==============================
OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.
OptoScan456(tm)
Version 1.2
Serial Interface Specification
August 25, 1994
==============================
=============================================================================
INTRODUCTION
=============================================================================
This document describes the serial interface of the OptoScan456(tm), an add-
in circuit board for the Realistic PRO-2006 or PRO-2005 Scanning VHF/UHF
Receiver. The OptoScan456(tm) provides a serial computer interface, as well
as built-in circuitry to decode Continuous Tone-Controlled Squelch System
(CTCSS) sub-audible tones, Digitally-Coded Squelch (DCS) codes, and Dual-
Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) digits. A Realistic PRO-2006 or PRO-2005
receiver equipped with an OptoScan456(tm), along with a personal computer
and the appropriate application software, forms a complete computer-aided
scanning system capable of receiving VHF/UHF signals in the range 25 -
519.995 MHz and 760 - 1299.995 MHz. AM, FM-narrowband, and FM-wideband
modes are supported.
This document was written to assist the programmer in developing software
applications for the OptoScan456(tm). In this document, the terms RECEIVER
or OPTOSCAN456(TM) RECEIVER generally refer to a PRO-2006 or PRO-2005
receiver with an OptoScan456(tm) board installed.
Optoelectronics, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the
information contained in this document. Optoelectronics, Inc. is under no
obligation to provide technical support on matters pertaining this document,
or to provide notification of changes or corrections to this document. To
inquire about possible revisions, or to order copies of this document,
contact the factory. A nominal fee may be charged to cover printing and
shipping costs.
OPTOELECTRONICS, INC.
5821 N.E. 14th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Phone: (305) 771-2050
FAX: (305) 771-2052
=============================================================================
WHAT'S NEW
=============================================================================
Version 1.2 of the OptoScan456(tm) includes several improvements over Version
1.1. The changes are summarized below:
1. Added TRANSFER NEXT FREQUENCY/MODE command and RTS interface
signal to implement pipelined frequency and mode selection.
2. Added DCD interface signal to implement hardware squelch status
indicator.
3. Corrected 12.5 kHz channel tuning problem.
4. Added 31-digit DTMF buffer. The READ DTMF DIGIT command now
returns the next DTMF digit in the order received, or a special
code to indicate that the buffer is empty.
5. Added ENABLE SPEAKER AUDIO and DISABLE SPEAKER AUDIO commands.
6. Added ENABLE 5 KHZ SEARCH WINDOW and DISABLE 5 KHZ SEARCH
WINDOW commands.
7. Reports signal strength in absolute dBm as measured at the
antenna connector.
8. Added access to SOUND SQUELCH indicator. This provides a means
of skipping over dead carrier signals.
9. Added second status byte to READ STATUS command for tape
recorder, speaker audio, 5 kHz search window, and sound squelch
status.
10. Added power-up default frequency of 162.55 MHz, FM-narrowband
mode (NOAA weather VHF channel 1).
11. Reversed tape recorder control signal polarity. When tape
recorder is enabled, control signal is grounded. When tape
recorder is disabled, control signal is open.
12. Suppresses all CI-V command responses if a RECEIVE ADDRESS of
00 is specified.
13. Ignores CI-V command if TRANSMIT ADDRESS matches OptoScan456(tm)
address.
14. READ IDENTIFICATION command now reports Software Version 1.2
and Interface Version 1.1.
=============================================================================
ABOUT CI-V
=============================================================================
The serial interface on the OptoScan456(tm) conforms to the Icom CI-V
interface standard. The CI-V interface is an asynchronous, half-duplex,
Transistor Transistor Logic (TTL) serial interface connected in a wire-OR
(bussed) configuration. Several different devices can be connected to the
bus simultaneously, and each device has its own unique address. Software
developers are strongly encouraged to obtain a copy of the ICOM
COMMUNICATION INTERFACE - V REFERENCE MANUAL from Icom, Inc. for detailed
information on the CI-V interface protocol. The communications parameters
for the serial interface are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Communications Parameters.
=====================================
DATA RATE DIP switch selectable
START BITS 1
DATA BITS 8
PARITY NONE
STOP BITS 1
One important thing to note about the CI-V interface is that, as mentioned
above, it is connected in a wire-OR configuration. This means that the
transmit data signal and the receive data signal are connected together.
Therefore, when a command is transmitted by the computer, it is automatically
echoed back as received data, followed by the response to the command, if
any. For example, if an eleven-byte command is transmitted to a device on
the bus, which returns a six-byte response, the computer will receive a total
of seventeen bytes. This configuration allows devices on the bus to monitor
their own transmissions in order to detect interface collisions. A collision
occurs when two or more devices transmit simultaneously. If a collision
occurs, the command must be re-transmitted.
