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Remote operation client software "RCC-590"
----- Automaticaly synchronize between TRXs via internet -----
This software allows remote control of the transmitting TRX by operating the local TRX.
This is a client software for KENWOOD TS-590 series, made by me.
Publish the .exe file. Follow the notes in the release section.
Fixed bug Ver.3.2 '21/06/24
Fixed bug Ver.3.1 '20/04/23
English first version Ver.3.0 '19/10/10
All rights reserved JA3OOK Toshikazu Nakamura
table of contents
Introduction
Definition of words
Operating conditions
Preparation
Description of setting window
Operation with RCC-590
Release
Appendix A Example using RCC-590
Appendix B Experiment to run WSJT-X on the Hand-PC
Appendix C Experiment with Yaesu Rig
Acknowledgments and Reference
Introduction
Four years have passed since remote operation began using KENWOOD's genuine
manufacturer software ARHP-590/ARCP-590.
It is operated about 5 days a week when there are many. KENWOOD's software is
very easy to operate and high-quality. It is used with confidence.
From January of this year (2018), TS-590S has been lined up at my home.
Since the design of the rig panel and the window of the ARCP-590 are different,
each operation may be confusing.
I want to perform remote operation with the same operation. It seems that it can be
realized with Ham Radio Deluxe, but there are no people who actually use it. I can't
buy and experiment because it costs nearly $100.
I wanted to solve this problem, so I planned to make my own remote control software.
Apart from that, I wanted to try something new.
New target => I want to remotely control the transmitting station rig
with a local rig operation.
=> I want to automatically synchronize the rig.
=> Let's make software that runs on a Windows-PC.
I proceeded with the idea and made it myself. It was a really exciting challenge for me.
Named this software "RCC-590". This is Initials for "Remote Control Client",
since it is for TS-590, added "590" at end.
Definition of words
"TS-590" : Unless otherwise noted, TS-590 Series and TS-590G Series are called TS-590.
"Host Station" : Also called "transmitting Station".
The Host station consists of antenna, TRX (transceiver), PC, and others.
This TRX is also called "Host-TRX", and the PC is called "Host-PC".
In this case TRX is TS-590.
"Remote Station" : Also called "Remote control place".
The Remote station consists of operator, PC, and others.
This PC is called "Hand-PC".
In case of useing "RCC-590" also use TS-590, is also called "Hand-TRX.
Operating conditions
a) Remote control of the host TRX by operating the hand TRX. Automaticaly syn-
chronize between TRXs by internet.
VFO operation, VFOA / B switching, split operation, band switching, mode switching, etc
b) CW can be sent a fixed sentence, and rubber stamp QSO can be done even
in DX hunting and CONTEST. The free sentence can be sent, but the character
spacing will be slightly longer.
c) Target TRXs
Host-TRX:
KENWOOD TS-590 All Series.(TS-590 Series and TS-590G Series)
For TS-590S/D/V, raise the FW to Ver 2.03 or later.
Hand-TRX:
KENWOOD TS-590 All Series.(TS-590 Series and TS-590G Series)
For TS-590S/D/V, raise the FW to Ver 2.03 or later.
Good luck if you can use other KENWOOD rig.
d) Use KENWOOD ARHP-590/ARHP-590G as the server software for the HostPC.
RCC-590 is its client software.
Preparation
Will prepare for the following diagram as a goal.
Can use RS-232C instead of USB.
Fig. 1 Most simple remote system using RCC-590
a) Installation RCC-590
Unzip the ZIP file and put the unziped "RCC-590" folder somewhere you like on the Hand-PC.
If you necessary, please create a shortcut and register in the start menu.
Execute "RCC-590.exe".
Please see "Readme.txt" for version upgrade and uninstallation.
Using ".NET Framework 4.6".
I think RCC-590.exe can be started without any special operation.
(But may be you may need to manually install .NET Framework 4.6)
b) Preparing audio signal route
Connect the audio between the Host-TRX and the Host-PC with a metal cable.
Specifically, it connects between PinANI/ANO of ACC2 of TS-590 and
AUXOUT/AUXIN (or headphone/microphone) of PC.
If the signal level is too different, insert a variable resistor.
Note: Audio signals can be sent and received even with a USB connection,
but this is not recommended because of delays.
For only experiments, USB connection is also possible.
Set the audio input/output level of the ACC2 connector of the Host-TRX using the menu.
Assign the DATA SEND function to the "PF A" button on front panel of Hand-TRX.
