interfaced.
BUT STOP! Do You Really Want To Use COM 1?
The default port for CAT980 is COM 1. But many people have a
mouse, packet modems, etc., hanging on this port. CAT980 let's you
use any of 4 ports - but you must tell the program which one you want
to use. You can do this by adding the statement COMM=2 (or 3 or 4) to
the supplied file CAT980.CFG to the port you want to use. See
Appendix A for a discussion on this but for now you can ignore the
port assignment because there is another way.
Upon entry to CAT980 you may also hit a Control p <^p> and bring
up a port menu which will allow you to choose any port at that time -
provided the CAT980.CFG file does not contain a COMM=X statement!!
The supplied .cfg file on your disk does not. You might want to use
this feature while you're installing the interface; you can add the
port statement to the .cfg file when you're happy with a particular
configuration.
FROM THE BEGINNING
==================
OK, if the hardware is in place then let's bring up the program.
From the proper directory and the DOS prompt type:
cat980 <CR>
EXIT?
----
Before you get into this here's how you get out: Hit <Alt X> and
follow the exit menu instructions.
CAT980 UP AND RUNNING
=====================
The first thing you will see is the header with the copyright
share ware info. Press any key to move on.
The next thing to happen is a message stating that the .cfg file
is being read(or that it's not present, it really doesn't have to be).
That's the file above with the port info and some other customized
installation info. There's more to that file like zulu time shift and
a way to show your time zone in english - but we'll get to that
latter. For now let's continue.
The only thing that will abort the program at this point is a bum
port statement in the file - like, COMM=5.
PROOF OF THE PUDDING
====================
After the screen tells you it is done reading the .cfg file it will
ask you to hit any key.
IF YOU DON'T GET A H/W ERROR MESSAGE NOW YOUR INTERFACE IS A.O.K!
One of two things is about to happen. One - the program will
continue and you can congratulate yourself on a proper hardware
installation. Two - a hardware error message will appear and the
program will automatically abort. Don't be discouraged if this
happens; the original system development had both software and
hardware unknowns to contend with. Go back over the lash up. If you
have an RS 232 tester you should be able to see CAT980 trying to
communicate with the radio. Pin connections, mixed or wrong, are
usually the culprits.
If you really get into what seems an unsolvable interface problem
then drop me a line on CompuServe(ID 72770,2653) or in the mail(sase)
- but please document your problem thoroughly.
ON WITH IT
==========
Once you get past the interface installation the program will go
into its next phase. It will load a .mem file into the FT-980 and you
can see this happening on the screen. It will load a .mem only if the
.cfg file tells it to (the one on the disk tells it to load
example1.mem) - again, more about that later.
You will see a presentation of the FT-980 16 memories (yes, 16,
not 12 as shown on the front panel). You will see Channel 1, 8, 12
and 16 being loaded by example1.mem file on your disk. You will be
able to write numerous such files which will load all or any
combination of the 16 memories.
*DON'T WORRY. YOUR ORIGINAL STORAGE IN CHANNEL 1, 8, & 12*
*WILL BE RESTORED WHEN YOU EXIT CAT980!*
Next you will see a message indicating that storage frequency
slots are being loaded. These are 300 special memories inside CAT980
that you can also write your own files for. Wait until you are asked
to hit any key and please do so.
THE WORKING SCREEN DISPLAYS
===========================
The operating status is always on the screen in the status
display boxes on the bottom of the screen, just above the "COMMAND >"
line. On the far left is the OP FREQ box, the same digital display as
on the radio. Both the megahertz and kilohertz digits are marked for
an easy read.
The next box is the status display box which displays the Vfo,
HAM or GEN; MEM, if in memory mode along with the selected channel. A
two-note musical symbol before the channel number indicates that the
memory is unlocked (as SHIFT/LBD button on the radio) or, if absent,
that the radio is locked to the memory channel, the normal state.
In the same box on the bottom line is the Mode - LSB, USB, CWW,
CWN, AMW, AMN, FSK or FM. If in FSK the shift, 170, 425 or 850 hz is
shown.
Also in the same box is the clarifier or RIT indicator. This top
line only comes alive if the RIT is activated. It indicates RX, TX or
RX/TX configurations and displays + or - shift in hz from the OP FREQ.
If there is no shift no number is shown. If RIT is off no display
clarifier info is shown.
The next display box is the Time Box. It shows the day and date
for local time plus a local time zone descriptor you supply in the
config file (see Appendix A). Below the local time is UTC (zulu)
which is displayed as a shift from local time. This is also set up in
the config file by you for your QTH.
The last display box shows an indication of the PC/FT980
interface. A blinking X means no communication between these two. It
will be replaced by head-to-head arrows after CAT980 captures the
radio. This box also displays the port in use (COM 1 thru 4) after
the radio is captured.
Just above the box will appear an indication if you raise the RTS
or DTR lines. Nothing will show if the lines are in their default low
state. (See TAB and ShftTAB).
Above the status boxes you will see an analog presentation of the
FT-980 dial. Each ham band has its own dial and the GEN VFO has its
own individual display also. The dial shown will be whatever the
radio was tuned to before it was captured.
TRY IT OUT
==========
OK, let's try some frequency commands below:
Right Arrow Down 10 hz
Left Arrow Up 10 hz
Up Arrow Up 100 hz
Dn Arrow Dn 100 hz
PageUp Up 1 Khz
PageDown Dn 1 Khz
Ctrl Lft Arrow Up 5 KHz
Ctrl Rgt Arrow Dn 5 KHz
Home/End Moves frequency from one end of the band to the
other. On the GEN VFO this is from 29.999.990 Mhz to 150 Khz! On the
ham bands it goes from one legal end to the other. It will also honor
limits set by the Tab feature.
*IT DIDN'T WORK?*
*YOU CAN'T PICK UP SIX METERS ON THE FT-980!*
Remember, the radio has built in limitations. If you captured
the FT-980 while it was in memory mode than you can't change the
frequency from the keyboard any more than you can from the front
panel. You have to unlock the memory (SHIFT/LDB button on the FT-980)
- you do this with the <Delete> key. Try it and then run thru the
above keys.
You may even want to exit the program <AltX><CR> and set the
radio to VFO and GEN from the front panel - then reenter CAT980 and
try again. (Just for now; just till you get used to it.)
