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████████ S p o i l e r
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
THE 440 SPOILER: VERSION 1.01
PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL-REFERENCE MANUAL
The 440 Spoiler lets you use and enjoy the full operating power of the
Kenwood TS-440S amateur radio transceiver. The Spoiler is fully functional
software that makes your transceiver superior to any other transceiver on the
market in speed, convenience, and versatility of operating.
The 440 Spoiler software is provided to you through shareware marketing,
a method which gives you the finest software available at a minimum price.
You are invited to use the 440 Spoiler for a period of up to one month. If
you decide to use the 440 Spoiler thereafter, you must obtain a license for
the software by registering it with the QSO2000 Project, 5518 12th Street,
Lubbock, TX, 79416 for a nominal fee of $39. A convenient registration form
is included at on the last page of this manual.
Your registering your software provides you with significant benefits.
You receive a diskette copy of the most-recent revision of the Spoiler. This
version of the software will contain latest enhancements, latest maintenance
revisions, and no shareware notices. In addition, you receive a
professionally written, printed, and bound copy of the 440 Spoiler Technical
Reference Manual. You also receive technical support and assistance as you
require it in your use of the 440 Spoiler.
Your registration is also your way of ensuring continued improvement,
development, and maintenance of the 440 Spoiler throughout the long useful
lifetime of you Kenwood TS-440S transceiver.
The last section of this documentation file provides detailed information
about registration of the 440 Spoiler as well as form for your use in
registering your copy.
INTRODUCTION
The Kenwood TS-440S is one of the most sophisticated high-frequency
transceivers available for amateur-radio use. It contains 100 memories (110
counting the separate transmit and receive memories for the upper 10 memory
channels). It contains a general-coverage receiver and transmitter and a
unique receive and transmit increment-tuning system. The operating potential
of the transceiver is astounding.
Because of the operating power of the transceiver, however, operation
from the front panel is of necessity, complex. Storing, altering, and using
all of the information into TS-440S memories is time-consuming and often
confusing.
The TS-440S keypads present operating problems. It is easy to forget the
sequence of keystrokes required by the keypads on the front panel if you don't
use them very often. Also, infrequent use of the keypads leads to key bounce;
you can press them many times before you condition them to switch only once
for each time you press them. Additionally, all storage and control from the
front panel is performed on the current memory or VFO: you can't prepare a
memory or a vfo for switching to it while you are operating on another memory
or VFO.
The TS-440S display also presents operating problems. You can't see the
frequency and mode of a memory or VFO unless you select it and therefore cease
to receive or transmit on your current frequency and mode. Moreover, you
can't see your transmit frequency at the same time your receiving, no can you
see your receive frequency while you are transmitting. If you are using
increment tuning on either transmit or receive, the display shows you the
result of your using it but it doesn't show you the actual frequency of the
vfo or memory that is currently selected.
The 440 Spoiler overcomes the problems presented by the front panel
switches and the display. Your MSDOS computer keyboard provides considerably
more convenient and legible control of the transceiver. With a minimal number
of keystrokes, you can select any of the operating parameters (frequency,
mode, etc.) stored in the TS-440S, and you can conveniently alter the
operating parameters stored in the transceiver.
Additionally, the Spoiler displays all operating frequencies, modes,
frequency splits, tuning increments, and other operating information on the
screen of your computer. Half of the parameter memories stored in the TS-440S
are displayed on the screen at all times; you can toggle between the lower
half and the upper half at any time with a single keystroke. The Spoiler
makes information entry and display extremely simple, convenient, and fast as
prompts on the screen direct you through a minimum of key strokes.
The display always shows the current operating conditions of the TS-440S,
regardless of whether you have used the front panel or the computer keyboard
to change the conditions. If you change frequency, mode, split, increment
tuning, or memories from the front panel, the Spoiler updates its display to
show the remotely entered data.
The 440 Spoiler contains a complete memory-management system that enables
you to store up to tens of thousands of frequency and mode memories on
computer disk. Stored in banks of 100 memories, the memories may be loaded
into your TS-440S with a few key strokes. You may customize individual memory
banks for different modes of operation, for different bands, for DX or
traffic-net operation, for monitoring broadcasts, citizens band transmissions,
or whatever your specialized interests include. Moreover, the Spoiler manages
VFOs and memories in a way that does not disturb your current operation. You
can enter new frequencies and modes into unselected memories or VFOs without
missing a word on a net or a calling frequency you are currently monitoring.
Simplicity of operation is the most important design feature of the 440
spoiler. From your screen, you see prompts to lead you through any operation
you care to perform. If you want to change the operating mode of a vfo or a
memory, you press the MODE function key; you press SOURCE, FREQUENCY,
INCREMENT TUNING, and MEMORY MANAGEMENT keys with similar ease to
instantaneously control every feature of your transceiver.
The 440 Spoiler also contains provisions for accessing a log-maintenance
program and a digital-controller program while you maintain the 440 Spoiler
resident in memory for quick recall.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
The 440 Spoiler requires an MSDOS or PCDOS computer with at least 256K of
memory, one diskette drive, and one serial (COM) port. Performance of the
program is improved, of course, with your running it from hard disk rather
than floppy. The faster your CPU speed the more responsive the program.
Your TS-440S must be equipped for serial (RS-232C) communications. You
must have the two interface chips such as the ones Kenwood sells as a kit
designated as the IC-10 as well as a TTL/RS-232C level converter such as
Kenwood sells as the IF-232C adapter. It is not necessary for you to use the
parts that Kenwood markets. The necessary interface chips are common ones,
and if you are experienced in digital-circuit design you might build your own
level converter. Kenwood prices are high, but Kenwood is a convenient source
for ready-made components that are guaranteed to work with your transceiver.
