The 92AD software does this. Rather than being a file-edit / upload,download form of program it actually controls the radio interactively. Very nice to use as a monitor while running a net too. Not sure about the 2820, but the id-880 does not put out much (like none) info at the data port unless there is also a data payload, and that payload does not include the Icom 'message' data. So, you can see most info if there is GPS data or some other data, like DRATS. However normal voice comms does not output anything. (As far as I can see with serial port monitoring) What does intrigue me is tapping the remote control head connector (while head is attached). Looks like you should be able to watch comms between the radio and the head. I assume that will include packet header info that displays on the screen. What isn't clear is if that data is in some standard code set like ASCII and if the serial stream is some industry standard format of bit rate, start/stop and parity. Should find some time next week to start snooping the connector. Since the head talks/listens via a serial stream to the radio some reverse engineering MIGHT allow one to also control the radio. I assume the 2820 is likely similar to the 880, but I'm really only guessing. Maybe someone could do a port monitor on the data line and see what it says. 73 Ted W1GRI
_____ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of bosshardss Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 10:05 To: [email protected] Subject: [DSTAR_DIGITAL] I would like to see Icom offer a low cost adapter to facilitate full PC control of their DSTAR Radios. Imagine changing the UR or Repeater settings in an ID800 on the run. Or actually being able to SEE the display on a 2820 in the car in daylight. Having a shopping list stored in your PC that would use alpha tags for the different fields and let you mix and match UR, RPT1, RPT2 quick and easy. Also since there are more and more repeaters this would facilitate using the same box of UR's and callsigns with different repeater frequencies (and could even automatically add the band character, A, B, C or G). If the price is right, Icom would have an instant market for 12,800 copies and provided the protocol to communicate with their radios were public, a scad of software developers could offer Icom Dstar Compatible user interface software. Some of the small laptops with a linux operating system are pretty reasonable in cost for a GUI interface. Maybe I am just dreaming, but it seems it is more and more difficult to find anyone able to reply to a call with anything beyond CQCQCQ. (Except the JA folks who don't have reflectors). Making the radio more user friendly would be a giant step in the right direction and promote more use and more product $ales. steve
