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Software for operating, technical applications, modeling, record keeping, QSL design and printing and front-panel design for homebrew projects.

QRP, Ham Radio and Computers

If you missed it, "QRP Community: Software for the QRP Shack (Part1 of 2) appeared on this site April 24. Links to a variety of radio-related software can be found on the Software page of my Web site.

This crowded screen shot doesn't really do justice to all the features of Ham Radio Deluxe rig-control software.

Radio Control

Are you tired of small knobs and buttons? Wish you had more memory slots? Do you want easy-to-use scanning? Do you miss the old log tuning scale or want to change the control face, color scheme and button types of your radio with just a few clicks of a mouse? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you definitely need to try the feature pack software package from Simon Brown, HB9DRV, called Ham Radio Deluxe.

This software package started out as a rig control program for the Yaesu FT-817, but what has evolved is the Swiss army knife of operator-computer-radio interfaces. The program now supports many rigs from Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, Ten-Tec and Yaesu. Features include the typical rig interface duties of controlling radio frequency, filter selection, simulated S meter and memory storage. But Simon has gone way beyond simple rig control and user-defined screens. Among the many features he has added are voice annunciation of frequency and mode, DX Cluster monitoring, PSK31 operation and even his multi-featured Mapper program. Many new features are being added almost weekly. By the way, the software is free!

Two additional notable rig control programs are available. Carl Moreschi, N4PY, produces a Ten-Tec Argonaut V, Pegasus and Jupiter control program that also now includes Elecraft K2 and Kenwood support. Carl also produces an excellent control program for the Ten-Tec Orion and an Icom control program. FT-Manager by Laurent Labourie, F6DEX, started life as a Yaesu control program, but it also has been expanded to cover some Ten-Tec and Kenwood models.

What if you want to use rig interface software, but your rig does not have built-in interface capability? David McClafferty, VE1ADH, has a project you can build to "Interface Almost Any Radio to Your Logging Computer."

Information Resources

The next category of ham radio software is very broad. My last column covered DX Cluster and call sign databases. Other information resources include:

1. Propagation forecasting--monitoring, modeling, calculations, sunrise/sunset times and gray line display

2. Beacon monitoring as an aid to propagation

3. Time synchronization

4. Satellite tracking

5. Maps and location--zones, grids, prefixes, distance, azimuth, beam headings to IOTAs (Islands On The Air), etc

6. Map creation--azimuth projections, distance and azimuth

7. Databases--equipment manuals, modifications, HF contest stations, IOTA list

8. QSL routes

9. FCC Amateur Radio Service page--call sign database, on-line applications (renewal, change of address, vanity call sign request, etc.) and rules and regulations

10. Awards and contesting

11. Online log submissions--logs to contest sponsors, claimed scores and submit/view contest score rumors

12. Log checking/scoring--used by most major contests to verify contest contacts, understanding generated UBN lists

13. Calendars--ARRL searchable hamfest schedule, contests, special events and announcements of DX operations

14. Training--on-line (tutorials, practice tests and courses), Morse training and practice

Forgot that jingle to remember resistor code color? Visit this on-line resistor color code calculator to determine the value.

Electronic and Radio Calculation and Modeling

This is another very broad catalog. Highlights include:

1. Circuits--modeling/simulation, monitoring/evaluation and layout (CAD) of printed circuit boards

2. Electronics calculators--standard math, scientific calculation, specialized (LCR, series and parallel circuit values, toroid winding, antenna element dimensions, etc.) on-line resistor color code values and many more

3. Antenna modeling--dimensions, design, gain, front-to-back ratio, effects of height, take-off angle, variables, etc.

Graphics and Publication

Whether you are designing a front panel for your latest QRP project, a new QSL card, planning the layout of a circuit board and case or designing a new antenna support to be welded together, a variety of software programs exist to assist you.

1. Word processor/desktop publishing--QSL design, front panel design, charts and frequency allocation table, tuner settings and other aids to post in your shack

2. CAD (computer-aided design)--design a project to be fabricated from metal, wood or plastic

3. Specialized CAD--printed circuit layout, schematics

4. Diagramming/flowcharting--panel layout, instruction flow charts for emergency or other critical or infrequent operation, maps, schematic diagrams

5. Drawing/painting/scanning/photo editing/screen capture--manipulation/creation of graphics, logos, drawings. Production of newsletters, certificates, press releases, equipment manuals and software documentation.

6. HTML editor/Web page production--designing, transferring files and maintaining a Web page to propagate your QRP and radio knowledge to fellow hams

Digital Modes, Sound Cards, Signal Processing and More

This includes PSK31, packet, SSTV, RTTY, digital signal processing (DSP), digital audio, remote control, Internet-linked repeaters, PIC microprocessors and more. This category will need a separate column or two to cover at a later date.

Reader Feedback and Author Comments

I have had a few inquiries from readers asking about the screen captures I included in my last column. I have been using two very useful programs for capturing both still and motion screen shots to produce documentation and software training at my real job. Both products are from TechSmith Software--Snag-It for static screen shots and Camtasia Studio for full motion screen capture and voice over narration.

Editor's note: An ARRL Life Member, Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, lives in Stow, Ohio. He has worked in the field of medical microbiology for 18 years and is now a technology and computer coordinator for a local school district. Luscre is an avid QRP operator having earned DXCC, WAS and WAC using no more that 5 W output. Readers are invited to contact the author via e-mail or visit his Web site.

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