Transcript
MS-DMT MARS Usage MS-DMT MARS Use.docx - 24-Nov-2015 20:02 Terry G. Glagowski, Ph.D / W1TR / AFA1DI
INTRODUCTION This document describes how to download, install, setup, and use MS-DMT for MARS purposes, specifically M110a.
DOWNLOAD Download the latest version of MS-DMT from 1. The AFA1DI MARS INFO WEB http://www.glagowski.org/MARS/#_MS-DMT 2. The MARS ALE WEB http://www.n2ckh.com/MARS_ALE_FORUM/MSDMT.html It may be necessary to UNZIP or Extract All from the ZIP file.
INSTALLATION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
UnZip the ZIP file (Right Click / Extract All) View inside the MSDMT folder. Read the MS-DMT_install_read_me.txt and/or MS-DMT_INSTALL_STEPS.pdf. Double click on the download install.exe file. It is recommended that you choose an installation folder that is NOT in Program Files or Program Files (86)… For example use: C:\Apps Depending on the version, the actual installation folder might be something like: C:\Apps\MSDMT
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CONFIGURATION MS-DMT does NOT use CAT to monitor and control the status of the transceiver, however it DOES use PTT. The Soundcard Audio and Push-To-Talk (PTT) control must be configured.
Radio to Computer Interface Hardware The hardware in a digital communications radio system consists of a transceiver, a computer, and an interface.
RS-232 or TTL Open Collector Open Collector
Transceiver
CAT Interface PTT Interface CW Key Interface
Open Collector Fixed Level Audio Output
FSK Interface Audio Output
Fixed Level Audio Input
Audio Input
Level Converter TxD RxD Level Converter RTS Level Converter DTR
CAT COM6 PTT/CW/FSK COM7
Interface
Level Converter
Computer
TxD
Isolator Isolator
Serial Port or USB to Serial Cable Serial Port or USB to Serial Cable
Audio Input Audio Output
Microphone or Line In Speaker or Headphone Out
The radio to computer interface must provide connections for the audio input, audio output, and push to talk (PTT). Optionally it may provide CW Key Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) , and Computer Assisted Transceiver Control (CAT). FLDIGI does not use the CW Key and FSK unless an external circuit that generates them from the computer audio output is used, but other software does make use of them. 1) It is desirable to provide isolation for audio input and output (typically a 1:1 small audio transformer) to avoid RF feedback or ground loop problems in the audio input and output. 2) Push to talk (PTT), CW Key, and FSK output from the computer are typically at RS-232 levels (+12v or -12V) and must be converted to TTL level or Open Collector pull down by a level converter. Open collector means the control signal is plus voltage, and must be pulled to ground to activate it. 3) CAT control can be RS-232 (Kenwood and Yaesu rigs), or TTL combined RX and TX buss (ICOM C-IV interface). Commercial products that provide these capabilities are: 1) West Mountain Radio – RigBlaster series http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigblaster.php 2) TigerTronics - SignaLink series http://www.tigertronics.com/ 3) MicroHam series http://microham-usa.com/ 4) MFJ series http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Categories.php?sub=0&ref=47 It is possible to make a homebrew interface with a couple of 600 ohm 1:1 audio transformers for the audio isolation, and some NPN (2n2222) transistors and resistors to perform the level conversion. Creation of a buss transceiver for the TX/RX ICOM buss is a little more complicated but circuits are available for that as well.
1. A list is available at http://www.amateur-radio-wiki.net/index.php?title=Radio/PC_Interfaces 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
http://9w2woc.blogspot.com/2008/10/part-1-homebrew-sound-card-interface.html http://kk7uq.com/html/download/Manual2E.pdf http://ka1mda.org/ham/homebrew/sound/index.htm http://tobbe.net.au/projects_4.php http://www.iw5edi.com/ham-radio-reference/sound-card-interfacing-for-rtty-psk31-and-sstv
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Audio Configuration The soundcard interface hardware may have audio level controls for input and output. See the user manual for configuration of these settings. The computer operating system (Windows XP, 7, 8, 10) has configuration settings for the audio input and output that may need to be configured depending on the audio hardware and software installed. Selection of the default input and output devices are done here. Most time configuration of the Default Device can be bypassed and the sound card configuration in MS-DMT can be used instead. MS-DMT has a configuration GUI to select the audio input (capture) and audio output (playback) devices. These must be selected.