*STAY AWAY FROM THE FT-980 CONTROLS?*
*JUST SOME OF 'EM!*
By the way, if habit has you reaching over and pushing buttons on
the FT980 after it's captured, nothing may happen. BUT - when you
exit CAT980 all those buttons you pushed will then take effect. The
knobs you can twist are those that are not allowed to be controlled by
the radio's PROM. You'll learn what you can and cannot do quickly. In
general:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
|YOU HAVE CONTROL OF ALL KNOBS AND | CAT980 HAS CONTROL OF ALL |
|BUTTONS('LOCK' excepted) TO THE | KNOBS ('FWD SET'/'ATT' |
|LEFT OF THE MAIN TUNING DIAL | excepted) AND BUTTONS TO |
| | THE RIGHT OF THE MAIN |
| | TUNING DIAL. |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*CAT980 HAS CONTROL OF THE MAIN TUNING DIAL*
Let's go to the main menu and check some of the features. Hit
<F1>. This is the main menu and shows most of the features and many
of the commands. The frequency commands we played with above are
shown here plus a whole lot more. Do a <PgDn> to read more of the
menu. <ESC> will take you back to the command line.
THE CAT980 COMMAND SET
======================
The following is a list of the CAT980 major command set and an
explanation of their effect:
ESC "Abort and Ooooops"
The <ESC> key can be your friend. It will often abort a
procedure that was begun. Use it when in doubt until it does nothing
else but produce an error msg.
F1 "CAT980 Help File"
You will reach a proficiency level where you won't need this
display, but it's always there if you do.
F2 "Key In A Frequency"
This allows you to key in a frequency with numbers from the
keyboard. If you hit an <ESC> at any time the procedure will abort
and the original frequency that was initially displayed will return.
Hit a <CR> anytime the display is showing what you want - regardless
of where the cursor is - and that's the frequency you get. You can
use the right/left arrow keys to move about and even the <Home><End>
keys will take you to each limit. But keep in mind that if you try
something the radio just can't do, you'll get an error, i.e. keying in
8 Mhz from a ham band. The bands and dial display will switch however
if the frequency you key in is valid.
*ERROR - Beyond FT-980 Capability*
*THE RADIO CAN'T GO TO 6.99 MHZ IF IT'S ON 40 M. HAM VFO!*
F3 "Mode Options" LSB USB CWW CWN AMW AMN FSK FM
Pretty straight forward. You use the left/right arrow and the
<Home><End> keys to move from mode to mode. Note that the command is
instant and follows the arrow keys so that you can "hear" what you're
doing. (Remember, you can't change the mode in memory - or can you?
See ShftF9!) When you have the mode you want, hit a <CR>. Note also
that if you choose FSK another display appears and asks you for the
shift. Now you can go from 170, 425 to 850 hz without crawling behind
the rig!
Like many of the commands your can repeat the command key again
to abort, in this case <F3>, and it will return you to the command
line. Handy when you hit the wrong key.
F4 "HAM/GEN Toggle"
Another straight forward command. If you're in the VFO mode hit
F4 to change from GEN to HAM and vice versa. If the radio is in the
memory mode this key will, of course, give you an error. See F5.
F5 "VFO MR RXM RXV Options"
But if <F4> does give an error than here's how to get out of it.
(Choose VFO and then try <F4> again) With <F5> use the left/right
arrow keys again to move about (and <Home><End>) - to move thru the
FT-980 configurations - again they happen as you move. But notice how
the display really shows you what the deal is (unlike the radio!).
You can see the splits and what the Tx frequency will be before you
key up! A <CR> permanents your selection. Like the front panel
operation you must make sensible choices for split operation.
F6 "Clarifier (RIT) Options" OFF RX /TX
Use the arrow keys to move about and change the RIT through four
different operating possibilities. After you make your choice <CR>,
most of the frequency controls move the RIT frequency. RIT will also
be disabled automatically by some of the other commands - like a band
change from 80 to 40 meters.
F7 "Radio Memories Active Display"
This will activate the Memory display. The command line
relinquishes control and the applicable commands are displayed on the
left side of the display and now apply only to this display. That is
to say, all the arrow keys and <Home><End> keys will move you about
the memory display. If the radio is in memory mode upon entry then the
channels will become active as you move about. When you hit a <CR>
the memory channel the cursor is on becomes active. Note again that
while the front panel only has 12 memories, the radio actually offers
16.
*IF YOU HIT A <CR> THE SELECTED CHANNEL WILL BE ACTIVATED!*
*USE <ESC> TO LEAVE WITH NO CHANGES*
When you hit <F6> again (or <ESC>) the display of memories remain
but all command keys go back to their regular state to the command
line. This is the way to change the channel selection without
activating the memory channel selection itself.
Hit either <F7> or <ESC> again and the display disappears.
F8 "IF Filter Active Display"
This feature displays an approximate picture of the variable
band pass vs. the fixed filters in the FT-980. The command line
relinquishes control and a new command set to move the filter about is
shown in the display. This takes the guess work out of tuning by ear
- it actually compliments your hearing. Pertinent filter data is
calculated and displayed as well and the displayed graphics are
derived from the FT-980 PROM statusing stream.
Hit <F8> again (or <ESC>) and the filter display remains but all
command keys return to their regular state from the command line. To
see all the filters in this state hit an <F3> (provided the radio is
not in memory mode) and 'walk' through the various modes. The filter
display will change accordingly.
<F8> or <ESC> will remove the display.
F9 "SCANNER Options"
This feature can put some imagination back into operating. There
are three different scan modes - each accessible through <F9> or
individual control keys from the command line. From <F9> use the
up/down arrow and <Home><End> keys to select the desired scan mode. A
<CR> will activate your choice.
See "Scanning Operations" described latter in this paper
F10 "WWV 10 Mhz"
Here's a real help for precise operating. Just hit <F10> and
you've got WWV on 10 Mhz. Hit it again (or any key) and you go right
back to the operating frequency and mode prior to the WWV command. If
10 Mhz is not cooperating then hit <Shift F10> and you get WWV on 5
Mhz with the same instant return feature.