The OptoScan456(tm) includes a built-in CI-V - to - RS-232C interface
converter for applications in which only one receiver is connected to a
computer. Its purpose is to convert the CI-V interface voltage levels to
RS-232C levels compatible with most personal computers. This feature
eliminates the need for an external interface converter box in many
applications. The RS-232C interface is available on the 9-pin male "D"-type
connector located on the rear panel. In addition, the RS-232C interface
provides two optional interface signals, RTS and DCD, which can be used to
significantly increase the scanning speed of the OptoScan456(tm). These
signals and their functions are not a part of the Icom CI-V interface
specification. The use of these signals is described later.
For multiple-receiver applications, such as connection of one or more
OptoScan456(tm) receivers to one or more Icom receivers, a standard CI-V
miniature phone jack is provided on the rear panel. In this configuration,
and external interface converter box, such as the Optoelectronics model CX12
or the Icom model CT-17, is required to connect the receivers to an RS-232C
computer interface. When the CI-V phone jack is being used, the RS-232C
transmit and receive data signals on the OptoScan456(tm) are disabled, but
the two additional interface signals, RTS and DCD, are still functional.
This allows the increased scanning speed feature to be used even in multiple-
receiver applications. However, special cabling is required between the
OptoScan456(tm), the interface converter box, and the computer.
=============================================================================
DIP SWITCH SETTINGS
=============================================================================
There are two DIP switches located on the OptoScan456(tm) circuit board.
SW1 (farthest from the mounting hole) selects the CI-V interface address.
Sixteen different addresses are available. In order to communicate with the
OptoScan456(tm), the computer software must specify the address selected by
SW1. The CI-V address switch settings are listed in Table 2 below. All
addresses are specified in hexadecimal notation. The factory default
setting is address 80.
Table 2. CI-V Interface Address Dip Switch (SW1) Settings.
===========================================================
1 2 3 4 ADDRESS
OFF OFF OFF OFF 80 (default)
ON OFF OFF OFF 81
OFF ON OFF OFF 82
ON ON OFF OFF 83
OFF OFF ON OFF 84
ON OFF ON OFF 85
OFF ON ON OFF 86
ON ON ON OFF 87
OFF OFF OFF ON 88
ON OFF OFF ON 89
OFF ON OFF ON 8A
ON ON OFF ON 8B
OFF OFF ON ON 8C
ON OFF ON ON 8D
OFF ON ON ON 8E
ON ON ON ON 8F
SW2 (closest to the mounting hole) selects the CI-V interface data rate. In
order to communicate with the OptoScan456(tm), the data rate of the computer
serial port must match the data rate selected by SW2. The CI-V data rate
settings are listed in Table 3 below. The factory default setting is 9600
bps. The 9600 bps data rate is strongly recommended, as a lower data rate
will impair scanning speed.
Table 3. CI-V Interface Data Rate Dip Switch (SW2) Settings.
=============================================================
1 2 3 4 DATA RATE
OFF OFF OFF OFF 75 bps
ON OFF OFF OFF 110 bps
OFF ON OFF OFF 150 bps
ON ON OFF OFF 300 bps
OFF OFF ON OFF 600 bps
ON OFF ON OFF 1200 bps
OFF ON ON OFF 2400 bps
ON ON ON OFF 4800 bps
OFF OFF OFF ON 9600 bps (default)
ON OFF OFF ON 19200 bps
OFF ON OFF ON 38400 bps
ON ON OFF ON unused
OFF OFF ON ON unused
ON OFF ON ON unused
OFF ON ON ON unused
ON ON ON ON unused
=============================================================================
CTCSS/DCS/DTMF DECODER
=============================================================================
The OptoScan456(tm) contains built-in circuitry to decode Continuous Tone-
Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) sub-audible tones, Digitally-Coded Squelch
(DCS) codes, and Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) digits. Furthermore, the
CTCSS/DCS/DTMF decoder operates whether the receiver is under REMOTE control
or LOCAL control. However, decoding only takes place when the squelch is
open. Furthermore, CTCSS and DCS decoding only takes place when FM-
narrowband mode is selected. If CTCSS or DCS decoding is to be performed
while the receiver is under LOCAL control, then FM-narrowband mode must first
be selected under REMOTE control, as well as from the front panel under LOCAL
control. In other words, the application software must first select REMOTE
control, then select FM-narrowband mode, then select LOCAL control. The
operator must then select FM-narrowband mode from the front panel.
The OptoScan456(tm) is capable of decoding 52 CTCSS tones. The specified
acquisition time of the CTCSS decoder is 600 milliseconds (0.6 seconds). At
times it may be faster, or, if the incoming signal is weak or noisy, it may
be slower. The specific CTCSS tones decoded by the OptoScan456(tm) are
listed in Table 4 below.
Table 4. CTCSS tones.