Computer Audio Input Configuration Computer audio input is usually via a sound card on the motherboard of the CPU, or an add-on PCI sound card in the chassis. These typically tale a line-input of about 1 volt and a more sensitive microphone input. External USB sound cards about the size of a thumb drive can provide microphone input and headphone output as well. Input selection and sensitivity to the computer are controlled by an input device mixer which is part of Windows (Windows 10 shown here) Right click on the Speaker Icon in the lower right of the screen to access this.
This is a dialog in the RealTek HD Audio Manager used to select and adjust audio devices. Microphone Input is shown below, the default device and recording volume can be set here.
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This is a Windows generic device control dialog that can be used to select and configure the default audio input device.
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Computer Audio Output Configuration Computer audio output is usually via a sound card on the motherboard of the CPU, or an add-on PCI sound card. These are typically at the level of a watt or so for speakers, and possibly a headphone jack as well. The audio input (playback) device will show up in the Audio Devices dialog of the FLDIGI configuration menus. Output selection and level are controlled by an input device mixer which is part of Windows (Windows 10 shown here) Right click on the Speaker Icon in the lower right of the screen to access this.
This is a dialog in the RealTek HD Audio Manager used to select and adjust audio devices. Speakers / Headphones output is shown below, the default device and playback volume can be set here.
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This is a Windows generic device control dialog that can be used to select and configure the default audio output device.
This is a Windows Dialog that shows the audio levels for the speaker overall, and the audio levels for various applications that are currently open. It is recommended to MUTE any applications that are NOT related to the digital communications, such as system sounds, windows gadgets, or MS Edge / Internet Explorer.
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MS-DMT Sound Card Configuration The following is a screen shot of MS-DMT. Use the PCSDM Button to configure the audio input and output.
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Choose the Capture and Playback Devices This display is shown when the soundcard option of the MS-DMT PC Sound Device Manager (PCSDM)
Select the Input Device The Capture Device is the audio input from the transceiver to the computer. Several devices may be shown, choose the correct one for your installation. As shown, the capture device is for an Apache Labs Anan 100d SDR radio, using Virtual Audio Cable (VAC). For the TS-2000x or other conventional transceiver it will likely be Microphone (Realtek High Definition Audio). Some sound cards have both a microphone and line-input jack, choose the appropriate one.
Select the Output Device The Playback Device is the audio output from the computer to the transceiver. Several devices may be shown, choose the correct one for your installation. As shown, the playback device is for an Apache Labs Anan 100d SDR radio, using Virtual Audio Cable (VAC). For the TS-2000x or other conventional transceiver it will likely be Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio).
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PTT, CW, FSK Control Signals The usual way to control the Push to Talk (PTT) on a radio is to use an RS-232, or USB to RS-232 signal. MS-DMT does not make use of the CW Key or FSK control signals but other software does. Standard conventions for RS-232 control signals: 1) RTS signal is usually used for PTT. 2) DTR signal is usually used for CW Key 3) TxD signal is always used for FSK RTTY.
RigBlasterPro Interface units such as the West Mountain Radio RigBlasterPro have a DB-9 jack on the back of the unit. Internal jumpers route the RS-232 signals to level converters and the PTT, CW, and FSK outputs. FLDIGI does not make use of the CW Key or FSK control signals but other software does. The following are excerpts from the RigBlasterPro manual.
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Homebrew Circuit for PTT, CW, FSK It is also possible to build your own circuit using NPN transistors and resistors to convert the RS-232 +12V and -12V signal to an open collector pull down circuit for TTL level typical on most transceivers. The base input resistor value is set to drive the transistor into saturation but not overload it. FLDIGI does not make use of the CW KEY or FSK signals.
