Creative Services Software Releases First Version of PacTerm and PKTerm
Software as the Radio Operations Center
Version 3.91.04 Launches Updated Windows Interface,
Adds New Logging Capabilities
October 22, 2008 — Creative Services Software, Inc. (CSS) today announced the
availability of the Radio Operations Center (ROC) Digital Desktop™, formerly
called PacTerm (for Kantronics TNCs) and PKTerm (for Timewave/AEA TNCs).
Version 3.91.04 includes a number of new features and enhancements in addition
to rebranding PacTerm and PKTerm under CSS’ new Radio Operations Center product
brand. The new version also represents a complete recompile of the former
PacTerm and PKTerm C++ code.
User Interface Enhanced to Comply with Windows Standards
The ROC Digital Desktop user interface has been updated with new icons and
enhanced window behavior to comply with Windows XP and Vista interface design
standards. “As users upgrade or replace their PC hardware and software, their
Radio Operations Center software will now fit right in,” said Rick Ruhl, CSS
president and lead software developer. “And for new users who are accustomed to
newer Windows applications, the look and feel will be more easily recognized.”
Complete Code Recompile Ensures Windows Compatibility, Improves Performance
The new version of ROC Digital Desktop is a completely recompiled version of
the software, ensuring that the software offers faster performance and optimal
compatibility with the Windows XP and Vista operating systems. The Radio
Operations Center is written in the C++ programming language, with results in
an open architecture for seamless integration and easier customization. For
example, the ROC Digital Desktop comes with snap-in DLL (dynamic link library)
code released under the GNU open source license for the MT-63 mode. “For
computer-savvy Hams, that means you can roll your own mode,” CSS President Ruhl
said. “If you know how to program in C++, VB or any other language that can
create a DLL, you get everything you need to extend the software. The software
comes with support for all the widely-used digital modes, but our open
architecture gives you the freedom to take it even further.”
New Features Offer More Advantages for Contesting
ROC Digital Desktop now offers a serial number macro variable that
auto-increments serial numbers for ham contest exchanges, adding another
advantage for contesters.
The built-in logging program now includes new macro variables called
“{logsave}” and “{logcall},” designed to help contesters start and log contacts
faster. Using {logcall}, users can further automate contacts to work through
the bands faster. The logsave macro saves the contest QSO contacts to the
logbook on-the-fly, so contesters don’t have to slow down to log contacts.
The Radio Operations Center is compatible with most popular logging programs,
but offers streamlined logging inside the software for contesters, in addition
to integration with external logbook and callbook applications. “A separate
logging program does not have to be running during the contest, which can
sometimes slow down the computer and the operator,” Ruhl said. “The combination
of the built-in features and user-customizable macros literally means that Hams
can run an entire contest exchange from just one or two clicks of the mouse.”
ROC Digital Desktop is the latest addition to CSS’ recently-rebranded Radio
Operations Center™ (ROC) product
line http://www.cssincorp.com/Radio_Operations_Center_Software.html. A packet
radio-specific product, EmComm Ops™
http://www.cssincorp.com/EmComm_Ops.html, was released earlier this month. ROC
Digital Desktop allows amateur (Ham), commercial and MARS radio operators
connect to, access, integrate and operate HF digital and packet radio stations
with a Windows PC or laptop from a fixed station or in the field using
Kantronics or Timewave TNCs or your computer’s soundcard.
Current PacTerm and PKTerm customers who are on a current maintenance agreement
may download an upgrade to the Radio Operations Center Digital Desktop at no
charge at www.cssincorp.com/product-upgrades.html. Other CSS customers can
purchase an upgrade for $49.95 from the company’s Website. The Radio Operations
Center is available for a free, 30-day trial on the Website and retails for
$99.95. The purchase of ROC Digital Desktop includes one year of e-mail or
phone technical support, access to the CSS user forum and free maintenance
updates.
Visit www.cssincorp.comfor more information, or to download the demo version,
upgrade or purchase the software. CSS products are also available from many ham
radio retailers and radio equipment catalogs.
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About the Radio Operations Center
The Radio Operations Center software suite from CSS is the only amateur, MARS
and commercial radio software solution that combines the integration,
automation and multitasking capabilities of Microsoft® Windows with the
flexibility and control to operate on multiple TNCs, soundcard and radio
hardware in all the digital modes. The Radio Operations Center allows users to
control radios, TNCs, rotors, and to access logging applications, call books
and more — all from within a single 32-bit Microsoft Windows application. The
software formerly known as PKTerm™ (for Timewave/AEA TNCs) and PacTerm™ (for
Kantronics TNCs) are now called ROC Digital Desktop™
http://www.cssincorp.com/ROC_Digital_Desktop.html. Other Radio Operations
Center products include EmComm Opshttp://www.cssincorp.com/EmComm_Ops.html,
Marine Radio Ops and Weather Ops.
About CSS
CSS is a privately held software and technology consulting company specializing
in software connectivity for commercial and amateur radio operators; office
automation and network management solutions for business; and custom software
development for specialized Web and wireless applications.
