All the menus are accessed by pressing Alt-Z, where Z is the first letter of the menu. For example, the "Modes" menu is pulled down by Alt-M.
Press F1 when any menu is selected for help. Further help may be obtained from a help menu by selecting a highlighted item. Further help is available from here on the following topics (TAB selects next topic): &
General Mouse Status Files
Modes Port GoTo Select Log Write
Functions Changing-Help -Commands Direct
Video
Modes Exit
Press ESC to put this help screen away.
CHANGING HELP
The file DDI.TXT contains all the help messages used in the DDI program. Some users may wish to add help information or to re-word the messages so that they are most helpful to them.
The DDI.TXT file may be updated. The NEWHELP program must then be run. The NEWHELP program will read DDI.TXT and generate a DDI.HLP file. The DDI.HLP file is used by the DDI program to display help messages. >
A file DDIHLP.PAS is also generated. This file is not used.
FILES
The DDI program (DDI.EXE) reads two files: DEFAULT.DDI and DDI.HLP. The first has the menu selections to be used on start up as last saved using ALT-W. The second file has the help messages displayed using F1.
The program will first look in the current directory for these files and if not found it will check the directory that the DDI.EXE file is in. t
The program will write the log file to the file DDI.LOG in the current directory unless another file is specified. D
The DDI.TXT file is only used if you want to change help messages.
KEYS
The dialog windows used in the DDI software are all controlled in a similar manor. The following are general rules for using these dialog windows:
Each window has a number of entry areas. The TAB key and SHIFT-TAB keys will move to the next and previous entry areas. The RETURN key will usually move to the next entry area as well. ALT-U will exit the window and all the selections will be entered. ALT-A or ESCape will exit the window and no changes will be made. There are two entry fields in each window (UPDATE, ABORT) that have the same effect as ALT-U and ALT-A when RETURN is pressed while these fields are selected. 0
An entry field that is made up of a list of items each beginning with [ ] are selectable items. The cursor keys will move from item to item and the space bar will select/deselect the item. Any combination of items may be selected. Pressing TAB or RETURN will move to the next area when you are done.
An entry field that is made up of a list of items each beginning with ( ) is a multiple choice selection. The cursor keys may be used to select only one of the items. Pressing TAB or RETURN will move to the next area when you are done.
An entry field that is a solid block is asking for a text entry. You may enter data and use the BACKSPACE as required then press TAB or RETURN to move on.
STATUS R
The status area in the upper right corner of the screen will show the following: 5
1. Last frequency sent to a radio by this software. /
2. Current mode V for voice or C for control. -
3. If the log is enabled an L is displayed.
MOUSE
The mouse may be used to select most items. Clicking the boarder of a box will allow you to drag the box to a new position. Click the small square to abort the box (like an ESCape).
With the normal monitor display you can position the mouse on a frequency (after a GoTo) and upon clicking the mouse the radio will tune to that frequency.
Likewise you can position the mouse on a phone number and upon clicking the mouse you will be prompted to determine if you would like the phone number added to your phone number file.
The DDI software will support three video modes as follows:
DDI <-- Color Monitor
DDI -M <-- Monocrome
DDI -BW <-- Black & White
Enter the correct command for your monitor. The ALT-F C (colors) command will allow you to further define the colors used.
-COMMANDS I
DDI commands may be issued from the DDI S/W by entering a Alt - (minus) H
A window will pop up for you to enter your command. For example enter
- Y return return
to issue a DDI Y command.
MODES f
This window lists the DDI modes. Move with the arrow keys and TAB and use SPACE to select/deselect. \
Invert
audio Control
Stream
information Report
errors
Show
channel
numbers
MODES | RADIO INVERT AUDIO
This mode is used by the DDI to determine the phase of the incoming audio. This mode will always be the same for a given radio hookup. Usually if this is not set data will not be received or it will have a very high error rate.
