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

[marlbrook]

Audio logging - does it require extra cables?

I have had several emails asking whether audio logging with eSPYonARD VI requires an extra cable from the receiver's earphone socket (which turns the internal speaker off), and a PC with a sound card that has a LINE INPUT socket, and then that itself needs to be set up.

The ANSWER is a definite 'NO'.

No extra cable, no setting up, no line input socket needed on your PC, no disabling of the receiver's internal speaker, and no extra setting up of your PC is required. Those of you who currently use, or may decide to use an external speaker can still do so.

eSPYonARD VI does NOT need anything extra to use Audio Logging. All the audio logs are stored on the SD Card in real-time, can be accessed immediately just by clicking on the program's interactive log display, and they are played back via the AR-DV1's speaker.

(Imitating my innovations may be a form of flattery perhaps, but it is getting a bit annoying, even if it is not as revolutionary or unique in its operation as mine).

(P.S. another BIG feature will be added very soon, and will of course be free, as will all future updates)

 

[marlbrook]

v.6.0002 just uploaded to Web-Site

I just uploaded the latest version (6.0002), after a LOT of work on new additions.

To celebrate the fact I may just manage to have a life now, I have also reduced the price for a limited period.

The new PRO program will automatically create spreadsheet entries for individual Memory Banks each time you view them (in the background, you will not even notice it happening).

Creating or viewing spreadsheet logs has never been easier.

Spreadsheet file creation can be set to 'QUICK', in which case the details you are most likely to want at your finger tips are created automatically for individual Banks, with no time delay whatsoever, and available with one click within the program, or you can decide to create a spreadsheet with lots more data for each channel. This still occurs automatically, in the background, but takes a little longer to complete.

A new file is created each time you bring up the bank in 'MEM-BANK' within the program (this is where you can create, name, re-name, copy, move, delete or change memory channel details, and monitor the results in real-time). The previous file is deleted,

All spreadsheet files created are shown in a file list, and selected with a single click.

in ADDITION, you can elect to create a spreadsheet showing ALL banks with memory channel data. Ideal for finding ANY duplicates, or sorting on any criteria.

These spreadsheet files, by design, only show populated banks/channels, so there are not reams of lines showing nothing. This makes them very easy to study, and it is a simple matter to see which banks or channels are empty.

Creating a FULL spreadsheet for every stored frequency takes a few minutes, as one would expect, the program has a LOT of information to request, receive, interpret and log. You actually see the process going on as each channel is processed. However most people will only want a full download occasionally.

Previous FULL spreadsheet files are not overwritten. A copy is kept with time and date appended, so you can always refer back to earlier ones if you want.

You of course need to have installed a spreadsheet program on your PC, that deals with .csv files (almost all will do that). If you do not have Excel, free ones are available.

The spreadsheets are a nice companion to the program's audio logging abilities, which requires no extra cabling or PC set-up as it is all created within, and played back via the AR-DV1, and selectable via the program's interactive log.

ardv1

 

[marlbrook]

SMALL but IMPORTANT for ALL users

It has been brought to my attention, that in the Try Before You Buy version, a message always appears stating 'Serial Check Not Verified', That message was meant as an indication that the Activation serial check had not completed. I have changed the wording to indicate that.

WINDOWS 10.

eSPYonARD VI MUST be run as an ADMINISTRATOR..

Although I have mentioned that in the instructions twice, once at the very beginning, many people have not noticed it.

For those of you who do not know, here is why:-

WINDOWS 10, where a program is not run as Administrator, decides (presumably as an 'over the top' security measure), to ignore a request to store a file in the place asked, but puts it into a completely different location.

That would be OK, if it did that in reverse too, but it does not.

In effect, if you ask the program to save a file in say C:\Test, Windows 10 saves it somewhere else. If the program then asks to retrieve or process the file in C:\Test, Windows 10 looks for it ONLY in that named location, and says it cant find it. Some might thin that a MAD system, I could not possibly comment, lol.

When a program is run as an Administrator, that does not happen. Files are stored, and found by Windows in the place they should be.

SO PLEASE - IN WINDOWS 10 - ALWAYS RUN THE PROGRAM AS AN ADMINISTRATOR.

You can open the program's properties, click the Compatibility tab, and tick a box to make that happen automatically, or each time you run the program, right click and make the selection then.

Cheers

 

[MStep]

It has been brought to my attention, that in the Try Before You Buy version, a message always appears stating 'Serial Check Not Verified', That message was meant as an indication that the Activation serial check had not completed. I have changed the wording to indicate that.

WINDOWS 10.

eSPYonARD VI MUST be run as an ADMINISTRATOR..

Although I have mentioned that in the instructions twice, once at the very beginning, many people have not noticed it.

