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PAGE i
RIG-EQF Version 1.50
Control Program for Kenwood Radios.
Copyright (C) 1992
Thomas J. Dandrea N3EQF
------------
USER'S GUIDE
------------
Rig-EQF is copyrighted by the author, and has been released
for public distribution as "Shareware" or "User Supported"
software, for use by radio amateurs and SWL's. The author
reserves all rights to this software under copyright laws.
Registered users of Rig-EQF are provided notification of
program revisions and technical support if required. The
registration fee for Rig-EQF is only $10.00. If you enjoy
using Rig-EQF, please encourage further program development
by notifying the author at the address below.
-----------------------
Tom Dandrea N3EQF
396 Sautter Drive
Coraopolis, PA 15108
USA
-----------------------
(412) 457-2584
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
Improvements and revisions to Rig-EQF will be made in direct
proportion to the number of requests for them. Your comments
about the program and suggestions for improvement are welcome.
PAGE ii
------------------------- CONTENTS -----------------------------
PAGE NUMBER
-----------
Definition of Shareware & Disclaimer.............iii
Registration and Support & Ombudsman.............iv
1. Rig-EQF Overview............................1.0
2. Installation................................2.0
3. Operation...................................3.0
4. PROGRAM SCAN CONTROL........................4.0
5. LOCAL MEMORY CONTROL........................5.0
PAGE iii
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
-----------------------
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying
it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected
to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request
registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.
With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using
the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as
stated below. The main difference is in the method of distribution. The
author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software,
either to all and sundry or to a specific group.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find
software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or
Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because
you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low
also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use
the product, you don't pay for it.
DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT
----------------------
Users of Rig-EQF must accept this disclaimer of warranty: "Rig-EQF is
supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied,
including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of
fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages,
direct or consequential, which may result from the use of Rig-EQF." Rig-EQF
is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for
evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not
give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of
"user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with
quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for
programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using Rig-EQF and continue to use Rig-EQF
after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of
$10 to N3EQF. The $10 registration fee will license one copy for use on
any one computer at any one time.
Anyone distributing Rig-EQF for any kind of remuneration must first contact
N3EQF at the address above for authorization. This authorization will be
automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering
to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may
begin offering Rig-EQF immediately (However N3EQF must still be advised so
that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of Rig-
EQF).
You are encouraged to pass a copy of Rig-EQF along to your friends for
evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that
they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest
version of the Rig-EQF system. PAGE iv
REGISTRATION AND SUPPORT POLICY
-------------------------------
To become a registered user of Rig-EQF, you must send a $10 fee to the
author at the address below:
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Tom Dandrea, N3EQF │
│ 396 Sautter Drive │
│ Coraopolis, PA 15108-9244 │
│ │
│ Phone: (412) 457-2584 │
└───────────────────────────────┘
To register, use the form shown on the following page, or provide the
information below in any readible format to N3EQF:
- Current version number of Rig-EQF you're using.
- The type of floppy disk you require (i.e., 360K)
- Your amateur callsign.
- Complete mailing address.
When you become a registered user, you are provided the following:
1. The current version of Rig-EQF will be sent upon receipt of payment.
The program will be supplied on the floppy type you specify.
2. You will be automatically notified when major revisions to Rig-EQF are
released.
3. Technical support is available at the above address and phone number,
for a minimum period of 6 months after the registration date. N3EQF
makes every attempt to correct any problems reported about the use of
the Rig-EQF program. I also welcome constructive critism and
suggestions for improvement. The current version of Rig-EQF rep-
resents the collective input received from registered users in the
last two years.
