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

[marlbrook]

New update - new features

Just when I had decided to take a few weeks off, you guessed it, I thought of something else to add.

v.6.003D-003 just uploaded to the web-site ardv1

This adds 'SETTINGS'

You can now control the ARDV1's BEEP volume, screen CONTRAST, DIM or NORMAL display, BACK LIGHT, and KEY COLOURS from within the program.

No 'big deal' in some respects, EXCEPT despite having control codes to do those things via software, some of them just do not work correctly.

Once again I have found a work-around, so in eSPYonARD they all work with a click of a button.

For those who it might concern, I am sorry to say that this may mean that the new features are not likely to miraculously appear in other software packages in a few days time, or if they do they will probably not all work properly, at least until a firmware update comes along. They do work in my program now.

Firmware issues again. Worth noting some of the key colours on some AR-DV1's do not display correctly.

I cannot fix that. They do not show the colours they should whether you enter the commands manually via the radio, or send the commands from the PC.

MOST of the key colours do work, and change immediately, however. All the other functions mentioned are fine.

The above features are working in all versions of the program, 'Try Before You Buy' included.

Cheers

 

[marlbrook]

SEARCH and SCAN - DISPLAY SPEED

Hi, I am still getting the occasional email regarding the SEARCH and SCAN speeds as displayed by the program.

I have tried to make this clear, but obviously not clear enough.

I have 'slowed down' the program's DISPLAY for search and scan. The actual SPEED that is happening is exactly the same as that you see on the radio, but for the below reason the program's display 'APPEARS' slower, by design.

The actual radio display is so fast, it is mainly just a blur of unreadable numbers. No doubt comforting to realise the speed is pretty fast, but not much use to the naked eye.

So, the program's display has been slowed so you can see on your monitor at least most of the frequencies as they change. In other words it is ONLY a representation on 'screen' of what is happening in a slower, more readable form.

eSPYonARD does NOT in ANY WAY slow either the search or scan speed that is taking place in the receiver. The program does not in any way CONTROL those speeds as they actually happen.

The AR-DV1 carries on scanning or searching at its usual pace, and whenever it stops on a channel or frequency, that information is immediately displayed by the program, together with any other relevant details.

Hopefully that explains the matter,

Cheers

 

[G7HID]

I have a request Jeff, I would like to incorporate a "Griffin PowerMate/Bonito Tuning Wheel" to control some aspects of eSPY on ARD.. The PowerMate is a USB Tuning Wheel converts keystrokes to wheel movement i.e. Up Arrow = Clockwise wheel movement, Down Arrow = Anticlockwise....

"PowerMate will work with ANY application that has key commands, or supports key commands. If your keyboard can do it, PowerMate can do it, too. It does this by sending keyboard shortcuts, called Key Commands. If a menu command has a Key Command equivalent, it will be visible in the righthand portion of the Menu."

| Detailed view | Accessories | Bonito Tuning Wheel

I would like to be able to use the wheel rotate for tuning up-down, there are also a couple of other wheel actions:
Short wheel press
Long wheel press
Press and rotate clockwise
Press and rotate anticlockwise

I am open to ideas on those...

Mike

 

[marlbrook]

Your Request

This could end up with a lot of messages. Rather than take up space on this thread, can you email me. There is an Icon for enquiries at the web-site
ardv1

 

[G7HID]

Taken to email..

 

[marlbrook]

Just Had To Post This Now

I just had to tell all of you who have made this thread so popular that the MOST exciting development yet is close to completion.

That is not 'spin' or 'hype'. This really is ground breaking and raises PC control of the AR-DV1 to a whole new, and I really mean amazing level. I promise you this is not an advertising ploy, it is plain and simple fact, as you will soon see.

I cannot go into details yet, for the reasons set out below, but check the web-site over the next few days.

As lots of you will know by now, many of the exciting innovations I have added to the program and functionality of the AR-DV1 are copied soon after they are released. So I apologise for not being able to give you full details quite yet.

I am not making any judgement on that, it just happens.

Those of your have eSPYonARD and 'other' software for CAT control will make their own mind up as to whether the actual implementation of the 'copies' are anywhere near as good as my original.

