Icom RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 – RC-28 Remote Encoder – Legal aspects! Rig Monitoring a different purpose

The new RC-28 Remote Encoder accessory gives users a tactile approach to the RS-BA1 Remote Control. Icom has released the Ver.1.30 !! - The RS-BA1 allows you to use the radio installed in another room using your home network or even from a remote location over the Internet. – (operator not physically present in the Remote Rig) – See the legal aspects below – Info to Rig Monitoring  on the Computer Screen (For Vision-Impaired Ham Radio op.) - See the Link below.

RS-BA1 [Note] ….Visual Basic and use MSCOMM control can not detect a change in the Windows Device Table (after the COM port has been opened for use) - These programs hang when the hardware table changes while the port is open – (This is not the programmers fault!)
!! a solution: [Exit] the program first, then turn the Icom Rradio [OFF].

[Note] Legal aspects! (FCC – CEPT – DXCC par. 9) see related link below; – Why remote? and many helpful references by John, KØIZ, read August 2012 QST Magazine ( pg. 39-40)! - (operator not physically present in the country and transnational remote operation, DXCC rules ref. to remote operation and credit etc.)
Link to: Transnational Remote Operation (by TF/KL1A)
Link to: ARRL Guide by WA8IMY Remote Operating

Now Icom comes out with a great new gadget, RC-28 a little box with a VFO knob, 2 programable buttons and a PTT button. The RC-28 is designed to connect to a PC through a USB port, and operate with the RS-BA1 IP Remote Control Software. – Supplied a USB cable (approximately 1.5 m; 4.9 ft) - (RC-28.. like Tmate USB Tuning System …by WoodBoxradio)
[Note] – 1) Make sure Windows has completed its start-up on PC. – 2) Connect the RC-28 to the PC that has RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 or later version installed on it. When the “USB dial…” item on the [Option] menu is not displayed, Please download the RS-BA1 latest version 1.30 from the Icom website, and install it.
[Note] Please read ICOM RC-28 instructions (leaflet PDF) thoroughly before using it.

Link to: Icom RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 Official download page
Link to: Icom RS-BA1 /RC-28 brochure (update 12PS0230)

RS-BA1 Remote Control Software Upgrade Ver. 1.30 is now downloadable from the Icom co.Jp site. – This upgrade is not stand-alone, and must be installed over a licensed base installation of RS-BA1. (Update, the remote utility is still V.1.2 but the remote control is V.1.3!!) – US Retail price RS-BA1 software is $129.99

[Notes]: DO NOT allow the PC to go into the sleep or standby mode while using the RS-BA1 Software. Otherwise, it might not work properly after the PC resumes normal activity.
When not using the radio: Disconnect the radio from both the Remote Utility and Remote Controller. – Even if you disconnect from the radio, it does not turn OFF the radio!

Since cannot turn the radio ON or OFF with RS-BA1 Remote Control operation, the radio must be turned ON. – [Note] there other control board and software (no Icom) to control power to equipment or other options, it works together with Icom RS-BA1 or HRD software etc.

Rig Monitoring with the Icom RS-BA1 Program on the Shack
(Copyright © 2012, AE7PD, Peter – see the link below)
Vari articoli (ENG) di Peter sono dedicati ai radioamatori (compresi i radioamatori ipovedenti) che desiderano visualizzare direttamente nello shack le impostazioni di un ricetrasmettitore HF sullo schermo del computer per una migliore visibilità (Così è possibile vedere in grande la grafica “GUI” di RS-BA1 ed operare con il mouse e la tastiera, oltre ai controlli con le manopole e pulsanti della stessa Radio!) – Peter tratta anche altri sistemi per PSK-31 per Kenwood, Elecraft ecc. – Vedere i link qui sotto.

This article is about using RS-BA1 for a different purpose to make the radio settings easier to read using a nearby computer screen ( also for vision-impaired ham-radio!) - Also, you can operate with a mouse and keyboard in addition to the controls on the radio (on the shack!) – See the link below for many other issues and tips by AE7PD.

Link to: Icom RS-BA1 Program to Rig Monitoring (AE7PD)
Link to: Ham Radio and Vision website (many others issues) 

See the RS-BA1 Remote Controller’s help file for remote operation details, such as how to change the frequency, or turn ON each function. - To display the help file, click “Contents” in the Help menu on the Remote Controller, or push [F1]

Link to: RS-BA1 Instruction Manual – RS-BA1 Guide’s (1)/(2)/(3)

[Note] All marks are property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice!

Icom RS-BA1 update Ver.1.20 IC-9100 interior views Mod. RX espande range

The IC-9100 Multiband Transceiver supports RS-BA1 Internet remote-control software Icom suite; With the RS-BA1, you can configure a remote control system through the Internet IP, or a LAN  network. • Most functions and modes of your transceiver, including interference rejection functions and IF filter settings, can be controlled • Also, S-meter and SWR can be observed • Rx Voice recording function available and more. –  (Click on the rs-ba1 picture to enlarge)
Icom RS-BA1 remote control software Ver.1.20 update 2011/04/01 (File: ZIP – File size: 21.1 MB) [Note]: It is not possible to execute this updating program if the RS-BA1 is not installed into your PC Remote Control is not free, you buy from retailers. – Now is not yet available in all countries. ML&S UK Ham Store: Price: TBA ! - HRO US Discount Price: TBA ! Marcucci Spa IT Prezzo €88,00 (inc.VAT)!

Link to: Info major points of the Ver.1.20 update by Icom web

IC-9100: Interior views, features summarized, first impression, dual receiver but not same band, limits  EMCOM. High price to base, and many optionals  required for full operation. How to Expand the Receiver range.

Icom V.10GS0190 brochure and it looks like the dual receiver works in all modes simultaneously, but not on the same band • The IC-9100 has 3 independent receiver circuits from the antenna connector to the 2nd IF image rejection mixer • The IC-9100 will receive simultaneously (with mixed modes if desired) on any of the band pairs shown in the “Independent dual receivers” table on the IC-9100 brochure • It severely limits the usefulness for Emergency Communications (EMCOM) by not being able to monitor the same band with both receivers • For that matter, it limits if for DX and contesting, where you are listening in two places of the HF band at the same time. • The architecture of the IC-9100 (only one 1st mixer and LO per receive chain) precludes same-band Dual Watch operation.

The optional UT-121 Unit provides D-STAR DV mode digital voice and low speed data communication. [Note] It doesn’t have the Icom ID-1′s DD “high-speed” data feature!  - Installing the optional UX-9100 box and his IF PCB the IC-9100 fully covers the HF/50, 144, 430/440 and 1.2GHz amateur bands in multiple modes. – RX expansion range (see last picture above): Frequancy coverange (not guaranteed!) 30kHz to 60MHz / 108 to 174 MHz / 420 to 480MHz 7 1240 to 1320MHz – Disassemble the radio, locate diode matrix behind the front panel and remove D1504 and D1505 for full Rx coverage, !! work with great care, risk of damage to the PCB – Assemble the radio and operate the full reset by olding [F-INP-ENT] + [M-CLR] and turn power [ON].
[Note] Before you do anything, please read this.!
The modifications are not verified, so if you try some of the article on your own equipment, it’s on your own risk. Performing modifications of some equipment may be a violation of local laws. If you have any doubts, do not perform the modification.

Link to: Download the  Icom RS-BA1 product brochure ENG
Link to: IC-9100 informations web page by VA7OJ’s Adam