************ MANY FLEXIBLE MEMORIES *************


The concept of a "Memory," as added to the DSP-10, is much more general than generally applied to an Amateur Transceiver. It ties closely to the configuration file and requires a bit of study to fully utilize the capabilities. The "Memories" can be used to simply save endless standard frequencies, and modes, but much more is possible.

Control now comes from both "VFOs" and "Memories".

VFO's specify (select) the frequency, mode, a transverter, and for FM, a transmit offset. If the VFO frequency or mode changes while the DSP-10 is running, this new values will be there at the next VFO selection. VFO's have been with the DSP-10 since the beginning, selected by CTRL-ALT A to O, 1 to 5 and 9. These remain as they were. There are 21 of them, but the letter 'O' is a special case (audio processor) and is not available for general use.

Memories are new to the DSP-10, and can specify the same parameters as a VFO, which is conventional for most radios. But, they can also specify other things in groups, as outlined below. If the mode or frequency of a Memory changes while the DSP-10 is running, the original values can be recalled by invoking the memory again. Only writing a memory will change the values. There can be as many a 9999 memories, and they are put in place by an ALT-N dialog box. Each memory exists as a file with a name UMxxxx.MEM where xxxx is the memory number. The contents of memory file looks much like a partial configuration file with a couple of additions, such as the memory name and description.

Memories can be used for other purposes than frequency and mode. These are selected by a combination of the 12 groups:

Frequency and Mode - (as a VFO)
Radio - All radio parameters except filters
Beacon - Settings for automatic T/R
Display, except color - Contrast, Brightness, etc
Station - Customizing for station, EME locations
Filters - and equalizers
VFO - All definitions
Transverters - All definitions
System - such as file paths
Colors - All 16 VGA colors
Keyboard - Every key command
Hardware - LPT port, frequency error corrections, etc.

The specific parameters associated with each group can be seen by looking at a (new) configuration file, UHFA.CFG, which is listed by groups. This points out that if all 12 groups were included in a Memory, it would be equivalent to changing to a new configuration file. This might be a useful application, as it allows changes in real time.

In general, be careful to not include too much in a Memory definition. Most memories can just be the first group. This prevents changing parameters accidentally, when recalling memories. Once a memory is recalled, the parameters other than frequency and mode will stay until replaced by another memory. Even the configuration file will be re-written to reflect the new changes. To keep this a feature instead of a nuisance, do not include too much in the memory definition! What seems to work is to use a separate memory to recall an alternate keyboard, beacon settings, or set of colors. Most often, do not associate these with a frequency and mode.

To prevent accidental loading of the wrong memory, the dialog box displays the name and description of the memory and requests a "Y" or "y" to confirm the selection. You can bail out anytime up to the Enter following the "Y". If there is any question about changes, save a memory channel with all groups, and this can be used to restore to all old settings, the same as if a configuration file had been saved.

USING MEMORIES:

ALT-N (or -n) Memory Write -
Brings up a modal dialog box needing a memory number, memory name of up to 7 Characters, and a memory description of up to 23 characters. There are 12 check boxes to select which of the groups of parameters are including. These check settings will be remembered for the next time the memory write function occurs. The DSP-10 can be operating from either a memory or a VFO when this write occurs.

Memory files are all written to the current directory, meaning the one with UHFA.EXE. They are of file type .MEM, and are easy to see in looking at the DIR output. It should be possible to exchange memory files, to allow trading of screen colors, or whatever. FM types could come up with files for all standard repeater pairs, etc.

CTRL-N (or -n) Memory Read -
This dialog box requires entry of a memory number, which then shows the name and description of the requested memory. If it is what you expected, enter a "Y" or "y" plus an "Enter" and it will be loaded The upper left corner of the screen will show a "M:xx" indicating that memory xx is in use. To the right of this is shown the transverter in use,as it always was. The plan is to show the memory name, also, as soon as we can get more room in that corner! If a new frequency and mode was involved, it will show on the readout. You can alter this frequency or mode, but it will not alter the memory settings. It also does not change any VFO setting. This brings up the next function.

