Ham Radio Deluxe
By Jean-Paul LeBlanc, VE9BK
The purpose of this presentation is to give a very high level overview of Ham Radio Deluxe, (HRD) which was created in 2003 by Peter PH1PH and Simon Brown, HB9DRV. HRD originally started off as a radio control program, but over the years it has evolved into much more.
You can download HRD, which is free, at: http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/HRDv4.aspx
But before you install the HRD software, you need to interface your radio to your computer. You will need a cable to connect your radio to the computer’s serial (COM) port. If you don’t have a serial port all is not lost – USB serial converters are widely available. I should also mention that HRD comes with a very good manual which explains in detail how to proceed.
HRD will run on most current operating systems. When the software runs for the first time, it will ask you a few simple questions and then make the connection to your transceiver as depicted in the box below.
HRD has been designed to make radio interfacing as simple as possible. Simply use the drop down menus to select the Company and radio being used. For the COM Port and Speed settings, simple use the drop down menus again and select ‘Auto Detect’ for both. If you are using an ICOM rig as depicted above, then the CI-V Add will be filled in by the program depending on the ICOM Model that was selected in the Radio box. Next, hit Connect and you should be up and running. If you run into problems, simply refer to the manual.
Next, the radio display screen will appear, which looks like this.
This screen allows you to control your radio and can be customized to your operating style.
Another key component of HRD is logging. The first time you open up the logging module of the program, you will be prompted to fill in information regarding yourself and your station. The more information you can provide the more automated and flexible your station logging program will be.
Here is an image of an HRD Log, which can be search and printed.
HRD also has a number of other neat features. After logging your contacts, HRD will allow you to convert your file to the ADIF format, which can then be automatically downloaded by HRD to Logbook of the World (LOTW) or EQSL.
There is also a grab audio feature that allows you to record your QSOs.
There is also a configurable DX Cluster feature as shown here. There is also access to QRZ for information on the station being worked.
HRD can also control your station rotor.
And if you are into satellite tracking, HRD can also do that for you.
Ham Radio Deluxe can also be used to remotely control your radio. I was able to remotely control my Kenwood TS-480HX rig using HRD. As a club project, we are going to try remote control one or both of the club HF radios. This will allow club members who no longer have access to an HF rig because they are now living in an apartment or retirement home, to use the club radios from their home. There are some security issues that we have to deal with, but it is hoped that we can do this. The diagram below shows how remote control is accomplished using Ham Radio Deluxe.
This has been a very quick and high level overview of Ham Radio Club. I have only touched the surface of what this program can do. The manual for this program is almost 200 pages, just to give you an insight of the many options and the capabilities of this super program. If nothing
else, the price is certainly right, free. Simon has done an outstanding job on this program and has greatly increased the enjoyment of our hobby.
Amateurs have always been in the forefront of technology and computers are here to stay. With the increased use of EchoLink, Software Defined Radios and other new operating modes like PSK31, computers are now a part of ham radio, like it or not. It’s very encouraging to see older amateurs embracing the use of computers in their ham shack.
Should any club member wish to use Ham Radio Deluxe and requires assistance, do not hesitate to contact myself or Marcel VE9ML.
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