=============================
60.0 100.0 151.4 192.8
67.0 103.5 156.7 196.6
69.3 107.2 159.8 199.5
71.9 110.9 162.2 203.5
74.4 114.8 165.5 206.5
77.0 118.8 167.9 210.7
79.7 120.0 171.3 218.1
82.5 123.0 173.8 225.7
85.4 127.3 177.3 229.1
88.5 131.8 179.9 233.6
91.5 136.5 183.5 241.8
94.8 141.3 186.2 250.3
97.4 146.2 189.9 254.1
The OptoScan456(tm) is capable of decoding 106 DCS codes. The specified
acquisition time of the DCS decoder is 350 milliseconds (0.35 seconds). At
times it may be faster, or, if the incoming signal is weak or noisy, it may
be slower. The specific DCS codes decoded by the OptoScan456(tm) are listed
in Table 5 below.
Table 5. DCS codes.
===================================
017 125 251 411 565
023 131 252 412 606
025 132 255 413 612
026 134 261 423 624
031 143 263 431 627
032 145 265 432 631
036 152 266 445 632
043 155 271 446 654
047 156 274 452 662
050 162 306 454 664
051 165 311 455 703
053 172 315 462 712
054 174 325 464 723
065 205 331 465 731
071 212 332 466 732
072 223 343 503 734
073 225 346 506 743
074 226 351 516 754
114 243 356 523
115 244 364 526
116 245 365 532
122 246 371 546
The OptoScan456(tm) is capable of decoding 16 DTMF digits. The specified
maximum digit rate of the DTMF decoder is 10 digits per second. The specific
DTMF digits decoded by the OptoScan456(tm) are listed in Table 6 below.
Table 6. DTMF digits.
=========================
1 2 3 A
4 5 6 B
7 8 9 C
* 0 # D
=============================================================================
PIPELINED TUNING
=============================================================================
Perhaps the most significant feature of the OptoScan456(tm) is its ability to
pipeline the tuning operation. This is important because it nearly doubles
the maximum possible scanning speed of the PRO-2006 or PRO-2005 receiver. By
making use of this feature, scanning speeds of up to 50 channels per second
are possible.
In non-pipelined computer-aided scanning systems, scanning each frequency
involves three main steps performed in sequence. First, the command or
commands to tune the receiver to the new frequency and/or mode must be
issued. The amount of time required by this step depends on the number of
bytes in the command or commands and their responses, and the serial
interface data rate.
The second step involves the settling time of the receiver, once the new
frequency and/or mode command or commands have been received. The receiver
settling time includes the time necessary for the synthesizers to slew and
re-acquire lock, the time necessary for the preselector filters to settle,
and the time necessary for the squelch detection circuitry to respond. The
settling time of the PRO-2006 or PRO-2005 receiver with the OptoScan456(tm)
installed is 20 milliseconds (0.02 seconds).
Third, the command to request squelch status must be issued and the response
returned. The amount of time required by this step is again dependent on the
length of the command and its response, and the serial interface data rate.
To increase scanning speed, the overall time required for the three steps
outlined above must be reduced. Receiver settling time is generally a
function of the hardware architecture. Therefore, nothing much can be done
to reduce the settling time, short of a fairly major re-design of the
receiver hardware. The remaining area of concern is the transit time of
commands and responses on the serial interface.
One obvious way to reduce the serial interface transit time is to simply
increase the data rate. However, even at 19,200 bps, the practical limit of
most PC-based serial ports, the collective transit time of the necessary
commands and responses is several milliseconds.
The most desirable solution is to completely eliminate the serial interface
transit time from impacting the scanning speed. This can be accomplished by
the use of pipelining. The basic concept of the OptoScan456(tm) pipelined
tuning scheme is to take advantage of the otherwise wasted receiver settling
time by sending the next frequency and mode to the receiver while it is still
settling on the current frequency and mode. A special command, TRANSFER NEXT
FREQUENCY/MODE, is provided in which the next frequency and mode are sent to
the receiver, but do not take effect until commanded to do so. Therefore,
the transit time of the command is totally transparent, as long as it is
completed within the settling time of the receiver. This can be easily
accomplished at an interface data rate of 9600 bps. In fact, there is no
advantage to increasing the data rate beyond 9600 bps, since the limiting
factor is the 20 millisecond receiver settling time.
To complete the operation, two hardware interface signals are added. First,
the Request To Send (RTS) RS-232C interface signal is used as a hardware
tuning command. Once the next frequency and mode have been sent to the
receiver using the TRANSFER NEXT FREQUENCY/MODE command, the receiver is
commanded to tune to the next frequency and mode by simply changing the state
of the RTS signal. If it was previously negated, it is asserted. If it was
previously asserted, it is negated. The receiver immediately begins settling
on the next frequency and mode, which have now become the current frequency
and mode.
