I haven't used the software because I am still waiting on the DV1 to arrive. For the same reason, I haven't tried the Trial version. But for you, It's a business model, and for me it's a hobby. Since I run an Apple computer, I have to run software like this with a virtual machine. Not something I do on a continuous basis. Remote control and logging is a nice feature, but programming is the primary reason I am looking at software for the DV1. As I had stated earlier, I prefer to use the Butel software for programming and with the price increase, Butel's pro version is definitely more enticing.
Ardv1/Ardv10-pc-computer-control-new-s-w
- Thread starter marlbrook
- Start date
I haven't used the software because I am still waiting on the DV1 to arrive. For the same reason, I haven't tried the Trial version. But for you, It's a business model, and for me it's a hobby. Since I run an Apple computer, I have to run software like this with a virtual machine. Not something I do on a continuous basis. Remote control and logging is a nice feature, but programming is the primary reason I am looking at software for the DV1. As I had stated earlier, I prefer to use the Butel software for programming and with the price increase, Butel's pro version is definitely more enticing.
APPLE
I would not have recommended you use the program in an emulator. For one thing it has not been tested, and for another it requires a lot of serial communication. The CPU and memory demands are not excessive on a suitable PC, but may certainly over-tax any emulation software.
However, despite offering the program for sale, it is not a commercial venture for me, it was originally written just for me, because there were no CAT programs out there for the AR-DV1, as a 'hobbyist'.
As it grew, some friends persuaded me it was too good to keep to myself, so I developed it further. The development is still 'on-going'. As it has taken well over 2000 hours to get to this state, and I am a single person 'enterprise', it will never make me a millionaire. That does not take into account all the many, many hours I spend doing things for customers, 7 days a week.
I would be interested to know if the DEMO actually works with your emulator, but I have a lot of reservations, and doubt that it will. You probably would not want to test it in any case, as you seem certain the other software is more suitable, even though untested at present.
Good luck with the emulator.
I would not have recommended you use the program in an emulator. For one thing it has not been tested, and for another it requires a lot of serial communication. The CPU and memory demands are not excessive on a suitable PC, but may certainly over-tax any emulation software.
However, despite offering the program for sale, it is not a commercial venture for me, it was originally written just for me, because there were no CAT programs out there for the AR-DV1, as a 'hobbyist'.
As it grew, some friends persuaded me it was too good to keep to myself, so I developed it further. The development is still 'on-going'. As it has taken well over 2000 hours to get to this state, and I am a single person 'enterprise', it will never make me a millionaire. That does not take into account all the many, many hours I spend doing things for customers, 7 days a week.
I would be interested to know if the DEMO actually works with your emulator, but I have a lot of reservations, and doubt that it will. You probably would not want to test it in any case, as you seem certain the other software is more suitable, even though untested at present.
Good luck with the emulator.
I have 10 handheld radios, 7 mobile, 3 HF base radios and 5 scanners. I have programming software for all of them that run fine using Windows 7 and 10. I also have remote control software for several of these radios that also run only with Windows (including the digital modes with HF), which run fine with the VM. I do use the Butel software for programming one of my scanners which works fine, but in any event I will be trying Butel's demo just in case.
MStep
Member
I Use Both
It's no secret that I am an advocate of ANYONE who is supplying software to use with the DV1. Both the Butel program and marlboro's eSPYonARDV1 are excellent at what they do.
Certainly for loading the radio up quickly with frequencies, and for general day-to-day computer operation, the Butel program is more than adequate. For the "casual" DV1 user, it's all they may every need.
On the other hand, marlboro's program has taken a different approach--- it's designed more for highly specialized DV1 enthusiasts, "professional" users and various business and governmental agencies, who tend to use the DV1 more for frequency discovery and/or surveillance operations. And while the "Basic" package will also satisfy the casual DV1 user, the "Pro" package presents features and functions that go far beyond anything that anyone has done with the DV1. The logging with audio is an extremely powerful feature to help professionals garner information during unattended operations that is certainly not available through any other software package that I am aware of for the DV1.