Shift F1 "Files"
This command allows you to load memory and menu files that you
have created. Be sure and load only files with extensions .mnu and
.mem - although CAT980 will permit other extensions to be recognized.
However to load a file not created for menu or memory loads will most
certainly have unpredictable results!
To realize the full advantage of this feature read Appendix B.
For now do a <ShftF1> and load the supplied 10 meter beacon frequency
memory file. Supply the prompt with 'beacon10.mem' without the ''
marks and hit a <CR>. There are some more .mem files on your disk you
may want to try.
*DEFAULT FOR <ShftF1> IS .MNU *
Do a <ShftF1> again and supply the name 'DEMO' without the ''
marks. This is where the real fun begins! Use up/down arrows to pick
a selection and instantly deploy the radio! Appendix C will show you
how to build your own!!
Shift F2 "Save Set Up"
This will store the present set up - frequency, mode etc., into a
special memory slot to be used with the <ShiftF3> key.
Shift F3 "Restore Set Up"
This toggles between the setup saved by <ShiftF2> and whatever
the configuration was when you hit <F2>. Let's say you a setup saved
by <ShiftF2> that was USB but you are presently monitoring a TTY
frequency in FSK down the band. You can toggle between the two setups
quickly - seeing if that USB station you are looking for is on the air
yet then dropping back to get some copy. You can also use it for a
quick USB/LSB switch if you set it up that way.
This feature is also handy in checking another station for
spurious emissions - allowing you to toggle between the unwanted
signal and the QSO frequency quickly for a report.
Shift F4 thru Shift F8 "IF Filter Control"
These commands allow the same control of the IF filters that you
can get from the active filter display <F8> - only no display is
active. The commands are:
Shift F4 : Shifts the filter up 100 hz.
Shift F5 : Shifts the filter down 100 hz.
Shift F6 : Moves the left skirt to the right.
Shift F7 : Moves the right skirt to the left.
Shift F8 : Centers the IF filters.
Shift F9 "Memory Channel to Operating Mode"
This command activates the selected memory channel in the FT-980
into the VFO mode - something the front panel would never let you do.
This is not the same thing as selecting a memory channel where you
will be 'stuck' with whatever mode and vfo that channel is locked to.
After a <ShftF9> you have control of the parameters as if they were
manually entered. Indeed, that's exactly what CAT980 has done for you
and at maximum speed. The memory channel activated can be chosen by
<F7>.
Shift F10 "WWV 5Mhz"
This is the same as <F10> only brings up WWV on 5 Mhz.
SCANNING OPERATIONS
===================
Enter the scanning operations with <F9> for a menu, or choose a
direct command listed below to directly enter a particular scanning
mode.
<^v> SCAN MARKED FREQUENCIES
----------------------------
This mode will scan the frequencies you have marked during
previous operation with a <^s> or loaded from a .mem file. There must
be at least 2 marked frequencies and can be as many as 300. (See
Appendix B.) You will be prompted for a 'hang time' - that time in
seconds, approximately, that the radio will remain on each frequency
before advancing the scan to the next loaded slot. This parameter may
be in tenths of a second up to 300 seconds. .3, 3 and 300 are all
valid entries. Three hundred seconds is 5 minutes and may seem a bit
excessive for most operating. On the other hand one may be scanning
fax frequencies and time is needed to present part of the picture on
the screen (using a program like AEA(tm) PKFAX.
Once the scan begins simply hit any key to stop it. Caution: The
scan won't stop until the present frequency stop has completed its
hang time. So if you do choose 300 you've got time to put on a pot of
coffee after you command a scan halt! On the other hand, if you have
a fast scan in progress and you don't hit a key fast enough and
overshoot the frequency of interest, use <BkSp> and <^BkSp> to back
down or go forward thru the frequencies. A <CR> will start the scan
again from the any slot or an <ESC> will exit the scan leaving the
last frequency as the operating frequency.
<^n> MEMORY SCAN OF THE FT-980 MEMORIES
---------------------------------------
You're first prompted for how many channels to scan from 2 to
16. A <CR> defaults to 2 channels. Next you're asked what the timing
should be - that period that the FT-980 remains on a channel. This is
the same as the example above with 5 minutes max. Time wise you're
limited by the 4800 baud rate of the FT-980 and your system speed.
We've heard it go fast enough between two broadcast stations that
music from one and speech from the other seemed to be on top of each
other!
The channels being scanned are those of the FT-980 memory bank.
Of course these must be selected first. You can do that from the
keyboard using the Insert key (write-to-memory) - or better yet, load
the whole bank quickly with a memory file (see ShftF1).
<^b> BAND SCAN
--------------
This mode is truly versatile. First the band limits default to
the ham band edges - if HAM vfo selected - OR you can set the limits
by setting the Tabs (<^l>,<^u>,<^t>). Once you have defined the edges
to scan you are prompted for the frequency differential, that
'distance' from one scan frequency to the next. The default is 10 Khz
or the last differential entered - but you can choose any difference
frequency from 10 hz (enter 0.001) to 500 Khz (enter 500). Pick a
reasonable number in relation to the band limits.
If CW is of interest one might choose 100 or 200 hz or perhaps 2
Khz for ssb. When a band edge is detected by CAT980 the frequency will
jump to the other edge and continue the scan. Once the scan begins
you can again stop it by hitting any key and use the back space or
control back space to retrace the previous frequencies or manually
move forward. Hitting a <CR> will resume the scan from any stop point
or an <ESC> will terminate the scan and leave the radio on the last
frequency.
Of course if tabs are used they must be set correctly; the FT-980
allows backward tabs with unpredictable results. See Tabs below.
MANUAL SCAN
This is not a scanning option as such but can be used most
effectively in some situations. Simply use the frequency move
commands, <+> and <-> keys, to 'walk' up or down a spectrum. Once you
have selected the amount, say 2 Khz, it is only necessary to manually
keep hitting the key to produce a scan type effect, but try not to
overload your computer buffer by holding down the key indefinitely
(each computer is different). Manual scan can be from 10 hz to 500
Khz increments with the <+><-> keys.
A manual scan can also be had with the <BkSp> and <^BkSp> keys
moving through the CAT980 loaded slots.
