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write your own review of the Ham Radio Deluxe.
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KD0QL
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 21, 2009 07:21
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FT-1000D Commands
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is a truly fantastic program and I especially enjoy the Bandscope (I like toys!).
However, the FT-1000D CAT commands for the filters are, as in previous versions, still incorrect with Version 5 build 2356 Beta and is a minor annoyance.
To correct this, use a hex editor, search for "fltr" (without quotes), and change:
2.0kHz = 8C-00-00-00-02 to 8C-00-00-00-01
500Hz = 8C-00-00-00-03, to 8C-00-00-00-02
250Hz = 8C-00-00-00-04, to 8C-00-00-00-03
The 2.4kHz filter value is correct. (Thanks to Bud, K9NOZ for the values.)
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K1YPB
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 17, 2009 19:38
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Works Great - Fantastic Application
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have been using HRD v4 with my TS-2000. Recently, I up graded to HRD v5. Had a little problem with getting the TS-2000 running, but found if I set it up with manual settings rather than "auto" settings, it worked. The new Logbook application is fantastic. The HRD development team has done a great job in the design and execution of this software, as well as a great service to the Ham Radio Community.
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WD0GVH
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 17, 2009 05:34
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Works great
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I am running Ham Radio Delux in windows 7 with no problem. I did a clean install on the computer and the installed Ham Radio Deluxe. It worked fine right out of the gate.
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KG8JF
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 17, 2009 05:21
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Outstanding Software
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have been using Ham Radio Deluxe for the last 4 years and it is the absolutely greatest soundcard software I have ever used. I am using the v 5 beta version, build 2356. Every time Simon makes a change the software gets better.
I will admit that the program is a bit daunting and difficult to get up and running. I have had my share of issues. Sometimes it will just up and do things on its own. I attribute that to the fact that I am using a beta version and stability might be an issue.
I use the program almost exclusively on PSK31 with the occasional foray to PSK 63 and RTTY. It has the capability of running all the soundcard modes, most all any way.
It is great software and while it is free, myself and most of the user community send regular contributions to the author, Simon who lives in Switzerland
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NK7J
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Rating: 3/5
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Nov 16, 2009 22:13
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Great ... But....
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Its a really neat program, one stop shop for everything computer/ham related.
I have been trying for a couple days to get it to work right.
So far this program has been the ONLY program to bring windows 7 to its knees. It will work fine for a bit then lock up and eventually kill the driver for the display.. I wish I could get it to work correctly because it does have some great features.
But until there is a new revision that works better with Windows 7 I will leave it uninstalled.
If your running XP or something... Works great.
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N7HHC
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 8, 2009 07:35
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Fantastic Program
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is a fantastic piece of software in my opinion, and I find it odd that anyone would rate it less than a solid "5".
I have used previous versions but just switched over to the latest Beta version and I am blown away with everything this program will do. No, it is not Plug and Play down to everything you may want to do, but very close. No, there is no step-by-step manual describing every function of this amazing software. You need to explore and try things by yourself, and in the process you may even learn a few things. Everyday, while exploring this software, I find yet another "tweak" or customization feature I was unaware of.
Things to remember while evaluating:
1. This is a Beta version and you may find a couple bugs which will be fixed if you report them properly. As I understand it that is why they release a Beta version of any software.
2. QRZ is not part of this program and they are the ones that keep changing access to their data base. HRD is not the only software having trouble keeping up with QRZ's recent changes.
3. For this quality piece of software to be released for FREE is amazing in itself.
While I will never use every feature available in this software, I don't use every feature available on my micro-wave oven either. But, the features are there for those that want to use them.
Simon Brown is a hero in my eyes for this FREE contribution to the ham community, and deserves a fair test and trial of this software before rating it anything less than a "5".
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NT2F
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 6, 2009 19:28
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Deserves a 5
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Having read some of the recent less-than-enthusiastic reviews I wanted to answer some of the issues from my perspective.