So there is room here for both the Butel package and for the marlboro package, but before assessing pricing issues and the like, it more important to consider what application your DV1 will serve in your overall communications strategy.
It's no secret that I am an advocate of ANYONE who is supplying software to use with the DV1. Both the Butel program and marlboro's eSPYonARDV1 are excellent at what they do.
Certainly for loading the radio up quickly with frequencies, and for general day-to-day computer operation, the Butel program is more than adequate. For the "casual" DV1 user, it's all they may every need.
On the other hand, marlboro's program has taken a different approach--- it's designed more for highly specialized DV1 enthusiasts, "professional" users and various business and governmental agencies, who tend to use the DV1 more for frequency discovery and/or surveillance operations. And while the "Basic" package will also satisfy the casual DV1 user, the "Pro" package presents features and functions that go far beyond anything that anyone has done with the DV1. The logging with audio is an extremely powerful feature to help professionals garner information during unattended operations that is certainly not available through any other software package that I am aware of for the DV1.
So there is room here for both the Butel package and for the marlboro package, but before assessing pricing issues and the like, it more important to consider what application your DV1 will serve in your overall communications strategy.
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MStep
Member
Thanks Jeff for all your work in implementing more great features into your DV1 package. Another job well done. As I've stated before, I don't think there is anyone more fluent in the operation of the DV1 via computer control than you are.
I was very impressed with the ALERTS function when you introduced that last month, but I have to say that you outdid even that with the LOGGING WITH AUDIO feature that you added as part of the new PRO package that you unveiled this morning.
All I can say is keep up the good work!
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It is a very nice looking application. I cannot fault anything without trying it. The only problem I have is when the price jumps up that much overnight, all kinds of alarms start ringing in my head. RT Systems software is what I use extensively for programming my ham radios. It works great and he has outstanding support, but if he went up 33 percent overnight I would start looking elsewhere. If the DV1 went up by $400 dollars tomorrow, would you jump out and buy one without question?
Strange as it seems, when I reduced the price by 60% as a 'Special Introductory Offer', which was clearly stated on the site, nobody complained. I dare say lifetime free updates always, with 7/7 support are not really worth very much if the person behind so obviously is the sort who rings alarm bells, but to my knowledge, nobody else offers that level of service, or unlimited update commitment, as far as AR-DV1 software is concerned.
Of course putting the price up to £10 lower than the original may well indicate something very 'dodgy' lol.
Of course putting the price up to £10 lower than the original may well indicate something very 'dodgy' lol.
MStep
Member
Well of course percentages are all relative. But let's forget about software for a minute, and get to more important stuff--- did you get your radio yet?
I was simply stating my opinion. If you feel insulted, then I certainly apologize. It was only meant for a lively discussion. So before inuendo becomes insult, I will leave this part of the discussion to others.
Although I never got a shipping notice from the dealer, I was told today that it was on the truck and waiting for my signature.I haven't seen UPS yet. Crossing my fingers.
Thanks
Thanks for that at least. I certainly hope you enjoy your AR-DV1. If you ever have any queries about it, just email me via the web-site.
Now, as interesting as your impending arrival may be, hopefully you will agree that discussions which are not directly relating to this CAT program are really more suitable on another thread, regarding just the AR-DV1 perhaps?
I realise the initial posts were about the software, but not the last ones.
Cheers
Thanks for that at least. I certainly hope you enjoy your AR-DV1. If you ever have any queries about it, just email me via the web-site.
Now, as interesting as your impending arrival may be, hopefully you will agree that discussions which are not directly relating to this CAT program are really more suitable on another thread, regarding just the AR-DV1 perhaps?
I realise the initial posts were about the software, but not the last ones.
Cheers
When you do receive your radio I urge you to try Marlbrooks package.You will not be dissapointed I assure you.It is really user friendly and I am learning pretty well as I have time to spend with it. I have the Butel also and used it extensively when I first purchased it but as I familiarize myself more with Marlbrooks I find I am turning it on when I power up the receiver.