Second, the Data Carrier Detect (DCD) RS-232C interface signal is used as a
hardware squelch indicator. This eliminates the need to send a command over
the serial interface to request squelch status, and wait for the response.
The steps involved in implementing a fully pipelined computer-aided scanning
system are summarized below:
Step 1: Command the receiver to select REMOTE control.
Step 2: Send the next frequency and mode to the receiver using the
TRANSFER NEXT FREQUENCY/MODE command.
Step 3: Change the state of the RTS interface signal to cause the
next frequency and mode to become the current frequency and
mode, and the receiver to begin settling.
Step 4: While the receiver is still settling on the current
frequency and mode, send the next frequency and mode to the
receiver using the TRANSFER NEXT FREQUENCY/MODE command.
Step 5: Wait for the receiver to finish settling. The total
settling time, including sending the next frequency and
mode, is 20 milliseconds (0.02 seconds).
Step 6: Check the squelch status by reading the DCD interface
signal. If the squelch is open, scanning is stopped.
Otherwise, scanning continues. Optionally, the status of
the CTCSS/DCS/DTMF decoder can be checked, and the
appropriate action taken.
Step 7: Continuously repeat steps 3 through 6 above.
Of course, either of the two hardware interface signals can be used without
the other, but maximum scanning speed is achieved when both are used. It
should be noted that the implementation of the RTS and DCD interface signals
by the OptoScan456(tm) is not a part of the Icom CI-V interface
specification, which specifies only the serial interface protocol. If more
than one OptoScan456(tm) receiver is connected on the bus, then special
hardware provisions must be made to provide RTS and DCD signals for each
receiver. However, the details are beyond the scope of this specification.
Alternatively, the appropriate serial interface commands can be used in place
of the two hardware signals, but maximum scanning speed will be degraded.
=============================================================================
COMMAND REFERENCE
=============================================================================
As mentioned earlier, the OptoScan456(tm) conforms to the Icom CI-V interface
standard. In this section, all CI-V command and response bytes are expressed
in hexadecimal notation.
The OptoScan456(tm) recognizes twenty-three different commands. The first
nine commands are standard CI-V commands compatible with receivers such as
the Icom R-7100. The remaining "7F" series commands are special
OptoScan456(tm) commands provided to access features, such as CTCSS/DCS/DTMF
decoding, not generally found on other receivers. The commands, along with
their corresponding responses, are summarized in Table 7 below.
Following the table is a detailed description of each of the commands,
including examples illustrating their use. In the command descriptions, "ra"
refers to the RECEIVE ADDRESS, and "ta" refers to the TRANSMIT ADDRESS.
The RECEIVE ADDRESS is the address of the OptoScan456(tm). DIP switch SW1 is
used to select any address in the range 80 through 8F. Each device on the
CI-V bus must have its own unique address. The OptoScan456(tm) will not
process any command in which the RECEIVE ADDRESS does not match the address
selected by SW1. However, the OptoScan456(tm) will process commands with a
RECEIVE ADDRESS of 00, but all command responses will be suppressed. A
RECEIVE ADDRESS of 00 has special meaning. It provides a means for a device
on the CI-V bus to transmit a command to all other devices simultaneously.
However, since several simultaneous responses would cause a collision, the
responses are suppressed.
The TRANSMIT ADDRESS is the address of the device which is transmitting the
command to the OptoScan456(tm). In most cases, this device is a personal
computer executing application software, usually referred to as the
CONTROLLER. The standard address for the CONTROLLER is E0, but any address
can be used for the TRANSMIT ADDRESS. However, the TRANSMIT ADDRESS must be
in the range 01 to EF. Also, the OptoScan456(tm) will not process any
command in which the TRANSMIT ADDRESS matches its own address selected by
SW1.
Table 7. OptoScan456(tm) CI-V Interface Command Summary.
===================================================================
COMMAND SUB-COMMAND DESCRIPTION
00 - Transfer frequency, no response.
01 - Transfer mode, no response.
02 - Read upper/lower-edge frequency.
03 - Read frequency.
04 - Read mode.
05 - Write frequency.
06 - Write mode.
15 01 Read squelch status.
15 02 Read signal strength.
7F 01 Select LOCAL control (front panel).
7F 02 Select REMOTE control (computer interface).
7F 03 Enable tape recorder.
7F 04 Disable tape recorder.
7F 05 Read status.
7F 06 Read CTCSS tone.
7F 07 Read DCS code.
7F 08 Read DTMF digit.
7F 09 Read identification
7F 0A Enable speaker audio.
7F 0B Disable speaker audio.
7F 0C Enable 5 kHz search window.
7F 0D Disable 5 kHz search window.
7F 0E Transfer next frequency/mode, no response.
