Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Radio Programming Made Easy!

THE RT SYSTEMS VERSION 4.5 UPDATE!

In discussing the new RT Systems software for programming amateur radios, especially the newly-introduced Chinese handhelds, several of you have emailed me asking me what makes this software different from the free versions you can easily download from the web.  Here's the answer: RT Systems new 4.5 version update of their extremely popular (and reliable) radio, programming software.



HERE'S WHAT'S NEW IN VERSION 4.50


USB CABLE • NO MORE COM PORT SETUP!

  • RT Systems USB cables make it easier to transfer data between the radio and the computer.
  • Plug and go. Once the cable is attached, you’re ready to “Getting data from” or “Sending data to” the radio... without struggling to set up the com port!
  • See for yourself just how easy setting up your radio can be. Click Getting Stared and relax as we show you how.


SHARE FILES WITH OTHERS, EVEN IF THE "OTHER" HAS A

DIFFERENT RADIO THAN YOURS!

  • Share files with others. Transfer easily via e-mail, CD, or flash drive.
  • The RT Systems Version 4 file for any radio can be opened with the RT Systems Version 4 Programmer for ANY radio.
  • The “shared” file opens in a generic screen from which you copy the channel details to a file for your radio.
  • With just a few mouse clicks, the other radio is programmed and ready to use.

OPEN SEVERAL FILES AT ONCE!

  • Files can be for the same or different radios (Version 4 Programmer for each radio required).
  • Different color tabs at the top of the screen let you see that several files are open. Simply click a tab to switch between the files.
  • Split the screen to see more than one file at once.  Click HERE to see how easily this is done.


NEW EDITING FEATURES

  • Column editing with copy and paste. Change one. Copy it. Paste in the same column... once or repeatedly by highlighting several.
  • Move-up or Move-Down to rearrange the order of the channels.
  • Sort and Unsort.
  • Copy and paste one or many channels. Select all to copy. Select only one to paste. Copied channels are pasted beginning with the selected channel.
  • Copy within the same file or between files for different radios.
  • Learn more about Copy and Paste with this 10-minute tutorial.


EASILY ENTER DETAILS FOR SPECIAL RADIO FUNCTIONS

  • Learn more about D-Star setup using the built-in D-Star Calculator. The D-Star Calculator is part of the RT Systems Programmer for many Icom D-Star Radios. Check the Icom page on our site for a complete list of these radios
  • Click D-Star Setup and relax, as we show you.
  • Learn more about Hypermemories in the Yaesu FT-7800, FT-7900 and FT-8800 radios. Click Hypermemories and relax, as we show you.

 What more info? Visit www.rtsystems.com.

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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Newly Licensed? Here's Help!

AMATEUR RADIO VHF-UHF STARTER FREQUENCIES

Get a good start in ham radio with some of Gordon West's favorite Southern California repeater and simplex radio frequencies for the most popular VHF & UHF amateur radio bands.  The lists below are configured for the popular Baofeng & Wouxun Chinese-made VHF-UHF dual-band portables, but you can input these frequencies into virtually any amateur radio, mobile or portable, manually or using a computer and programming software.  But if  programming your new radio with a computer is new to you, please feel free to email me. The top two lists below were designed especially for hams who are boaters and would like to monitor the marine channels along with the most popular Southern California repeater frequencies. The bottom two lists include MURS, FRS, and GMRS channels. Click on the links below to view/download the frequency list of your choice. 

MARINE CHANNELS NOTE -- When you look at the frequency lists that contain the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Channels, you will notice something interesting: They are matched up with memory locations of the same number.  In other words, after turning on your radio, if you press "016," you will be taken to Marine Channel 16. Pressing "022" takes you to Channel 22, and so on. Special thanks to Tony Ashlin KI6DZV for this great programming idea!

 BAOFENG PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE -- If you're a fan of Dan Smith's unique CHIRP Software for the computer programming of the inexpensive 128-channel Baofeng UV-5R dual-band radio, you will need the following image files.  The first link below will take you to Dan Smith's "CHIRP Download" webpage. CHIRP is available for all versions of Windows, as well as Linux and the popular Ubuntu operating systems.


WOUXUN PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE -- If you're a fan of Dan Smith's unique CHIRP Software for the computer programming of the inexpensive 199-channel Wouxun KG-UV6D/X dual-band radio, you will need the following image files.  The first link below will take you to Dan Smith's "CHIRP Download" webpage. CHIRP is available for all versions of Windows, as well as Linux and the popular Ubuntu operating systems. The second link is an Adobe PFD file of Gordo's exclusive frequency list. The last link is the CHIRP file you will upload to your radio.


THE ABSOLUTE BEST PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE!

Bob Nagy in his video (see the Baofeng post below) tells how difficult it is to program these Chinese handhelds via the front keypad.  I can also tell you, that my attempts to program the Baofeng or Wouxun radios with the free downloadable Chinese PC software was equally disastrous. But, there is a solution -- RT Systems to the rescue!

I was so please recently to discover that RT Systems has entered the field by providing USB programming cables and Windows-based software for the most popular Chinese handheld and mobile radios, such as the Baofeng UV-5R.  As a ham radio operator, I have appreciated the intuitive RT Systems software for programming my HF rigs and Yaesu handhelds for years.  Not to go into great detail, but if you have ever been challenged by not being able to move memory channels up or down or had the “CSV Import-Export” dilemma drive you batty, you will love the ease and convenience of RT Systems software!  BTW, the USB cables and software are VERY affordable, too.  To see how easy programming your rig can be, visit www.rtsystemsinc.com.

Special thanks to Gordon West WB6NOA and Tony Ashlin KI6DZV for helping me in organizing the frequency lists and image files for this post. Bravo Zulu guys! Need more help? Email me your questions at w6aux@arrl.net.

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Monday, April 1, 2013

The Radio Amateur's Code

THE RADIO AMATEUR IS:
  • CONSIDERATE never knowingly operating in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
  • LOYAL offering loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
  • PROGRESSIVE with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station, and operation beyond reproach.
  • FRIENDLY with slow and patient operation when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
  • BALANCED Radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
  • PATRIOTIC with station and skills always ready for service to country and community
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