OPERATION
The opening screen of unregistered copies of the Spoiler contains a
reminder that the software is a shareware package that depends on user
registration to provide for its initial and continued development. The screen
is displayed for 5 seconds: after the initial period, you can bring up the
operating screen by pressing any key. Registered copies, of course, contain
no waiting period.
Registered copies of the Spoiler display an opening screen for only the
length of time it takes you to press a key. The opening screen also contains
no shareware notice.
The operating screen shows every parameter that enters into transceiver
operation, regardless of whether changes in operation occur from the front
panel or from the computer keyboard. It also shows commands which make
computer-keyboard control of the TS-440S incredibly easy and fast.
THE OPERATING SCREEN
The operating screen consists of four display areas for each of the
following: (1) current operating sources, (2) command options, (3) 55
memories, and (4) commands. Figure 1 shows a typical operating screen (which
has been shortened horizontally to fit within the margins of this
documentation file. Current operating sources are shown in the box in the
upper left. Command options are shown in the box which contains the program
logo when no command has been issued. Transceiver memory contents are shown
in the large, J-shaped box to the right and bottom of the screen. Commands
are shown on the bottom line.
╔════════════════════╦═══════════════════╗ ╔═════════╕╒══════════════════════╗
║ RECEIVE ║TR 21.005.00 CW 61║ ║11f 7.00││ CW │33f 2.500.00 AM ║
║ 21.005.00 CW ║───────────────────║ ║12f 7.01││ CW │34f 5.000.00 AM ║
║ 61 ║TR 27.285.00 AM VA║ ║13f 7.01││ CW │35f 10.000.00 AM ║
╠════════════════════╣TR 3.921.44 LSB VB║ ║14f 7.02││ CW │36f 15.000.00 AM ║
║ TRANSMIT ║───────────────────║ ║15f 7.02││ CW │37f 20.000.00 AM ║
║ 21.005.00 CW ║No Increment..-0.05║ ║16f 7.03││ CW │38f 14.005.00 CW ║
║ 61 ║ ║ ║17f 7.04││ CW │39f 14.010.00 CW ║
╠═════════════╦══════╩═════╦═════════════╣ ║18f 7.06││ CW │40f 14.015.00 CW ║
║Time:14:30:11║ZEROS1.MRY ║Date:01-01-90║ ║19f 7.07││ CW │41f 14.020.00 CW ║
╚═════════════╩════════════╩═════════════╝ ║20f 7.15Z│ LSB│42f 14.030.00 CW ║
╔═══════════════════════╗╔═════════════════╝21f 7.16││ LSB│43f 14.050.00 CW ║
║ ▄▄▄▄ ▄ ║║00f 3.505.00 CW │22f 7.18│Z LSB│44f 14.070.00 CW ║
║ ████ ▄▀ ║║01f 3.515.00 CW │23f 7.19││ LSB│45f 14.151.00 USB║
║ ████ ▄▀ ║║02f 3.525.00 CW │24f 7.20││ LSB│46f 14.155.00 USB║
║ ████ ▄▀ ▄▄▄▄▄ ║║03f 3.780.00 LSB│25f 7.21││ LSB│47f 14.160.00 USB║
║ ██████ TS440 ║║04f 3.790.00 LSB│26f 7.22││ LSB│48f 14.175.00 USB║
║ ████ █▄ ▀▀▀▀▀ ║║05f 3.905.00 LSB│27f 7.23││ LSB│49f 14.190.00 USB║
║ ████ █▄ ║║06f 3.910.00 LSB│28f 7.23││ LSB│50f 14.205.00 USB║
║ ████ ██▄ ║║07f 3.928.00 LSB│29f 7.24││ LSB│51f 14.220.00 USB║
║ ████ ▄▄▄███▄▄▄ ║║08f 3.933.00 LSB│30f 7.24││ LSB│52f 14.240.00 USB║
║ ████ Spoiler ║║09f 3.935.00 LSB│31f 7.24││ LSB│53f 14.250.00 USB║
║ ▀▀▀▀ ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ║║10f 3.940.00 LSB│32f 7.29││ LSB│54f 14.270.00 USB║
╚═══════════════════════╝╚═══════════════════════════╛╘══════════════════════╝
1SLCT S 2FREQ S 3MODE S 4INCR T 5MOVE S 6FILE M 7EDIT M 8CTRL P 9LOG 10QUIT
Figure 1.- Operating screen
CURRENT-SOURCES DISPLAY BOX
The display box in the upper left of the operating screen displays
current sources: the two VFOs, the memory selected by the TS-440S, and the
increment tuning. This box shows every detail about the current operation of
the transceiver. An example of the current-sources box is shown in figure 2.
╔════════════════════╦═══════════════════╗
║ RECEIVE ║TR 21.005.00 CW 61║
║ 21.005.00 CW ║───────────────────║
║ 61 ║TR 27.285.00 AM VA║
╠════════════════════╣TR 3.921.44 LSB VB║
║ TRANSMIT ║───────────────────║
║ 21.005.00 CW ║No Increment..-0.05║
║ 61 ║ ║
╠═════════════╦══════╩═════╦═════════════╣
║Time:14:30:11║ZEROS1.MRY ║Date:01-01-90║
╚═════════════╩════════════╩═════════════╝
Figure 2.- Current-sources display
The box contains areas for receiving and transmitting frequency, for
detailed source information, and for current Spoiler operation.
