Ham Radio Deluxe

[Willie H]

I did a quick seach after Ollie asked about this program, not many hits came back so I'm reposting it here, I think it will fit in better.

I have not used it personally, but have spoke with a few people on the radio who are using it. I first heard of it from my buddy Gene, KC9RZS. Gene is using it with his IC-706MKIIG. He loves it.

This is from the HRD web site. http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/

Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) is a suite of free Windows programs providing computer control for commonly used transceivers and receivers. HRD also includes mapping, satellite tracking and the digital mode program Digital Master 780 (DM780).

HRD is designed for Windows 2000 or higher (XP, Vista, 7), also Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) is required. It may work with Windows 98 but this is not supported. The policy is to support Windows versions which are supported by Microsoft.

[DaveK]

Willie:

Are you looking at this as an alternative to topo mapping programs like NG Topo! and Overland Navigator?

[xtatik]

I did a quick seach after Ollie asked about this program, not many hits came back so I'm reposting it here, I think it will fit in better.

I have not used it personally, but have spoke with a few people on the radio who are using it. I first heard of it from my buddy Gene, KC9RZS. Gene is using it with his IC-706MKIIG. He loves it.

This is from the HRD web site. http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/

Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) is a suite of free Windows programs providing computer control for commonly used transceivers and receivers. HRD also includes mapping, satellite tracking and the digital mode program Digital Master 780 (DM780).

HRD is designed for Windows 2000 or higher (XP, Vista, 7), also Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) is required. It may work with Windows 98 but this is not supported. The policy is to support Windows versions which are supported by Microsoft.

I've been running my shack and portable station on HRD for about year and a half now. It works great. It runs my FT-950 at home, and the FT-450AT in the field. I haven't tried the FT-857d yet as it rarely ever leaves the truck.
As a logging program it works great, and you can completely customize it to your liking. It manages all my QSL cards both incoming and outgoing, buro or direct. It will print the mailing labels as well. It also interfaces well with LOTW if you don't do paper QSL.
The mapper works well for managing who's where and what continents or DX locations you have remaining for the different DXCC's. It will give bearings and has rotor control for directional antennas.
DM780 works well also, and I run PSK31 with it occasionally. It is very intuitive and you can also customize this to your liking, although the standard waterfall interface is easy enough. It will also decode CW if you need the additional help.

[Willie H]

Willie:

Are you looking at this as an alternative to topo mapping programs like NG Topo! and Overland Navigator?

No, I'm using Overland Navigator. I don't think it's capable of topo mapping... I plan on running it pretty much the same as xtatik here is.

I though I would get a thread about the program going since it has only been mentioned a couple of times. Seems like a great tool have around.

[cruiserlarry]

No, I'm using Overland Navigator. I don't think it's capable of topo mapping...

Overland Navigator definitely is capable - it was specifically designed to run topo maps - in fact, Spatial Minds has complete USGS topo map packs available for the entire U.S.

[Willie H]

No, I'm using Overland Navigator. I don't think it's capable of topo mapping...

Overland Navigator definitely is capable - it was specifically designed to run topo maps - in fact, Spatial Minds has complete USGS topo map packs available for the entire U.S.

I should have been a little more clear with my response. I don't think Ham Radio Deluxe is capable or mapping with topo maps. I think the mapping functions of HRD is for checking QSO locations.

[OLLIE]

I am going to put this on my computer because it looks like a neat tool to have in the rig. It seems as though this is more of an HF and packet operation system as opposed to an APRS compatible system. Would that be a proper statement? I'm confused as to what exactly I would use this for other than managing HF contacts and such. Exactly what kind of control can this system have over your radios. I know it specifically says it's not compatable with the Kenwood TM-D710 but works well with the 857D.

[xtatik]

I am going to put this on my computer because it looks like a neat tool to have in the rig. It seems as though this is more of an HF and packet operation system as opposed to an APRS compatible system. Would that be a proper statement? I'm confused as to what exactly I would use this for other than managing HF contacts and such. Exactly what kind of control can this system have over your radios. I know it specifically says it's not compatable with the Kenwood TM-D710 but works well with the 857D.

HRD has nothing to do with APRS. If you need logging capability in the truck, a simple paper log would be easier to work with. HRD is for managing a station and would be little or no benefit in a vehicle.

[OLLIE]

I've been messing with HRD connected to my FT-857 in my rig for about a week now. I love the control it gives my while monitoring mobile HF. It's much easier to control the radio from HRD than to look down and monitor or mess with dials in the faceplate. Power setting, and everything are a click away with HRD. The other nice thing is when I have my presets set to ALPHA on my display I can see what the frequency actually is on HRD. So when my radio says Keller the HRD display shows the frequency. I often have to go back and forth from ALPHA to FREQ on my radio to recall what frequency a repeater is or vise-versa, what repeater I'm on when on a certain frequency.

[xtatik]

I've been messing with HRD connected to my FT-857 in my rig for about a week now. I love the control it gives my while monitoring mobile HF. It's much easier to control the radio from HRD than to look down and monitor or mess with dials in the faceplate. Power setting, and everything are a click away with HRD. The other nice thing is when I have my presets set to ALPHA on my display I can see what the frequency actually is on HRD. So when my radio says Keller the HRD display shows the frequency. I often have to go back and forth from ALPHA to FREQ on my radio to recall what frequency a repeater is or vise-versa, what repeater I'm on when on a certain frequency.

OLLIE,
You might try the Yaesu MH-59 mike with the 857d. Most of the hams that use the 857 for mobile will use this mike. It will do all the functions you mentioned above and more with the push of a button and will accomplish these functions in a safer manner. Once you get experienced with it's button and VFO wheel placement, you'll be operating every function on the radio without ever taking your eyes off the road. You never have to interface directly with the faceplate on the radio and is much easier and safer than having to look over toward or reach over and have to interface with a computer.
Granted this mike isn't as cab-sexy as the HRD display and probably won't impress your offroad buddies, but it makes a lot more sense than using logging software to control a radio while operating mobile. HRD would be fine to have on-board for portable functions (while parked), but the HRD team never intended for it to be used for mobile purposes.

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4898