TRANSFER FREQUENCY
Command:
FE FE ra ta 00 frequency FD
Example:
437.162500 MHz
FE FE 80 E0 00 00 25 16 37 04 FD
Response:
NONE
Description:
This command selects the operating frequency of the receiver. However, no
response is returned under any condition. This command is only valid when
the unit is under REMOTE control.
The frequency data is in the form of five bytes, each consisting of two BCD
digits. The order of the ten BCD digits is as follows: 10 Hz digit, 1 Hz
digit, 1 kHz digit, 100 Hz digit, 100 kHz digit, 10 kHz digit, 10 MHz digit,
1 MHz digit, 1 GHz digit, 100 MHz digit. See the example shown above.
If the received frequency is out of range or is not an even multiple of 5 kHz
or 12.5 kHz, or if the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored.
TRANSFER MODE
Command:
FE FE ra ta 01 md FD
"md" is a BCD value representing the desired operating mode. BCD values are
encoded as follows:
02: AM
05: FM-narrowband
06: FM-wideband
Example:
FM-narrowband
FE FE 80 E0 01 05 FD
Response:
NONE
Description:
This command selects the operating mode of the receiver. However, no
response is returned under any condition. This command is only valid when
the unit is under REMOTE control.
The mode data is in the form of one byte, consisting of two BCD digits. See
the example shown above.
If the received mode data is not valid, or if the unit is under LOCAL
control, the command is ignored.
READ UPPER/LOWER-EDGE FREQUENCY
Command:
FE FE ra ta 02 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 02 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 02 lower frequency 2D upper frequency FD
Example:
25.000000 - 1299.995000 MHz
FE FE E0 80 02 00 00 00 25 00 2D 00 50 99 99 12 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the upper and lower edge of the
operating frequency range. This command is valid at any time.
The frequency data is in the form of five bytes, each consisting of two BCD
digits. The order of the ten BCD digits is as follows: 10 Hz digit, 1 Hz
digit, 1 kHz digit, 100 Hz digit, 100 kHz digit, 10 kHz digit, 10 MHz digit,
1 MHz digit, 1 GHz digit, 100 MHz digit. See the example shown above.
READ FREQUENCY
Command:
FE FE ra ta 03 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 03 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 03 frequency FD
Examples:
162.550000 MHz
FE FE E0 80 03 00 00 55 62 01 FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the current operating frequency.
This command is only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The frequency data is in the form of five bytes, each consisting of two BCD
digits. The order of the ten BCD digits is as follows: 10 Hz digit, 1 Hz
digit, 1 kHz digit, 100 Hz digit, 100 kHz digit, 10 kHz digit, 10 MHz digit,
1 MHz digit, 1 GHz digit, 100 MHz digit. See the example shown above.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
READ MODE
Command:
FE FE ra ta 04 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 04 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 04 md FD
"md" is a BCD value representing the currently selected operating mode. BCD
values are encoded as follows:
02: AM
05: FM-narrowband
06: FM-wideband
Examples:
AM
FE FE E0 80 04 02 FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the current operating mode. This
command is only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The mode data is in the form of one byte, consisting of two BCD digits. See
the example shown above.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
WRITE FREQUENCY
Command:
FE FE ra ta 05 frequency FD
Example:
162.550000 MHz
FE FE 80 E0 05 00 00 55 62 01 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command selects the operating frequency of the receiver. This command
is only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The frequency data is in the form of five bytes, each consisting of two BCD
digits. The order of the ten BCD digits is as follows: 10 Hz digit, 1 Hz
digit, 1 kHz digit, 100 Hz digit, 100 kHz digit, 10 kHz digit, 10 MHz digit,
1 MHz digit, 1 GHz digit, 100 MHz digit. See the example shown above.
If the received frequency is out of range or is not an even multiple of 5 kHz
or 12.5 kHz, or if the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored,
and the error response is returned.
WRITE MODE
Command:
FE FE ra ta 06 md FD
"md" is a BCD value representing the desired operating mode. BCD values are
encoded as follows:
02: AM
05: FM-narrowband
06: FM-wideband
Example:
FM-wideband
FE FE 80 E0 06 06 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command selects the operating mode of the receiver. This command is
only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The mode data is in the form of one byte, consisting of two BCD digits. See
the example shown above.
If the received mode data is not valid, or if the unit is under LOCAL
control, the command is ignored, and the error response is returned.
READ SQUELCH STATUS
Command:
FE FE ra ta 15 01 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 15 01 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 15 01 sd FD
Examples:
Squelch closed
FE FE E0 80 15 01 00 FD
Squelch open
FE FE E0 80 15 01 01 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the current squelch status. This
command is valid at any time.
The squelch status data is in the form of one byte, consisting of two BCD
digits. See the examples shown above.