For those of you who do not know, here is why:-

WINDOWS 10, where a program is not run as Administrator, decides (presumably as an 'over the top' security measure), to ignore a request to store a file in the place asked, but puts it into a completely different location.

That would be OK, if it did that in reverse too, but it does not.

In effect, if you ask the program to save a file in say C:\Test, Windows 10 saves it somewhere else. If the program then asks to retrieve or process the file in C:\Test, Windows 10 looks for it ONLY in that named location, and says it cant find it. Some might thin that a MAD system, I could not possibly comment, lol.

When a program is run as an Administrator, that does not happen. Files are stored, and found by Windows in the place they should be.

SO PLEASE - IN WINDOWS 10 - ALWAYS RUN THE PROGRAM AS AN ADMINISTRATOR.

You can open the program's properties, click the Compatibility tab, and tick a box to make that happen automatically, or each time you run the program, right click and make the selection then.

Cheers

Although Jeff Marlbrook mentions that you can make the program open as Administrator automatically by designating same in the Properties Compatibility tab, my Windows 10 installation still occasionally balks at that method and doesn't get it right. Windows 10 is sometimes a strange bird to tame, and I have several other programs that require special handling under Windows 10 as well.

The method that always works for me when starting eSPYonARD is simply to highlight the program's exe file with one left click, then right clicking and choosing "Run as administrator" --- that gets it right every time and the program runs beautifully.

 

[marlbrook]

Enhanced logging??? v.6.0003 due tomorrow

I am not sure if eSPYonARD's logging could be described as 'enhanced', possibly not.

At present it automatically creates interactive logs, and at the same time, spreadsheet logs in the background.

It will produce a 'quick log' of the basic information most people require, of all 39 Banks and 49 frequencies per bank in one operation It produces those logs of any individual Bank taking NO extra time, whenever you view the memory information in the program's M-BANK. If anyone wants more, they can have spreadsheet or interactive logs showing masses of information about each memory channel, either per individual Bank, or for them all in one go,

It even saves previous FULL spreadsheet logs automatically, timed and dated, should anyone think they need to check back sometimes.

With the click of a button you can also bring up the actual saved csv files, to edit, amend or delete the entries, if you ever feel the need. All from within the program naturally.

Not having hundreds of empty lines is a nice touch too. As only populated BANKS and Channels are created, not only is the process much faster than some, but you can see at a glance which channels and / or banks are empty, and instead of almost 2000 lines per full spreadsheet, many of which may well be blank, you just get the information about the ones that exist. Much easier to read, analyse, and apply filters too as well.

There would appear to be more details in the FULL logs. regarding each channel than some I have been told about

Of course it would be nice if a program actually let you decide exactly what entries you wanted to create in a spreadsheet, by ticking little boxes, but we may have to wait for some really clever software writer elsewhere (?) to produce that, if they feel the need to possibly latch on that idea, perhaps because someone else has thought of it..

Oh wait, v.6.003 of eSPYonARD, which will be uploaded tomorrow actually does that too. So in addition to the above, if you want to design your own spreadsheets, tailored to your own needs at the time, just bring up the box, tick the entries you require, and click the button. As simple as that.

Of course the more entries you choose, the longer it takes to create a full csv file for your spreadsheet.

As always I look forward to that nice innovation, accidentally appearing eventually elsewhere (as a unique and enhanced feature, what else?)

I am not sure whether I should apologise for the program not having an analogue S Meter. Not actually an oversight, or 'under programming', I just thought it would be more appropriate if the program's display looked exactly like the AR-DV1.

Everyone has their individual tastes of course, and I respect that. Having the program looking like the AR-DV1 was my choice, after all I originally wrote it just for me, before there ever seemed that a choice of programs would be available. It only took 2500 man hours, and counting, as each new innovation is added.

For anyone who made the decision never to install my Try Before You Buy version, that was probably wise.

It could be a horrible thing if they discovered they preferred it, for day to day, moment by moment, total control of the receiver.

Back to programming (sigh). Wish I had an Industrial Espionage department, lol.

 

[marlbrook]

v.6.0003B Uploaded

eSPYonARD VI (v.6.0003B) uploaded this morning.

Faster load time

PLUS

Smart Logging, as above post describes.

Enjoy...............

Cheers

 

[marlbrook]

Silabs driver - windows 10 auto update - problem

-----------------------------------------------------------------
WINDOWS 10 AUTOMATIC UPDATE AND SILAB DRIVERS - 12 MAY 2016

I have just been informed that the latest WINDOWS 10 UPDATE is installing a new version of the SILAB drivers, v.7.2.2

On some PC's these drivers are not working correctly.

Thus is NOT an eSPYonARD program issue, the PC and Radio are not communicating correctly, so the program cannot then function.