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MS-DMT PTT Configuration Using RS-232 To configure the PTT for MS-DMT, use the following controls on the Main GUI Window. 1. Set the CAT COM Port to the COM port number of the RS-232 (also USB to RS-232) used for PTT. Baud rate is irrelevant since only the RTS signal control will be used the number of bits per byte, parity, and number of stop bits is also irrelevant It MAY be possible to use CAT control to perform the PTT but this is beyond the scope of this document. 2. Select PTT: RS232 to use the RS-232 handshake signals for PTT. 3. Uncheck the DTR/RTS line, which means to use the RTS signals instead of the DTR signal for PTT.
MS-DMT Computer Assisted Transceiver Control (CAT) Computer Aided Transceiver Control (CAT) is NOT used for MS-DMT and cannot be / is not configured.
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BASIC USE Set the Baud Rate and Interleave Options 1) MS-DMT always uses the M110a waveform a. There is a Baud Rate option (600 nominal) b. There is an Interleave option (Long default) 2) The Receive Window is enclosed by the RECEIVE GROUP box. a. On Receive, the Baud Rate and Interleave Option are automatically selected and the message appears in the Receive Window b. The RECEIVE MODE field shows Baud Rate and Interleave Mode when receiving, NO DCD when not. c. The STATE field shows the Protocol State DATA when receiving, IDLE when not. d. The BER field shows the Bit Error Rate when receiving, it should be ZERO. e. The FER field shows the Frequency Error Rate in Hz, more than 10 is poor, less than 5 is excellent f. The SNR field shows the Signal to Noise Ratio in dB, Less than 10 is poor, more than 30 is excellent 3) The Transmit Window is enclosed by the TRANSMIT GROUP box. a. Set the PSK Carrier frequency to 1800 Hz. b. Use the Inc button to increase the transmit baud rate c. Use the Dec button to decrease the transmit baud rate d. The Baud Rate can be set to {75, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800} BPS. e. Typical usage on MARS circuits is 600. f. Higher (1200 or 2400) for good conditions, Less (300 or 150 or 75) for poor conditions. g. The TRANSMIT MODE field shows the Baud Rate and Interleave Option for transmit. h. The TRANSMIT STATUS field shows the state of the transmit protocol {TRANSMT, IDLE} 4) To set the Interleave for Transmit a. Use the Int button to toggle the interleave options {LONG, SHORT} b. Typical setting for MARS use is LONG. 5) The received message appears in the Receive Window (upper). 6) The message transmit message should be typed or pasted into the Transmit Window (lower). 7) Use the Send button to send the message in the Transmit Window 8) There are a number of other options and controls, consult the user guide for reference on these.
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USE WITH AMT Detailed instructions on the use of AMT / Automated Message Terminal appear in another document, but a brief description of how to use MS-DMT with AMT is described here.
Communications between Automated Message Terminal and MS-DMT The Automated Message Terminal (AMT) communicates with the MS-DMT software using a null modem and two serial COM ports on the computer. This can be done with two physical COM ports and a null modem cable, or by using a virtual serial port null modem. The latter is standard practice for MARS operations. In this example system block diagram, AMT COM19 is connected to MS-DMT COM9 via a virtual serial port null modem. MS-DMT is then connected to the radio transceiver for PTT using COM4 RTS for the TS-2000 radio, or COM7 RTS for the Apache Labs Anan 100d radio. Automated Message Terminal AMT
COM19
COM9
DATA PORT
MIL-STD Data Modem Terminal MS-DMT
COM4 = PTT: TS2000x COM7 = PTT: Anan 100D CAT COM PORT PTT Only No control or monitoring of frequency or mode
Configure a Virtual Serial Port using Com0Com Installing Com0Com Com0Com is available for downloading at : http://com0com.sourceforge.net/ Download and install the software. The installation process requires administrative privileges.
32 Bit Version: http://sourceforge.net/projects/com0com/files/com0com/ Use the following link: Looking for the latest version? Download com0com-3.0.0.0-i386-and-x64-unsigned.zip (277.0 kB)
64 Bit Version http://sourceforge.net/projects/com0com/files/com0com/2.2.2.0/ Use the following link: com0com-2.2.2.0-x64-fre-signed.zip
Extract and run the *.exe in the ZIP file. The Com0Com icon will appear on the screen.