HRD is indeed a moderately complex and very sophisticated package. But it is something that you can grow into easily if you spend the time. If you do not have reasonable knowledge of windows software or are unwilling to spend the time learning then you will find yourself way down at the bottom of the learning curve. You have to bring your own skill set to the table. I do not see that the HRD technical forums have the responsibility to educate the casual user that is unwilling to educate themself. The truth is the state of the art in programming has not really progressed very much in 40+ years and people still have to spend time learning this stuff. There is no short cut.
That said, HRD does require some setup. HRD does require some effort. HRD does require some learning. It is an integrated software package (Radio Control, Logbook, Digital Modes, SSTV, Rotor Control, Satellite Tracking). I use only what I personally need - the Logbook and Digital Modes.
Current version does not track awards. Upcoming revs are expected to address this. I use HRD Utilities by WD5EAE (also free) to interface with LOTW and eQSL. If you are not using LOTW or eQSL because these are technical challenges to you then HRD is not for you. There are still programs out there that run on MS DOS or pen and paper still work.
The documentation is not neophyte friendly. Nobody makes money on documentation – not even Microsoft. Think about all those “XXX for Dummies” books. They would not be necessary if MS wrote their documentation to address the lowest common denominator. The HRD documentation covers the basics – it gets you started. The rest is up to you.
I must admit my own learning curve has been quite steep – but my friends – it has been worth it. It has been worth the hours I put in to figure it out. It has been worth the frustrations I have encountered because of my own shortcomings.
This is not the perfect product, but by far it is the best out there for what it does. It has a very impressive user interface and is rich in features.
I am not affiliated with HRD in any way, shape or form (per new FTC disclosure guidelines for bloggers, etc) – just an humble user. Why give it a 5 when it is not perfect? Because this is a GREAT product free or not. And will only get better.
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NS5U
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Rating: 2/5
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Oct 6, 2009 13:26
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Just too much here
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Simon Brown has created an incredible piece of work. The fact that it is offered freely to the ham community is laudable but may very well be at the root of the software's many problems. Mr Brown's presence on multiple forums indicates a man of character and intellect. I wish I possessed a fraction of his abilities.
Having installed HRD several times over the years and given it an opportunity I always end up removing it for the same reasons. It is overly complex. There are many known issues. The primary issue for my use is the complexity. I just want to use the software not make a hobby of configuring it.
Now I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer and there are legions of satisfied users, so my issues shouldn't prevent someone else from installing the program(s) and exploring the possibilites. The cost is reasonable(free)but you are encouraged to donate to the cause.
This is a commendable approach. I usually pay for what I find useful just as I am subscribed to this site but if I had paid to be so dissappointed with the results of experimenting with HRD I would certainly feel shortchanged.
I hope HRD develops into a stable and more refined product which I can find useful and with a reliable income stream to support development it could happen more quickly.
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KC2RGW
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 6, 2009 10:53
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Amazing body of work and the customer svc is outstanding!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This package is a stunning body of work. It blows my mind that anyone can put this much time into a single project. The integration of the full suite is the best part of it.
For those who can't comprehend the details, QRZ is not part of HRD. When the QRZ site API changes at its owner's whim (which has been frequently as of late), all applications written to use it have to be changed and re-released. This is not a 'bug' with the client application.
The best part of HRD is that when the user decides it is too horrible to bear using, they can get a full refund...
Hams are the worst consumer market there is. I used to wonder why so many vendors are distant and bitter...after a few years in the hobby it all makes sense now.
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KE5GFJ
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Rating: 3/5
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Sep 6, 2009 10:11
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Has recurring bugs
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Used this program for about 4 years. In the last two years it has developed recurring problems with linking to www.QRZ.com. Seems as soon as they get it fixed, something else goes wrong. The developers have worked hard to develope a good program and are always updating and changing the program to make it "better". That is commendable, but that just may be the problem. Too many changes create more problems. It might be better to leave it alone and concentrate on keeping one version working. But you dare not complain about it on any of the forums or some of the "holier than thou - HRD hardliners" will jump down your throat! The program is still one of the best for the DX cluster and logging functions IF the QRZ link is working. For satellite tracking and CAT rig/rotor control, SatPC32 is much easier to setup and use. I would give HRD a 5 if they could keep the QRZ link working.
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