[WriteLog] Re: [TRLog] NAQP Experiences - Omni VI+ & TRLog 6.72

[Jim Brannigan]

Interesting, it is a great diagnostic tool.  I have never seen this before.
I'll give it a try.

The slow "handshake" explains why the OMNI VI+ is a little flaky with some
software.  Now that it is "out in the open" developers can allow for it.

Jim


> In a previous message Ron Rossi made some comments on the difficulty
> of interfacing some radios, and "undocumented" features. Maybe you
> guys with newer manuals know this, but mine doesn't even hint about
> it.
>
> You guys without an OMNI VI go away.
>
> As background, about a week ago, my OMNI VIB+ just started refusing to
> return the frequency on every contest program I have. Nothing would
> make it work, so I called on
> good ole TenTEC. They sent me this 3 page letter.
>
> It seems ALL OMNI VIs and ALL upgraded versions have this feature.
>
> To test the interface port on the OMNI, connect a cable as follows:
>
>    DB9  DB25 on the Omni
> Pin 2  - 3
> Pin 3  - 2
> Pin 5 -  7
>
> For a DB25 on both ends, Pin 2 goes to Pin 2, 3 to 3, and 7 to 7.
>
> Now, on the OMNI end of the cable, if you short 2 and 3 together, you
> will create a
> "loopback" circuit, and anything you type from the computer will echo
> back. Good way to check out the cable.
>
> TEN TEC says you can use any Windows or DOS terminal program for this.
> This test REQUIRES that both the computer and the OMNI be set for
> 1200, N,8,1!!!!!
>
> Surprise!
>
> Press the FM key, and then the ON switch of the Omni.
> This Message should appear: ( actually, the following box is
> surrounded by *****
>
>                        Hello
>  You have activated the OMNI VI+ Interface Test Module
>
> 1) Restart Test
> 2) Echo Test
> 3) EXIT
>
> The numbers above refer to the keyboard on the Omni.
>
> Now we press 2, and this message appears:
>
>  Characters sent to the radio will be echoed back. If the
>  characters are the same, the radio connection is fine.
>  To end echo test, press (ENTER) or (RETURN)
>
> You should now see a double echo of your typed characters. For
> example, if you type
> "abc" the echo test will display "aabbcc"
>
> Pressing 3 will "quietly" ( Ed..I swear that is what it says ) back in
> normal operational mode. ( Ed: I would have at least expected a
> trumpet sound!)
> At this point, if the Omni menu option "Cde" (matrix mode) is turned
> ON, enabling automatic transmission of knob and mode changes, you may
> see "garbage" on the computer screen. What you are seeing is the CIV
> protocol.
>