MODES | CONTROL DATA STREAM m
This mode only applies to control channels. Data sent on control channels is two streams of data interleaved on the one channel. One stream is for mobile telephones with an odd phone number, the other stream is for even numbers. The original DDI can only pick up one stream at a time. If your DDI can receive both channels then this selection will not appear.
MODES | SHOW SAT
One of three SAT tones is transmitted during cellular conversations. When digital commands are sent the digital command will indicate what the correct tone should be. The mobile can use this to determine if this command is a valid command for this channel. When the SAT mode is enabled the tone numbers are displayed with the digital commands. The data will only be displayed in the Voice mode.
MODES | SHOW ERRORS
Normally the DDI will not display commands received with an error on the control channels. Setting this mode will cause the DDI to display all commands. Commands with an error will appear with a ? before them. f
This mode has no effect on voice channels since all commands are always displayed in the voice mode.
MODES | SHOW CHANNEL NUMBER
GoTo commands normally display the new frequency. When this mode is selected the cellular channel number (0-1023) is also shown in the GoTo commands.
PORT b
This window selects the COM port on your PC that will connect to the DDI and optionally a Radio.
PORT | DDI
This window selects the COM port on your PC that will connect to the DDI. You must choose either COM1 or COM2. Use the arrow keys to make your selection. If you do not have a normal COM1-COM4 then select OTHER and enter the base address for your COM port in the box in hex. B
Be sure you also select the correct interrupt for your COM port.
PORT | RADIO
This window is used if you can control your radio frequency from the PC. If you can not, set the communications port to NONE to disable this function. e
This window will allow you to specify a radio type, communications port and additional information. &
Radio COM
port Additional
GoTo | RADIO &
The radio type may be selected here.
GoTo | COM
This selects the PC communications port used from the PC to your radio. You may not use the same port you use to communicate with the DDI. =
The DDI software assumes the following about your COM port:
Channel PC-Port Interrupts
COM1 3F8 are not
COM2 2F8 used.
COM3 3E8
COM4 2E8
PORT | RADIO | ADDITIONAL INFO
This window allows you to select parameters specific to your radio. You may need to enter a radio address for the ICOM radios, a channel to use for the Radio Shack, or a baud rate.
If the squelch can be detected then you will be able to specify the time to wait after tuning a channel before the squelch is sampled. You may also specify how long the squelch must go out before the signal is considered lost.
GoTo j
This window will allow you to specify under what conditions the radio is to be automatically controlled. ^
There are three conditions a command from the radio can cause the radio to change frequency:
1. Whenever a GoTo is received on a control channel. The software will switch from control to voice mode and will tune the radio to the channel in the GoTo.
2. Whenever a GoTo is received on a voice channel. The software will follow the conversation by tuning the radio to the new channel.
3. Whenever a GoTo is received in a control channel with a phone number on the phone number list (from ALT-S menu). Same as #1 except it will only happen if one of the specified phone numbers is found. W
When the signal is lost or a disconnect is detected you may do one of the following:
1. Nothing.
2. The mode will be changed to control and the last control frequency will be sent to the radio. This would be like pressing an F2. >
3. The next voice channel is sent to the radio (same as F5).
SELECT
The DDI software will allow you to select what kind of data to collect. Separate selection criteria may be specified for the screen and for the log. After entering ALT-S you must use the arrow keys to select the screen or log and then press return to get the selection menu. U
You may also select the phone number file to use and you can review/edit this file.
Screen Log Phone
Numbers
Edit
SELECT | SCREEN b
Within the selection menu you can select each of the criteria for collecting data on the screen.
Commands Phone
Numbers $
Redundent Show
Left
Beep Highlight
SELECT | LOG _
Within the selection menu you can select each of the criteria for collecting data in the log.
Criteria Phone
Numbers
SELECT | SCREEN/LOG | CRITERIA g
The software will only display lines that meet one or more of the checked items on the criteria list.
Duplicate lines: Some commands are sent twice from the cell site. If you select the DUPLICATE LINES item then you will see both copies of the command on the screen. Otherwise the second copy will be suppressed.