(TS-590 Menu 79 to 205, TS-590G Menu 87 to 206)
The reason is that the audio modulation of the Host-TRX is data terminal input.
In order to prevent confusion in operation, the Host-TRX is set in the same way.
Preparation of audio transmission software.
Examples of software: ARVP-10H/ARVP-10R, remote desktop software, etc
Note: there is software that cannot send the upstream (from the Hand-PC to the Host-PC) audio signal.
c) Preparing ARHP-590 or ARHP-590G
Set the port number, User-ID and password.
d) Others
Get a global fixed IP address of the Host station from internet service provider.
Or get a domain name from DDNS (Dynamic DNS Service) provider.
Set the correspondence of the port number between the Internet and LAN into the Host station's router.
Prepare remote desktop software..
Connect a dummy load to the antenna terminal of the Hand-TRX and the Host-TRX.
Keep the transmission power of both TRXs at a minimum.
e) Operation check with ARCP-590 or ARCP-590G
Please operate with ARCP first. It is a reliable procedure to proceed to work with
RCC-590 after checking the operation with ARCP.
For the preparation procedure at ARCP/ARHP, please read the KENWOOD manual (reference 1).
Furthermore, please operate via LAN first and then via the Internet.
Description of setting window
If you haven't done the setting, the first operation is the setting operation.
Menu bar of main window => Tools => Settings
Fig. 2 Setting window of RCC-590
1 Select or enter the following fields on the Setting window:
- Hand-TRX (3 fields)
- Host-TRX (4 fields)
Com-Soft fields do not have to be set. Even if set, it is ignored.
2 Click OK or Cancel or X in the upper right corner:
- OK The set contents are stored.
- Cancel or X Setting work is disabled. (No change in settings)
Operation with RCC-590
1) Startup sequence
1 Turn on the power of the DC power supply of Hand-TRX.
2 Push on Front power button of hand-TRX ON.
3 Launch RCC-590.
2) Description of main window
Fig. 3 Main window of RCC-590
a) The role of the main window:
- Displays the operating status of the Host-TRX.
Note: Even if the frequency, mode, etc are different from the Hand-TRX,
the main window displays the status of the Host-TRX.
- Remote operat of the Host-TRX by mouse operation:
Host-TRX power supply ON/OFF, output power change, VGS recording/playback, etc
(It is bad that Hand-TRX works with these functions)
- Operate CW.
b) You can enter or click the orange color fields.
c) The size and position of the main window can be freely changed by dragging
and are memorized at the end.
3) How to start and operation
a) Select the 1 Hand-TRX all control of the "Control Type" combo box at the top right of the window.
The Hand-PC and the Host-PC are connected.
Note: If the Hand-TRX is not Power ON, it will appear as if RCC-590 has been
frozen without any response. Hand-TRX power ON immediately.
b) If the Host-TRX is not Power ON, click "TRX PWR" to turn it on.
(The display in the field changes from power OFF "0" to power ON "1", and the color also changes.)
c) Remote operation starts here.
Operate the Hand-TRX to perform remote control, such as:
band, frequency, mode, reception-preamplifier, attenuator, AGC, VOX, RF-gain,
CW-speed, IF-filter, IF-width/shift, noise-blanker/reduction, DATA-mode, notch, squelch
Send/Receive switching is VOX or "PF A" button.
Next operation with the "MENU" button :
- Audio input/output level setting of ACC2 connector
- DATA VOX ON/OFF
(Turn off to prevent inadvertent transmission with sound from PC.)
- DATA VOX delay time, DATA VOX gain
Note: "MENU" operation is synchronize at the decision operation.
Click the main windows to perform remote operation:
Power ON/OFF of Host-TRX,
Output power setting,
Operation of VFOA=B (needed to match the mode),
VGS voice operation,
(sending recorded voice, recording/playback 30 second of received
monitor sound.)
The next operation is not synchronized :
Antenna switching, memory content change (addition, change, deletion),
memory CH operation, frequency scan, microphone gain,
MENU setting/readout, speech processor, Recording from microphone to VGS-1, etc.
These alternatives are please try using ARCP-590. Some settings and
operations are possible.
CW operation in the center CW frame
Characters that can be sent are letters, numbers, symbols, CW-specific codes.
For details of symbols and CW-specific codes, see separate window.
It is recommended to enter the other party's call sign in the F1 field,
because logging with Enter key when QSO finished.
Enter fixed sentences in the "F2" to "F8" field in advance.
