[ARDF] Remote Start, Delayed Start, and PicCons...

[Matthew Robbins]

<<I don't understand why almost everyone tries to remote-start their PicCons 
by
radio, considering all the possibilities for failure that way due to HT
problems, propagation, and programming errors.>>

Joe,

    First, thanks for the kind words.  I really had a good time, except for 
when it was actually happening.

    My first choice was delayed-start.  I read your previous e-mail, and it 
made sense to me.  At 12:30am I had all five 2m PicCons programmed for a 9 
hour and 15 minutes delay (start at 9:45, giving me 15 minutes in case I 
needed to go to one T and fix it).  (Bob Frey recommended just quickly 
pushing the buttons, (1-to-5) to start.  The timing is off, but not by much. 
  I also tried transmitting a 1 to start them, but one box had a problem 
receiving it (probably a cable).  (Later, I swapped a DB9 style PicCon and 
another HT into that box, and it could receive.))

   When I pushed all the buttons (SW1) quickly, starting the 9 hour 15 
minute delay, three started and were blinking, but two did not blink.  About 
an hour later, having tried a whole bunch of things, I swapped the HT, and 
got them all to start using a transmitted "1".  At that point, I'm sure I 
could've tried to reprogram for delayed-start, but it was working, and it 
was late.  "If it's working---Don't touch it."

    I think you're right concerning HT problems and propagation, but not for 
programming.  If you misprogram, the delayed start might not work.  I think 
the absolute lowest risk method is to either (1) start them in the parking 
lot and carry them into the field, or (2) carry them into the field and 
start them on cycle before you leave.

    The big problem with this is that it allows cheating.  I really want to 
be able to turn on the Ts after the equipment is impounded.  And honestly, 
it sounds like there are plenty of PicCons out there working just fine.

    One thing I'd like to see is a reprogramming of the PicCon firmware.  
I'd like the IARU (ARDF) mode to automatically set 5 Ts on a 5 minute cycle, 
on the right minute.  Hold down SW1, Send D2, and it sets everything it 
needs.  Maybe D23 would set MOI on a 3 minute cycle, where if the 3 were 
missing, it would default to 5 minutes.  I would probably make the firmware 
not overwrite the A4hhmm command, so delayed starts wouldn't be affected.  
If someone wanted to clear a delayed start, they could reset (SW1 + 0) then 
set IARU mode (SW1 + Dn), but... then you'd have to reset the callsign, 
which is the single longest command, so...That's a bad idea.  How this: If 
someone wanted to clear or set a delayed start, they'd have to send A4hhmm, 
just like normal.

    I like Sam Smith's use of split HTs, except for remote starting, where 
you'd need a bunch of transmissions.  I haven't used the DTMF lockout, but 
that might be something to try, one code for each box, especially at a large 
meet so random, unintentional, or intentional DTMF wouldn't affect the meet.


Matthew
AA9YH
Cincinnati, Ohio

_________________________________________________________________
Instant message during games with MSN Messenger 6.0. Download it now FREE!  
http://msnmessenger-download.com