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Reviews For: N4PY ICOM Control Program

Category: Ham Software/Apps - Other than logging

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Review Summary For : N4PY ICOM Control Program
Reviews: 22MSRP: 65
Description:
Computer Control Program for 13 ICOM Radios
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.n4py.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00224.5
W8KEB Rating: 2005-11-05
Computer Control Program for 13 ICOM Radios Time Owned: more than 12 months.
N4PY ICOM Control Program V1.14

I have used the N4PY Control Programs for Ten-Tec Pegasus, Jupiter, Argonaut V and the Orion since Carl started with the Pegasus. The ICOM Control Program is as good as the Ten-Tec Control Programs.

I am now using this one program to control two different ICOM Radios, The IC-718 and IC-703 Plus. I use the ICOM CT-17 Communication Interface-V Level Converter. By loading the N4PY ICOM Control into two different folders on my hard drive, labeling one n4py 718 and the second n4py 703, I can use one program to run two ICOM Radios with the CT-17. The N4PY ICOM Control Program will control 13 different ICOM Radios by picking your model from the settings Interface Panel. Set up is very easy.

34 Hot Keys (Alt H) let you control most of the front panel buttons on the IC-718 and 703. The mouse can also be used to change things like the VFO Frequency, filter size, PreAmp, Band Buttons, Memory Storage and Recall.

The Band Sweep on the IC-718, which does not have a factory sweep function, is very good. The factory Band Sweep on the IC-703 Plus is not very big and hard to read. Using Carl’s Sweep on both of these radios is fun and can let me see the band conditions fast. This alone makes the cost of the ICOM Control Program well worth it.

Memory Save and Recall is very fast and easy. Using the mouse click on the Store button and up comes a dialog box to fill in with the Call Sign. The frequency and mode are inserted for you. You can add Filter, Country, Language and a big box for notes. Click on the “OK” button and the memory file is stored. To recall this memory click on the “Recall” button on the control program front panel. If your hard diver is large enough you can store hundreds of memories.

All of Carl’s Control Programs now support the K1EL WinKey. The K1EL WinKey is the best Keyboard Keyer made. It can also be used with paddles and I have my WinKey set up to use both. I must add that the WinKey uses the Computer Keyboard, a great plus for the keyboard CW types.

The ICOM Control Program supports the Buckmaster Ham CallSign Look UP and the Ham Call LogBook. I use both and do my logging real time. No set up is required for the Buckmaster programs, Carl does it all for you.

The N4PY ICOM Control Program increases the value of any ICOM Radio ten fold. It is stable and easy to learn to use and when on the air with the IC-718 I get a lot of questions about it. This makes the IC-718 and IC 703 fun to use and that is what it is all about.
W3ULS Rating: 2004-12-14
Excellent for a 746PRO Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
If you read reviews here on eHam.net about the ICOM 746PRO, you will ind two generic complaints: (1) transmit failures; and (2) cheap, small, cramped controls. While Carl's software can do nothing about (1), he basically has solved (2).

In fact, with the N4PY ICOM Control program, Carl has turned out an elegant product that greatly enhances the experience of using the 746PRO, which IMHO is an excellent transceiver to begin with (see my review on eHam.net).

The N4PY commercial product has several advantages over the freeware offered by Simon Brown (Ham Radio Deluxe). Of necessity, HRD runs a Ten-Tec Orion, an ICOM 7800, a Yaesu FT1000MP MkV, and a host of others.

Advantage No. 1 is that Carl's program is designed specifically for ICOMs; second, it comes with a comprehensive manual that gives very explicit instructions on how to use it. Third, it adds functionality, such as a really effrective "Sweep" function that elevates the 746PRO's problematic sweep function to a highly useful status. Finally, when coupled with a "Powermate" control knob (available separately), there is basically no end to the flexibility that the program allows the user--even, in one configuration, providing for a CW "spotting" function.

Bottom Line: Carl's program takes a very effective transceiver--the 746PRO--housed in an ergonomically challenged box and transforms it into a totally flexible, top-of-the-line rig--for $45.00.