USER MENU'S - YOUR PERSONALITY
------------------------------
You can effectively 'program' CAT980 to suite your operating
needs. You can create an unlimited number of operating menus in plain
text ASCII editors and CAT980 will read them in, display them, and
deploy the radio to a given menu selection. If you haven't tried this
feature yet, do it now. Call in the W1AW.MNU supplied on your disk.
Do the following:
1. Hit <ShiftF1>.
2. Type 'w1aw' without the '' marks.
3. Use the up/down arrow keys to pick a selection.
4. Hit <CR> and the radio is there!
Your menu entries can call out frequency, mode, FSK shift, filter
width, filter shift - and even split frequency operation for such
operating as 10 meter FM repeaters. See Appendix C for details on how
to create your own menus.
USER MEMORY PROGRAMING
=======================
The FT-980 Sixteen Memories
----------------------------
You may also create an unlimited number of plain text ASCII files
(they must have the extension .mem) to load the FT-980 memories - any
or all 16 of them - when you first enter CAT980 or any time during
operation. There are 16 memories available even though the radio only
allows 12 from the front panel.
Try loading the example1.mem file from the keyboard.
1. Hit <ShiftF1>.
2. Type 'example1.mem' without the '' marks.
3. Hit <CR> and watch the action on the screen.
(Try the same with beacon10.mem)
Standard Memory (and not so standard) Operations
------------------------------------------------
<Del>
From the keyboard you can lock or unlock the memory function with
the <Del> key, the same result you get with the Shift/LDB button on
the FT-980 panel during non CAT operation. As with the radio this
toggle can only occur when the radio is in the memory mode.
<Ins>
If you are in the VFO mode you can store the present operating
parameters in the selected memory with the <Ins> key.
One thing the radio won't do but CAT980 will, is to bring any of
the 16 memory channels 'alive' as the VFO frequency. Hitting
<ShiftF9> will so activate the selected memory channel into the VFO
mode so the operator then has control of mode, etc.
The CAT980 Three Hundred Memories
---------------------------------
Three hundred available memories may seem excessive for most
operations, yet this flexibility offers the imaginative operator his
own horizons and a chance to implement some new ideas. For instance
the memories can be configured to allow a scan of a number of ham
bands to monitor for band openings. A user memory load file can be
created to scan the spectrum from 30 Mhz down, allowing the operator
to spot the approximate MUF vicinity. See Appendix C for a guide to
writing .mem files.
<^s>
There are a number of ways to program each and all of the 300
slots. During regular operation a <^s> from the keyboard will load a
slot and advance the storage pointer ready to load the next slot.
One use for this feature is to install a scan to check for SWR
across a desired band. It goes without saying that to do this with
the transmitter on at high power or when frequencies are active is not
the thing to do.
<^a><^d><^r><^f>
----------------
Besides pre written ASCII files a 'high speed' load can load up
to all three hundred slots automatically can be implemented from a
.mem file and is also available from the keyboard. Use the following
procedure:
1. Hit <^a>
2. Enter the frequency difference in hz of each slot up to 100
Khz.
3. Enter the number of slots desired up to the amount shown. The
first slot loaded will be the first slot available.
You can clear all slots with a <^d>, select any slot with a <^r>,
or activate a display showing all the slots and their frequencies with
a <^f>.
FREQUENCY CONTROL
==================
These commands will probably be some of your most used keys.
CAT980 has expanded the flexibility of the FT-980 to allow a number of
useful possibilities. Some of these commands have already been
mentioned but are all grouped together here:
Right Arrow Down 10 hz
Left Arrow Up 10 hz
Up Arrow Up 100 hz
Dn Arrow Dn 100 hz
PageUp Up 1 Khz
PageDown Dn 1 Khz
Ctrl Lft Arrow Up 5 KHz
Ctrl Rgt Arrow Dn 5 KHz
+ Move Up xxx KHz ( from 10 hz to 500 Khz)
- Move Down xxx KHz (initial default for +- is
10 Khz)
(+/- defined by operator from 10 hz<0.01> to 100 Khz<100>)
BackSpace If 2 to 300 slots are loaded, <BkSp> will restore
the next lower slot from the last one chosen.
Ctrl BackSpace The same except the next higher slot is chosen.
Ctrl Page Up This is the normal FT-980 band change command. Hit
<^PgUp> to advance to the next upper band.
Ctrl Page Dn <^PgDn> drops to the next lower band.
Ctrl Home Sets GEN=HAM (or HAM=GEN) VFO frequency equality.
This can be extremely useful in many situations.
If you are operating on 14.233, a <^Home> will set
the GEN VFO to the same frequency. This will also
work for a HAM=GEN match provided the GEN
frequency to be matched lies within a ham band.
Ctrl End This is an 'external' command. <^End>
toggles the OFFSET display on the FT-980 only. It
produces no screen action.
<Home><End> Top/Bottom band limits. These limits default to
the regular ham band edges, i.e. 7.3/7.0 for 40
meters, or they can be defined by the operator
using the Tab controls (^l, ^u, ^t). Home and End
keys will honor activated tab limits.
F2 Key in any frequency by the digits. You can use
the <Home><End> keys, arrow keys and the digit
keys to set up a frequency. Any time a <CR> is
entered the radio will be deployed to the
displayed frequency - provided it isn't outside
the radio's capability.
ShiftF3 This will toggle the operating frequency between
the present frequency and any frequency marked by
<ShiftF2>. If no frequency is entered than the
default is the frequency of entry when CAT980
first gained control or a major change such as a
Band Up command is issued.
^r This restores any frequency marked by a <^s> or
loaded with a 'high speed' load. Simply supply
the slot number when prompted. If the exact slot
number is not known use <^f> for a display of all
loaded slots.
^q This activates the FT-980 and CAT980 status
display. The info displayed is self explanatory.
^o This command toggles the continuous Tx monitor
control on and off. When on, CAT980 continually
interrogates the radio from the command line to
see if it has changed from its last state of
receive or transmit. This can be handy in VOX
operation when there is no way for the program to
know that the operator's voice has keyed the
radio. If you are using a lash up where the RTS
or DTR line is keying the radio then this feature
can be left in it's default OFF state.
A word of caution about enabling this feature:
because of the steady stream of data between the
computer and radio, the other commands become
slower acting. If a command key is held down to
slew a frequency change, the buffer in the
computer may fall behind the radio to the point
that control is lost! Depending on your operating
habit this may or may not be a problem.