I have never 'knocked' the competition, nor will I. I know from your emails a lot of you believe that when it comes to day to day, minute be minute, PC control they prefer eSPYonARD. Some might not, and that is OK, but it proves there is room for more than one program for AR-DV1 control, and indeed most of my customers have both programs.

It is great that AOR-FRANCE has given 100% endorsement and support for eSPYonARD of course, which speaks for itself.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support too. Again, sorry if any of this appears 'cryptic'. I simply had to tell you that something so exciting was about to be released. I swear this really is not 'hype'. I will not be 'making anything out' of this, except the satisfaction of it being available.

 

[marlbrook]

'HANDS ON' super sensitive USB Frequency Knob support

I just uploaded v.6.0004-001.

I have made a few alterations, so worth updating anyway BUT

Thanks to Mike asking me to look at incorporating the PowerMate / Bonito tuning wheel, I bought one, and IT IS WONDERFUL.

eSPYonARD fully supports the PowerMate, and the setup package includes the necessary 'ini' file for it.

So what is it and what does it do?

The tuning knob is really well constructed. About 1.5 inches in diam, brushed aluminium. It has 360 degree rotation, and smoother than the knob on the AR-DV1.

It is multi-functional, and sits so nicely next to your mouse.

With eSPYonARD, turning it left and right controls the frequency, accurately, smoothly and precisely.
(it also scrolls through Memory Channels)

Press and hold whilst turning, increases or decreases the radio's volume.

A single, short press, toggles through the 3 VFO's

A single, long press, toggles the squelch between 'off' and its last setting.

In fact, the IDEAL add on for PC control. A proper tuning knob is, or was, the only thing missing. Nothing quite beats the gentle touch of human fingers when it comes to tuning.

At the moment my AR-DV1 has three amateur shortwave bands programmed in, one on each VFO. Just using the KNOB I can move between them, adjust the frequency and volume, and if I need to adjust the squelch.

This is not like using the scroll wheel on a mouse to change the frequency, often and in fact usually too 'coarse' and unfriendly. This is a proper, sensitive tuning knob.

You can also program it to work with other things if you want to.

I DO NOT SELL / PROVIDE THE POWER-MATE

They are available from several places HOWEVER they seem to be in short supply. There is a bluetooth one (for MAC only), but you need the USB version. I have tested it on all Windows versions including 10.

ICOM do a similar device for their radios, which is VERY expensive (hundreds).

The PowerMate can be obtained for a fraction of that price.

You would not be reading this thread if you were not interested in PC control of the AR-DV1.

This tuning knob takes that to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

ESPYonARD and the Power-Mate together must be tried to be believed. No 'hype'. If you try them together you will know exactly what I mean.

As I said, PowerMate is in short supply. This is one 'extra' you are unlikely to ever regret treating yourself to. Wish I did sell it, lol.

OK I must sound as if I am totally 'nuts' about this. No apologies, I AM. I never imagined that PC control could be so excellent or such a joy to use. OK, it makes things easier normally, much easier than using the buttons on the radio. With a program designed to look like the AR-DV1 on screen, and designed for ease of use, PC control is really nice BUT, with a precise 'hands on' Tuning knob (even forgetting about its other functions), suddenly PC control becomes just like Magic. (every Hogwarts student should have one, lol)

See my 'Remote Control' thread for a bit more exciting news.

Cheers

 

[G7HID]

Be careful what you wish for...

I had a request... I wanted to use my Griffin PowerMate tuning wheel with eSPYonARD to tune my AR-DV1 up and down in frequency. Well after an exchange of emails and ideas with Jeff I now have (well we have actualy) a functioning tuning wheel that tunes the AR-DV1 smoothly up and down, adjusts the volume, steps between the 3 VFO's and opens and closes the squelch.
It seems Jeff had never heard of the PowerMate tuning wheel before, but seeing the potential of it - ordered one straight away. Once he had the wheel in his hands I had a Beta version of eSPYonARD in my email a few hours later, then within a week the distribution version.. Thanks Jeff..

