Ardv1/Ardv10-pc-computer-control-new-s-w

[marlbrook]

Changes and new additions (lots)

Added DMR Color Codes, Slot control and muting , plus P25 and NXDN 'RAN' and 'NAC' selection / muting.

Initial loading time to main screen drastically reduced.

Added 12 different SKIN options, single button selectable. PC auto-stores your favourite.

All VFO and Memory Channel operations, including Color Codes, 'RAN' , 'NAC' , Noise Reduction settings (etc) can be entered and tested in real-time.

You can download v5.032 from the website. If your browser still shows 49.99 instead of the new 10.99 then try clearing your browser's cache.

No uninstall of old version necessary, just run setup.

ardv1

New Instruction pdf file attached here. Look at the CHANGES LOG for full details.

There have been a lot of changes to the program. Any bugs or problems, or 'wish list' requests, click the 'Enquiries' email logo and contact me. I usually reply very quickly, 7 days a week.

As ever, any and all future updates will remain free for as long as I last (lol).

 

[marlbrook]

V.5.033 just uploaded - faster loading

Hi, just uploaded v.5.033.

Shaved another 10 seconds off the time to load the program.

Upwards on onwards (hopefully lol).

Anyone who tried previous versions, PLEASE try this one. All the new features of v.5.032 (above) plus the faster loading. There have been so many additions and improvements since I first announced the project here, and after all you have nothing to lose as the trial is, as ever, free.

Two people reported long loading times previously to me. I am pretty sure I have pinned this down to Windows having used up most of its memory, especially where anyone leaves their PC on for long periods, or uses hibernation.

Often you may not notice the PC slowing down for weeks, but eventually you will. The CAT program does so much as it boots, that it will require enough free memory to run as it should during its booting process.

This has been a Windows issue for years. One should always close down and re-boot regularly as this frees up memory that Windows just never does on its own.

When you run the program's setup, it now recommends a re-boot. It is optional, but it is a good idea to do it.

Enjoy

 

[MStep]

Program Review Posted

For those following this thread, who may not have yet noticed, I did put up a "First Look" evaluation of Jeff's program. You can find it here:

http://forums.radioreference.com/aor-receivers/329961-first-look-ash-software-aor-dv1.html

 

[marlbrook]

Another little touch - com port auto find

Providing the USB drivers have been correctly installed ( a matter between the AR-DV1 and your PC), and the receiver is switched on / connected to the PC, the CAT program auto-finds the Com Port number the first time you run it.

This is a 'one-time' operation. Once the correct port is found the program remembers from then on.

In the unlikely event there are more than one Silicon Labs USB drivers, the program tries the first one it finds. If that is not the correct Com Port, the program shows you a list of Slilicon Labs ports it found, and lets you try them manually until the program shows the 'Connected' message.

In v.5.034, available at website : - ardv1'

 

[hamradionl]

Hello,

Try install under VISTA getting error message:
Path Not found

 

[marlbrook]

VISTA

Hello,

Try install under VISTA getting error message:
Path Not found

The instructions do state the versions the program has been tested on, and VISTA is not mentioned.

Please go to the website, click on the ENQUIRIES email icon, and send me an email.

In theory it should work. I will try to assist you.

I have no VISTA machines here to test on, and presumably the default installation directory system is different.

Hopefully we can resolve this, and if so I will be able to make any additions needed in future updates to accommodate VISTA users.

 

[marlbrook]

New version - some exciting additions

V.5.037 should be available from the website within a very short time.

I am not going to post what the new innovations are quite yet, but I hope some of you will find them as exciting as I do. (Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but a bit annoying when it so often happens)

The whole idea of the program is to be able to make everything available in real-time, so you can actually see/hear what difference they make and choose accordingly. Also to make the program comprehensive, and both it and the AR-DV1 as easy to use as is possible.

Just as easy (if not easier than pressing the buttons on the radio), with lots of other innovations the AR-DV1 just does not do itself.

Please check the website for v.5.037.

If you have a previous version then it will just install over the top of it.

If you have not tried the free (almost fully functional demo), then why not give it a go?

ardv1

 

[marlbrook]

V.5.037

This CAT (program) is well and truly 'out of the bag', with a review about it already.

Several improvements / additions.

AUDIO ALERTS are covered by M-Step's recent post. This is a very useful tool, for many reasons. If you want simple but comprehensive instructions, then download the Trial Package with the instructions provided.

