Software to program radio memory via soundcard and DTMF

Hi Folks,
I have several radios that allow “Over the air” programming of a 2nd radio of an identical type.  This is commonly referred to as “Cloning.”  I believe this is accomplished by the “Transmitting” radio sending DTMF tones to the receiving radio.

It would seem this would be possible to develop software to reproduce the tones created by the “Transmitting” radio with a PC and a soundcard.  Has anyone heard of anyone attempting to do this before?  Is any software available now that would perform this?

I’m sure tired of programming my radios by hand.

Thanks,
Jim

Anyone know of any repeaters located in the north western region of Baja California (Tiajuana down to El Rosario.)  I'm heading down on a 600 mile off-road motorcycle trip.  We're going to some remote areas, it would be nice to know of some repeaters in the area in case of any problems (assuming my Spanish is good enough.)  Since we'll mainly be along the coast, VHF-Marine channel 16 may also be an option in an emergency if any boats are near and monitoring (My HT has an extended TX mod.)
Thanks,
Jim

Thanks for everyones input, your comments got me thinking in a different direction and I eventually solved the problem.
From your comments, I realized the problem was originating at the antenna and not the radio itself.  I then began thinking about a previous concern I had, I have a glass sunroof and the antenna is mounted directly behind it (see the post in this forum "Does RF emissions and glass sunroof = baldness 3/7/01."  I realized RF emissions were entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle, overloading the alarm receiver and causing it to sound.
A few pieces of aluminum foil over the sunroof confirmed it, the alarm no longer sounded with the foil in place.  I made the foil permanent by applying it with 3M adheisive spray to the backside of a clip in sunscreen provided with the sunroof, problem solved.

Again, thanks for your suggestions, they eventually led me to solving the problem.  
Jim
KG6FGX

I just completed installation of an Alinco DR-605TQ in my truck.  Everything works great except for high power 2M transmit.    When I key the mike, the car alarm will sound.  Low power 5W transmit does not cause the problem, 440 transmit at 35W or 5 W also is not a problem.

The Alarm "Black Box" is located 6" directly below the radio.  It would not be possible to relocate the Alarm "Black Box."

The problem also occurs transmitting with a handheld radio in the truck.

Does anybody have any suggestions, or will I have to live with it.

Thanks,
Jim
KG6FGX

I just completed installing a 2m/440 mobile in my truck and was confused if I needed to fuse the negativelead.  The documentation indicated when using a powersupply in a base installation, the negative lead should be fused.  It wasn't clear if I should fuse the negative lead in a  mobile install.

In a mobile install, if the negative fuse blew, wouldn't a path to ground be achieved through the frame mounting or the outside braid on the antenna coax?  Or is the negative lead isolated from chassis ground?

That makes sense.  Thanks for the info.

You just re-affirmed my position.  By not replying with your call sign, you choose to keep your identity and address private.  When transmitting on a Ham tranceiver, you don't have this right.

The FCC indicates they require a mailing address so they may contact you by mail, I don't understand why they have the right to make public this private information.

I just recently became a Ham and was upset to find out the FCC published my mailing address.  As expected, I have began receiving junk mail from Ham Vendors.
The junk mail doesn't concern me, it is a privacy and security issue.  It seems it wouldn't be wise to brag about an expensive base station purchase, or an expensive mobile you just installed in your car that is parked in your driveway, or any other personal information such as travel plans.  It seems a thief could monitor a local repeater and find many easy theft opportunities.

Does this concern anyone else or am I just paranoid?

I've just recently became a Ham and have been looking for a used vhf/uhf mobile rig.  I was quite surprised by the asking prices for used equipment.  Often times the asking price is very close to the new prices listed on HRO/AES ect.  I'd would rather pay the new price and get the protection the warranty offers.  It seems with other electronic equipment, it loses half its value once you walk out of the store with it.

Are sellers actually getting their asking price or are the asking prices unrealistic.  I think I'll lowball a couple of radios I've been looking at.  If there is no takers, I'll buy new.

Any comments?

Regarding your comment "Modifying any radio for FRS use is illegal."  Is it the modification the FCC is concerned about or transmissions on FRS frequencies above 1/2 watt.
What if you modify a HT that has a 1/3 watt power output setting.  If the radio was modified, and transmissions on FRS frequencies were only made at the 1/3 watt power setting, is this illegal.
I thought experimentation was what Ham radio was about.  I don't see harm in the above modification.

Check out the Diamond K600M trunk mount.  I used the mount with a Diamond CR320A 2m/220/440 Tri Band antenna.  It is a very attractive mount with its streamlined design.  I was very impressed with the quality of the construction and the materials used.  Don't worry about drilling holes, its held in place with 4 hex head screws that secure to the underside of the trunklid.  Lo-loss thin diameter coax protected by a rubber flanged is used to pass the coax into the vehicle through the crack in the trunk-lid. Expensive, but you get what you pay for.  

Thanks Steve,
I feel much more comfortable with the proposed location of the antenna installation.  Every strand of hair counts!

Jim KG6FGX

I'm concerned about RF radiation exposure.  I want to install a 50w 2m/440 mobile in my Toyota X-Cab pickup.  The pickup has a glass sunroof.  I intend to install the antenna in the center of the roof 6 inches behind the rear of the sunroof.  While seated, my head and the passengers head is centered below the sunroof, approximately 12 inches in front of and 3 inches below the base of the antenna.  Should I be concerned about RF exposure?  Will window tinting help?  

There is a plastic sunscreen that can be clipped in place, would adding a metal foil to the top side of the sunscreen help.  Would it be necessary to ground the metal foil the the chassis.

Thanks for any advice,
Jim