Receive and Transmit Areas
Overall transceiver operation is summarized in the Receive and Transmit
areas to the left of the box. These areas show, irrespective of operating
components that go into transceiver operation, the current receiving and
transmitting frequencies, and modes. The frequency and mode that you are
hearing on the transceiver, as well as the frequency and mode you are
transmitting on when your press your microphone button, tap a key, or activate
your digital controller, are displayed to an accuracy of 10 KHz in these two
areas.
Receive and Transmit areas show the combined effects of VFO or memory
frequency selection, split-frequency sources, and currently active increment
tuning. The displayed frequencies are the actual frequencies of transmission
and reception. The receiving frequency accounts for any receive increment
tuning (RIT), and the transmit frequency accounts for any transmit increment
tuning (XIT).
Source-Detail Area
To the right of the Receive and Transmit areas is an area containing
detailed information about the components of the current sources: frequencies
and modes of the two VFOs and the selected memory, the split-frequency
operating status, and the status of increment tuning.
In the source-detail box to the right, the upper partition identifies the
currently active source(s) and shows frequency and mode. The middle partition
shows the sources "on reserve" for your use at the press of the TS-440S VFO/M
and A/B switches. The lower partition shows current increment-tuning
frequency and status
Unlike the receive and transmit areas to the left or the TS-440S display,
the detail-area source display does not reflect increment turning. If you
turn on increment tuning for transmit or receive, for example, the area to the
left will show the result of the increment tuning, but the detail area will
continue to show the exact frequency of the source without the effect by
increment tuning. The last two characters of the line identify the source
with VA for VFO A, VB for VFO B, and a number between 00 and 99 for the
selected memory. The first two characters of the line identifies the role
that the source contributes to split-frequency operation.
The upper partition of the detail-source display may contain one line to
indicate a non-split source operating on both transmit and receive (therefore
prefaced by TR), as it does in figure 2, or it may contain two lines, as in
the display of split-VFO operation shown in figure 3.
╔════════════════════╦═══════════════════╗
║ RECEIVE ║RX 7.209.04 CW VA║
║ 7.209.04 CW ║TX 3.959.23 LSB VB║
║ VA ║───────────────────║
╠════════════════════╣TR 3.525.00 CW 02║
║ TRANSMIT ║───────────────────║
║ 3.959.23 LSB ║No Increment..-0.03║
║ VB ║ ║
╠═════════════╦══════╩═════╦═════════════╣
║Time:14:43:54║GENPUR1.MRY ║Date:01-07-90║
╚═════════════╩════════════╩═════════════╝
Figure 3.- Split VFO display
During split-frequency operation, there are always two lines in the upper
partition. The receiving-frequency source is always identified in the top
line with the designation RX, and the transmitting-frequency source is always
identified in the second line with the designation TX. Split-frequency memory
operation is displayed , as shown in figure 4
╔════════════════════╦═══════════════════╗
║ RECEIVE ║RX 7.154.00 LSB 99║
║ 7.154.00 LSB ║TX 7.131.02 LSB 99║
║ 99 ║───────────────────║
╠════════════════════╣RX 7.209.04 CW VA║
║ TRANSMIT ║TX 3.959.23 LSB VB║
║ 7.131.02 LSB ║───────────────────║
║ 99 ║No Increment..-0.03║
╠═════════════╦══════╩═════╦═════════════╣
║Time:14:47:11║DEFAULT.MRY ║Date:01-07-90║
╚═════════════╩════════════╩═════════════╝
Figure 4.- Split memory display
When the upper area contains two lines, the source is split so that the
top line shows the receiving-source frequency and mode and the bottom line
shows the transmitting frequency and mode. With a VFO selected, the frequency
and mode of either VFO A or VFO B appears in the top line prefaced by an RX
designation indicating a receiving source. The frequency and mode of the
transmitting VFO appears in the lower line prefaced by TX.
The middle partition of the detailed display area shows alternate sources
that are currently selected: these are the sources that you can use by
toggling between VFO A and VFO B or between VFO and memory.
The lower partition shows the frequency and status of increment tuning.
The frequency is shown to the right of the line, and the status is shown to
the left. Status may be No Increment, RX Increment (receive only), TX
Increment (transmit only), or TR Increment (both transmit and receive).
You should notice very carefully that if you toggle between VFO A and VFO
B any increment tuning that is in effect remains in effect, but if you toggle
between either VFO and memory any increment turning loses its effect. This
peculiarity is simply a design feature of the Kenwood TS-440S.
Current Spoiler Operation
The current time, the active file of memories stored in your computer,
and the current date are displayed in the area across the bottom of the
current-sources box.
MEMORY DISPLAY
The contents of TS-440S memory sources are displayed in the largest box
on the screen. Figure 5 shows a full-width memory-display box.