Experiment. But if you don't need the feature
it's recommended that you leave it disabled.
It may be also be enabled by a line in the .cfg
file. See Appendix A.
TABS
=====
We're talking here about the FT-980 Tab functions not to be
confused with computer keyboard tabs. The FT-980 seems to accept
some unacceptable tab limits like the lower frequency being the
upper tab limit. When setting tabs use the same precautions
outlined in the radio manual. Common sense will keep CAT980 and
FT-980 happy. Below is an example procedure to set the tabs to
the 10 meter novice phone band:
1. Set lower tab.
<F2> Key in 28.300.000 as the operating frequency.
<^l> set lower tab.
2. Set upper tab.
<F2> Key in 28.500.000 as the operating frequency.
<^u> set upper tab.
3. Activate tabs.
<^t> This command toggles tabs on and off. When on, notice
that the <Home><End> keys now define the band limits as 28.3
to 28.5 Mhz.. Try a band scan <^b> with the tabs activated.
One last note on tabs. The radio itself stores two complete
sets, one for GEN and one for HAM operation. It's good practice to
have both pre set to sensible limits before operation is switched to
CAT980. Otherwise some strange conditions can occur such as the
frequency 00000000! Doing a <^q> will display the state of the
present tab settings.
EXTERNAL COMMANDS
=================
You may want to control some device from within CAT980,
especially a transmit function. Both RTS and DTR lines can be
controlled from the keyboard.
TAB Toggles the RTS line high and low.
ShftTAB Toggles the DTR line high and low.
CAT980 is unaware of your intentions so it is taking no chances.
If either of the commands above are initiated, CAT980 interrogates the
FT980 to see if there has been any changes. If you use the TAB key to
raise the RTS line and key the radio, your command line prompt will
change from the normal "COMMAND >" to a blinking "TX CMD >>"
indication.
INTRODUCTION TO APPENDICES
==========================
BEFORE YOU WRITE ANY FILES....
==============================
As you know some editors add a lot of control bytes that the
editor itself uses. Most editors have an ASCII save function to write a
file without these characters. If nothing else the EDLIN editor that
comes with DOS will create usable files for CAT980.
FORMATTING RULES
----------------
1. Statements may be upper, lower or mixed case unless noted.
2. Statements must appear and be spelled exactly:
freq=2810000 is valid, frequency=2810000 will be
ignored.
3. Statements must contain NO spaces:
channel=11 is a valid statement; channel= 11 is not
valid.
4. Statements should be the same line, separated by spaces,
unless noted.
Comments In The File
--------------------
Any text in the file that is not formatted as above will be
ignored and thus can be useful as comments. Keep in mind however that
CAT980 will examine these comments to see if there are indeed any valid
commands imbedded in them and, if there are, it will attempt to execute
them.
Load CHANNEL = 12 for cw net. (This will be ignored as a
comment.)
Load CHANNEL=12 for cw net. (This WILL load channel 12!)
Error Messages
--------------
CAT980 tries to catch specific errors if you miswrite a user
file. Watch for them!
HINTS ON WRITING FILES
-----------------------
The more comments and blank lines you have in any .mem or user
file you create, the longer it will take for CAT980 to 'read' it. A well
written, tight file will be loaded much quicker than one with a lot of
non-command text. Actually, in most cases, your comments won't visibly
slow down the loads unless they are unusually long. The supplied files
on your disk contain a number of comments - and worth reading too! See
the included BEACON10.MEM file as an example of a 'tight' file..
APPENDIX A
WRITING THE CAT980.CFG CONFIG FILE
==================================
First off, the one thing you do NOT want to do in this file is
include a COMM= statement unless you are absolutely sure which port you
are going to use. Leaving this statement out allows CAT980 to default
to COM1 and will let you use a <^p> to change the port from the keyboard
prior to capturing the radio.
If you have decided on a port, however, then by all means
include the statement in this file so CAT980 will always know
automatically which port to use. ONE of the following is allowed:
COMM=1
COMM=2
COMM=3
COMM=4
Lower case is OK but include no spaces and keep this statement
on a line by itself. Your supplied cat980.cfg file contains NO COMM=
statement, allowing the default for port 1 and the use of <^p> for set
up purposes.
*YOU MUST HAVE THE HARDWARE INSTALLED IN YOUR COMPUTER*
*TO USE THE ABOVE PORTS!*
THE SCREEN CLOCK
================
CAT980 derives its time and date from your system clock so it is
assumed you will have that set correctly on boot up or you have a
permanent system hardware clock installed.
Depending upon where in the world you are, you can include a
TIMEZONE= statement up to 5 printable ASCII characters. Some of the
most common are:
timezone=CST
timezone=CSDT
timezone=EST
timezone=X9IQK
No, that last one is not a misprint even though it is
meaningless. The point is whatever 5 characters you choose, that is
what will be shown in upper case in your clock box on the screen.
*IF YOU OMIT THE TIMEZONE= STATEMENT THE TIME BOX*
*WILL DISPLAY THE WORD 'LOCAL'*
Because hams often live on UTC the clock box displays both your
local time and UTC time. The date and day, however, are always local.
Since CAT980 doesn't know where you are operating from, you can use the
ZULUSHIFT= statement to set the UTC time. Some examples are:
STATEMENT or STATEMENT for QTH
------------- ------------- -----------
zulushift=+6 zulushift=-18 CST
zulushift=0 (omit) London
zulushift=-1 zulushift=+23 Germany
zulushift=-9 zulushift=+15 Japan
zulushift=-14 zulushift=+10 Hawaii
*CAT980 IS FRIENDLY TO 9V1'S IN SINGAPORE!*
If you live in a part of the world that is on the half hour in
respect to UTC the time box will still work for you. In Singapore only
one statement will work:
zulushift=-7.5 (you'll get an error if you try +16.5, it's too
long)
Any other half hour time zone can be set in the same manner.