I will update to PRO shortly and will have my feedback in the future.
Thanks for all the hard work.I have just updated and am amazed.I will experiment and learn more about it and post my reviews at a later date. Thanks again.
FEATURES pdf for eSPYonARD VI
I have attached a pdf setting out briefly most of the functions now available, including the new AUDIO logging and playback via the radios, SD card, and 2 screenshots.
In the LOG, clicking on the AUDIO FILE entry results in the recorded log audio being played back via the AR-DV1.
Where applicable all DIGITAL information is also shown in the log (Color Codes, Slots, RAN etc)
In QUICK LOG, the program remains fully operational throughout.
The buttons on the left enable filtering of the entries by date, frequency or mode.
DISCLAIMER
The frequencies shown are for illustration purposes only. None have been monitored during the creation of the program, except those relating to Amateur Radio.
I have attached a pdf setting out briefly most of the functions now available, including the new AUDIO logging and playback via the radios, SD card, and 2 screenshots.
In the LOG, clicking on the AUDIO FILE entry results in the recorded log audio being played back via the AR-DV1.
Where applicable all DIGITAL information is also shown in the log (Color Codes, Slots, RAN etc)
In QUICK LOG, the program remains fully operational throughout.
The buttons on the left enable filtering of the entries by date, frequency or mode.
DISCLAIMER
The frequencies shown are for illustration purposes only. None have been monitored during the creation of the program, except those relating to Amateur Radio.
Attachments
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Thanks Jeff.I briefly was able to tinker with the Audio Logging last nite and ran into difficulties (on my part I'm sure).I am going to try to become more familiar with the and I still encounter problems I will message you.
Sorry,let me correct the above.I meant to say try to become more familiar with the audio logging and if I still encounter problems I will message you.
MStep
Member
I've also been playing with the audio logging function, and it's a great feature. Within the next few days, I am going to post here online some tips on the most effective ways to use the function, but I can give you a few very brief tips right now that might help.
The audio logging function in eSPYonARDV1 was not designed for "casual" use. And it was not designed for continuous audio logging, which the radio is capable of doing on its own. It was designed specifically to catch traffic on frequencies or in search banks where traffic is often minimal or sporadic, in which the originator of the traffic may be purposely avoiding attempts to be logged.
That may sound a little cryptic, so for example, say you have a bank of channels where you have frequencies programmed in for some entity that only transmits 10 or 20 times a day. During the normal course of monitoring, you might be in front of your radio and hear whatever audio is transmitted and note the frequency that it is on. But now, you are going to go out for a few hours, but you want the radio to continue to "listen" to those frequencies. With the audio logging function, you will be able to replay any traffic that occurred while you were out.
The feature was not designed to do audio logging on frequencies which are constantly busy; where the traffic is non-stop, 24/7. This feature was designed to catch traffic which is very sparse, and few-and-far-between, primarily during times of unattended operation of the DV1. It makes the DV1 "listen", even when you can't.
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PERSPECTIVE
I just want to assure people, that setting up and operating logging, and audio logging is not difficult at all.
Clicking a couple of buttons in fact.
You have four alternative choices. SCAN, SEARCH and VFO/MEM logging (with or without audio) are certainly designed with UNATTENDED logging in mind.
No logs will catch everything. By definition, while any program is listening to and logging one frequency, it cannot be doing the same for others. Naturally that would require the AR-DV1 and the program to be able to listen to multiple frequencies at the same moment.
A scan or search always stops on a frequency when the squelch opens. When that happens the program logs that information, pauses for a short time to try to ensure that it catches any further transmission, then the scan or search resumes.The busier the radio traffic, the more it stops, and of course, once stopped it is not listening to other frequencies. That is life, folks.
VFO/MEM logging is again designed re. UNATTENDED logging, but in this case the radio is just listening to one frequency, so most of the activity will be logged.