╔═══════════════════════════════════╗
║11f 7.006.12 CW│33f 7.000.00 LSB║
║12f 2.500.00 AM│34f 7.154.00 LSB║
║13f 0.000.00 │35f 7.131.02 LSB║
║14f 0.000.00 │36f 0.000.00 ║
║15f 0.000.00 │37f 0.000.00 ║
║16f 0.000.00 │38f 0.000.00 ║
║17f 7.220.00 LSB│39f 0.000.00 ║
║18f 7.213.00 LSB│40f 1.590.00 LSB║
║19f 7.249.00 USB│41f 1.320.00 LSB║
║20f 3.933.00 USB│42f 0.000.00 ║
╔═════════════════╝21f 0.000.00 │43f 28.000.00 LSB║
║00f 3.933.00 LSB│22f 7.290.00 LSB│44f 3.395.00 LSB║
║01f 3.935.00 LSB│23f 1.590.50 AM │45f 0.000.00 ║
║02f 7.290.00 USB│24f 14.305.00 USB│46f 0.000.00 ║
║03f 14.334.00 USB│25f 1.590.50 AM │47f 0.000.00 ║
║04f 28.454.00 USB│26f 1.590.50 AM │48f 0.000.00 ║
║05f 7.100.00 CW│27f 1.590.50 AM │49f 0.000.00 ║
║06f 28.000.00 USB│28f 0.000.00 │50f 28.000.00 LSB║
║07f 7.250.00 LSB│29f 0.000.00 │51f 0.000.00 ║
║08f 21.000.00 LSB│30f 3.900.00 LSB│52f 0.000.00 ║
║09f 28.454.00 USB│31f 0.000.00 │53f 0.000.00 ║
║10f 7.100.00 AM│32f 0.000.00 │54f 0.000.00 ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Figure 5.- Memory display box
The box, at any particular time, shows the frequencies and modes stored
in half of the transceiver's 100 memories. When the Spoiler is initially
loaded, the box shows the contents of memories 0 through 54. When you press
F9 (function key F9), the upper 55 memories are displayed.
Within the memory box, memories 0 through 89 are identified by the
designations 00f through 89f. The lower 90 memory channels of the TS-440S are
capable of operating on only a single, non-split frequency and mode. The
upper 10 memory channels consist of two memories apiece: one memory for
receive and one memory for transmit. Beginning with memory 90, memory
channels are, therefore, identified by a channel number with either an "r"
(receive) or a "t" (transmit) suffix. Channel 97 is therefore represented in
the memory display box by both 97r and 97t.
SPOILER COMMAND LINE
The bottom line of the Spoiler display is a prompt for command entry.
Figure 6 shows this line.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1SELECT 2FREQ 3MODE 4INCR 5COPY 6FILES 7LOG 8CNTL 9M TOG 10QUIT
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figure 6.- Spoiler command line
SPOILER COMMANDS
The Kenwood TS-440S is a completely self-contained transceiver, and the
front panel, although sometimes cumbersomely, provides ways to control its
operation. Your MSDOS computer provides you with an alternative to the front
panel. The Spoiler display provides current information about transceiver
operating parameters, regardless of whether you change the parameters at the
front panel or at the keyboard.
Spoiler commands are represented by numbers from 1 through 10. The
numbers correspond to function keys on MSDOS computers. Command number 10,
labeled QUIT on the command line, causes the Spoiler to cease operation and
control of the computer to return to the disk operating system (DOS).
The commands are listed on the command line by abbreviation. The
abbreviations correspond to the brief descriptions shown in table 1.
Source selection.........................Select a VFO, VFO split, or a memory
Frequency selection.................Change the frequency of a VFO or a memory
Mode selection...........................Change the mode of a VFO or a memory
Increment Tuning........Add frequency increment to transmit of receive source
Copy sources.......................Copy or exchange between VFOs and memories
Memory management.......................Use computer files for memory storage
Logging program..........Run a logging program while the Spoiler is in memory
Controller program....Run a controller program while the Spoiler is in memory
Memory display toggle.........Toggle display between memories 0-54 and 55-99t
Quit................................Quite Spoiler operation and return to DOS
TABLE 1.- Brief descriptions of Spoiler commands
When you press a function key to invoke a spoiler command, you open a
window behind the Spoiler logo in the box at the lower left of the operating
screen. The window prompts you for information that you need to provide to
complete any control operation for the transceiver.
The following sections of this documentation file describe each of the
Spoiler commands in detail. Each command option is also described.
SOURCE SELECTION
The source-select command invoked by F1 determines the primary frequency
and mode source for TS-440S reception and transmission. The frequency and
mode of your reception and transmission are always from a certain source, the
VFOs or the memories, as you determine by issuing a source-select command.
Figure 7 shows the options you are presented with in the command-options box
for the source-select command.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Source Selection ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Split...............S ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 7.- Source-select command options
As figure 7 shows, you may choose VFO A, VFO B, or the current memory to
be your current reception and transmission source. You may choose
transmission and reception to be split, with one VFO being used on receive and
the other being used on transmit. Additionally, you may also choose any other
memory channel in the transceiver to be your reception and transmission
source, with channels 0 through 89 providing for only non-split operation and
channels 90 through 99 providing for split transmit/receive operation.
The option box is a simple reflection of this powerful command. You may
press A, B, or M to select the VFO A, VFO B, or current memory. You may enter
the number of any other memory to cause it to become both the current memory
and the selected source. And you may toggle the VFOs between split and non-
split operation.
Your pressing a single key (A, B, or M) causes VFO A, VFO B, or the
current memory to become the current source. If the source is a VFO and the
VFOs were last used in split-source operation, your reselecting them will
bring them up for split operation (regardless of which of them you select for
your primary (receive) VFO. If the source is a memory, memories 0 through 89
always provide you with a non-split source, while memories 90 through 99 can
provide you with either split frequencies and modes or non-split frequencies
and modes, depending on what you have placed in them before.
Your pressing the S key while either VFO is selected toggles between
split and non-split operation. Pressing the S key while a memory is selected
has no effect.
For the VFOs, the status of split-frequency operation remains constant
until your change it. If you switch from a VFO to a memory source, while the
VFOs are linked for split-frequency operation, you'll find the VFOs still
linked when you switch back from memory to VFO operation.
You do have an alternative to pressing alphabetic keys to change the
current sources for your transceiver. While the source-selection box is
displayed, the command letters are displayed across the last line of the
screen. Pressing a function key accomplishes the same result as pressing an
alphabetic key. Pressing F2, for example, selects VFO B as your current
source.
