Rugged Radios
Maintained by: hughd@mit.edu Get PDF
1 Programming a Rugged Radio
1.1 Installing CHIRP
1.2 Installing Needed Drivers
1.3 Programming
2 Radio Operation
2.1 Basic operation
2.2 Changing Channels
1 Programming a Rugged Radio
Programming is used in order to have preset channels and set for ease of use for all users.
1.1 Installing CHIRP [top]
Download and install KK7DS Python runtime from:
http://www.d-rats.com/download/OSX_Runtime/KK7DS_Python_Runtime_R10.pkg
Download the CHIRP radio programmer from:
http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download
1.2 Installing Needed Drivers [top]
- Navigate to: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/CustomerLogin.aspx
- Login (Username: GUEST, Password: GUEST)
- Select the link titled "Click here for PL2303 USB to Serial Drivers"
- Download and install the latest "Mac OS X Universal Binary Driver"
1.3 Programming [top]
Cloning exiting setings:
Plug the programming cable into your and the radio that you wish to program. Make sure that the plugged into the radio all the way.
Launch the CHIRP application. Select "Radio --> Download From Radio" and configure to look like the picture below
Figure 1.1: The correct settings for a RH-5R radio
Click okay and follow the instructions given by the prompts that pop up. Once the settings have been cloned you can preceed to edit the configurations however you like.
Editing
Below is what the PavLab currently uses for presets on all radios.
Figure 1.2: The correct settings for a RH-5R radio
Uploading
After you are done editing the settings you can simply select "Radio --> Upload To Radio" in order to put the new configured settings on to the radio.
2 Radio Operation
2.1 Basic operation [top]
Turning the radio on
In order to turn on the radio you turn the nob on the top of the radio clockwise until you feel a click. This same nob can be turned further to ajust the volume.
Talking on the radio
To transmit on the radio you need to push the push to talk or "PTT" button on the left side of the radio. If you are having issues with being heard on the radio, it might be a good idea to hold down the PTT button for about 1 second before and after you talk
2.2 Changing Channels [top]
Once you turn on the radio you should see a screen similar to the one below
In order to switch channels you must first unlock the keypad by holding down the lock button \textit(shown in green). Once the lock icon \textit(shown in blue) disappears from the screen you are ready to change the channel. Select the frequency you wish to change by pushing the "A/B" button \textit(shown in yellow). After you have selected the frequency you wish to change you can switch between preset by pushing the up and down buttons \textit(shown in red).
In the picture above you can see that the radio has two "FRS9" channels. These channels do not have to be the same in order for the radio to operate. You can set one to "FRS9" and one to "SEA 69", for example, and then switch between the two on the fly with the "A/B" button on the radio.
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