Page Commands, GoTo Commands, Registration Commands, Power Change Commands: These commands categories can be individually selected.
Other Commands: If this item is checked all commands that do not fall into the above categories will be displayed. Be aware that if this item is not checked text messages like "Control" will not appear.
SELECT | phone NUMBERS q
This window allows you to specify the file with phone numbers. This file is activated in the SELECT SCREEN and SELECT LOG windows. All files ending in .PN are shown below. Use the tab key and then the arrow keys to select a file. You may enter another path or wildcard to get another directory list. For example you may enter *.NUM to get all files ending in .NUM.
Format
This selection will bring up an editor to allow you to review and edit you phone number file. The following are some example lines: O
876-5432 ; John Doe
321-6543 (312) GoTo
*(312)
The first line requires an exact match for 876-5432. The ; and all text after it are comments. The Second line will cause only GoTo commands with that phone number to be matched. The * used in the last example indicates the text should match if it appears anywhere on the line. In this case it will match all numbers with a 312 area code.
Editor
Commands
If ALL is selected then data from all phone numbers is shown. If ONLY is selected then only phone numbers matching a line in the phone number file will be shown.
When this option is selected information that appears on the control channel over and over (around every 1-2 seconds) will be displayed. This is handy if you are checking your data reception since there is constant activity.
Selecting this option will cause all data from the DDI to appear on the left while only selected commands/numbers appear on the right.
When a phone number match is made the program can beep to alert the user a match was made. The beep may be a short or long beep.
Some data may be highlighted on the screen. When the numbers option is selected then any phone number matching will be highlighted.
When Stream B is selected then any data from stream B of the control channel data will be highlighted. This only applies to DDI's that can receive both data streams at the same time.
The DDI software can insert collected data into a disk based log file. Data is appended to the end of the log file and each line has a time stamp. A date entry is added when a new day begins.
Use NAME to select the log file name. Use ENABLE and DISABLE to start and stop log file collection. CLEAR will erase the entire log file. REVIEW will allow an on screen review of the log file. (
Enable Disable Review Clear Name
LOG | ENABLE
This selection will enable the log. All incoming data that meets the specifications in the SELECT LOG window will be saved to a disk file.
LOG | DISABLE 2
This selection will disable log file collection.
LOG | REVIEW
Selecting REVIEW will bring up an on screen editor to review the log file. The log will be disabled while review is selected.
Editor
Commands
LOG | CLEAR 9
This selection will delete all entries in the log file.
LOG | NAME .
This window will allow you to enter a new name for the log file. All files ending in .LOG are shown below. Use the tab key and then the arrow keys to select a file. You may enter another path or wildcard to get another directory list. For example you may enter *.LG to get all files ending in .LG.
WRITE
After you have selected options for your environment within the various windows you may save all your selections by entering ALT-W. The selections will be saved in the file DEFAULT.DDI. When the program begins the file is read and the selections will be restored to the last time you entered ALT-W. A message will appear to confirm the save completed. Press RETURN to clear the message.
FUNCTIONS z
This menu allows the selection of several utility functions. Many of these selections may also be invoked by a hot key. %
Test
Cables Reset
Swap
Modes
Clear
Display Find
Control
Channels
Next Prev Channel
General
Info Dos
Shell
Chans
FUNCTIONS | TEST CABLES H
This function will test the serial cable to the DDI from the computer.
If you have a cable from the computer to the radio and have selected a COM port for the radio this cable will also be tested.
FUNCTIONS | RESET DDI (F4) k
This function will reset the DDI and will re-transmit all mode commands to the DDI from the Modes window.
FUNCTIONS | SWAP MODES (F2) 3
This function will change the Voice/Control mode. p
If the mode is Voice the mode will be changed to Control. If the mode is Control it will be changed to Voice.
FUNCTIONS | CLEAR DISPLAY (F3) ;
This function will clear the DDI software monitor screen.