SILAB drivers v.6.7.0 DO work. If you already had them installed, then you can tell Windows 10 to ROLL back to the previous version, in Window's Device Manager, Ports (COM & LPT).

You MUST check the driver version. If you cannot 'roll-back' the driver, it is v.7.2.2 (or later) and there any communication problems, go to the Silicon Laboratories site, and obtain v.6.7.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

[marlbrook]

ADDITION

-----------------------------------------------------------------
windows 10 automatic update and silab drivers - 12 may 2016

i have just been informed that the latest windows 10 update is installing a new version of the silab drivers, v.7.2.2

on some pc's these drivers are not working correctly.

Thus is not an espyonard program issue, the pc and radio are not communicating correctly, so the program cannot then function.

Silab drivers v.6.7.0 do work. If you already had them installed, then you can tell windows 10 to roll back to the previous version, in window's device manager, ports (com & lpt).

You must check the driver version. If you cannot 'roll-back' the driver, it is v.7.2.2 (or later) and there any communication problems, go to the silicon laboratories site, and obtain v.6.7.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------

6.7.1 drivers work ok, as well

 

[marlbrook]

NEW VERSION

v.6.0003C uploaded today.

Nothing ground breaking this time, lol, but it is always worth installing the latest version. Sorry, I still have not included a time-travelling Tardis mode for the AR-DV1 quite yet.

As ever, for ease of use, just install over the top of your existing version. Although it does recommend you re-boot, that is not usually necessary.

The Features.pdf has been updated there, for those of you not yet aware of everything the program can do. It is a cut down manual, so not a lot to read, but a lot of features described, old and new.

Some people may find the new heading at the Site of interest though ... a nice endorsement that, and makes all the hard work a bit more worthwhile .....

ardv1

 

[deiraq]

Re: NEW VERSION

Thanks Jeff for another update to your very useful and usable AR DV1 programme.
Just looked at the website heading - Recognition in France, WOW! Fame at last? (-:

 

[G7HID]

Do you do a French version of the program or do you just type the instructions in capitals ?

Mike

 

[marlbrook]

The French Connection - AOR-FRANCE

AOR-FRANCE contacted me a couple of weeks ago, out of the blue, and said they had decided that they wanted to include eSPYonARD PRO, on a CD with each AR-DV1 they sell.

They are tendering to supply a Government Department with a quantity of the receivers amongst other similar clients.

I realise your question was 'tongue in cheek', lol, but on the other hand AOR-FRANCE are translating the instructions into French already, and may translate them into other European languages as well.

That is a nice endorsement of the program,and does help to make all the work and time involved worthwhile, from my point of view at least.

Cheers

 

[marlbrook]

THANKS - France today, tomorrow ze verld (lol)

Thanks Jeff for another update to your very useful and usable AR DV1 programme.
Just looked at the website heading - Recognition in France, WOW! Fame at last? (-:

Cheers for that, I am very pleased of course.

Thanks to the EU, AOR-France pretty well means Europe wide.


SENT FROM MY SOLID GOLD, DIAMOND ENCRUSTED IPHONE12. ABOARD ONE OF MY MANY LUXURY JETS (I wish, lol)

 

[Alex_S]

I saw the program on the French website which is called ESPYONARD. That is a version that is called Pro-Lite. I cannot find that version on your website, Is this the same as the STANDARD version that you have advertised on your site or is it something different?

What is the difference please between the PRO-LITE and the PRO issues of your program? Do both have unlimited free updates or just the PRO copy of your program. And how much is the PRO-LITE please?

Thank you.

 

[marlbrook]

PRO-LITE ESPYONARD and AOR-FRANCE

I saw the program on the French website which is called ESPYONARD. That is a version that is called Pro-Lite. I cannot find that version on your website, Is this the same as the STANDARD version that you have advertised on your site or is it something different?

What is the difference please between the PRO-LITE and the PRO issues of your program? Do both have unlimited free updates or just the PRO copy of your program. And how much is the PRO-LITE please?

Thank you.

Hello Alex,

AOR-FRANCE are supplying PRO-LITE with each AR-DV1 they sell (or to their previous customers). It requires an activation code that ties it to that radio. You cannot buy PRO-LITE on its own (see below).

PRO-LITE is 'eSPYonARD VI PRO', however PRO-LITE, despite being fully functional has limitations to some features.

The program available form my website when downloaded and installed initially is in a 'Try Before You Buy' (TBYB) state. and as such is the fully functional STANDARD version, with limitations. The STANDARD version controls almost every function of the radio, however PRO has extra features, best described as requirements that Commercial or Government clients would also want added. The slight extra cost is just a reflection of all the additional time and effort it took to add these extras.

ardv1

Depending which you want, you receive an activation code for either the STANDARD or PRO programs once purchased. That code unlocks the TBYB software to the applicable version. Any of the programs can be used on as many P.C.'s you wish, but just with the one AR-DV1 for which the Serial Number has been supplied.