*DEFAULT FOR CAT980 IS C.S.T.*
*IF YOUR QTH IS IN ZERO TIME ZONE THAN ONLY ONE TIME WILL BE*
*DISPLAYED IN THE TIME BOX*
LOAD A MEMORY FILE STATEMENT
============================
You will probably want to enter CAT980 with a particular
configuration of memories. CAT980 will load a .mem file on entry
provided you include the LOAD= statement. The file name must be a
standard DOS file name and the file must be located in the same
directory as the main program.
*ALL YOUR MEMORIES SET PREVIOUSLY BY THE FRONT PANEL WILL BE*
*AUTOMATICALLY RESTORED AFTER A SESSION*
To demonstrate this capability your supplied cat980.cfg file
includes the statement LOAD=EXAMPLE1.MEM.
CHECK FOR TRANSMIT
==================
One allowable statement the author isn't particularly fond of is
the
CHECKTX= statement. It's only allowable form is:
checktx=on
This tells CAT980 to continually interrogate the FT-980 from the
command prompt to see if it has changed from receive to transmit and the
other way around. Somehow the steady stream of data flowing between the
radio and the computer lacks a certain eloquence. The advantage is that
in operation like VOX, the screen would show a transmit condition when
the operator speaks and keys the radio. The disadvantage is it can slow
down the keyboard commands. If a key is held down by the operator, say
a manual sweep stepping 1 Khz up the band <Home>, then at some point the
commands outnumber the ability to respond and the interface could be
lost. It depends on your habits (do you hold down a key for long
periods?)and the speed of your computer.
However no difference in response should be noticed with
singular commands during normal CAT980 operation. If you want to use the
CheckTx= statement go ahead and experiment. It has been omitted in the
supplied configuration file.
*IF YOU DON'T INCLUDE THE CHECKTX= STATEMENT*
*YOU CAN STILL USE THE FEATURE FROM THE KEYBOARD WITH A ^O*
By the way, if you are keying the radio through the RTS or DTR
lines than you will get a screen indication of a transmit condition the
moment the line changes state. The author finds this more satisfactory
at this QTH and simply leaves the statement out of the config file.
APPENDIX B
Writing CAT980 Memory Files
===========================
You may write an 'unlimited' number of memory files to
compliment your operating preferences. These must be plain text ASCII
files and formatted as explained as previously explained and with
special difference shown below.
There are two main functions that are controlled by this user
file, (1. the loading of any one or all of the FT980 internal memories,
2( the loading of any one or all of CAT980 300 memory storage slots.
Loading The FT-980 Internal Memories
------------------------------------
Each or any of the radio memories can be loaded from this file
by the following format:
Channel=1 Freq=2810000 Mode=USB vfo=HAM
| | | |
| | | |
| | | - Can be HAM GEN
| | |
| | -Can be LSB USB CWW CWN AMW AMN FSK FM
| |
| -Must be 7 digits.
|
|
- One of the FT-980 memory channels. Must be 1 thru 16.
The key is the statement 'Channel=x'. Any parameters following
such a statement such as frequency, mode and vfo will pertain to that
channel number. When the next channel number statement is encountered
than all the info following will pertain to that channel, etc. You can
load them in any order you desire.
Allowable Range of Parameters:
Channel=1 Freq=2810000 Mode=USB vfo=HAM
| | | |
| | | |_HAM GEN
| | |
| | |_USB LSB CWN CWW FSK AMW AMN FM
| |
| |_0015000 to 2999990 (150 Khz to 29.999.990 Mhz)
| Freq MUST always be entered 7 digits long!!
|
|_1 to 16
FORMATTING .mem RULES
---------------------
1. The 'Channel=x' statement comes before any of the parameters
that
will apply to it. If no parameters are listed then the
present
configuration of the radio will be stored in that channel.
2. The freq= statement must always contain 7 digits or the
channel
may be loaded with an unpredictable result - or not at all.
3. Statements may be on consecutive lines or the same line.
HINTS ON WRITING .mem FILES
---------------------------
One 'trick' to use is to load some channel to capture the
configuration of the radio as it was when it was captured. This is done
by NOT supplying parameters after a channel statement. For instance if
the first statement in the .mem file is:
Channel=16
then channel 16 will be loaded with the default frequency, mode and vfo
that was in effect before CAT980 took control of the radio.
A memory file can be loaded in 2 ways. 1) using the <ShftF1>
key and supplying the name of a .mem file or 2) the .cfg file can
specify an automatic load of a particular file. (see Appendix A)
If CAT980 was in prior control and then exited with a <z>
leaving the FT-980 locked to the last configuration, a .mem file will
NOT be automatically read upon reentry to CAT980.
When CAT980 is exited by <AltX> then the FT-980 memories will
revert to the original parameters previously stored by the operator from
the front panel.
Here are two forms of valid load statements:
Channel=1 load channel 1
Freq=1400100 Mode=cwn vfo=ham
Channel=2 Freq=2810000 Mode=USB vfo=HAM
*IMPORTANT: ALL MEMORY FILES MUST HAVE THE EXTENSION .MEM !*
LOADING THE CAT980 300 MEMORY SLOTS
===================================
Another unique function of your memory file is to load special
memory slots in the program for recall or scanning purposes. To load an
individual slot use the following format:
SLOT=0350000
This is the only allowable slot statement, i.e. a frequency.
The number of the slot loaded, 1 to 300, will depend on the last slot
loaded either from a .mem file or the keyboard. Thus if the first five
slots were loaded from the keyboard with a <^s> then the statement above
will load slot 6 with 3.5 Mhz. The following would then load slots 7
thru 10:
SLOT=0360000
SLOT=0370000
SLOT=0380000
SLOT=2850000
To type up 300 such statements, say to do a spectrum scan, would
try the patients of the most experienced typist. So CAT980 allows a
general load of any string of statements up to 300 loads with a special
SLOTXX= statement formatted as:
SLOTXX=0100000/01000/202
| | |
| | - The number of slots to load. This must
| | be 3 digits. So 8 channels would
| | be 008.
| |
| |
| -The frequency DIFFERENCE between each slot.
| This must be 5 digits. Range can be
| from 10 hz (00001)
| to 999,990 hz (99999).
|
-The actual frequency (here, 1 Mhz) the 1st available
slot will occupy. This must be 7 digits.
Again, this statement will begin the load in the first available
unloaded slot. In the previous example 10 slots had already been loaded.
