- Send PowerSDR's transmit frequency to RS-232 passive listener devices such as SteppIR antenna controllers, linear amplifiers, antenna tuners and other similar devices. This data is provided on the pc's serial communication port commonly known as COM1 - COM4.
- Send PowerSDR's transmit frequency to Binary Coded Data (BCD) passive listener devices such as band switching linear amplifiers like the Yaesu Quadra, antenna switches and other similar devices. This data is provided on the pc's parallel port commonly known as LPT1 - LPT4.
- Build and maintain the BCD data file used by the parallel port without having to use a separate program for creation/editing.
- Use the DDUtil by itself or with a radio control program such as Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD), DXLab Commander, MixW or any other program that will work with PowerSDR.
DDUtil is easy to use and requires no maintenance after setting up the ports.
If using a Band Decoding device requiring BCD information such as a Yaesu Quadra amplifier, encoded BCD data is available via the pc's parallel port. Additionally, there is provisions to build or edit the BCD file on one of the Device tabs. Once the data file has been built or edited it may be saved under a descriptive name for a specific device. These device tabs can be named for easy recognition.
The other tab contains options for users who own a LP-100 or want to open Flex Profiler while using DDUtil.
If you want to try DDUtil it can be downloaded here.
Other Requirements
- Microsoft .NET 2.0 (installer will provide assistance).
- You will have to provide any cable from the pc to your device(s). You can see some example drawings here of some cable configurations. These same drawings are also shown in the help file.
- You will need an extra serial and/or Parallel port on your pc depending on your requirements. These ports may be either USB adapters or add-on cards.
Install Instructions
- Download the setup file from the link above.
- Run the Setup file DDUtil_Setup.msi
- Follow the prompts and accept the defaults. If you have a previous copy of DDUtil it will have to be un-installed first, the installer will prompt you for this. If you don't have .NET 2.0 the installer will guide you through it's installation. This will take a few minutes so be patient.
- After the installer finishes, open Start/All Programs/DDUtil and you should have entries for DDUtil and DDUtilHelp. Now would be a good time to read the help file to get familiar with DDUtil's features and operation.
- Additionally, there will be an Icon on your desktop that looks like
this
.
Use this icon to start DDUtil as it is easier to access than
the start menu.. - Open DDUtil, there will probably be some error messages initially just dismiss them. Setup the ports per the help file.
If you have questions or suggestions to make DDUtil better, please let me know.
Steve (K5FR)