M-Step has gone into Audio Alerts very deeply, which is good. However please note that the ALERTS are really easy to set-up.. Not complicated at all. Their uses may be many, but their ease of operation is so simple..

The other interesting add on, is the ability to switch Voice Inversion ON when monitoring Digital Channels (only in Countries where this is permitted by Law).

Again full instructions in the pdf file that comes with the Trial program.

Nobody has mentioned the 12 SKINS that are now available. Personally I really like the ability of changing the way the program looks with the click of a button. There will almost certainly be a 'skin' that really appeals to you, and naturally the program remembers your choice the next time you run it.

The program still has the 'authentic look' of the actual AR-DV1, with any skin.

After 5.037 I lost all interest, so sorry to tell you that v.5.038 may be a long time coming.

I estimate about another 24 hours (lol).

What is in it? Well I have to admit there are two corrections, but ALSO other changes and functions, which are really significant.

Sorry you will have to wait for the release for full details, (the Imitation / Flattery thing again) but I will say that some of the receiver's firmware anomalies have been addressed and completely dealt with by the program.

Despite the CAT software being 'fast' now, speed is significantly increased for certain functions that were held back by serial communications, with an overall boost to performance which I thought could never be achieved.

I just want to test everything a little longer.

If you have not already, install the 5.037 Trial at least while you are waiting.

It is so easy to set up with the AR-DV1 now, is almost fully functional, and if you do not like it, then what have you lost?

Check out the YouTube demo video, available instantly at the website.

ardv1

 

[marlbrook]

Using the cat program in 'vista'

VISTA is not mentioned as an operating system the CAT program has been tested on.

I have no way of developing or testing the CAT program in VISTA at this time

HOWEVER, if you wish to try it in VISTA,

1.Please open your 'C' directory.

2. Create a FOLDER named :- "C:\Program Files (x86)", if such a folder does not already exist.

3. Copy and paste the name, it MUST be exactly as above.

4. Install the CAT program.
-------------

PLEASE let me know if this works or not?

It cannot harm your PC but as with all experiments you do it at your own risk.

 

[marlbrook]

MAJOR UPDATE with SCALEABLE WINDOWS and more

I hope to upload v.5.038 this weekend.

Without doubt I consider this to be a real quantum leap.

PLEASE check the website and download it.


ardv1

Here is a summary of the ADDITIONS, changes and fixes:-

v 5.038
1. S-METER
Improved S-Meter reaction time.

2. EXTRA AUDIO ALERT FILES
Added 'ALTERNATIVE ALERTS' folder with extra .wav files.

3. PASS CHANNEL SET / CLEAR
Hopefully overcome all F/W problems regarding this.

5. VFO or SEARCH frequency to MEMORY Channel
You can now quickly transfer a VFO frequency, or a SEARCH frequency to a Memory Channel, and make any additions such as NR etc in real-time.

6. 'PAS' DISPLAY ADDED
If a PASS channel has been set for any frequency in a search bank, then during a SEARCH, 'PAS' will now appear on the program's display.

7. DELAY PAUSE USER SELECTABLE VIA SLIDER

8. The program was not showing the correct Squelch mode on its display during a SEARCH (although it was using the proper one). - FIXED

9. SQUELCH MODE SOMETIMES NOT CORRECTLY DISPLAYED
The program was not showing the correct Squelch mode on its display during a SEARCH (although it was using the proper one). - FIXED

10. SCALEABLE WINDOWS - ENLARGE DISPLAY OPTIONS and AUTO-SIZE re Screen Resolution

 

[marlbrook]

EMAILS and VISTA

Hello,

Try install under VISTA getting error message:
Path Not found

I have replied to your emails twice, and posted the above. Hope it helped.

 

[marlbrook]

V 5.039 at website

Further to the post above re v 5.038, 5.039 is available now

v 5.039
1. SCALEABLE WINDOWS - UPDATED

a. No delay in the 'Blue Button' becoming operative.

b. Right clicking the 'Tuning Knob' still increases the display size (from standard to almost full screen).

c. You can now view the enlarged display in FULL or COMPACT modes (Blue Button).

d. A left mouse click on the button that displays the chosen size (e.g. 'x1' - moved to between the UP / DOWN buttons), will immediately cause the program to revert to its standard size (you no longer have to cycle through all the size changes until this happens).

e. The S-Meter now increases in size when the display is enlarged.

