[Dx4win] Split Frequency Spots

[Jim Reisert AD1C]

On Wed, Sep 24, 2014 at 5:38 AM, Leith Jennings ZL2AL wrote:

> I have no problem posting DX spots with my Pro3 or 7600. All works as it
> should with slpit frequency but it only posts the one VFO frequency and not
> the QSX frequency.
>
> I never have been able to announce a spot and have the split QSX frequency
> show either in the DX4Win 8.05 Announce window or in the DX cluster.
>
> Can anyone tell me what the secret is and how I set it up?
>
> *73, Lee ZL2AL*

Hi Lee,

Historically, the ICOM radios have had a deficiency in their computer
interface protocol.  It did not provide a way to query the radio to
determine whether it is operating split or transceive.  Some logging
programs try to overcome this by having a "soft" split bit stored in
the software's program memory.  As long as the split status of the
radio is ONLY manipulated by software (i.e. software sets radio to
split or software sets radio to transceive), and the user never
touches the buttons on the front of the radio, this can work most of
the time.  DX4WIN does not support this.

However, a few years ago, ICOM began issuing new firmware for the
IC-7600/7700/7800 radios which removes the protocol deficiency.  If
you upload the new firmware into your radio, and use an updated .RIG
(radio) driver for DX4WIN, you will be able to operate and record
split in the method you describe.

You can find the ICOM firmware here:

    http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/firm/

You can find an IC-7600 .RIG file that supports split operation here:

    http://dx4win.ad1c.us/radios/

I used that radio file with my IC-7600 with good success.  However,
there are some caveats:

1.  In general, when operating split with these radios, you do NOT
want to be in real-time logging mode in DX4WIN (F9).  In order for
DX4WIN to read each VFO frequency, it must temporarily make that VFO
"active".  When polling is done, DX4WIN will leave the Rx VFO as
active (the one the dial responds to).  This can cause you to tune off
the DX station frequency, instead of moving your Tx frequency (going
into split had made the Tx VFO "active").  This can be disastrous in a
pileup.

2.  You NEVER should to operate split while in real-time logging mode
in DX4WIN (F9) with an ICOM IC-7700.  The IC-7700 only has one
synthesizer.  When transmitting while in split mode, the act of
polling may cause you to briefly transmit on the Rx frequency during
the polling cycle, when the Rx frequency is temporarily made "active"
in order to read it.  This is VERY BAD.

3.  I believe there was an IC-7800 driver for DX4WIN at one time, but
ON4AOI may have pulled it. I don't remember the reason.

As I said, I had good success with this and my IC-7600.  And OK
success with my IC-7700 given #2 above.  I have never tried an
IC-7800.

Your IC-756 Pro III does not have firmware to enable better split operation.

73 - Jim AD1C

-- 
Jim Reisert AD1C, <jjreisert at alum.mit.edu>, http://www.ad1c.us