Sent when function keys "F1" to "F8" are pressed.
CW transmission from within the F1-F8 field can transmit CW radio waves
without a sense of incompatibility.
Even during transmission, you can cancel transmission with the Esc key.
CW speed control is performed with the "KEY" button on the Hand-TRX.
Sent immediately after entering a character in the Free field. This CW radio wave are
with the character spacing slightly extended. It is for auxiliary that is not normally used.
Log function
Pressing the "Enter" key logs the contents of F1, Free, and Note field into the log field along
with the time UTC.
Can be used regardless of mode.
The character string written in the log field can be copied to other files
by "Select" => "Ctrl + C" operation.
Note :
The log is cleared when you indicate "All disconnect".
The amount of log is about twice as large as the log field.
4) Ending procedure
1 Select the string written in the log frame and copy it to another file etc.
2 Power off the Host-TRX : Click "TRX PWR".
3 Select "All disconnect" in "Control Type" combo box.
4 Exit WSJT-X.
5 Exit RCC-590.
Release
If you are interested, please use "RCC-590" after agreeing to the following.
Copyright
Located at OOK-Labo (JA3OOK Toshikazu Nakamura).
Confirmation and compliance
By using or referring to this software and explanations,
Please do it at your own risk even if any malfunctions, failures occur.
I am not responsible for anything. Please do not grievance, slander, hoax.
Download
1st Please read the Readme file.
Executable file. Exec programs (Executable and Readme file)
Source program has been canceled publication.(2021/06/24)
AppendixA Examples using RCC-590
Introducing the system I am operating. I will explain the main points in the fugure below.
Fig. 4 System configuration in my operation
a) Use RCC-590 and ARCP as needed:
RCC-590 = When want to search carefully with frequency dial operation.
(Search DX station and search multi-station at contest.)
ARCP = When frequency is limited such as FT8 or when want to use it easily.
(Usually use ARCP)
b) WSJT-X (including JTDX, the same applies below) is operated on the Host-PC.
This improves the decoding performance of FT8 and FT4 by several dB.
c) Use remote desktop.
Used for the following operate:
WSJT-X window, Host-PC desk top, display of video camera, file transfer between PCs,
Shut down or restart the host PC
Mainly use "Brynhildr"(Reference 6), and "TeamViewer" as a reserve.
Since Brynhildr is registered as a Host-PC Windows service, it can be operated as an administrator.
Launch both of these software on Host-PC.
d) Use "VSPE" (Reference 7) on Host-PC.
Branch the TRX port with VSPE and share it with "ARHP", "WSJT-X" and
"Turbo HAMLOG". (Turbo HAMLOG is famus Logging soft in Japan.)
This allows each software to share the TRX frequency and mode.
Key points for doing VSPE:
- Create a virtual COM port so that it has a tree structure as figure-4.
The virtual COM port and software are made to correspond 1:1.
- Always launch in the following order:
1 VSPEmulator.exe
2 The software connected to the parent virtual COM (ARHP in Figure 4)
3 The software such as WSJT-X connected to non-parent virtual COM.
e) The following information is monitored on the USB camera displayed
on the Hand-PC by remote desktop:
Linear amplifier output power, SWR, selected band,
direction arrow of the antenna rotator panel
f) "ABS" connected to RS-232C of Host-TRX is a self-made board using PIC.
ABS will automatically switch the antenna cables, and band of the linear amplifier.
g) The Hand-PC has an RS-232C terminal. However, if the PC does not have an RS-232C terminal,
connect it via USB.
h) Although not shown in the figure 4, "PIC-NIC" is used.
PIC-NIC is a remote control device that can be operated via the Internet.
It's made by TriState ltd. (Reference 8)
Used for Host-PC power ON/OFF, linear amplifier power ON/OFF, antenna rotation instructions, etc.
Appendix B Experiment to run WSJT-X on the Hand-PC
and remotely control with RCC-590.
I do not encourage the use of this feature. Please only use for experiment.
In this feature, WSJT-X is operated on the Hand-PC and RCC-590 remote control the host-TRX.
(WSJT-X is including JTDX, including the same below)
However, I do not recommend this feature for the following reasons:
- DECODE performance is several dB worse than operating WSJT-X on Host-PC.
- Preparation is hard:
* In order to decode the received signal with WSJT-X, the headphone jack and
microphone jack of the Hand-TRX must be connected.
And since the signal level is too different, a variable resistor is required.