READ SIGNAL STRENGTH
Command:
FE FE ra ta 15 02 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 15 02 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 15 02 sd FD
Examples:
0 dBm
FE FE E0 80 15 02 00 00 FD
- 67 dBm
FE FE E0 80 15 02 00 67 FD
- 125 dBm
FE FE E0 80 15 02 01 25 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the current signal strength. This
command is valid at any time.
The signal strength data is in the form of two bytes, each consisting of two
BCD digits. The signal strength is reported in units of absolute dBm as
measured at the antenna connector. The reported signal strength ranges from
a maximum signal of 0 dBm to a minimum signal of - 125 dBm. A minus sign is
implied. See the examples shown above.
SELECT LOCAL CONTROL
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 01 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 01 FD
Response:
OK
FE FE ta ra FB FD
Example:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Description:
This command selects LOCAL control. This command is valid at any time.
When the unit is under LOCAL control, the OptoScan456(tm) board relinquishes
control of the receiver hardware to the PRO-2006 or PRO-2005 processor.
However, the operating parameters are retained for use when the unit is under
REMOTE control.
SELECT REMOTE CONTROL
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 02 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 02 FD
Response:
OK
FE FE ta ra FB FD
Example:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Description:
This command selects REMOTE control. This command is valid at any time.
When the unit is under REMOTE control, the OptoScan456(tm) board shuts down
the PRO-2006 or PRO-2005 processor, and takes control of the receiver
hardware.
ENABLE TAPE RECORDER
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 03 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 03 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command enables a tape recorder connected to the TAPE PAUSE output.
This command is only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The TAPE PAUSE output provides an NPN transistor open collector which is
grounded when the tape recorder is enabled, and open when the tape recorder
is disabled. The power-up default mode is tape recorder disabled.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
DISABLE TAPE RECORDER
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 04 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 04 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command disables a tape recorder connected to the TAPE PAUSE output.
This command is only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The TAPE PAUSE output provides an NPN transistor open collector which is
grounded when the tape recorder is enabled, and open when the tape recorder
is disabled. The power-up default mode is tape recorder disabled.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
READ STATUS
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 05 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 05 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 7F 05 s1 s2 FD
"s1" is a hexadecimal byte representing composite status information.
Individual bits are encoded as follows:
bit 0: 1 = Remote control
bit 1: 1 = DTMF digit/s pending
bit 2: 1 = DTMF buffer overrun
bit 3: Unused, always 0
bit 4: 1 = Squelch open
bit 5: 1 = CTCSS tone active
bit 6: 1 = DCS code active
bit 7: Unused, always 0
"s2" is a hexadecimal byte representing composite status information.
Individual bits are encoded as follows:
bit 0: 1 = Tape recorder enabled
bit 1: 1 = Speaker audio enabled
bit 2: 1 = 5 kHz search window enabled
bit 3: Unused, always 0
bit 4: 1 = Audio present
bit 5: Reserved
bit 6: Reserved
bit 7: Unused, always 0
Example:
Remote mode, DTMF digit pending, squelch open, DCS code active,
Audio enabled, Audio present
FE FE E0 80 7F 05 53 12 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the current operating status, which
contains all pertinent information about the receiver and CTCSS/DCS/DTMF
decoder, including squelch status. Therefore, the READ SQUELCH STATUS
command is optional. The following is a discussion of the use of the status
bits contained in the READ STATUS command. Note that the CTCSS/DCS/DTMF
decoder is only enabled when the squelch is open. Therefore, the
appropriate status bits should be checked frequently while the squelch is
open.
s1, bit 0: REMOTE CONTROL. This bit is set when the receiver is
under REMOTE control, and cleared when the receiver is
under LOCAL control. It is a good idea to check this bit
periodically, in case the receiver has been turned off
and back on, and has therefore reverted back to LOCAL
control.
s1, bit 1: DTMF PENDING. This bit is set if one or more DTMF digits
are waiting in the 31-digit DTMF buffer. One or more
READ DTMF DIGIT commands should then be issued to read
the new digits. The DTMF PENDING bit is automatically
cleared when the last digit is read from the DTMF buffer.
The READ DTMF DIGIT command will always return the next
DTMF digit in the order received. In other words, the
DTMF buffer works like a FIFO. Once the DTMF buffer is
empty, the READ DTMF DIGIT command will return a "99"
code to indicate that the buffer is empty. This feature
eliminates the need to check the DTMF PENDING bit after
each digit has been read from the buffer.
s1, bit 2: DTMF OVERRUN. This bit is set if one or more new DTMF
digits are received after the DTMF buffer is full. It is
an indication that one or more DTMF digits have been
lost. Any digits received after the DTMF buffer becomes
full are discarded. The DTMF OVERRUN bit is cleared when
a READ DTMF DIGIT command is issued. The maximum
supported DTMF digit rate is approximately 10 per second.
