RoMac Automatic CW Identifier 2012

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 12/16/2012

  1. How do I know if my computer and sound card are compatible with the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier?
Download and install the program. After installation and the software starts up without an error, normally that means your system is compatible.

Without the license key the software will run for 5 hours of cumulative running time.

 
  1. RigBlaster Pro Setup
1) Your PTT switch needs to be routed through the RigBlaster Pro, either through the front microphone connector, or the PTT inputs on the back of the unit, so the PTT switches the RigBlaster and the transceiver.

2) The RigBlaster should be on and process switch "off" (down).

3) Start the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier software.

4) Disable "Raise RTS on CTS" in serial port settings

Use the "Level" slider in the CW Identifier, to set the audio level of the CW Identifier.

The RigBlaster should now be providing the proper serial line signals for the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier and your microphone audio routed directly to your transceiver 
 
  1. Setup for RigBlaster Plus, MFJ 1275 , MFJ 1279
 Setup your PTT switch through the units Foot Switch/PTT switch.

Disable Raise RTS on CTS in the I'der software under Serial Port Settings.

Included in the setup package is a utility that will show which serial port lines are used. Consult the Help File
  1. No audio from the sound card.
 Double check you have the correct sound card selected in the software. Be careful not to select some kind of "Digital" sound device.
  1. RigBlaster Plug and Play Setup (with supported radio)

    Or other simple sound card interface that responds to the serial port RTS signal (most do), and supports CAT through the same serial port.

 

 1) Setup unit as outlined in the manual with CAT (computer command) support.

The following options are in the Serial Port setup in I'der software.
2) Select desired Serial Port in I'der software.

3) Select your radio in the drop down list in "Signal To" and correct speed, stop bits, bits, and handshaking for your radio.

4) Select "Raise RTS on CAT".

If you wish to use an external computer control program, consult the Help File for setting up "Virtual Ports"
  1. My computer doesn't have a serial port.


    Updated 01/05/2012
 If there is a PCI or PCIe slot available there are many good serial port cards on the market.

You may also use a USB to serial cable. All USB to Serial cables are not created equal. An excellent choice are cables from US Convertors  (USB to RS232 Premium), especially for Vista and Windows 7. The  US Convertor cable is highly recommended. Look for USB Serial convertors that have the "FTDI" chipset.

Problems manifested by inadequate USB to Serial cables can be any of the following individually or collectively, rapid keying of sound card interface, CW I'der being garbled, ID sent more than once, and random computer freezes for a few seconds.

I have some anecdotal evidence that even if you are not using the actual USB serial port that is plugged into the system, your computer still may have random slow downs/freezes when accessing another serial port 

These problems may be mitigated by increasing the serial port polling time.
  1. I am using the "DTR" option to generate Morse code and all I get is a series of A's or N's. 

    Updated October 19, 2012

 Some radios have a menu selection to tell the radio that either a straight key or paddles are plugged into the CW Key jack. Set the option to straight or manual key type.
  1. My copy of the Auto CW Identifier is licensed. Now when I start up the software, it says "Evaluation"

    Updated December 16, 2012
 Go to the license manage and put your email and password in.

Click "Refresh List". Delete the computer you're using from the licensed list.

Click "Refresh List" and then click "Add this Computer"