The whole process, especially as the audio logging is played back via the AR-DV1 is revolutionary.
Until now, the most anyone could hope for, was to see a list containing the details of frequencies that had been active whilst a scanner was unattended. What those frequencies actually contained remained a matter of total speculation. With eSPYonARD that is a thing of the past. You bring up the log, click on the entry and the radio plays back most, if not all of what was being said.
The fourth function is 'QUICK LOG'. This IS designed for ATTENDED logging. If something pops up that sounds interesting, you just activate 'QUICK LOG', and all the details are stored, with the AUDIO if you have selected that option.
I know almost everyone will recoil in horror at this, but this is one occasion when you might just have to look at the instructions, (except Radio Amateurs who, like me, take an oath NEVER to do that) lol.
That does not mean the operation is complex. The programming certainly is, but NOT the user's operation.
Clicking a couple of buttons is hardly that.
It just means that if you do not look at the bl**dy manual, you are unlikely to gain the full benefit of logging, and the numerous other little goodies the program has to offer, over and above the full yet simple, 'moment by moment' PC control..
ardv1
I just want to assure people, that setting up and operating logging, and audio logging is not difficult at all.
Clicking a couple of buttons in fact.
You have four alternative choices. SCAN, SEARCH and VFO/MEM logging (with or without audio) are certainly designed with UNATTENDED logging in mind.
No logs will catch everything. By definition, while any program is listening to and logging one frequency, it cannot be doing the same for others. Naturally that would require the AR-DV1 and the program to be able to listen to multiple frequencies at the same moment.
A scan or search always stops on a frequency when the squelch opens. When that happens the program logs that information, pauses for a short time to try to ensure that it catches any further transmission, then the scan or search resumes.The busier the radio traffic, the more it stops, and of course, once stopped it is not listening to other frequencies. That is life, folks.
VFO/MEM logging is again designed re. UNATTENDED logging, but in this case the radio is just listening to one frequency, so most of the activity will be logged.
The whole process, especially as the audio logging is played back via the AR-DV1 is revolutionary.
Until now, the most anyone could hope for, was to see a list containing the details of frequencies that had been active whilst a scanner was unattended. What those frequencies actually contained remained a matter of total speculation. With eSPYonARD that is a thing of the past. You bring up the log, click on the entry and the radio plays back most, if not all of what was being said.
The fourth function is 'QUICK LOG'. This IS designed for ATTENDED logging. If something pops up that sounds interesting, you just activate 'QUICK LOG', and all the details are stored, with the AUDIO if you have selected that option.
I know almost everyone will recoil in horror at this, but this is one occasion when you might just have to look at the instructions, (except Radio Amateurs who, like me, take an oath NEVER to do that) lol.
That does not mean the operation is complex. The programming certainly is, but NOT the user's operation.
Clicking a couple of buttons is hardly that.
It just means that if you do not look at the bl**dy manual, you are unlikely to gain the full benefit of logging, and the numerous other little goodies the program has to offer, over and above the full yet simple, 'moment by moment' PC control..
ardv1
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MStep
Member
Logging WITH Audio --- Two Thumbs Up !!!
Been playing with eSPYonARD's latest function, logging with audio, and I have to say I have been very impressed with the unique way that the program operates. I did not mean in my previous post that it is necessarily complex or difficult to set up. But folks should have a pretty good feel for the radio, and especially on how to set the squelch control to maximize the radio's ability to work with the program to attain the desired results.
Be it scan, or search, what I do first is set up the radio independent of the program and observe it run through its scanning or searching routine. The reason folks want to do this is to set the radio the bypass (using the PASS function) any repetitive or digital pager signals, etc., that the radio would otherwise stop on at every cycle. Also, the squelch setting is critical here--- the fact that your program can match the radio's numeric setting allows for very easy control once the program is deployed.
