FAQ
From DDUtil
Contents |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I learn to use DDUtil?
- The best way to learn DDUtil is to read the Setup section of this document and then refer to the How-To section for specific items of interest. Also, questions can be asked on the DDUtil Yahoo Group forum.
I Lost My Settings
This ususally happens when you change DDUtil install directories. To get them back you need to find the old install directory and copy the file user.config to the new install directory. Follow these steps:
- Open the My Computer folder
- Click Search
- Select All Files and Folders
- Type user.config into the file name box
- Click More Advanced Options
- Select the following check boxes:
- Search system folders
- Search hidden files and folders
- Search sub-folders
- Press the Search button
If using Win XP the files will be in the \%APPLICATION DATA%\ folder and look something like this: C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\DataDecoder\
- Right-click one of the search results and select Open Containing Folder.
- In the File Explorer window press the Folders icon. You will see at least two entries under the Data Decoder folder if you have used more than one install folder.
- Navigate down to the 1.0.0.0 folder. This is where the user.config file lives.
- Select the oldest and largest user.config file copy it to the clip board using the key combination CTRL+C. You may also use the Copy command in the Edit menu.
- In the 1.0.0.0 folder of the newest and smallest user.config file, paste the copy of the older file using the key combination CTRL+V. You may also use the Paste command in the Edit menu.
This replaces the newer empty file created when you installed DDUtil into a different directory.
This is a lengthy process but isn't bad once you've done it once. It is also advisable to write down your settings.
DDUtil crashes on start up, what do I do?
- Generally, there can be two (2) reasons for this.
- Com0Com has a port name that starts with something other than COM.
- Open the com0com Configuration Manager and correct the offending port name(s) so ALL begin with COM.
- Make sure the enable buffer overrun check box is checked for each port of each pair.
- The user.config file is corrupted.
- Do a directory search for user.config, it should be in the Documents and Settings area, and delete it If you have more than one file delete them all. Note: make sure you check the boxe(s) that tell it to search for Hidden and System files or it won't find the user.config file. DDUtil will recreate the file when next it opens. You will lose all your settings when you delete this file so it's always a good idea to write down your settings and save them some where.
- You can also edit the user.config file with a text editor like Note Pad and fix the offending entry.
Note: Editing this file may be troublesome without a thorough understanding of this file and it's entries.
What is a Virtual Com Port?
- These ports are RS232 serial ports that live only in the PC. DDUtil uses these ports to talk to other software programs and the Flex radio. You will need a set of these for each piece of software you want DDUtil to communicate with. VSP Manager is the first choice for a Virtual Serial ports program.
Where can I get VSP Manager?
- You can get VSP Manager here.
Will DDUtil work with any other transceiver?
- No, DDUtil was written specifically for the Flex family of radios.
Will DDUtil work with my equipment?
- Probably, so far i haven't found any equipment that DDUtil won't operate. If the equipment will track frequency/band changes DDUtil has several modes (BCD, CI-V, RS232) to communicate with it.
What is a Passive Listener?
- A Passive Listener is a device that receives data from DDUtil but, does not talk back to DDUtil. This type of device can be an SteppIR controller, Palstar AT-AUTO antenna tuner, band switches, Linear Amplifiers and many others.