Figure 8 shows the last-line display of source-selection command options.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 A 2 B 3 M 4 S 5 6 7 8 9 10 Q
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figure 8.- Source-selection command options
Response to your pressing the A, B, M, Q, or function keys is immediate.
The Spoiler does not wait for you to press enter. If you mistakenly enter an
unrecognized command character, the Spoiler will prompt you again for a good
command option. If you want to abort the source-selection operation, simply
press either Q or the enter key at the prompt.
FREQUENCY SELECTION
You have two methods of frequency selection available to you. Your
primary method is using a frequency-selection command to change the frequency
of any source. An alternate method permits you to tune your primary VFO from
the keyboard.
Frequency-Selection Command
The frequency-selection command invoked by F2 provides you with the same
basic options that you have with current-source selection. You can choose to
enter a frequency for VFO A, VFO B, the current memory, or any memory stored
in the transceiver.
Figure 9 shows the options you are presented with in the command-options
box for the frequency-selection command.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Frequency Selection ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 9.- Frequency-selection source options
A powerful feature of the Spoiler is that your entry of information into
an unselected source does not require you to select the source before you
enter it. If you choose to enter a new frequency into an unselected VFO or
memory, you do so without interrupting your listening to and transmitting from
your currently selected source. If you are operating with VFO A or VFO B, for
example, you can change the contents of all memories and the alternate VFO
without missing a single word of a net or a single baud of your CW DX
monitoring.
You may select the source sources with the function keys as well as with
the alphabetic keys. Pressing F3, as figure 9 shows, selects the current
memory for frequency entry, just as pressing M does.
After you have selected the source that you want to change the frequency
of, the command-option box prompts you for the new frequency, as shown in
figure 10. The prompt verifies the source you have selected (VFO A, for
example, in figure 10). For frequencies below 10 MHz, you may enter the
frequency in either KiloHertz or MegaHertz. If you want to enter 7,001,010
Hz, you may enter either 700101 or 7.00101. In addition, numeric precision is
assumed, so that your entering ????????
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Frequency Selection ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ A ║
║ TR A: _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 10.- Frequency-selection prompt
If you want to abort the frequency-selection command at the prompt,
simply press enter.
If you select a memory channel capable of split-source operation (from
channels 90 through 99), you will be prompted to enter frequencies for both
sources, as shown in figure 11.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Frequency Selection ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ A ║
║ RX 93: _ ║
║ TX 93: _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 11.- Frequency-selection prompt for split source
The prompt for frequency of the receive memory appears first. If you do
not want to change the receive memory, simply press the enter key to bring up
the prompt for frequency of the transmit memory. Similarly, if you have
entered a frequency in receive memory and do not wish to enter a new frequency
in transmit memory, simply press the enter key at the TX prompt. Pressing the
enter key at both prompts aborts the frequency-selection command.
A special circumstance occurs when a TS-440S memory is completely empty
(with no previous frequency or mode stored in it).
One of the characteristic of the TS-440S memory is that it can store
into an empty memory neither frequency nor mode without storing the other
parameter. Because the Spoiler stores frequency and mode in separate
operations, the program must store a "boilerplate" mode into a memory whenever
you store a frequency. This mode is LSB. If you enter a frequency into an
empty memory, the LSB mode stored simultaneously in memory. If you want some
other mode for the memory, you can change it quite conveniently from the
keyboard with the mode-selection command invoked by F3.
Tuning from the Keyboard
You may tune the frequency of your currently selected VFO by pressing
your UP and DOWN arrow keys. Tuning is inhibited while you are entering
command options
When you use the arrow keys to tune your currently selected VFO, the
resulting change in frequency is always applied to your current receive
frequency. If you have not selected split-frequency operation, it will also
alter your transmit frequency. If split-frequency operation is selected, the
transmit frequency remains unchanged.
If you want to use keyboard tuning as extended receive increment tuning,
you should enter the same frequency into both VFOs and select split-source
operation. Your transmit frequency will remain unchanged while you vary your
receive frequency.
MODE SELECTION
The mode-selection command invoked by F3 provides convenient selection of
one of the six operating modes for either VFO, the current memory, or any
unselected memory. All of these sources can receive and transmit in the
following modes.
Lower sideband (LSB)
Upper sideband (USB)
Continuous wave (CW)
Frequency modulation (FM)
Amplitude modulation (AM)
Frequency-shift keying (for RTTY)
To select a mode for a source, you first select the source within the
command options box, as shown in figure 12.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Select Mode ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 12.- Mode-selection source options
Your selection is verified in the mode-selection prompt that appears in
the box, as shown in figure 13.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Select Mode ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ 86 ║
║ TR 86 (LUCFAR): _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 13.- Mode-selection source options
The prompt for mode selection shown in figure 12 indicates that you are
selecting the mode for memory channel 86. If you want to abort the selection,
simply press enter at the prompt.
If you select from memory channels 90 through 99 as your source, you will
be prompted for the mode of both channels, as shown in figure 14. Pressing
enter at the receive-source prompt leaves the mode for the receive memory
unchanged, and pressing enter at the transmit-source prompt leaves the
transmit memory unchanged. Pressing enter at both prompts aborts the command.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Select Mode ║
║ VFO A...............A ║
║ VFO B...............B ║
║ Memory..............M ║
║ Mem Num............## ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ 86 ║
║ RX 91 (LUCFAR): _ ║
║ TX 91 (LUCFAR): _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 14.- Mode-selection source options for split source
A special circumstance occurs when a TS-440S memory is completely empty
(with no previous mode or frequency stored in it).