SCRL-N (or -n) Settings to VFO -
This can be used to move the current frequency (including the transverter) and mode to any of the regular VFOs. It brings up a dialog box, requesting the VFO by A to N, 1 to 5, or 9 and displays the contents of the target VFO, if any. Again confirmation of the selection occurs, and then that VFO is made active. You can switch between VFOs, as always, by CTRL-ALT-x where x is a valid VFO designator.

Many may remember that VFOs were numbered after the designators used for ARRL VHF contests, to make them easier to recall. Thus the 9 for 902 MHz sits in the middle of them A, B, C, D, 9, E, F, ... VFOs 1 to 5 are extras for any general use. With the addition of the memories, the number of VFOs should be plenty. Also, the VFO in use will show in the corner as V:x, with the transverter name next to it.

As before, transverters are normally defined in the .CFG file using a text editor. VFOs can now be added by SCRL-N, unless they use a transverter that is new. In this case, manually modify the VFO definition in UHFA.CFG file under the entry starting with vfo. The format  is

  vfo nvfo ntvtr frequency mode

where nvfo is the VFO number and ntvtr is the transverter number, listed as the second number in the tvtr line.  Any number of VFOs can use the same transverter.  If you associate at least one VFO with a transverter, it will not get lost. (The transverter will always be in the CFG file, but you will need to manually associate it with a VFO).

Also, another reminder, that direct operation on 2-meters is still treated as a transverter. The LO frequency for this case is 0.0 Hz. It all helps to reduce the number of special cases.

SCRL-ALT-n Memory listing to screen -
This shows the 25 lowest numbered memories on the screen in tabular form. The listing is in order by memory number and shows the Name and Description of the memory, along with a notation if an error is found in the memory file. Note the use of lower-case n. Pushing the shift key will get you the file version, discussed next. (rev 3.73)

SCRL-ALT-N Memory Listing to file -
If you have, say, 100 memories, it gets tricky to find the right one. With 9999 numbers, it is possible to be creative in numbering. You might use 4200 for 144.200 SSB, or 652 for 146.52 FM. Still, some assistance is useful. The Memory Listing function makes a file, always called UMEM_DIR.TXT, that has a line for each active memory. The format is

mmmm Name Description ErrF ErrN ErrD

where mmmm is the memory number

ErrF is 1 if there was an error found in the memory file format
ErrN is 1 if the name was too long
ErrD is 1 if the description was too long

The lines are already formatted to print in columns, for use as a cheat sheet. Caution: Both Memory Listing functions take several seconds.

MEMORY EXAMPLES

Example Number#1 - Different FM Repeaters


Example Number #2 - Standard Memory

Set up the DSP-10 as you might want it for 144.2 USB.
ALT-n will bring up the "VFO -> Memory" (Memory Write) box
Enter 7 for the Memory number
Name the Memory "USB4200"
Backspace over the "Description" and enter "USB 144.2 Freq Only"
Check "Freq and Mode", Uncheck all others
Hit Enter

You have now saved the current Frequency and Mode to Memory 7
Change the frequency and mode of the radio and then recall Memory 7
CTRL-n will bring up the "Memory Channel Load" (Memory Read) box
Enter 7 for the Memory number It will display the Name and Description entered above
Enter "y" to confirm it is the one you want (or any other key to cancel)
Hit Enter You have now restored the 144.2 USB. It is using a Memory, indicated by "M:7"
 
Example #3 - Standard Memory plus Beacon and PUA43 Settings

Set up the DSP-10 as you might want it for 10368.032 PUA43.
Setup the PUA43 Message box with asterisk tuning tones
Setup the Beacon settings as desired for auto transmit/receive
ALT-n will bring up the "VFO -> Memory" (Memory Write) box
Enter 321 for the Memory number
Name the Memory "10Msg1"
Backspace over the "Description" and enter "PUA43 10368.032 Tune"
Check "Freq and Mode," "Radio Settings," "Beacon" and un-check all others
Hit Enter

You have now saved the current Frequency, Mode, all radio settings including PUA43, PUA43 transmit message, all Beacon timing to Memory 321

Change the frequency and mode in any way and then recall Memory 321:

CTRL-n will bring up the "Memory Channel Load" (Memory Read) box
Enter 321 for the Memory number
It will display the Name and Description entered above
Enter "y" to confirm it is the one you want (or any other key to cancel)
Hit Enter
You have now restored the radio, including PUA43 message. It is using a Memory, as indicated by "M:321"

Repeat this with different messages and number them 322, 323, 324, ... and all standard messages can be retrieved by message recall. This brings in the desired beacon settings, as well.
 