OMBUDSMAN
---------
Tom Dandrea, N3EQF, is a member of the Association of Shareware
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware priciple
works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem
with an ASP member by contracting the member directly, ASP may be able to
help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an
ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or
send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. REGISTRATION FORM PAGE v
Rig-EQF 1.50 Registration and Order Form
Your Name: _______________________________Callsign:_____________
Address: _______________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State/Province: ____________
Country: ____________________________ Zip/Postcode: ____________
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Computer Make: _________________________ Model: ________________
Video: __MDA __CGA __EGA __MCGA __VGA __Hercules Other:_________
Monitor: __Monochrome __Color __Black-and-White Other___________
DOS Version: ________ Do you have a hard disk? __Yes __No
Floppy diskette sizes you use:
5 1/4" __360Kb __1.2Mb 3 1/2" __720Kb __1.44Mb
Other (please specify): _____________________________________
Printer Make: _____________________ Model: _____________________
Do you use expanded or extended memory? __Yes __No
Do you use a mouse? _____________________________________________
What model(s) of Kenwood radio do you have interfaced to Rig-EQF?
__________________________________________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for taking the time to fill out and send in this
information. It will help me to provide you with even better
software and service in the future. And thanks for supporting
the shareware concept.
Rig-EQF Registration ...............................: $10.00
* For orders outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, please
add $3.00 shipping and handling.
Total: $_________
Please indicate the disk size you prefer: .... __5 1/4" __3 1/2"
Payment must be in U.S. funds, drawn on a U.S. bank. Please send
the completed form, along with a check or money order to:
Tom Dandrea, N3EQF Technical Support: (412) 457-2584
396 Sautter Drive
Coraopolis, PA 15108 U.S.A.
PAGE 1.0
1. RIG-EQF OVERVIEW
--------------------
Rig-EQF provides computer control over Kenwood radios that utilize
the IF-232C (or internal) interface. Various radio parameters can be
controlled and monitored via the computer, increasing the power and
flexibility of your station.
Rig-EQF can even be used to control up to four radios, with fast easy
switching between the serial communications ports.
Below are a few of the radio functions supported by Rig-EQF:
- Large digital display of current VFO frequency.
- Control over VFO frequency with direct entry.
- Shift current frequency up or down in 1MHz increments.
- Tune current frequency in small variable-rate increments.
- Switch between VFO's, select SPLIT, or set VFO's equal.
- Lock current frequency.
- RIT and XIT control for radios with these features.
- Sophisticated programmable scanning, including lower and upper
frequency limits, frequency increment, and scanning rate.
- LOCAL MEMORY control; an advanced memory system providing
storage of radio parameters on the computer's disk.
- Transmit/Receive control for transceivers.
- Mouse control over most functions.
PAGE 2.0
RIG-EQF INSTALLATION
-------------------
Rig-EQF may be installed on any IBM-compatible DOS computer, as long
as the DOS is Version 2.1 or higher. The only other requirement is
that at least one communications (serial) port is installed on the
computer; using ports COM1 through COM4. The COM ports are configured
as follows:
Port Name I/O Address Interrupt Request
COM1 3F8 IRQ4
COM2 2F8 IRQ3
COM3 3E8 IRQ2
COM4 2E8 IRQ5
To install Rig-EQF, just copy all files from the distribution disk
to a directory on your hard drive, or onto another floppy if your
computer does not have a hard drive. There is only one file required
to operate Rig-EQF. It is named RIG-EQF.EXE.
Once Rig-EQF runs, a file called RIG-EQF.CNF will be created. This
file stores parameters like the serial port number and scanning
limits, for reuse each time the program runs. Once you use the
LOCAL MEMORY feature in Rig-EQF, other files will be created to
store memory information. Memory files always end in ".MEM".
Connect your Kenwood radio to one of the serial ports on your
computer (COM1 through COM4), following the recommendations in your
Kenwood manual. You should use a good quality serial cable, preferably
sheided, and one that uses (at least) 5 wires. These 5 wires are
standard for RS-232C devices (like your Kenwood radio), but
occasionally 3-wire cables are sold. A 3-wire "RS-232C" cable will
not work correctly with this program! The names of the 5 signals
(thus 5 wires) required for proper operation are: Ground, Receive
Data, Transmit Data, Clear To Send, and Request to Send.
With your radio connected to one of the computer's serial ports, turn
on the radio and the IF-232C level translator (the IF-232C is not
required for some Kenwood models), and then start Rig-EQF. Rig-EQF
will attempt to communicate with the COM1 port. If the program does
not receive information from COM1, it will prompt you to choose from
a pop-up menu the correct COM port to activate. If the communication
link is established successfully, the Main Screen of Rig-EQF will
appear.