For any of you wondering what the Griffin PowerMate/Bonito Tuning Wheel is all about:
| Detailed view | Aktuell | Bonito Tuning Wheel

Mike

 

[marlbrook]

An update - 11th june

Adding the PowerMate meant a lot of extra programming, and more importantly testing some things with a different perspective.

While I was doing that, a few things came to light, which normally most people might never have noticed, and also I realised a few things could be made just that bit better.

So, I have made a few little improvements and just posted v.6.0004-001C.

ardv1

None of the alterations are 'sweeping' but taken together they are well worth downloading the new setup package for.

As usual, you can just install it over the top of your existing installation.

Well folks, I started this project last Autumn. So far Autumn, Winter, and Spring have all slipped by. That is every day, often 16 hours a day, with no time off for good behaviour. I really must see a bit of the Summer. I intended to take a longish break as from April, but new ideas kept popping into my head, so I kept on.

So, barring something momentous, like the PowerMate, I doubt if there will be (or need to be) many new updates for a while.

I will still be available 7/7 to provide any assistance if required, and I realise as you do not often get that sort of Service from big, important organisations, that must I suppose make mine, small and unimportant, lol, but eSPYonARD is neither.

If you have not already, try it and see. If you tried it some time ago, so much has been added, updated and refined, you ought to seriously think about trying the latest version. The only way to decide which two 'cars' you really prefer is to test drive them both, and that goes for programs too. I do realise that the 'Try Before You Buy' version may be too expensive for some, as it is free, with no time limit before it expires.

I will no doubt be 'playing radio' a lot, so I may find something I want to add or amend. Just hoping nobody else contacts me with something I cannot resist, at least for a month or two,

Those of you who use the program, especially those with the PRO version will already realise that there can be little, if anything, left to add. To all intent and purposes the program does it all now, and of course many extra things the AR-DV1 just does not do on its own.

Just topped 9000 views since mid February. Not sure what that means, but I guess it can't be bad

Cheers everyone, enjoy the Summer.

 

[Comp-100]

Have a good break. You'll have more ideas when you have a break and just do other things for a while. If not, you could always look at adding trunking so it's an all in one package (that would keep you busy). I've not tried the software since I don't have a DV1, but I'm considering it.

I think you have made a lot of people very happy and you deserve a good break.

 

[G7HID]

Have a good break. You'll have more ideas when you have a break.....

Sounds like a break might be a nice idea..

Mike

 

[marlbrook]

TIRED MISTAKE

If anyone downloaded v.6.0004-001C yesterday (SUNDAY 12 June), please download and install it again.

I accidentally posted an incomplete version. I have not changed the version number.

Cheers

 

[marlbrook]

Obsession

Just to keep you updated.

I had a few days off, not weeks as I intended, but managed to get a bit of fresh air and catch up on some of the domestic chores that have built up over the last months.

Of course, that meant I actually had time to 'play radio' for a bit.

Since PowerMate came along I realised that I was looking at the AR-DV1 more as a Scanner than a Communications Receiver.. Looking at it, and the program from a slightly different perspective whilst 'playing' a few things came to mind. A few little tweaks here and there, just to balance that out really, and a nice addition to the VFO buttons.

If only it was quite that easy. At this stage of a program's life, a tweak can have unexpected 'knock on' effects somewhere else. Fix that, and a lurking Gremlin can appear in another place (sigh).

The result is a new version, but one I want to test for a week or two before I release it.

Anyone who may have been tempted to control the AR-DV1 externally will no doubt know what a beast it can be. A few 'key' control codes do not exist, and from time to time the radio will decide to reply with something totally unexpected. That is the true programmer's nightmare.

Over the months I think I have discovered most of this type of anomaly, and applied 'fixes' and 'workarounds' so the end user never even knows they are there. Even managed to add some useful functions that the radio lacked.

I just want to repeat that I have nothing but the deepest admiration for the designers of the AR-DV1, and especially the programmer's. With anything so complicated there will always be a few glitches, but to all intent and purposes they have done a fantastic job. Sadly it is the occasional glitch that makes it so difficult when writing a program for it, particularly a program that tries to 'do it all' in a way that makes it easy and efficient to operate.