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Radio Transceiver
Example Configuration of Com0Com Com0Com allows the creation of virtual serial port pairs that emulate a null modem. Use the Add Pair button to add a pair of COM ports. Use the Remove button to delete a pair of COM ports. The following is the Com0Com GUI showing the configuration in use at AFA1DI / W1TR. Note Virtual Port Pair 0: COM9 to COM19 which is used for the MS-DMT to AMT data communications. Note: Com0Com is no longer used at W1TR / AFA1DI in favor of VSPE.
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Configure a Virtual Serial Port using VSPE VSPE is an alternative virtual serial port program to Com0Com which also allows port sharing, i.e. PTT from both FLDIGI and MS-DMT can be used to control your transceiver.
Installing VSPE Download VSPE from http://www.eterlogic.com/Downloads.html Download the Software The DOWNLOAD button will download a ZIP file with the following Information in it:
The license, version, 32 bit key, and the install package are in the ZIP file. Install the Software Double click on the *.msi file and VSPE will be installed by the Microsoft Installer. The install works on both 32 bit and 64 bit MS Windows operating systems... The VSPE icon will appear on the desktop.
You must purchase a KEY for the 64 bit version to work ($24). Use the BUY VIA REGNOW button under the LICENSE FOR 64 BIT PLATFORM (X86_64). This is a standard credit card purchase dialog that requires the usual information and an EMAIL to which the key will be sent. Download the HELP File Under the ONLINE DOCUMENTATION section, use the Download CHM button which downloads a *.chm file (MS Windows Compiled HTML Help file).
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Setting Up VSPE Radio setup at AFA1DI / W1TR AFA1DI / W1TR is a Single Operator Two Radio Setup, Radio #1 is a Kenwood TS-2000x, Radio #2 is an Apache Labs Anan 100D SDR. System Block Diagram of AFA1DI / W1TR - SO2R The AFA1DI / W1TR station can be used for complex MARS Operations or HAM Contesting. Hardware Antenna
USB to RS-232 COM1 CAT control Dual Monitors
Keyboard
Radio Transceiver Kenwood TS-2000x
PTT/CW/FSK
Computer Dell XPS 8300 Intel i7 3400 MHz 12 GB RAM 1.5 TB Disk
SPKR
KEYER PADDLE
Audio
USB to RS-232 COM2 PTT/CW/FSK
RigBlaster Pro
MIC
Radio Transceiver Apache Labs Anan 100D SDR
SPKR
Audio
Mouse
Ethernet 1 Gb/s
Ethernet 1 Gb/s
Netgear GS105 5 port Gigabit Switch
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MIC KEYER PADDLE
Antenna Ethernet To LAN 1 Gb/s
Software MMTTY N1MM FLDIGI Ham Radio Deluxe
VSPE
N1MM CAT N1MM PTT CW FSK
COM 3
COM 4
HRD CAT
Splitter
COM 1 TxD RxD CAT
Splitter
COM 2 RTS PTT DTR CW TxD FSK
CAT
Radio #1 Kenwood PTT / CW / FSKTS-2000x
HRD PTT
NOTE: for some reason N1MM won’t operate SDR PTT COM7 on phone N1MM won’t operate SDR PTT COM8 on CW
N1MM
FLDIGI MARS
N1MM PTT/CW N1MM PTT (phone) N1MM CAT
FLDIGI CAT
COM 6
Splitter
COM 16
Pair
COM 26 TxD RxD CAT
COM 7
Splitter
COM 17
Pair
COM 27 RTS PTT DTR CW
DSP Radio #2 Keyer Connections Apache Labs Secondary Anan 100D SDR
COM 8
Splitter
COM 18
Pair
COM 28 RTS PTT (phone)
CAT PTT Control
FLDIGI PTT MS-DMT PTT
MS-DMT
COM 9 DATA TERMINAL
COM 9
Pair AMT
COM 19 DATA TERMINAL
COM 19
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CAT CAT Control
Radio #1 TS-2000x COM1 is a USB to Serial RS-232 COM port for the TS-2000x CAT control. COM2 is a USB to Serial RS-232 COM port for the TS-2000x PTT/CW KEY/FSK. COM1 => COM3 is a VSPE splitter that allows COM1 to be accessed by up to 4 applications as COM3. COM2 => COM4 is a VSPE Splitter that allows COM2 to be accessed by up to 4 applications as COM4. CAT Port Splitter Configuration COM1 => COM3 COM6 => COM16 Redirect Modem Registers is NOT asserted, ignoring the computer RTS and DTR settings. RTS and DTR are asserted to bypass hardware handshaking and always assert flow control OK. DTR/RTS is set to NO. Perhaps the above settings should be revisited to actually USE RTS and DTR for hardware flow control. Serial Port settings are setup to match hardware COM1.