Because the Spoiler stores mode and frequency in separate operations, the
program must store a "boilerplate" frequency into an empty memory whenever you
store a frequency. This frequency 3.9956 MHz. You may change the frequency
conveniently with the Frequency Selection command invoked by the F2 key.
INCREMENT TUNING
You may use TS-440S increment tuning to alter the receive or transmit
frequency of your selected VFOs or memories. Increment tuning, because it
affects frequencies with memories as a primary source, is more powerful than
keyboard tuning, but it has a more limited range. You may tune above or below
your primary source frequency by only 1270 Hz (1.27 KHz).
You may invoke increment tuning with the F4 key, or you may alter the
increment tuning frequency from the keyboard.
The Increment-Tuning Command
The increment-tuning command, invoked by F4, provides you with options to
apply a tuning increment to your current receive frequency, transmit
frequency, or both frequencies. You may set the increment frequency to any
value between -1.27 KHz and 1.27 KHz, or you may clear the increment (set it
to 0). Figure 15 shows the options box for the increment-tuning command.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Increment Tuning ║
║ RX Toggle...........R ║
║ TX.Toggle...........T ║
║ Clear...............C ║
║ Freq............±N.NN ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 15.- Increment-tuning command options
The results of toggling receive and transmit increment tuning is
displayed in the lowest partition of the source-detail area of the screen.
The possibilities are No Increment, RX increment, TX increment, and TR
Increment.
The source-detail area of the screen shows the frequency of increment
tuning even when it is not applied to receive and transmit frequencies. You
may alter this frequency from the keyboard or the front panel at any time,
regardless of whether it is being applied to a current frequency. You will
notice that when you alter increment frequency from the keyboard, the position
of the RIT control on the TS-440S no longer corresponds to the increment
frequency; when you next alter increment tuning from the front panel, the
position of the control will once more correspond to the increment frequency.
Whenever you enter an increment frequency at the command-options prompt,
you will notice that the response to your entry is not immediate. The Spoiler
must, in fact, send discrete commands to the TS-440S for each 10 Hz of the
increment, so full-range excursions may take up to 5 seconds (depending on the
speed of your computer). Clearing the increment (setting it to 0) occurs,
however, instantaneously.
Keyboard Increment Tuning
You may use the RIGHT and LEFT arrow keys to alter the frequency of your
increment tuning. Pressing the keys, however, while a command option box is
displayed, has no effect
COPYING SOURCES
You may, by using the source-copy command, copy the contents of any
source into any other source. You may also exchange the contents of any two
sources. This command, invoked by F5, provides you with a convenient way to
reorganize the frequencies and modes stored in your VFOs and memories.
The option box for the source-copy command is shown in figure 16.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Copy Sources ║
║ Copy................C ║
║ Exchange............E ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 16.- Source-copy command options
If you select the copy option, you are prompted for origin and
destination sources, as shown in figure 17.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Copy Sources ║
║ Copy................C ║
║ Exchange............E ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ C ║
║ From (A,B,M,##): A ║
║ To (A,B,M,##): _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 17.- Copy option
You abort the copy operation if you press enter at either prompt. If you
select the Exchange option, you are provide similar prompts, as shown in
figure 18.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Copy Sources ║
║ Copy................C ║
║ Exchange............E ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ E ║
║ Src 1 (A,B,M,##): 32 ║
║ Src 2 (A,B,M,##): _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 18.- Exchange option
Both the copy and exchange options handle the contents of single (non-
split) sources. Your entering memory number 99 as an origin or destination,
therefore, indicates the receive memory of channel 99. If you want to
indicate the transmit memory of channel 99 you must append a T to the memory
number, as in figure 19.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Copy Sources ║
║ Copy................C ║
║ Exchange............E ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ C ║
║ From (A,B,M,##): 99T ║
║ To (A,B,M,##): _ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 19.- Transmit memory entry
MEMORY FILE MANAGEMENT
The 100 memory channels in the TS-440S provide for a great deal of
flexibility for most applications, but they may be insufficient for the varied
uses that a single transceiver may be put to. They are probably sufficient
for most people's use in traffic-net participation, DX monitoring, SW
broadcast monitoring, CB monitoring, and the like, but they are likely
insufficient for combinations of these activities. Reorganizing and altering
100 memory channels is a tedious task that no one wants to do unnecessarily.
To help you with memory management, the Spoiler lets you store TS-440S
memories in computer disk files. With the file-management command, invoked
with the F6 key, you can store all 100 memory channels to disk, restore all
100 channels from disk, and clear all 100 channels (setting them off).
Figure 20 shows the memory-management command option box.
╔═══════════════════════╗
║ Memory Management ║
║ List................L ║
║ Open................O ║
║ New.................A ║
║ Clear XCVR..........C ║
║ Quit................Q ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 20.- Memory management options
The LIST option displays the names of all TS-440S memory files stored on
disk (in the current drive and directory). On disk, these files always have
an MRY extension; the list, however shows the file names without the
extension. The list is displayed in the command-option box. When the number
of files on disk exceeds the number of lines in the box, the display is paused
for your reading a partial list until you press any key. Figure 21 shows the
beginning and end of a list that is too long to fit into the option box.