Therefor this SLOTXX statement will begin its load in slot 11 and will
continue to high speed load the next 202 slots, each slot being 10 Khz
higher than the last. If this statement were to load slots beyond the
FT-980 capability (29.999.990), or an attempt to load more than 300
slots - an appropriate error message will result.
The slash '/' characters in the statement are necessary
*A .MEM FILE CAN CONTAIN EITHER CHANNEL LOADS, SLOT LOADS OR BOTH*
FILTER CHARACTERISTICS
----------------------
You can command the FT-980 filter shift and width controls from
within a .mem file using the form:
ifwidth=xxx
ifshift=xxxx
See Appendix C for a detailed discussion on these two
statements. The same rules apply.
*IF YOU INCLUDE FILTER STATEMENTS MAKE THEM*
*THE LAST IN THE .MEM FILE*
Examine the ASCII file example1.mem supplied on your disk. This
file is automatically loaded by the supplied .cfg each time the radio is
captured by CAT980 - unless reentering after a <z> exit. In that case
all 300 memory slots are cleared but the FT-980 memories will still
retain the initial load. You can reload the 300 slots from the keyboard
<ShftF1> and resupplying the example1.mem file name.
Of course you can rewrite the config file to NOT load this file
or to load a .mem file of your creation. See Appendix A.
APPENDIX C
Writing the menus is probably one of the most satisfying and fun
things to do with CAT980. Everyone's interests are different and every
op has his own special operating preferences. You have complete control
of your menus and each menu selection has virtual complete control of
the radio at the stroke of a key. You can define modes, filter
characteristics, FSK shift, frequency and even call up split operation
for each and every entry on the menu.
You can develop special interest menus. Digital operation,
sideband, am, cw, fm (including 10m repeaters!) and unique shortwave
broadcast station listings.
*SHARE YOUR UNIQUE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM*
*BY SHARING YOUR MENUS WITH OTHER CAT980 USERS!*
Like all the CAT980 files you write, be sure and create it as an
ASCII file.
THE MENU TITLE
==============
You can supply an ASCII string up to 60 characters long which
will display at the top when you call in the menu from the program. Any
printable characters are allowed. Example:
TITLE= T H I S W I L L P R I N T A S A T I T L E
*IF YOU OMIT THE TITLE= STATEMENT THEN THE DEFAULT IS 'Menu'*
MENU ENTRIES
============
The First Line
--------------
Each entry consists of 2 lines beginning with an ASCII text line
that starts with two closed brackets with consecutive numbers. A menu
with 3 entries would look like:
[1] Write your menu description here. Entire line will display.
command statements for this selection - will NOT display.
[2] Write your menu description here.
command statements for this selection - will NOT display.
[3] Write your menu description here.
command statements for this selection - will NOT display.
The consecutive [1], [2] and [3] is very important as this is
how CAT980 understands your file. You can have 75 characters in this
line including the [xx] portion. You may have from [1] to [21] entries
for any one menu file. Use any upper/lower case characters but do NOT
use brackets, [], except at the beginning of the line for the selection
number. Keep your selections numbered and in order.
THE MENU COMMAND SET
====================
The Second Line
---------------
CAT980 will execute all valid commands that appear on the next
line immediately after the menu entry line. For example:
[1] 3.850111 Wheelin' & Dealin' Southwest Swap Net
MODE=LSB VFO=HAM FREQ=0385011
[2] 20 Meter Packet Mail Box
MODE=FSK VFO=HAM FSK=170 FREQ=1410700
[3] SPLIT 10 M FM
MODE=FM VFO=HAM FREQ=29660000 CHANNEL=16 CONTROL=RXM
*THERE IS NO THIRD LINE - KEEP ALL YOUR COMMANDS ON THE 2ND LINE*
*SEPARATED BY SPACES*
If [1] is selected than all the commands following the displayed
line will be executed on that line only. Note that the frequency listed
after [1] is NOT a command, just part of the displayed text - it could
just as well have been shown as '75 M'. It is the statement
freq=0385011 that commands the radio to the desired frequency.
Note also that only those commands needed are included.
Invariably this will require MODE, VFO and FREQ for all menu entries.
But more may be required for special listings. Selection [2] is for a
packet set up so an additional command to insure an FSK shift of 170 hz
is included.
Selection [3] is a bit more complex. First the radio is
commanded into an operating FM mode on a frequency of 29.66 Mhz. Then
the command follows to point to channel 16 in the FT-980 which was
loaded on entry with the 10 m. FM frequency of 29.6 Mhz (as it was by
the included file example1.mem) . Now comes a RXM control command
meaning that the radio will receive on memory (29.6) and transmit on the
ham vfo frequency of 29.66. It could have been the other way around if
the statement was CONTROL=RXV. In either case an FT-980 memory channel
has to contain one of the frequency set ups. This can be done from the
keyboard prior to calling up the menu - or better yet, automatically
with a .mem file as above.
*FOR SPLIT OPERATION AN FT-980 MEMORY CHANNEL MUST CONTAIN*
*ONE OF THE FREQUENCIES!
The most obvious use of such a menu selection as [3] are the 10
m. FM repeaters around the world. (The above example is NOT a standard
10 meter FM split.) A not so obvious use would be a station sending
packet yet listening to the other station on USB during a test. Etc.?
THE PARAMETERS AVAILABLE FOR A MENU SELECTION
=============================================
STATEMENT ALLOWABLE PARAMETERS
--------- --------------------
VFO= HAM GEN
MODE= LSB USB CWW CWN AMN AMW FSK FM
FREQ= 0000150 to 2999990 must be 7 digits
FSK= 170 425 850 (FSK hz shift)
CONTROL= VFO MEM RXM RXV
CHANNEL= 1 thru 16 (FT-980 memories)
IFWIDTH= -100 to +100 (+/- 100%) must be 3 digits
IFSHIFT= -1500 to +1500 (+/- 100 hz increments) must be 4 digits
Those last two? - yes, you can control the filter
characteristics with each menu selection! Here are some examples:
IFWidth=000 centers the filter width
IFShift=0000 centers the filter shift
IFShift=-300 shifts the filter 300 hz down
IFShift=-350 INVALID! Will yield error msg.
Must be multiples of 100. 0000,+0100,-0100 etc.
