THE HAM SHACK Copyright (c) ARAG 2002
CONTROLLING YOUR TRANSCEIVER FROM THE PC SCREEN
If you own a "radio" that supports CAT (Computer-Aided Technology), an intriguing software -- called TRX-MANAGER -- is available via the Internet. The program is adaptable to most CAT ICOM, YAESU, KENWOOD and some Ten-Tec equipment. We recently tested the TRX-MANAGER (by Laurent Labourie, F6DEX) and here is our ARAG report.
First, we should note that we operated the Ten-Tec PEGASUS last year and we were impressed with this new operating style. Since we run Slow Scan Video, our goal has been to find a way to minimize the number of movements necessary to send and receive Video. Using F6DEX's program looked like a "natural". It did not disappoint us!!
Theoretically, a PC-controlled
transceiver could be placed out-of-the-way and completely managed at the
PC. This operating style has been available for some time on any CAT "radio"
using Labourie's software. Thus far, only the most avid Contesters have
really put this new capability to the test. Using this operating method,
virtually every aspect of Ham operations is integrated into a comprehensive
system with Logging, QSL generation, Web Cluster, Digital Modes, and more
at your finger tips! For the ambitious Contester, this
software is interfaced with OLE providing all the good stuff in LOGIC5,
VKE and Swisslog. Control of two beam rotators are
also included!
We will be reporting on some of these soon.
When you Go to CAT operation with TRX-MGR, you are flying with "full panel"! It's a blast!
TEST SETUP
Our setup used an FT-920
and TRX-Manager, version 2.2 . Unlike some CAT "radios", the 920
does NOT need an additional adapter for CAT. It is almost as simple as
Plug N Play.
Due to its versatility
and simplicity to operate, we use MSCAN v3.11 for Slow Scan. MSCAN menus
are re-sizable which means that both the TRX-MGR and the SSV Outgoing and
Incoming frames can be laid out on your monitor screen to suit your way
of operating. We used the PC's speakers which permitted us to not only
control the volume, but we could mute it quickly when the phone rang.
The joy of this system
is that to transmit a picture, you click on the <KEY>button and start
your picture. In this instance, we used the Phone Patch AF In & OUT
for SSV operation. Since the 920 features an independent ACCESSORY system,
we had equally great results in that configuration.
RESULTS USING
PHONE PATCH:
This will be short
because you must download the program to understand anything I am going
to say about it. Once you have Setup completed (a free Serial Port is required)
and have the software controlling the "radio", you will see CAT displayed
on the main readout panel in the upper right corner. As long as it is present,
the computer is in charge of your rig. Any time you want to use the "radio"
manually, you can. Then the Manager monitors what you do and can
be shifted into Auto control instantly. If you have trouble seeing the
transceiver panel and its small knobs and buttons, this system allows you
to setup larger fonts. If you have failing eyesight, this is the way to
fly.
After starting the program and with the Monitoring and Command Panel Menus displayed, you can bring up the Slow Scan program and position the Incoming and Outgoing frames so you can get to the essential buttons quickly. Frequency can be changed in the Command menu by placing the cursor on the round dial. Left click moves frequency DOWN; right click moves frequency up.
The MONITOR menu controls even more functions in both Receive and Transmit modes. It also permits band change by Ham Bands or by direct entry. Selection of filters, memories, split mode, and sidebands, AM, CW, FM, FSK, PKT, etc is available. The S-meter, a sliderule tuning feature plus an INFO panel to identify certain memorized frequencies (like a Net) are included.
Every function that I needed for operating the SSV Mode worked quite well. The real joy with this operating style is that you can remain on-screen and use the MOUSE or selected HOTKEYS. With a boom mike for hands-free operation, you have virtually no need to look at or touch the switches and dials on the transceiver. To send a picture, you click <KEY> (which keys the "radio"), then start your picture.
RESULTS USING ACCESSORY INPUT
Using the ACCESSORY
outlet to connect the Video system to the 920, we used an MFJ-1272 Switch
(modified) to match up the shielded cables (with the RCA Phono plugs) to
the MFJ switch. Again referring to the MONITORING menu, click on
FSK button, then REV button, KEY, then start your picture transmission.
When you click the REV button, you place
the 920 into AFSK (Video) mode. There were no distortion, RF, pops, squeals
or anything but good pure tones. When the pix is done, you click on LSB
(if you are operating on 40M). If you use an FT-920 or Ft-1000MP, you may
want to read an earlier report on Interfacing
SSVideo.
NOTE CAREFULLY: NO TRANSFORMERS, RESISTORS, FERRITE RF SUPPRESSORS, or any other gimmickry was necessary to transmit crystal clear tones in either of the configurations described above. If you have not eliminated all RF from your shack you may have to use these old "fixes", but avoid them, if possible.
BOTTOM LINE:
Operating exclusively from the PC Monitor is a "cool" experience! If you didn't know you were connected to a transceiver, you could believe that the computer was doing all the work. Someday, no doubt, it will!
WHERE TO GO TO GET
F6DEX's PROGRAM
To review all the features available, go
to
http:ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/f6dex/FTmane.htm
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/f6dex/logbooke.htm
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/F6DEX/ (Homepage)
In the Homepage, click DEMO,ORDER for a Free full-function software. The trial period is 30 days/20 hours. It is time limited (20min.) If you have the right transceiver, you will have no trouble getting this rolling. The graphics are great and it works! Take a step into Tomorrow!
Chuck (W3OHV)