Example #4 - Beacon Settings Only

With the DSP-10 tuned to any freq, and in any mode,
Setup the Beacon Settings as desired for automatic Transmit/Receive
ALT-n will bring up the "VFO -> Memory" (Memory Write) box
Enter 9000 for the Memory number
Name the Memory "Bcn1"
Backspace over the "Description" and enter "Beacon 300 300 0"
Check "Beacon" and un-check all others
Hit Enter

You have now saved ONLY the current Beacon timing to Memory 9000

Change the radio in any way and then recall Memory 9000:
CTRL-n will bring up the "Memory Channel Load" (Memory Read) box
Enter 9000 for the Memory number
It will display the Name and Description entered above
Enter "y" to confirm it is the one you want (or any other key to cancel)
Hit Enter

You have now restored only the Beacon settings. Since the frequency and mode did not change, the "M:9000" is NOT shown, but rather the VFO or Memory that is controlling the frequency and mode.

This can be used to change parameters, like beacon, keyboard, display, screen paths, hardware, without altering the radio operation.

 
Example #5 - Alternate Keyboard

First, save the current keyboard as Memory 990:
ALT-n will bring up the "VFO -> Memory" (Memory Write) box
Enter 990 for the Memory number
Name the Memory "Std KBD"
Backspace over the "Description" and enter "Standard Keyboard"
Check "Keyboard defs" and un-check all others
Hit Enter

You have now saved the current Keyboard to Memory 990

Reverse the keys for audio gain up and down, by editing the UHFA.CFG configuration file.
 This can be done by ALT-SHIFT-5 path to DOS, returning by EXIT after doing the file edit. In the UHFA.CFG edit, find the lines:

k_af_gain_m 0X4100
k_af_gain_p 0X4200

and edit these to reverse the names:

k_af_gain_p 0X4100
k_af_gain_m 0X4200

Save the file and exit the editor. After using Exit to return to the DSP-10, the configuration file is automatically read and the AF Gain keys, F7 and F8, will be reversed. Obviously, this could have been done for any of the keys. They are all defined in the configuration file.

Save the new keyboard settings to Memory 991:
ALT-n will bring up the "VFO -> Memory" (Memory Write) box
Enter 991 for the Memory number
Name the Memory "KBD 1"
Backspace over the "Description" and enter "Reverse AF Gain Keys"
Check "Keyboard defs" and un-check all others
Hit Enter

To change the keyboard
CTRL-n will bring up the "Memory Channel Load" (Memory Read) box
Enter 990 or 991 for the Memory number
It will display the Name and Description entered above
Enter "y" to confirm it is the one you want (or any other key to cancel)
Hit Enter

You can now change the AF Gain keys back and forth by reading Memories 990 or 991. ALL other settings will remain unchanged. The configuration file will reflect the keyboard setting at shut down. If you shut down with the keys reversed, it will remain that way when the DSP-10 is restarted. This same method can be used switch between any other parameters, such as the file paths used for screen and data saves (in the grouping, this is "System, file paths", or the screen colors.

COMMENTS ON MEMORY USAGE

The configuration file, UHFA.CFG has been rearranged according to the 12 groups of memory items, like "Radio", Beacon" etc. The grouping is shown by a comment line. In all cases, though, they are in order by the 12 groups. This grouping controls which item will be saved to a memory and is set by the check marks in the ALT-n box. Again, once you see how these operate, and knowing how you use the radio, plan your use of memories to make your operation easier, and error free. It will vary between stations. The concept is to be flexible. The use of this flexibility depends on the operation planned.
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