The feedback so far about being able to enlarge the whole display is very positive. When I first developed the program I concentrated on making it look as close to the AR-DV1 as possible, with the proportions much the same, and the actual 'yellow screen' almost identical. I originally wrote the whole thing for myself, and at the resolution of my monitor it was big enough, but I was told that in higher resolutions the program was usable, but quite small.

The program now automatically checks the resolution of the PC it is installed on, and adjusts itself accordingly, but of equal importance a mouse click will vary the screen size right up to very big indeed.

There is not a lot more that I can add now. On a day to day basis control of almost all the functions of the AR-DV1 is available. If you want to experiment then you can, in real-time, and listen to the results before you decide whether to store them or not. I managed to add things the AR-DV1 probably should have been designed to do, and compensate for current firmware anomalies.

I also wanted the program to be logical and really easy to use, to open up the possibilities of all the radio has to offer (without having to constantly refer to the manual to find out which buttons I had to press on the AR-DV1, to do what), but still retain the look and 'feel' of the radio on screen.

It is for others to decide if I achieved my aims I suppose, and thanks again to all the people who told me I have.

 

[MStep]

I wanted to concur with marlbrook regarding the new SCALING function of his program. The laptop that I use to run his program has a display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 on a 17 inch screen. While the original program size is quite readable, there is a definite advantage to being able to increase the size of the program. I now run it at 4x, which is the maximum that you can scale to, and I can now see the display from a much greater distance.

This means that if I am across the room, and something catches my ear, I don't have to scramble back to the computer to see what I am listening to. The display is now "loud & clear" from a pretty good distance.

Incidentally, the other thing that I like--- if you are listening for example to DMR frequencies, the radio has a "habit" of blocking out your frequency descriptor information with its own information regarding the DMR color code which is being utilized, at least on its own display.

When running this software package, Jeff at Ash-By was careful not have the display on his program replicate that annoying information. So while the frequency descriptor is blocked out on the radio's display, it is not blocked out in the Ash-By package, a definite benefit.

Well done Jeff !!!

 

[dmaria]

I am waiting for the delivery of the AR-DV1. I ordered it 10 days ago, but the dealer was slow to process the order. I will probably order your software for the remote control function, But get the Butel software for the programming ( I like using a spreadsheet for programming ). On my wish list is an Mac version of the software. Running a VM for Windows full time is not an option.

 

[MStep]

I am waiting for the delivery of the AR-DV1. I ordered it 10 days ago, but the dealer was slow to process the order. I will probably order your software for the remote control function, But get the Butel software for the programming ( I like using a spreadsheet for programming ). On my wish list is an Mac version of the software. Running a VM for Windows full time is not an option.

I love my DV1 dmaria-- I am sure you'll enjoy yours as well. Sorry to here your dealer was a little slow to process--- can I ask what dealer you ordered from, and also where are you located?

 

[dmaria]

I love my DV1 dmaria-- I am sure you'll enjoy yours as well. Sorry to here your dealer was a little slow to process--- can I ask what dealer you ordered from, and also where are you located?

Located in east-central Illinois. There are only 2 agencies using NXDN, and maybe 6 using DMR. There is an NXDN ham repeater about 20 miles from me, but nobody uses it in digital mode. On the other hand, there are 2 Fusion ( and 1 more in the works ), 5 D-Star and 1 unused DMR repeater within a 30 mile range.

As far as the dealer goes - I'll keep that one under my hat until I see how this comes out. When I placed the order they told me it would drop ship, but when I inquired about the delay I was told it would ship to them first. 12 days and counting.

 

[marlbrook]

New version v.6 - with audio logging

Well, I have not posted for a little time. There was a good reason.

I was approached by someone representing a large organisation, part of whose remit is the monitoring of radio traffic in the U.K.

They asked if I could enhance the program to include detailed logging, especially with regard to Digital mode information. Kept me very busy as you might imagine.

I managed what I believe is a GIANT step forward, and created a feature which to my knowledge has never been available in any software/scanner combination. The ability not only to perform unattended and attended logging, but to actually be able to record AUDIO with each log, to the AR-DV1's SD Card, and by just clicking on a LOG entry, actually HEAR what was happening, and play the audio back through the receiver itself.

Although this also makes the AR-DV1 ideal for covert surveillance, it should only be used for this purpose where local laws permit.

I agreed to produce the new version of the program only if it could also be made availably publicly.

The result is that the CAT software will now be available in two versions, STANDARD and PRO. Certain features are only included in the PRO package, however anyone who has already bought a previous version will be eligible for a FREE upgrade to PRO. (Please email me for details via the Web-Site).

