Programming your HT with Computer Software What do

Programming your HT with Computer Software

What do I need to get started? �An HT �A programming cable designed specifically for your HT �A computer, preferably a PC. (MAC software is hard to find. ) �Programming software written specifically for your HT �Additionally, you might need a DB 9 Serial to USB adapter and software driver.

Where can I get the software? �RT Systems (http: //www. rtsystemsinc. com/) has software for most late model Icom and Yaesu HT and mobile radios �KC 8 UNJ software (http: //www. kc 8 unj. com/) has FREE software for many Yaesu HTs �G 4 HFQ Software (http: //www. g 4 hfq. co. uk/) has software for most late model Yaesu HT, mobile, and HF radios

What if I own a Kenwood radio? �Check the Kenwood website for software: http: //www. kenwoodusa. com/Communicatio ns/Amateur_Radio/ �Also, if you own a D-STAR capable Icom radio, check the Icom website for software: http: //www. icomamerica. com/en/amateur/ �Nothing available for free from Yaesu

Types of programmed information There are 2 types of information you program into a radio: �System configuration: This is the stuff you typically set once and then forget about; like beep volume, lamp brightness, scan settings, automatic power off settings, etc. �Memory channel information: RX/TX frequencies, repeater split, tone codes, channel name, etc.

Best practices: 1. Read the HTs current memory and system configuration contents before reprogramming 2. Back up the initial read file. 3. Copy the initial file and give the copied file a new, meaningful file name: For example, w 5 jck-09 -18 -2009. xxx 4. When editing the file, save OFTEN.

Programming steps: �Create a new file �Read the current radio memory & config. info �Save the file and give it a meaningful name �Edit, enter, and/or import the new information �Save the file �Write the new file to the radio (program radio) �Test out the radio to ensure everything is the way you want it to be, but remember our motto, “Don’t kerchunk, that makes you a punk. ”

Simplex and Duplex Memory channels can be programmed for either simplex or duplex frequencies. �Simplex uses the same frequency for RX and TX. This is normally used for communicatons between just a few hams. �Duplex uses two different frequencies; one for RX and another for TX. This is normally used for repeater systems to facilitate communications between a large group.

How do I program for a repeater? Simplex frequencies are fairly simple to add. They use they same frequency to RX and TX and don’t need CTCSS tones or DCS codes. Working repeaters is more difficult because they are usually duplex (different frequencies for RX and TX) and usually require CTCSS and/or DCS to be activated by your radio. But don’t panic, it is a straight forward process to program your radio to work with a repeater.

Programming a repeater channel, 1: � Set the repeater shift. Your radio probably will do this automatically, but verify it is correct. This is the shift in freq. between the repeater’s uplink (input or RX freq. ) and it’s downlink (output or TX freq. ). It is indicated as Plus(+) or Minus(-). For example our AARC 2 m repeater is set up with an uplink freq. of 147. 740 and a downlink freq. of 147. 140. Therefore the shift is a +0. 6 MHz.

Programming a repeater channel, 2: �Set the repeater shift cont. : Input – Output = Repeater Shift 147. 740 – 147. 140 = +0. 6 MHz = +DUP 146. 340 – 146. 940 = -0. 6 MHz = -DUP Standard 2 m band shift is 0. 6 MHz Standard 70 cm band shift is 5. 0 MHz

Programming a repeater channel, 3: �Select the Squelch Type. Many repeater systems require a specific CTCSS tone freq. or DCS tone code to be superimposed on the FM carrier produced by your radio in order to activate the repeater. (It is like a password. ) This is the Encode Squelch Type. There is a Decode, but we want cover that as you probably want need that for an HT. Most local repeaters use CTCSS, and many radios display this option as “T” or “Tone”. In DFW, 110. 9 MHz is the most prevalent tone freq. used.

Programming a repeater channel, 4: �Set the Tone Mode. For the CTCSS squelch type, you set the tone freq. , for example 110. 9 MHz. For the DCS type, you set the 3 -digit tone code, for example 026. �Example: AARC 2 m repeater Repeater Shift = +0. 6 MHz Squelch Type = CTCSS Tone Mode = 110. 9 MHZ