[PCR-1000] ex2099 software - Think I'll give it a try

[robert.mc at att.net]

I've been reviewing the ex2099 software and manual, and gathering up some unused test gear at work.  I really see no problem using the program to adjust the software settings on the PCR.  The main issue with these radios getting weaker with time looks to be the software settable bandpass filters.  Resetting them is as simple as injecting a specific frequency and adjusting a slider in the ex2099 software to peak the signal.  There are a lot of these filters to set, but it looks like no more than a couple hours work.  I tuned in a NOAA weather channel last night, 162.400 MHz, fired up the ex2099 (yes I have the EEPROM data saved), found the right filter, and indeed I got more signal strength with a small adjustment of the slider.  Set it back to stock for now, and did not hit "write" regardless, but at least on one frequency band my radio is definitely off a bit.

Peaking up the S-meter, bandscope, etc. all looks straightforward if you are comfortable with signal generators, frequency counters, and such.  There are hardware adjustments, with voltages to verify, noise blanker adjustments and so forth that I will check but will be surprised to find off much, if at all.  If I stay with the software adjustments, recovery is as easy as running the EEPROM backup to restore things.  I do not see any real obstacles.