If you have problems getting Rig-EQF to run initially, try starting
the program specifying the serial communications port for your radio
after the program name. For example, if your radio is connected to
the COM2 serial port of your computer, type "RIG-EQF 2".
PAGE 3.0
3. RIG-EQF OPERATION
--------------------
Operation of Rig-EQF is straight-forward; there are no hidden
commands. All the available commands are displayed on the program
screens. The commands themselves consist of a single letter or
function key, and each command is shown on the screen next to its
corresponding function.
Note that some commands are not available with certain Kenwood
models. In most cases, if the command is not available for the
radio currently in use, they will not appear on the screen. For
example, the transmit/receive, Split, and XIT/RIT controls will
have no affect with the R5000 receiver.
You may also use your computer's mouse to control the radio
commands. Simply move the mouse cursor to the first letter in the
command displayed on the screen, and click the left mouse button.
The operation of each command is described below:
<A> Pressing the letter "A" allows you to enter a new frequency
in VFO A. A cursor will appear at the upper right of the screen,
at the position where the existing frequency for VFO A is
displayed. You may then enter the desired frequency. There are
two ways to enter frequency; either using decimal points in the
proper places, or by stringing digits together in sequence like
you would at the radio's front panel. When you hit <Enter> or
<Return>, the new frequency will be entered.
<B> The "B" key activates VFO B frequency entry. This works exactly
the same way as for VFO A, above.
<=> Hitting the "=" key (equals sign) stores the currently displayed
(tuned) frequency into both VFO's.
<V> The "V" key causes a switch from the current VFO to the opposite
VFO. If VFO A is currently selected, VFO B will become the active
VFO. The mode settings active when the opposite VFO were in use
will be recalled with that VFO, the same as if VFO's were switched
from the radio panel.
<S> Pressing the "S" key will turn the SPLIT function on if it was
off, or turn in off it was already on. The word "SPLIT" will
appear at the upper left of the display, next to the large
frequency digits, when it is selected.
<D> The "D" key moves the present frequency DOWN 1 MHz.
<U> The "U" key moves the present frequency UP 1 MHz. PAGE 3.1
<Page Down> key moves the frequency DOWN in small increments. The
smallest increment, available when the key is first depreseed, is
10 Hz. If you hold the key down for a few seconds, the rate will
increase to 100 Hz, and then finally to 1 Khz. If you release
the key for a second or two, the rate will return again to the
slow 10 Hz. rate. The displayed frequency will continuously be
updated as you tune.
<Page Up> key moves the frequency UP in the same manner as above.
<Space Bar> is used as the TRANSMIT/RECEIVE switch for transceivers.
When the radio is transmitting, a flashing TRANSMIT indicator
will appear at the top of the screen.
<M> The "M" key is used to change the radio MODE. When you hit the
key, a box will appear, presenting the available modes to pick
from. Use the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys to highlight the proper
mode, and then hit <Enter>.
<R> Hit the "R" key to turn the RIT function on or off. If the RIT
is on, the offset will be displayed at the upper right of the
display. If the RIT is off, the word "off" will appear in its
place. To adjust the RIT offset, use the <Right> and <Left>
arrow keys to tune up or down, respectively.
<X> The "X" key turns the XIT control on or off. Operation or the XIT
is the same as for RIT.
<Z> Pressing the letter "Z" will ZERO the XIT and RIT offsets. This
key zeros the offset reqardless of whether the RIT or XIT is on
or off.
<I> The "I" key allows you to switch from the currently-selected COM
port to another COM port (and thus another Kenwood radio). When
you select this option, a pop-up menu will appear, presenting you
with a selection for each of the possible COM ports. If you
select a port which is not configured, or no response is received
from the radio, Rig-EQF will beep and wait for you to make another
selection. (You may have to repeat the same selection more than
once if you first select the wrong port).