FUNCTIONS | FIND CONTROL CHANNELS (Shift F7)
This function will check each control channel and determine if a digital signal is present and if so how good the reception is. u
The data collected from this function is saved for future review if you enter ALT-W after exiting from this window.
This function will only operate if your radio can be directly controlled by the DDI software. See GoTo menu for setting up the communications port to your radio.
After all channels are scanned you will be able to select what channels are used for future F5 selections. Entering ALT-A will cause all channels with less than 10% error to be automatically selected. ALT-F will force channels to be re-scanned. ESCape will abort the scan process.
FUNCTIONS | NEXT CHANNEL (F5)
This function (F5) will select the next channel. In the voice mode the next sequential voice channel is sent to the radio. In the control mode the next control channel that had good reception when ALT-F F was executed is selected.
FUNCTIONS | COLOR H
This function allows you to select the colors used by the DDI program.
The left column shows the major display items. Use the arrow keys to select an item. Press TAB to get to the center list. These are the specific different fields colors are used for the selected item. Select the field using the arrow keys. Press TAB to get to the right column. c
Use the arrow keys to select the foreground color then press TAB and select the background color.
FUNCTIONS | DOS SHELL
This function will exit the DDI program and return you to DOS. When you are done in DOS enter the EXIT command and the DDI program will resume.
FUNCTIONS | REVERSE CHANNELS (Shift F2)
The Shift-F2 will toggle between the reverse channels and the forward channels. A R will appear in the upper right while the reverse channels are selected. This will affect the frequencies used for the F5.
FUNCTIONS | PREVIOUS (Shift F5)
This function (Shift-F5) will select the previous channel. In the voice mode the previous sequential voice channel is sent to the radio. In the control mode the previous control channel that had good reception when ALT-F F was executed is selected.
FUNCTIONS | CHANNEL INFO (F7) W
This function will display data about the current channel. Information is different depending on the mode (Control or Voice). In the control mode it will keep sampling the channel for data quality and display the results from the last 100 messages and for all messages. In the voice mode the SAT is sampled and displayed until terminated. 0
This display is terminated by entering ESCAPE.
FUNCTIONS | GENERAL INFO (Ctrl-F7) W
This display will show general information about the software, DDI and your computer.
EXIT (ALT-X) *
This function will exit the DDI program.
DIRECT
This command allows the user to directly control the radio. The current radio frequency is shown in the ALT-D window. A command entry line is also a part of this window. Enter a command and press return twice (or ALT-E). Previous commands can be recalled by pressing the down arrow. Use the arrow keys to pick the command then press return. An ESCAPE will abort any scan operation. /
Commands may take one of the following forms:
xxx.xxx
Select a frequency xxx.xxx
xxx.xxx-yyy.yyy
Scan from xxx.xxx to yyy.yyy increment is the last specified increment
xxx.xxx-yyy.yyy/zzz.zzz
Scan from xxx.xxx to yyy.yyy with an increment of zzz.zzz. Note that / \ : ^ are all acceptable increment chars.
xxx.xxxM
M selects the radio mode as follows: A-AM, N-NFM, W-WFM, U-USB, L-LSB, C-CW
@filename
Execute commands out of the specified file. Commands in the file are the same as other commands. Comments in the file that begin with ! in the first column are ignored.
?filename
The contents of the specified file are displayed. You can use the arrow keys to select a single line from the file to execute.
Scanning is suspended if a signal is present until a SPACE is pressed or the signal is lost. Scanning may be aborted by pressing ESCAPE.
EDITOR COMMANDS =
The editor uses many of the same key sequences as WordStar. *
^Y deletes a line. ^U replaces the line. 9
^A and ^F move the cursor by words. ^T deletes a word. g
^QF will search for a string. ^QA will search and replace a string. ^L will find the next occurrence. D
^KB and ^KK mark a block. ^KY deletes a block. ^KC copies a block.
(.txt)