This is the minimum system requirement to use the RS-BA1 Version 2.īecause the system requirements may differ, depending on your PC environment (permanently running software such as antivirus software, peripheral devices, network condition, settings of OS and other software), the operation is not guaranteed.Īll stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. Speaker and microphone or headset (purchase separately) Upload: 350 kbps Download: 500 kbps, or faster Upload: 500 kbps Download: 350 kbps, or faster Upload: 350 kbps Download: 1.2 Mbps, or faster Upload: 1.2 Mbps Download: 350 kbps, or faster *The Voice Memory or Recording function will require more space. RS-BA1 data screen for an IC-746PRO.* When only one transceiver and one PC are connected to the Server PC. The data screen on the control panel (Figure 2) has a lot of useful information besides the operating frequency.įigure 2. The Remote Controller can not read from the radio memory or write to it. These channel memories are accessible only with the program. The program can also be used to create or edit memory channel data and save it in the computer. For example, default shortcut keys enable you to (1) enter the operating frequency using the number pad on the computer keyboard and (2) toggle between VFO A and B using the space-bar. The Operations→Shortcut menu lets you assign hot keys that operate controls on the panel. Many of these sub-screens are also accessible by right-clicking buttons in the graphical radio panel. Selecting each item in the View→Operating Panels menu opens a small sub-screen with controls, such as the Noise Reduction level, Filter options, and CW Keyer settings. For example, the View→Set Mode menu can be used to configure the Notch Filter and Meter Peak Hold settings. Some radio menu items can be set using RS-BA1 menus.
RS-BA1 works well with the Windows screen magnifier utility. The size is not adjustable, and it is not affected by the screen dpi setting. Software Connecting the Radio to a Computer RS-BA1 User Interface Radio Menu Settings User-Defined Keyboard Shortcuts Programming Memory Channels Rig. The radio panel window is 6.0" H x 7.8" W on a typical 22" display. Left/right mouse click on a knob to turn it counter-clockwise or clockwise, respectively. RS-BA1 graphical user interface for an Icom 746PRO. The graphical user interface for the Remote Control Program is shown in Figure 1.įigure 1.
Serial adapters with FTDI chipsets are reportedly much more reliable. The RS-BA1 Remote program worked with the adapter, but the direct CI-V connection to the radio failed intermittently. I also tried a less expensive serial-USB adapter with a Prolific Technology chip. For this article, the level converter (Radio port) in a MicroHam USB Interface III was used to connect the transceiver CI-V jack to a USB port on my computer. Newer radios in the list also have either an RS-232 jack or a USB connector to use instead of the CI-V jack.Ī TTL level converter is required for a CI-V connection. Connecting the Radio to a ComputerĪll supported radios have a CI-V remote control jack for the serial connection to a computer. Icom America loaned the RS-BA1 software for this review.
There are also general sets of controls in the program that might work with older Icom radios.
The Instruction Manual explains how to set up the serial connections for both programs. (A base station server is not required for an IC-7700 with firmware version 2.0 or later.) In that case, a second computer (server) is located at the transceiver. The Remote Utility handles remote communication over the Internet. When the control computer is connected directly to the radio, only the Remote Control program is required. It consists of two programs-Remote Control and Remote Utility-each with an icon on the Desktop.
The RS-BA1 software runs on Windows XP(SP3), Vista, and Windows 7 systems. Using RS-BA1 with a screen reader is described in another article. The basics of rig monitoring are described in a separate article using Ham Radio Deluxe in the examples. This article is for vision-impaired amateur radio operators who want to use RS-BA1 to display the settings of an Icom HF transceiver on a computer screen for improved visibility. Icom RS-BA1 software makes it possible to monitor and control Icom transceivers either locally or remotely.