* In order to send from WSJT-X, it is necessary to devise a way to send WSJT-X audio output
to the Host-PC.
Operation with RCC-590
I will explain only the main points. Please read also the above main text.
1) Startup sequence
1 Turn on the power of the DC power supply of Hand-TRX.
2 Push on Front power button of hand-TRX.
3 It is better to keep the transmitter TRX power on in some way (such as using ARCP-590).
Connection operation with WSJT-X proceeds smoothly (additional 2021/06)
4 Launch RCC-590.
2) setting window
Select or enter the following fields on the Setting window:
- Com-Soft
- Hand-TRX
- Of course, set Host-TRX too
3) main window
a) Select the one of the "Control Type" combo box:
- 2 WSJT-X only PTT
- 3 WSJT-X all control
b) Launch WSJT-X.
Setting if WSJT-X Setting is not appropriate.
(File => Setting => Radio)
Restrictions: RCC-590 may freeze when SJT-X is started too late or
when the connection port number between WSJT-X and RCC-590
is different. Please close RCC-590 using the task manager.
c) 2 WSJT-X only PTT is selected
Outline: All control (frequency change, send/receive switching,
reception improvement operation) is performed at the Hand-TRX.
However, sending and receiving switching can be left to WSJT-X.
Fig. 5 Configuration and settings for "2 WSJT-X only PTT"
RCC-590 receives commands from WSJT-X via com0com. Only send/receive switching commands are valid.
Sending and receiving switching can be left to WSJT-X.
If the frequency of logs written by WSJT-X does not match the frequency of rig,
don't forget to correct the log written by WSJT-X!
Supplementary explanation of Figure 5 is given below:
- Com0com (Null-modem emulator)
It is Serial port driver that virtually connects COM ports. (Reference 9)
Since it is open source software, it can be used free of charge.
- Of course, COM number is an example.
d) 3 WSJT-X all control is selected
Outline: WSJT-X performs all control (frequency change, send/receive switching).
However, the reception improvement operation can be performed by clicking the main window.
Fig. 6 Configuration and settings for "3 WSJT-X all control"
After selecting "3 WSJT-X all control", start up WSJT-X and wait a few seconds.
Band and frequency change is done with the combo box of WSJT-X.
The following reception improvement operations can be performed by clicking
on the main window (in the "only WSJT-X all control" frame):
- VFO-A 500Hz Up/Down (left and right click)
- reception-preamplifier ON/OFF
- Receive filter A/B
- AGC SLOW/FAST/OFF
Note: Advanced reception operations such as IF shift and noise reduction operations are not possible.
The Hand-TRX is disconnected from the RCC-590.
But, always set Hand-TRX (3 feilds) on the Setting window.
It is okay to turn off the power button of the Hand-TRX or the DC power supply.
4) Procedure to change Control TYpe during operation
1 Select "All disconnect"in combo box.
2 Select the desired Control TYpe.
3 When using WSJT-X, start it up immediately.
RCC-590 may freeze if dealing with errors is delayed or WSJT-X is not running.
Appendix C Experiment with Yaesu rig
I do not encourage the use of this feature. Please only use for experiment.
This is a method of using Yaesu FTDX4000 for Hand-TRX. Good luck if you can use other Yaesu rig.
I will explain only the main points. Please read also the above main text and Appendix A.
1) setting window
For Hand-TRX name, select "FTDX3000".
2) main window
a) Select the 1 Hand-TRX all control of the "Control Type" combo box.
b) Operate the Hand-TRX to perform remote control, such as:
band, frequency, mode, reception-preamplifier, attenuator, AGC, VOX, RF gain, CW-speed, IF-filter
Send/Receive switching is "MOX" key.
c) The next operation is not synchronized:
IF width/shift, noise blanker/reduction, notch,etc
Acknowledgments
I listed at the end are materials that were particularly useful in the development of this software.
There were many other useful articles.
Thanks to each author.
Reference
1 KENWOOD TS-590SG KENWOOD NETWORK COMMSND SYSTEM Setting Manual
2 K1JT WSJT Home Page
3 ARRL Learn Morse code
4 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated Morse code
5 KB3BYT LEARN MORSE CODE in one minute !
6 IchiGeki Brynhildr The web is Japanese
7 Eric Young and the OpenSSL Project (VSPE) Virtual Serial Ports Emulator
8 TriState ltd. TriState PICNIC Ver.2
9 Slashdot Media (com0com) Null-modem emulator
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