Anyway, enough of that. From the start I tried to design the program with the 'end user' in mind, and to make controlling the AR-DV1 a great experience.

I am still committed to that goal, hence the new version. Current users will not see anything revolutionary this time, lol, but appreciate the few extra touches I hope.

I will naturally update the thread when this new version is posted.

Cheers, and thanks again for all your support.

 

[marlbrook]

eSPYonARD QUICKIE

The latest version is now ready.

I just need to update the Manual, and prepare the final installation setup-files.

So please check the web-site over the weekend for v.6.0005.

The program is now even 'smoother' and 'more responsive' than ever (or so I am told from my band of intrepid 'Beta' testers).

I have to admit, that compared to how the program was just a few months ago, it is vastly different and a better 'experience' to use, with lots of added features.

So, if you have never tried the program, or did sometime ago, you really should consider trying this latest version.

I have received some emails suggesting the program is 'too functional' in its free 'Try Before You Buy' version, so people will just stick to that, and let me and mine 'starve', (sigh).

That may be so, but I am leaving it like that, and risk the fact it will never support my 8 Rolls Royce cars, 25 Manor Houses, 6 private jets, 227 luxury yachts, and 27 wives (or is that 27 yachts and 227 wives?)
(I wish lol).

On a serious 'tone' (for once)

Just some things to think about.

1. Am I a 'big player' in the software game - NO
2. Do I provide round the clock 'solid' support and free updates always - YES
4. Do I answer all emails quickly and fully - YES
5. Do I 'listen' and often very QUICKLY add new things to the program that people ask for - YES
6. Do I usually bring out the neatest innovations first, and are they often better implemented - YES
7. Does a company like AOR-FRANCE just endorse eSPYonARD - YES
8. Would you have ever had more than one CAT program to choose from if I had not made mine - ?
9. Are those things not really positive, if the program and you gain from that - ?
10. It may not be a 'professional' approach to put you and the program above financial gain, but I do.
11. Does well over 10,000 views on the Forum since mid February indicate anything?
12. Is the quality of the program itself more important than the people who created it - ?

I have now worked solidly on the program for 8 months. Not a couple of times a week, every single day, just to bring people the best AR-DV1 P.C. control experience I can.

I know lots of users appreciate that, and thanks again for all your supporting emails and posts, here and elsewhere.

Only one way for you to decide .... try v.6.0005 once I upload it, and see for yourself

ardv1

Cheers folks

 

[marlbrook]

Latest version uploaded

V6.0005-001A uploaded this morning.

If anyone downloaded the version I uploaded yesterday, (without the 'A'), please get the latest one.

New touch re. the VFO buttons in Search and Scan.

Enjoy

 

[G7HID]

Thanks Jeff, the VFO button frequencies are a nice touch..

Mike

 

[marlbrook]

Regional differences

Since the program went 'Global', it may be necessary to introduce some adjustment to take note of different Regional settings.

In particular the decimal separator that Windows is set up to use.

Many Countries use a '.' (full stop), but some use a ',' (comma), and that could cause problems in some circumstances.

None of my customers have mentioned it.

If anyone on the Forum has, will they please EMAIL me via the Web-Site, with details.

I do not want to fill up this thread with technical queries, for obvious reasons.

I am currently adding code to eSPYonARD to take this into account.

 

[deiraq]

Re: latest version

"Only one way for you to decide .... try v.6.0005 once I upload it, and see for yourself"


Thanks Jeff, yet again another great set of additions to the already long list of functions!

 

[marlbrook]

THANKS

Having a 'thanks message' is very much appreciated.

When it happens it is a great motivator.

Once, thousands of years ago (or so it seems since starting the program), I was a Manager.

I lost sight of that for a while. Not sure why. I had a 'problem employee' who did something right for a change.

I remember so clearly saying thanks for doing a good job and seeing her whole face 'brighten', and she started doing lots of things well after that.

I realised I had forgotten to say thanks enough on lots of occasions, and put that right.

We all need a bit of encouragement from time to time.

So, thanks for the thanks. I really needed that today.

Cheers

 

[G7HID]

Since things have gone 'Global'....