The PRO additions are NOT available in the 'Try Before You Buy' package, which apart from that remains fully operational but with a few restrictions.

The program has a name at last 'eSPYonARD VI'. Any spoken resemblance to the word 'espionage' is just a co-incidence (lol)

You can now download a FEATURES (.pdf) from the Web-Site, which includes a brief description of all the program's abilities and functions, including the many unique features I have added over the last few months.

A full (UPDATED) manual is included in the 'Try Before You Buy' version.

Version 6 incorporate new features, and a few fixes, including faster loading.

This version can be activated to the full STANDARD or PRO software, so no other downloads are required.

Of course, being me, I will not stop there. Other new features will be added, but not for a little time, and all updates will continue to be free of charge.

Yes, I can only be described as a small organisation, concentrating just on software for the AR-DV1, however 'small is beautiful' sometimes, and I hope that description fits the CAT program, although 'SMALL' does not do justice to all the things the program can do. Quite a few people would attest that to date I have been providing 7/7 support, which is something to bear in mind.

You really should try the program and see just how great it is for 'day to day', 'moment by moment' PC Control, in real-time, whilst remaining simple to use.

My commitment to the AR-DV1, the program, and RR Forum remains as high now as it was 6 months ago, when I first started the project.

Enjoy ardv1

 

[dmaria]

Well, I have not posted for a little time. There was a good reason.

I was approached by someone representing a large organisation, part of whose remit is the monitoring of radio traffic in the U.K.

They asked if I could enhance the program to include detailed logging, especially with regard to Digital mode information. Kept me very busy as you might imagine.

I managed what I believe is a GIANT step forward, and created a feature which to my knowledge has never been available in any software/scanner combination. The ability not only to perform unattended and attended logging, but to actually be able to record AUDIO with each log, to the AR-DV1's SD Card, and by just clicking on a LOG entry, actually HEAR what was happening, and play the audio back through the receiver itself.

Although this also makes the AR-DV1 ideal for covert surveillance, it should only be used for this purpose where local laws permit.

I agreed to produce the new version of the program only if it could also be made availably publicly.

The result is that the CAT software will now be available in two versions, STANDARD and PRO. Certain features are only included in the PRO package, however anyone who has already bought a previous version will be eligible for a FREE upgrade to PRO. (Please email me for details via the Web-Site).

The PRO additions are NOT available in the 'Try Before You Buy' package, which apart from that remains fully operational but with a few restrictions.

The program has a name at last 'eSPYonARD VI'. Any spoken resemblance to the word 'espionage' is just a co-incidence (lol)

You can now download a FEATURES (.pdf) from the Web-Site, which includes a brief description of all the program's abilities and functions, including the many unique features I have added over the last few months.

A full (UPDATED) manual is included in the 'Try Before You Buy' version.

Version 6 incorporate new features, and a few fixes, including faster loading.

This version can be activated to the full STANDARD or PRO software, so no other downloads are required.

Of course, being me, I will not stop there. Other new features will be added, but not for a little time, and all updates will continue to be free of charge.

Yes, I can only be described as a small organisation, concentrating just on software for the AR-DV1, however 'small is beautiful' sometimes, and I hope that description fits the CAT program, although 'SMALL' does not do justice to all the things the program can do. Quite a few people would attest that to date I have been providing 7/7 support, which is something to bear in mind.

You really should try the program and see just how great it is for 'day to day', 'moment by moment' PC Control, in real-time, whilst remaining simple to use.

My commitment to the AR-DV1, the program, and RR Forum remains as high now as it was 6 months ago, when I first started the project.

Enjoy ardv1

... and the basic version just jumped up by 33 percent in price. Time for me to move on.

 

[gagilley03]

... and the basic version just jumped up by 33 percent in price. Time for me to move on.

You pay for what you get.It is well worth it I can attest.

 

[marlbrook]

Just for information

dmaria, just to put things straight, so other people know the facts.

Originally the BASIC version was priced at £49.99.

I ran a special offer for 3 months, and the new BASIC version is still only £39.99.

All those who bought the program at any time are getting the PRO version for free (perhaps that is unreasonable?).

If you have have been using the 'free' version, by 'moving on' I take it you mean away from the free version, which is still available, and kept updated. (I don't really see that the price difference between free and free is very much), but I could be wrong.

If on the other hand, you have purchased the program, then getting the free upgrade may be viewed as expensive by some I suppose.