IFWidth=-30 moves left skirt in by approx. 30%
IFWidth=+40 moves right skirt in by approx. 40%
You will find statusing of the FT-980 from CAT980 to show a
slight discrepancy of the IF width from the entered menu values. The
Heisenberg uncertainty principal could be cited but you would be correct
in not believing that. It is due to the FT-980 hardware response to the
command. It is so close that it was not worth the code to make it exact.
You can believe your entries will yield the desired results.
*CAUTION!*
*IF YOU'RE CHANGING FILTER CHARACTERISTICS WITH A MENU SELECTION*
*THEN YOU SHOULD CENTER THE FILTERS WITH THE OTHER SELECTIONS!*
The values for these two parameters are probably best picked by
actual operation. Say you are in a 40 m. cw QSO with W1XXX and using
the filter display feature <F8> you find the best copy is with an IF
width of 38.58% and a positive shift of 200 hz. You and W1XXX decide to
set up a schedule so you want to add him/her to the menu. Your entry
might look like:
[4] W1XXX 40 M. Sked. Tuesday nites - 2000 local
freq=0703185 mode=cww vfo=ham ifshift=+200 ifwidth=+39
Everything worked fine business. But suppose after your chat
with W1XXX you decided to listen to the swap net listed above as entry
[1]. When you choose that entry it sounds funny(besides what is being
offered for trade). That's because the IF filters are still in the
configuration chosen by [4]!! Simply rewrite your menu entry [1] to
include the additional statements:
IFSHIFT=0000 IFWIDTH=000
*REMEMBER - YOU CAN ALWAYS CENTER ALL FILTERS FROM THE KEYBOARD*
*WITH <ShiftF8>*
If you're designing special interest menus like, say SWL
stations, that don't require special band passes, then you probably
won't need to keep recentering the filters. If you have a mixed
operating menu like we are designing here, then it's good practice to
center the filters on those entries that do not require special filter
characteristics.
*WORRIED ABOUT THE ORDER OF THE STATEMENTS? USE COMMON SENSE.*
*WRITE THE MENU SEQUENCE AS YOU WOULD PROGRAM FROM THE FRONT PANEL.*
CAT980 is structured to perform your statements in the correct
order demanded by the radio - even though you may put the commands out
of sequence. However, if it seems a particular entry isn't behaving go
back and sequence your command statements in the same order you would
perform them from the front panel to get your desired result.
By the way, there is often confusion and an actual difference
from where a receiver is tuned compared to a published frequency - like
RTTY center frequencies. You can have your 1st line displaying the
accepted published frequency - but your 2nd line can put the rig right
were it belongs!
DEMO MENU
=========
To get familiar with menu operation you might want to print the
included ASCII file DEMO.MNU. Then load it in <ShftF1> and try the
various selections as you examine the statements that produced them.
Some selections on the file are designed to give error messages so you
can get some experience in formatting. Comments in the file will help
you along.
*COOK UP SOME MENUS AND SHARE THEM WITH US!*
APPENDIX D
YAESU(tm) FT-980 TO IBM COMPUTER INTERFACE CIRCUIT by K5YEF
TO IBM/COMPATIBLE ----------------O +9v to +12v
| | | TO FT-980
| < |
232 CONNECTOR | <10 k 6 PIN DIN CONNECTOR
| | < |
| |
1<----o--------------------------------------------o---------->1
7<----| | | |
| | | |
| |/|2 100 k | |
4/+|-----/\/\----|------------------------->2
| / | | |
3.3 k 1 / | | | |
3<------/\/\-----/ U1A| | |
\ | | | |
| \ | | |\ | |
\ |3 | | \| | |
| \-|-----/\/\----o------| /|----o
\| 100 k |/ | | |
| 1N914 |
-----\/\/------- | |
| | 100 k | |
| |\ | | |
2<------/\/\--o--|-\ | |
100 k 6| \ | | /| | |
| | \ 7 | |/ | |
|U1B \------o----/\/\------|\ |----------o--->3
| / 47 | \| | |
| /11 1N914 | |
| /| | |
-----|+/ | | |
| 5|/ | | ------
| | | /\1N914
| | | / \
> | | ----
> 100 k | | |
> | | |
| O -9v to -12v | |
_|_ _|_ _|_
/// /// ///
- For use with CAT980 or any interface activity. Schematic in
public domain.
K5YEF/Art Harding/PO Box 861719/Plano, Tx. 75074/USA
WHAT'S ON THE WORKBENCH?
========================
* STAY RESIDENT
For digital enthusiasts, packet, amtor, RTTY, FAX, slow scan
and ? - the operation of CAT980 would be much enhanced if the program
would stay in memory to be activated at the stroke of a key. This
would allow the use of other communication packages to run
simultaneously with CAT980. At least that's the thrust right now.
* INTERACTIVE CAT980
This is another frontier of computer operation. The idea is
to use the available AGC line to be monitored by the program. The
interactive decisions the program could make are mind boggling.
Scanning decisions, automatic fine tuning, statistical fade analysis,
IF filter shaping, band opening alerts, selective frequency activity
alerts, SWR vs. F charts(how about a noise plot across the band for an
SWR indication?) - the list goes on.
And it's the list of ideas that this developer would like your
help with. You have ideas that have not occurred to me. What would
you like to see CAT980 do? Your ideas probably gel with other
operators and there's a good chance they will be incorporated in a new
version.
This is fun! The author learns something new about CAT980 every
day. So send in your ideas and be part of this development.
And consider sharing your menus and memory files with other
CAT980 users. Put 'em on CompuServe and other bulletin boards. Send
your disk to me and I'll share 'em with others. I suspect we will be a
small group but that's OK.
As a registered user you will get first crack at any future
versions. I don't know how many times this developer has registered
for share ware never to hear another word. That is not my intention;
register and you will be kept informed.
============================================================
| |
| CAT 980 REGISTRATION. $20.00 Continental USA |
| $25.00 Overseas |
| |
| NAME ____________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| |
| ADDRESS__________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| _________________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| CALL_______________________(if any, or put SWL) |
| |
| COMMENTS: |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| SEND TO: |
| |
| Art Harding K5YEF |
| P.O. BOX 861719 |
| PLANO, TX. 75074 U.S.A. |
| |
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