╔═══════════════════════╗ ╔═══════════════════════╗
║ List of Files ║ ║ List of Files ║
║ CBRADIO ║ ║ DEFAULT ║
║ TRAFFIC ║ ║ SKEDS ║
║ CWNETS ║ ║ End of MRY file list ║
║ DXFONE ║ ║ Press a key . . . ║
║ SWL ║ ║ ║
║ JACKS ║ ║ ║
║ 40CONTIN ║ ║ ║
║ 75CONTIN ║ ║ ║
║ 10SCAN ║ ║ ║
║ Press a key . . . ║ ║ ║
╚═══════════════════════╝ ╚═══════════════════════╝
Figure 21.- Initial and terminal displays of a file list
The OPEN option reads a file from disk into both Spoiler memory and the
memories of the TS-440S. The option box prompts you for the name of your
file. Note that when you initialize the spoiler for your TS-440S it reads the
contents of the transceiver memories into a file called DEFAULT in order to
preserve the memories for you. This prevents you from losing the data that
you already have stored in the transceiver when you download other files into
the transceiver.
The file that is open is continuously updated by the Spoiler as you
change the memories of your transceiver. New memory sources are automatically
saved as you enter them. Also, when you leave the Spoiler to run any other
program, you will find when you again run the spoiler that it automatically
opens the file you last opened before quitting.
The NEW option writes the currently opened file to disk, closes it, and
initializes a new file with the same contents. This option provides you with
a convenient way to edit the contents of an old file without automatically
storing the changes in the file. The changes are stored only in the new file.
The CLEAR XCVR option lets you erase all of the memories in your TS-440S.
You may want to use this option whenever you wish to begin a new memory file
from scratch or you wish to maintain security about your operating frequencies
while other operators are using your transceiver. The option requires you to
enter a new file name; after the transceiver is cleared, new file by that name
containing zeroed sources is opened and maintained on disk. Of course,
thereafter you may by using the OPEN command load your transceiver with
sources from any other file you have saved.
RUNNING A LOGGING PROGRAM
The F7 key provides you with a convenient way to run a program that logs
your QSOs or SWL observations. The Spoiler remains resident in memory, so
that returning to it takes a minimum of time.
Before you use F7, you should alter the batch file LOG.BAT to include the
name of your logging program.
When your logging program returns you to DOS, enter the EXIT command to
return to the Spoiler.
RUNNING A DIGITAL CONTROLLER PROGRAM
The F8 key provides you with a convenient way to run a program to control
RTTY, CW, Packet, and other such transmission. The Spoiler remains resident
in memory, so that returning to it takes a minimum of time.
Before you use F8, you should alter the batch file CLTR.BAT to include
the name of your logging program.
When your controller program returns you to DOS, enter the EXIT command
to return to the Spoiler.
TOGGLING THE MEMORY DISPLAY
The memories currently displayed by the spoiler are toggled between
numbers 0 through 54 and 55 through 99t by your pressing F9. When you
initially run the spoiler, the lower numbered memories appear in the memory
display box. Your pressing F9 displays the higher numbered memories, and your
pressing F9 again displays the lower numbers once more, and so on.
QUITTING THE SPOILER
Pressing F10 causes you to exit the spoiler program, unload it from
memory, and return to DOS control of your computer.
USING THE 440 SPOILER
There is only one task that you have to undertake to get the 440 Spoiler
working for your radio-operating pleasure. You must connect your MSDOS
computer to your TS-440S. After your transceiver and computer are connected,
you are at your leisure to learn how to use the Spoiler by trial and error, by
reading, or by a most-efficient combination of both activities.
COMPUTER/TRANSCEIVER CONNECTION
Your simplest way to physically connect your transceiver and your
computer is for you to obtain an RS-232 interface box and integrated-circuit
chip set marketed by Kenwood. You will also need a serial cable to connect an
RS-232 output of your computer to the interface box. The interface box, chip
set, and cabling will cost you approximately $100 retail.
Optionally, you might want to obtain a switch so that your RS-232 port
for devices other than control of your TS-440S at the flip of a switch.
Connectors and people can stand only so much plugging and unplugging, but a
simple switch solves both problems.
A more-complex, but much cheaper, way is for you to make up the cables
and build an interface box. It is beyond the scope of this manual to detail
how the equipment should be constructed, but construction is a simple matter
if you are familiar with digital technology. In the do-it-yourself approach,
you can expect to save approximately $65 frugal dollars, but you'll probably
spend about 10 hours on construction and testing.
When you have the box and the cables in hand, plug them up. Turn on your
transceiver, and run the Spoiler.
If something is amiss in the hardware (the transceiver, the cabling, the
interface box, or the computer), the spoiler will tell you upon installation.
INSTALLING THE SPOILER
The Spoiler performs its installation procedure whenever it does not find
the file SPOILER.DEF in the current directory.
During installation, the Spoiler asks you for the number of the serial
port that you have connected your TS-440S interface box to. The Spoiler then
proceeds to run by checking your communications between computer and
transceiver and reading all of the information stored in your transceiver
memories. The Spoiler stores the information in a file called DEFAULT.MRY,
and it opens the file.
You will quite likely alter the contents of your TS-440S memory by
exploring the operation of the Spoiler. If you want to save the contents of
your transceiver memories so that you can restore them to be exactly as they
were before you used the Spoiler, you'll want to go through the following
procedure that follows.
Issue a Memory Management command by pressing F6. At the command-option
prompt, enter the NEW option by pressing the N key or pressing F3. You'll be
asked to enter a file name (2 through 8 alphanumeric charcters with the
extension ".MRY" assumed by the program) for a new disk file for you to work
with. The new file that the Spoiler produces will initially have exactly the
same contents as DEFAULT.MRY, and your can proceed with your installation in
the security of knowing that all changes you make to TS-440S memory are
affecting only the transceiver and your new file.
If you want to restore the memories in the TS-440S to exactly what they
were before your exploration, you should perform the following procedure.
