RoMac Automatic CW Identifier

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 01/05/212  Last question to be updated

  1. How do I know if my computer and sound card are compatible with the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier?
Download and install the program. After installation and the software starts up without an error, normally that means your system is compatible.

The smallest system that the software has been tested on is 400 MHz Celeron with 128 MB of memory with Windows 2000. The Automatic CW Identifier has been tested on Creative, Intel High definition sound systems, Dell Latitude Laptops.

Without the license key the software will run for 10 hours of cumulative running time.

 
  1. I get an error that only one instance of the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier can be launched. 
Make sure you didn't start a second copy of the software. If it is the only instance that is running, it is probably due to lack of system resources or a sound card incompatibility. It may also be your preferred playback and recording devices in the Windows Control Panel are set to something other than your sound card.

Ensure your sound card drivers are up to date and DirectX compatible. Install DirectX 8.0 or higher.

The smallest system that the software has been tested on is a 400 MHz Celeron with 128 Mb. You will need to upgrade your memory capacity and/or processor.
  1. I get an error there is no sound card installed
 Check the preferred sound devices in the Windows Control Panel. They should be set to your sound card, not something else such as a modem device or mapping device.
  1. License Key doesn't seem to work
 Make sure you're not mixing zero's and the letter O. The "0" is a bit more elongated compared to the letter "O"
  1. RigBlaster Pro Setup
1) Your PTT switch needs to be routed through the RigBlaster Pro, either through the front microphone connector, or the PTT inputs on the back of the unit, so the PTT switches the RigBlaster and the transceiver.

2) The RigBlaster should be on and process switch "off" (down).

3) Start the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier software.

4) Disable "Raise RTS on CTS" in serial port settings

Use the "Level" slider in the CW Identifier, to set the audio level of the CW Identifier.

The RigBlaster should now be providing the proper serial line signals for the RoMac Automatic CW Identifier and your microphone audio routed directly to your transceiver 
 
  1. Setup for RigBlaster Plus, MFJ 1275 , MFJ 1279
 Setup your PTT switch through the units Foot Switch/PTT switch.

Disable Raise RTS on CTS in the I'der software under Serial Port Settings.

Included in the setup package is a utility that will show which serial port lines are used. Consult the Help File
  1. No audio from the sound card.
 Double check you have the correct sound card selected in the software. Be careful not to select some kind of "Digital" sound device.
  1. RigBlaster Plug and Play Setup (with supported radio)

    Or other simple sound card interface that responds to the serial port RTS signal (most do), and supports CAT through the same serial port.

 

 1) Setup unit as outlined in the manual with CAT (computer command) support.

The following options are in the Serial Port setup in I'der software.
2) Select desired Serial Port in I'der software.

3) Select your radio in the drop down list in "Signal To" and correct speed, stop bits, bits, and handshaking for your radio.

4) Select "Raise RTS on CAT".

If you wish to use an external computer control program, consult the Help File for setting up "Virtual Ports"
  1. When I try to select the "Windows Mixer" from the Sound Card menu, sometimes I don't get the proper Mixer or I get a system message about a problem with my hardware.



    Only Windows 2000 & Windows XP

This problem seems only to appear when there is a pluggable USB sound device. If the USB sound card is not the "Preferred Windows" device, the operating system does not offer it to my software, even though it appears in my software as a sound card, in the select sound card dialog.

To workaround this issue, when the incorrect Window's Mixer is shown, select "Options" then "Properties", and select the desired mixer.

If you get a message indicating a "Hardware" problem, it is probably a sound card with "non-standard" controls, such as the M-Audio Delta series.
  1. With Vista or Windows 7, I get an error "DirectX Error setting Capture Buffer" "Automation error".

    October 18, 2010
 When using Vista or Windows 7 many sound card device drivers will not show a sound device unless there is something physically plugged into the sound card.

Plug a jack into the Microphone Input or Line Input. The jack doesn't even need to be connected to anything. If a window pops up asking what you plugged in, just answer a Microphone or a Line In device.
  1. My computer doesn't have a serial port.


    Updated 01/05/2012
 If there is a PCI or PCIe slot available there are many good serial port cards on the market.

You may also use a USB to serial cable. All USB to Serial cables are not created equal. An excellent choice are cables from US Convertors  (USB to RS232 Premium), especially for Vista and Windows 7. The  US Convertor cable is highly recommended. Look for USB Serial convertors that have the "FTDI" chipset.

Problems manifested by inadequate USB to Serial cables can be any of the following individually or collectively, rapid keying of sound card interface, CW I'der being garbled, ID sent more than once, and random computer freezes for a few seconds.

I have some anecdotal evidence that even if you are not using the actual USB serial port that is plugged into the system, your computer still may have random slow downs/freezes when accessing another serial port 

These problems may be mitigated by increasing the serial port polling time.