Therefore, the DTMF PENDING bit should be checked at
least every two to three seconds to avoid losing digits.
s1, bit 3: UNUSED. This bit will always be zero.
s1, bit 4: SQUELCH OPEN. This bit is set when the squelch is open,
and cleared when the squelch is closed. This bit
provides that same information as the READ SQUELCH STATUS
command.
s1, bit 5: CTCSS ACTIVE. This bit is set when a valid CTCSS tone is
currently being received. A READ CTCSS TONE command
should then be issued to read the CTCSS tone. The READ
CTCSS TONE command will always return the most recent
CTCSS tone, even if the tone is no longer being received,
so the command should only be issued while the CTCSS
ACTIVE bit is set. Note that the CTCSS ACTIVE bit does
not function the way the DTMF PENDING bit does. The
CTCSS ACTIVE bit is only set while a valid CTCSS tone is
being received. It does not store the previous
occurrence of a CTCSS tone.
s1, bit 6: DCS ACTIVE. This bit is set when a valid DCS code is
currently being received. A READ DCS CODE command should
then be issued to read the DCS code. The READ DCS CODE
command will always return the most recent DCS code, even
if the code is no longer being received, so the command
should only be issued while the DCS ACTIVE bit is set.
Note that the DCS ACTIVE bit does not function the way
the DTMF PENDING bit does. It is only set while a valid
DCS code is being received. It does not store the
previous occurrence of a DCS code.
s1, bit 7: UNUSED. This bit will always be zero.
s2, bit 0: TAPE ENABLED. This bit is set when the tape recorder is
enabled, and cleared when the tape recorder is disabled.
The tape recorder is enabled using the ENABLE TAPE
RECORDER command. The tape recorder is disabled using
the DISABLE TAPE RECORDER command.
s2, bit 1: SPEAKER ENABLED. This bit is set if the speaker audio is
enabled, and cleared if the speaker audio is disabled.
The speaker audio is enabled using the ENABLE SPEAKER
AUDIO command. The speaker audio is disabled using the
DISABLE SPEAKER AUDIO command.
s2, bit 2: 5 KHZ SEARCH. This bit is set if the 5 kHz search window
is enabled, and cleared if the 5 kHz search window is
disabled. The 5 kHz search window is enabled using the
ENABLE 5 KHZ SEARCH WINDOW command. The 5 kHz search
window is disabled using the DISABLE 5 KHZ SEARCH WINDOW
command.
s2, bit 3: UNUSED. This bit will always be zero.
s2, bit 4: AUDIO PRESENT. This bit is set when audio is present on
the current frequency, and cleared when no audio is
present. This bit allows the programmer to make use of
the SOUND SQUELCH feature of the PRO-2006/5 receiver,
which provides a means to skip over dead carrier signals.
However, the SOUND SQUELCH switch on the receiver front
panel must be ON for this bit to function. If the SOUND
SQUELCH switch is OFF, the AUDIO PRESENT bit will always
be set.
s2, bit 5: RESERVED. This bit is reserved for future use.
s2, bit 6: RESERVED. This bit is reserved for future use.
s2, bit 7: UNUSED. This bit will always be zero.
READ CTCSS TONE
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 06 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 06 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 7F 06 sd FD
Examples:
82.5 Hz
FE FE E0 80 7F 06 08 25 FD
103.5 Hz
FE FE E0 80 7F 06 10 35 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the most recent CTCSS tone. This
command is valid at any time.
The CTCSS data is in the form of two bytes, each consisting of two BCD
digits. The order of the four BCD digits is as follows: 100 Hz digit, 10 Hz
digit, 1 Hz digit, 0.1 Hz digit. See the examples shown above. A complete
list of the CTCSS tones decoded by the OptoScan456(tm) is given in Table 3.
READ DCS CODE
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 07 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 07 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 7F 07 sd FD
Examples:
023
FE FE E0 80 7F 07 00 23 FD
732
FE FE E0 80 7F 07 07 32 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the most recent DCS code. This
command is valid at any time.
The DCS data is in the form of two bytes, each consisting of two BCD digits.
The order of the four BCD digits is as follows: unused digit (always 0),
100's digit, 10's digit, 1's digit. See the examples shown above. A
complete list of the DCS codes decoded by the OptoScan456(tm) is given in
Table 4.
READ DTMF DIGIT
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 08 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 08 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 7F 08 sd FD
"sd" is a BCD value representing the next DTMF digit. BCD values are encoded
as follows:
00: "0" 08: "8" 99: DTMF Buffer Empty
01: "1" 09: "9"
02: "2" 10: "A"
03: "3" 11: "B"
04: "4" 12: "C"
05: "5" 13: "D"
06: "6" 14: "*"
07: "7" 15: "#"
Examples:
"3"
FE FE E0 80 7F 08 03 FD
"A"
FE FE E0 80 7F 08 10 FD
DTMF Buffer Empty
FE FE E0 80 7F 08 99 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the next DTMF digit waiting in the
DTMF buffer. This command is valid at any time.