PTT / KEY / FSK Port Splitter Configuration COM2 => COM4 COM17 => COM7 COM18 => COM8 Modem Registers are redirected to pass DTR and RTS Signals from the Computer. DTR/RTS is set to YES. Serial Port baud rate and other settings don’t matter since only DTR/RTS are used, so DTR/RTS are set to YES. I’m not sure how EXTFSK will work with this for MMTTY FSK RTTY, this has not been tried.
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Radio #2 Apache Labs Anan 100D COM26 is a VSPE Virtual Port for the CAT connection for Apache Labs Anan 100D. COM16 <=> COM26 is a VSPE Pair that allows COM25 to be accessed as COM15. COM16 => COM6 is a VSPE Splitter that allows COM15 to be accessed by up to 4 applications as COM6. This allows sharing of the CAT port by multiple applications like FLDIGI, N1MM, HRD, W1TR Rig Control. COM27 is a VSPE Virtual Port for the RTS PTT and DTR CW KEY connection for Apache Labs Anan 100D. COM17 <=> COM27 is a VSPE Pair that allows COM27 to be accessed as COM17. COM17 => COM7 is a VSPE Splitter that allows COM17 to be accessed by up to 4 applications as COM7. This allows sharing of the PTT and CW ports by multiple applications like FLDIGI, N1MM, HRD, W1TR Rig Control for CW operation. COM28 is a VSPE Virtual Port for the DTR PTT connection for Apache Labs Anan 100D. COM18 <=> COM28 is a VSPE Pair that allows COM28 to be accessed as COM18. COM18 => COM8 is a VSPE Splitter that allows COM18 to be accessed by up to 4 applications as COM8. This allows sharing of the PTT KEY port by multiple applications like FLDIGI, N1MM, HRD, W1TR Rig Control for phone operation. Device Properties for the splitters Use Redirect Modem Registers
AMT to MS-DMT Data Port COM9 <=> COM19 is a VSPE Pair that allows COM19 to be accessed as COM9. COM9 is the MS-DMT Data Port connection to the AMT Data Port on COM 19. This allows AMT to communicate with MS-DMT.
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Configure AMT to work with MS-DMT 1) Make sure the Virtual Serial Port is Configured and Operating 2) Make sure AMT and MS-DMT both are running 3) Make sure the Modem in AMT is disconnected a. Modem Button displays Connect b. Modem Connect Status is RED 4) Select MS-DMT as the AMT Modem 5) Browse for the Message Save path Or Enter the path by typing or pasting 6) Select the Data COM Port a. Number b. Baud Rate 7) This COM port will be connected to a. A REAL RS-232 or USB to Serial COM Port null modem cable to MS-DMT b. A VIRTUAL Serial Port null modem to MS-DMT (most typical use for MARS)
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Use of Automated Message Terminal (AMT) to Receive or Send using FLDIGI as the Modem 1) Use the Modem Connect/Disconnect button to connect a. Button display changes from Connect to Disconnect b. Modem Connection Status changes from RED to GREEN 2) Receive data appears in RECEIVE WINDOW ACP-126/ACP-127 format messages will be automatically be saved if successfully received 3) Enter or paste transmit date in TRANSMIT WINDOW 4) Use Text button to send message as one complete transmission burst. 5) Use Blocks button to send message as a series of block bursts.
SUMMARY This document has described how to download, install, setup, and use MS-DMT for MARS purposes, specifically M110a. Details for using AMT can be found is the AMT User Manual.
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