Open the DEFAULT file by pressing F6 and choosing the O (or F1) option.
Enter the file name DEFAULT at the prompt. The Spoiler will load the original
memory values into your TS-440. If you don't want to alter the original
memory contents, you should then immediately quit the Spoiler by pressing F10.
Your transceiver memories will be restored to the same as they were when you
first ran the 440 Spoiler.
You'll want to follow this procedure each time you work with the Spoiler
therefore if you want to save your original memory information in your
transceiver. When you feel comfortable with your operation of the Spoiler,
you will want to alter the memories extremely often, as the Spoiler permits
you to do at will.
COURSING THROUGH THE SPOILER
You should initially consider the Spoiler a display window into the
operation of your TS-440S. All operating parameters are displayed in the box
to the upper-left of your screen, and all memory information is presented in
the J-shaped (largest) box to the right and bottom of your screen. When you
change any operating parameter (frequency, mode, split, RIT, XIT, source, or
memory) from the TS-440S front panel, the Spoiler updates its display to
reflect the change.
Later, you should work with the Spoiler commands that are initiated by
your pressing the function keys listed at the bottom of the Spoiler operating
screen. Using the Spoiler, you'll find that you have little use for the front
panel of your TS-440S except for such "analog" functions as your controlling
volume, passband tuning, antenna tuning (if your transceiver has an antenna
tuner installed, and the like.
The 440 Spoiler, combined with the operating power of the TS-440S,
provides you with a quantum leap in radio communications ability. You'll be
able to operate many traffic nets simultaneously, and you'll quickly find your
DX tallies among only those possessed by other operators who are using the
Spoiler. If you are looking for world news from international shortwave
broadcasts during whatever international crisis the future brings, you'll find
it much faster with the Spoiler. If you're looking for music broadcast
throughout the world, you'll find your selection to be both wide and quick.
If you want to know what the CB citizenry has evolved into, the Spoiler will
help you find out with convenience that rewards your curiosity.
REGISTERING THE 440 SPOILER
As with all shareware, the 440 Spoiler is supported largely for those who
obtain registered copies of the software and documentation. The QSO2000
project is not Microsoft Corporation, and nobody in the project wants it to
become more than a cooperative endeavor among the avant garde communicators of
the world so that the world of amateur-radio communications can more rapidly
become better.
Several hundreds of hours of research, trial-and-error, and software
development have gone into development of the 440 Spoiler, and before the
useful life of the program is over several hundreds of hours will go into its
maintenance and enhancement. We urge you to consider the value that the 440
Spoiler represents to you and to therefore register your copy of the software
by your printing the form provided below and mailing it with your remittance
to The QSO2000 Project.
Your registration of the 440 Spoiler brings you by return mail the latest
version of the 440 Spoiler on diskette and a copy of the professionally
written, printed, and bound 440 Spoiler Technical Reference Manual (a
significant enhancement and update of the material in this documentation
file). It also entitles you to free upgrades of the 440 Spoiler software and
updated documentation on disk for a year after your registration. You will be
notified of the upgrades by mail for the entire year following your
registration.
Shareware versions of the 440 Spoiler will be maintained and enhanced
throughout the useful like of the package to a lesser extent than registered
versions are. Rewards for sharing in the resources expended by further
development of the package will be significant.
Please distribute copies of the latest shareware version of the 440
Spoiler to other operators as widely as you care to distribute them so that
they are invited to share in our progress. Please include all of the files in
the 440 Spoiler package. You may not, of course, distribute copies of your
registered version of the 440 Spoiler in accordance with the licensing
agreement on the form printed below.
Licensees for a registered version of the Spoiler are welcome to write
the QSO2000 Project with comments and questions. Licensees are also welcome
to communicate directly with the authors of the 440 Spoiler on the bulletin
board listed below,
Bulletin Board ECHO (Education)
806-741-1570
1200-2400 baud, 19200 baud USR-HST
Licensees are automatically registered on the board, and upon calling
they will be routed into the Wireless Conference, the home of the 440 Spoiler.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
440 SPOILER REGISTRATION FORM
-----------------------------
Bill Brewer. K5KNC, Coordinator
The QSO2000 Project
5518 12th Street
Lubbock, Texas 79416
I hereby apply for licensed use of the 440 Spoiler software package and
enclose a payment of $39.00 for each licensed copy of the 440 Spoiler that I
am ordering.
I understand that I will receive by return mail a diskette copy of the
most current registered version of the 440 Spoiler and a copy of the
professionally written, printed, and bound 440 Spoiler Technical Reference
Manual. I also understand that I will receive software support by both mail
and through Bulletin Board ECHO (Education) for a period of one year following
registration and that I may obtain free upgrades of the registered version of
the 440 Spoiler within a year of the date printed below.
I further understand that I will be notified of upgrades as they are
available and that I may obtain them by submitting the cost of shipping and
diskette to the QSO2000 project.
I will not distribute any copy of my licensed, registered version of the
440 Spoiler that I receive to persons who do not reside in my immediate
household.
---------------------------------------
Signature
---------------------------------------
Name (please print)
---------------------------------------
Street, P.O Box
---------------------------------------
City, State ZIP
REMITTANCE: For _____ copies of registered versions at $39.00 each
A total of ________
Please make checks and money orders payable to BILL BREWER, K5KNC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOINING THE QSO2000 PROJECT
You are welcome to join The QSO2000 Project in more ways than your
registering for your copy of the 440 Spoiler. We will be happy to review
software that you have written that is related to Amateur Radio and to work
with you in assessing it its role in the project.