In that regard, once you've run through your scan or search routine manually, and have locked out all the stuff that you want the radio to bypass, you pretty much just observe the squelch setting number and match that in the program with the proper setting and you're good to go.
I've used the program for scanning banks of frequencies that I've loaded in specifically because their transmissions are so infrequent as to avoid ID'ing--- your program allows me to utilize the radio for that purpose when I am away for a few hours--- it keeps the radio "working" for me in a most efficient manner when its unattended. The same can be said for searching various swaths of frequencies--- same method in fact--- first I do this manually with the radio alone, making sure to bypass the stuff that transmits continuously or very often, observing the right squelch setting as to avoid false alarms, and then just match the settings in the program to duplicate those in the radio, and it's "off to the races".
I was going to post more information for the folks here who are interested in the function at some later date, but I have been so impressed with what the program can do regarding the new logging with audio function, that I wanted to share some of this information now. Not only have I managed to ID stations that have previously evaded me, but also to find many new frequencies that I had previously overlooked simply because there was no way to do this efficiently while running the radio unattended prior to this latest feature.
When I say "efficient", let's be clear. "Logging" in and of itself is a nice feature to have. But being able to come home and actually hear the transmissions that are associated with each specific log is a very, very powerful function. Depending on the length of transmission, I usually get the whole conversation (or a good enough part of it to be able to ID it); other times, when transmissions are short, and just snippets or parts of conversations are available, it's often enough to provide sufficient information to give you a pretty good idea of what you've actually logged.
All I can say is keep up the good work.
Been playing with eSPYonARD's latest function, logging with audio, and I have to say I have been very impressed with the unique way that the program operates. I did not mean in my previous post that it is necessarily complex or difficult to set up. But folks should have a pretty good feel for the radio, and especially on how to set the squelch control to maximize the radio's ability to work with the program to attain the desired results.
Be it scan, or search, what I do first is set up the radio independent of the program and observe it run through its scanning or searching routine. The reason folks want to do this is to set the radio the bypass (using the PASS function) any repetitive or digital pager signals, etc., that the radio would otherwise stop on at every cycle. Also, the squelch setting is critical here--- the fact that your program can match the radio's numeric setting allows for very easy control once the program is deployed.
In that regard, once you've run through your scan or search routine manually, and have locked out all the stuff that you want the radio to bypass, you pretty much just observe the squelch setting number and match that in the program with the proper setting and you're good to go.
I've used the program for scanning banks of frequencies that I've loaded in specifically because their transmissions are so infrequent as to avoid ID'ing--- your program allows me to utilize the radio for that purpose when I am away for a few hours--- it keeps the radio "working" for me in a most efficient manner when its unattended. The same can be said for searching various swaths of frequencies--- same method in fact--- first I do this manually with the radio alone, making sure to bypass the stuff that transmits continuously or very often, observing the right squelch setting as to avoid false alarms, and then just match the settings in the program to duplicate those in the radio, and it's "off to the races".
I was going to post more information for the folks here who are interested in the function at some later date, but I have been so impressed with what the program can do regarding the new logging with audio function, that I wanted to share some of this information now. Not only have I managed to ID stations that have previously evaded me, but also to find many new frequencies that I had previously overlooked simply because there was no way to do this efficiently while running the radio unattended prior to this latest feature.
When I say "efficient", let's be clear. "Logging" in and of itself is a nice feature to have. But being able to come home and actually hear the transmissions that are associated with each specific log is a very, very powerful function. Depending on the length of transmission, I usually get the whole conversation (or a good enough part of it to be able to ID it); other times, when transmissions are short, and just snippets or parts of conversations are available, it's often enough to provide sufficient information to give you a pretty good idea of what you've actually logged.
All I can say is keep up the good work.
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Latest firmware 1602B update
PLEASED TO REPORT THAT V.60001 of eSPYonARD VI is working fine with FIRMWARE 1602B
PLEASED TO REPORT THAT V.60001 of eSPYonARD VI is working fine with FIRMWARE 1602B