PRO-LITE, the STANDARD and PRO programs will continue to have unlimited free updates and support.

I have spent nearly 8 months developing the program, and that is 7/7, 16 hours+ a day, every single day. Originally I wrote it just for me. There was no software available to drive the AR-DV1. The program then took over my life. Lots of people encouraged me to expand it, and the whole project just grew until it sort of exceeded the sum of its parts I suppose, and eventually even included things that the radio could not do for itself.

It was finally finished (subject to any more flashes of inspiration or AOR modifications) just about a few days ago. To celebrate that, and the chance to have a life now (lol), I decided to reduce the price for a short time, by £10 for either version. So although PRO-LITE cannot be bought, the STANDARD program costs £29.99, and PRO £39.99 at present. I know, and have been told, that is just a 'silly and too small' amount considering the scope of the software, but it is my 'baby', and I want it to be 'out there' and enjoyed.

I think the main thing that kept me going, constantly expanding and refining the project, was the RR Forum, and all the interest it generates here. Especially certain members (you know who you are), without whose encouragement and suggestions I might well have just slumped over the keyboard months ago, lol.

 

[MStep]

Thanks Jeff--- Nice Work

Thanks Jeff for the nice work (and very fast service) adding those frequency offsets to the database/mapping function of the eSPYonARD program.

I use the offset feature extensively since I listen to so many repeaters here in the NYC area, and DV1's frequency offset function lets you use the "MONI" button to quickly monitor a repeater input (providing that you've programmed the proper offset into the radio).

In addition to the extensive wealth of information that the SmartLogging function already provides, these additional fields will help me determine that I have everything set up properly in my radio.

 

[marlbrook]

OFFSETS

Thanks. Offsets were the one thing I fought shy of, mainly because they are not described in sufficient detail in the programming manual, however when you said it would be of use to you I sat down and added them.

In case anyone is wondering what on earth I am talking about. I added a field to the spreadsheets showing the frequency of the offset (with a + or -) for each memory channel. The interactive display of each memory channel, when clicked, already showed the other 'extras', NR, AGC, Digital info etc, but now that too shows the offset.

Although 'I says it as shouldnt', I still like to watch the interactive list of Memory channels scroll down the screen in M-BANK, knowing that as it does so the prog is automatically creating a spreadsheet for that BANK too, (or all the BANKS if that option has been selected).

Not sure if it is wicked 'pride' or just a 'sigh of relief' that it all works so nicely, knowing just how much work it took for something so complicated to design, to look so easy, as it happens, lol.

 

[marlbrook]

AOR-FRANCE and eSPYonARD VI Pro-Lite

I just thought this needs clarifying to the very many people who are following this thread, as I have already had a few enquiries about it.

As of today, AOR-FRANCE have become the sole distributor of the PRO-LITE version of the program, and are in the process of supplying it to other dealers in Europe, and to people who have purchased their AR-DV1's from other sources. They will continue to provide the program free of charge to those who buy an AR-DV1 from them.

AOR-FRANCE are charging 9.60 Euros to other distributors, or people who did not get the AR-DV1 via them.

This is purely an administrative charge, to take account of the work involved in supplying Pro-Lite.

A link to their site dealing specifically with Pro-Lite is now shown on the main AOR Japan and US web-sites.

To clear up any confusion about the 3 different versions now in circulation:-
1. The Try before you buy' program available from this web-site ardv1 is FREE

2. In this form it is the STANDARD program, fully functional, but with some restrictions.

3 That program can be updated to either the unrestricted STANDARD or PRO versions, with a suitable activation code. The PRO version has a lot more sophisticated options. No extra download is necessary.

4. Pro-Lite from AOR France or other European dealers, is a fully functional PRO version (with some restrictions). It is NOT the full PRO version. The charge they make is an administration fee only.

I remain committed to providing RR readers with the absolute best service I can manage, and once again thank all those members who have and continue to support the program (and me).

It is very nice to see the program 'taking off' in this way, and I suppose it is still flattering to find even more of the latest innovations I added now appearing in 'other' programs, albeit not perhaps in quite so useful a form as in eSPYonARD.

 

[hamradionl]

Sir,
i dont know where you located,
Give you a tip
find a distributor also for Northern part of Europe.
Within the trade business, there is still "difference" in dealing with North or South Europe.
The country's in the North dont like bossiness with the south.
Why ?
Because language and total different mentality.

Yes, this is still existing in 2016.

 

[marlbrook]

Hi

Thanks

Jeff