Hi, Everyone - My original problem was that I could not read VFO-B using DXBase wehn used with my IC-7700.
Several people have written to tell me that: 1 - Both VFOs can be written to/read from but only by writing to/reading VFO-A and then switching 2- There is no way that the computer can tell if the rig is in split mode 3- Icom has been asked repeatedly to do something about this with no response 4- N4PY software can be employed to overcome these shortcomings I am not familiar with the N4PY software so I will leave it to others to comment on whether this works or not. If the N4PY software is able to determine if the rig is in Split mode, then it behooves DXBase to figure out how this is done. In that case, you don't need to read the rest of this email; but you do need to write to the authors of DXBase and ask for this to be included in your program. If the N4PY software does not fix the problem then read on. The answers sent to me do not directly address my question but I am glad that I received them since it gives me a better perspective on the problem of reading VFO-B. Apparently, the need for the software to read VFO-B is triggered by the software knowing that that rig is in Split. Unless, and until it knows that, it will only read VFO-A to prevent the production of many inadvertently incorrect spots. Since there is no way to determine if it is in Split, the software reads only VFO-A. Given that scenario it becomes a matter ofC2making your own workaround/s. Good A program could be written that intercepts the info sent to the rig by DXBase and determines, mode, freq, split or not, etc. Then the program could send the data on to the rig. So far, same as usual. When the rig is polled by DXBase the intercepting program does the switching of the VFOs and extracts all of the data. If the frequencies of VFO-A and VFO-B are on different bands or if they are in different modes it is assumed that the rig is not in Split Mode. If neither is the case, the frequency polled from VFO-B is passed to DXBase and placed in your log as a Split Mode contact. Is this perfect? No Is it easier to remove the QSX frequency from your log or info sent to the cluster than to have to type it in. Of course. Better A small toggle switch could be set by the user to indicate that Split Mode is in use and the intercepting program would set the mode to split. Then when reading the data from the rig the position of the switch is read along with the data and the deed is done. Even Better Than That Transceive (2) 7700s or a 7700 as the receiver and a 756 as the transmitter. The intervening program sets VFO-A on both radios. In regular mode it sets the same frequency in both radios. For spots with QSX it sets each rig appropriately. Reading the rigs means reading only VFO-A from each. If they are the same freqs, then it is not split. If they differ,20it is a Split Mode contact. Then the info is combined into one message sent to DXBase. Best – You tell me. OK – that’s my 2 cents. I am sure that there are lots of holes in my ideas. I don’t mind hearing what they are but please respond to all of the members so I don’t have to become a relay station. I can’t type all that well. All we need now is a good programmer. 73, Paul
______________________________________________________________ Dxbase mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/dxbase Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected]