The DTMF data is in the form of one byte, consisting of two BCD digits. The
BCD digits are encoded as shown above. Each issuance of the READ DTMF DIGIT
command causes the next digit in the DTMF buffer to be sent in the order it
was received, in a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) fashion. Once the DTMF buffer
is empty, the READ DTMF DIGIT command returns the DTMF Buffer Empty code.
See the examples shown above.
READ IDENTIFICATION
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 09 FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 09 FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra 7F 09 id sv iv FD
Example:
OptoScan456(tm), software version 1.2, interface version 1.1
FE FE E0 80 7F 09 34 35 36 12 11 FD
Description:
This command instructs the unit to send the identification information. This
command is valid at any time.
The identification data is in the form of five bytes, each consisting of two
BCD digits. The first six BCD digits uniquely identify the device. The next
two BCD digits indicate the current software version. The last two BCD
digits indicate the current interface version.
ENABLE SPEAKER AUDIO
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 0A FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 0A FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command enables the speaker audio. This command is only valid when the
unit is under REMOTE control.
The speaker audio can be enabled and disabled under software control to
facilitate selective scanning. This feature allows the software to mute the
speaker audio unless a certain CTCSS tone, or DCS code, or DTMF digit
sequence is detected on a particular frequency. The power-up default mode is
speaker audio enabled.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
DISABLE SPEAKER AUDIO
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 0B FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 0B FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command disables the speaker audio. This command is only valid when the
unit is under REMOTE control.
The speaker audio can be enabled and disabled under software control to
facilitate selective scanning. This feature allows the software to mute the
speaker audio unless a certain CTCSS tone, or DCS code, or DTMF digit
sequence is detected on a particular frequency. The power-up default mode is
speaker audio enabled.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
ENABLE 5 KHZ SEARCH WINDOW
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 0C FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 0C FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Examples:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command enables the 5 kHz search window. This command is only valid
when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The 5 kHz search window can be enabled by the software when a limit search is
conducted using 5 kHz channel spacing. This provides more selective squelch
operation, which helps prevent the receiver from stopping 5 or 10 kHz away
from the actual transmitter frequency. When 12.5 kHz or wider channel
spacing is used, the 5 kHz search window should be disabled. The power-up
default mode is 5 kHz search window disabled.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
DISABLE 5 KHZ SEARCH WINDOW
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 0D FD
Example:
FE FE 80 E0 7F 0D FD
Response:
FE FE ta ra FB or FA FD
Example:
OK
FE FE E0 80 FB FD
Error
FE FE E0 80 FA FD
Description:
This command disables the 5 kHz search window. This command is only valid
when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The 5 kHz search window can be enabled by the software when a limit search is
conducted using 5 kHz channel spacing. This provides more selective squelch
operation, which helps prevent the receiver from stopping 5 or 10 kHz away
from the actual transmitter frequency. When 12.5 kHz or wider channel
spacing is used, the 5 kHz search window should be disabled. The power-up
default mode is 5 kHz search window disabled.
If the unit is under LOCAL control, the command is ignored, and the error
response is returned.
TRANSFER NEXT FREQUENCY/MODE
Command:
FE FE ra ta 7F 0E frequency md FD
"md" is a BCD value representing the desired operating mode. BCD values are
encoded as follows:
02: AM
05: FM-narrowband
06: FM-wideband
Examples:
435.162500 MHz, FM-narrowband
FE FE 80 E0 7F 0E 00 25 16 35 04 05 FD
99.500000 MHz, FM-wideband
FE FE 80 E0 7F 0E 00 00 50 99 00 06 FD
Response:
NONE
Description:
This command selects the next operating frequency and operating mode of the
receiver. However, no response is returned under any condition. This
command is only valid when the unit is under REMOTE control.
The frequency data is in the form of five bytes, each consisting of two BCD
digits. The order of the ten BCD digits is as follows: 10 Hz digit, 1 Hz
digit, 1 kHz digit, 100 Hz digit, 100 kHz digit, 10 kHz digit, 10 MHz digit,
1 MHz digit, 1 GHz digit, 100 MHz digit. The mode data is in the form of one
byte, consisting of two BCD digits. See the examples shown above.
This command allows the software to make use of the OptoScan456(tm) pipelined
tuning feature. The next frequency and mode specified by this command are
stored by the OptoScan456(tm). However, the receiver is not tuned to the
next frequency and mode until a transition is detected on the RTS interface
signal. This feature allows the next frequency and mode to be sent to the
receiver while waiting for the receiver to settle on the current frequency
and mode.
If the received frequency is out of range or is not an even multiple of 5 kHz
or 12.5 kHz, or if the received mode data is not valid, or if the unit is
under LOCAL control, the command is ignored.