<P> The letter "P" is used to select the PROGRAM SCAN CONTROL. A new
menu will be presented showing SCAN options. See Section 4 of
this manual for descriptions of the SCAN controls.
<O> Hitting "O" (not zero, but "O") enables the LOCAL MEMORY CONTROL.
See Section 5 for a description of this system.
PAGE 4.0
PROGRAM SCAN CONTROL
--------------------
The PROGRAM SCAN CONTROL screen is used to control the parameters
related to the scanning function, and to start and stop the scanning
process. The keys and their operation are described below:
<L> The "L" key is used to enter the LOWER, or starting frequency
for the scan. The frequency is entered in Mhz. The frequency
you enter here is where the scan process will start.
<U> Use the "U" key to enter the UPPER, or stopping frequency for
the scan. This is the frequency limit (in Mhz) which causes the
scan to begin again at the lower frequency.
<I> The "I" key is used to enter the INCREMENT frequency. This is
the size of the "step" between each frequency change during the
scan. The increment frequency is entered in Khz, and the
smallest increment available is 10 Hz, or 0.01 Khz.
<P> The letter "P" sets the PAUSE time, in seconds, between scan
increments. The smallest pause time possible is 0.25 seconds.
(NOTE: With some computer and radio combinations, scanning at
a very fast rate can result in intermitent errors. If you
experience this problem, just make the pause time slightly
longer).
<Space Bar> is used to START and STOP the scan. If the current VFO
frequency is between the LOWER and UPPER scan limits, the scan
will begin at the current frequency. If the current VFO frequency
is outside the limits, the scan will begin at the lower limit.
You can use the <Space Bar> to momentarily pause during the scan,
and then start it again where it left off.
<Esc> key is used to leave the scan screen, and return to the Main
Screen functions.
PAGE 5.0
LOCAL MEMORY CONTROL
--------------------
The LOCAL MEMORY system allows you to store and recall radio
information, along with a brief description of each memory entry.
The following keys are available from this screen:
<Up> and <Down> Arrow Keys are used to select the memory line to be
saved or recalled. Each "Page" of memories contains 22 lines, and
each line is one memory.
<F1> This function key is used to store the present radio information
(Frequency, VFO, Mode, Split), on the currently-highlighted line.
When you first hit this key, the current status of the radio (as
indicated by the window at the lower right corner of the screen)
will be captured and saved. A cursor will appear in the
"COMMENT" column of the highlighted line. You may then enter a
brief description of this memory for identification.
<F2> Hitting the <F2> function key will recall the memory shown by
the currently-highlighted line. This means your radio will
change to the frequency and mode (as well as split, if that's
what the condition was when the memory was saved) to reflect
that memory line. Hitting the <Return> or <Enter> key will do
the same thing as this function key.
<F3> This key will display a cursor at the "FREQUENCY" column of the
currently-highlighted memory line. You may type in a frequency
different than the one displayed, or you can hit <Enter> to keep
the original frequency. Once you hit <Enter>, the cursor will
move to the "MODE" column, the next time you hit <Enter> the
cursor will move to the "VFO" column, and finally to the
"COMMENT" column. At each location, you may either type in new
information or just hit <Enter> to keep the old information.
<F4> The <F4> function key displays the existing memory files for the
current disk directory. You can select an existing memory by
positioning the highlight bar to the file name, and hitting
the <Enter> key. The memories contained in that file will then
be displayed. You can create new pages by hitting any other key
besides the arrow keys. This will cause a prompt to appear at
the bottom of the screen, asking you to enter a memory file
name. A new file will be created, using the first 8 characters
you supply at the prompt. The last four characters of the file
are always ".MEM", and the Rig-EQF program will automatically add
these characters. Memory files are always located in the current
disk directory, as indicated at the lower left corner of the
memory page screen. You may also select another disk directory
by hitting the <F1> key, to access other memory files.
PAGE 5.1
<Esc> Hitting the <Esc> key returns you to the Main Screen.
<Page Up> and <Page Down> will tune the radio frequency of the
current VFO up or down, the same as on the Main Screen.
---------- Copyright (C) 1992 -- Thomas J. Dandrea -- N3EQF --------------