Installation

This program requires no special installation or set up procedures.

Hard disk based system

Create a directory on your hard disk which should contain the program and the data files that will be created. Copy the program MR8100.EXE to that directory.

Running the program

To start the program type

MR8100

at the DOS prompt.

This program will create data files as well as a configuration file in the same directory in which the program resides. These files are under control of the program.

The program uses colour for various messages and prompts if a colour monitor is available. Some PCs which have monochrome displays may not show all text properly. In this case start the program as follows:

MR8100 /m

This will ensure that only black and white characters are used on the screen.

Physical connection to the MR8100 receiver

Uncover the 9 pin serial connector of the MR8100 by opening the rubber cover on the bottom of the case. Careful, it does not remove entirely. Connect a compatible cable (9 pin female) to this connector and the other end to your PC’s serial port. Switch the radio on.

Editing

The up, down arrow keys select the frequency to be edited.

The PgUp and PgDn keys move to the previous or next bank of ten channels.

The Tab key allows switching between the frequency and text fields.

The Enter key is used to complete the change made to the frequency or text and will move the cursor to the next field.

The Esc key can be used to “undo” changes made to the current frequency or text. It is also used to exit the program.

Use of function keys

F3 (receive)

Press F3 “Recv” to receive frequency data from the MR8100. The entire contents of the scanner are brought into the PC to be examined, edited, or saved in the current file. It will take approximately twenty seconds to transfer the data.

If everything if hooked up correctly, the word “Recv” will flash and a bar along the bottom of the screen will show figuratively how much data is being received by the PC. However, if the data can not be received properly, a message is displayed. See the section on error messages.

F5 (update)

Press F5 “Updt” to update the MR8100. This function is normally used after changes have been made to the file. Only those frequencies and text descriptions that have changed are sent to the scanner. It does not guarantee that all of the scanner’s frequencies will correspond to those in the file because some changes, unknown to the software on the PC, may have occurred by manually entering frequencies on the MR8100 from its own keyboard. Use the function key F9 if you wish to force all of the frequencies to be updated.

If everything if hooked up correctly, the word “Updt” will flash and a bar along the bottom of the screen will show figuratively how much data is being received by the PC. However, if the data can not be received properly, a message is displayed. See the section on error messages.

F6 (delete)

The F6 “Delete” function will ask you to confirm the deletion. The file name about to be deleted will flash on the screen to confirm your choice. This gives you a chance to change your mind. Press “Y” to delete the file, or any other key to cancel the delete function.

F7 (select)

Note the word beside the F7. This is the current name of the file in which frequency data will be stored on the PC. When the program is first run with no previous data files present, the file name is “DEFAULT”.

Pressing F7 will allow you to change to another file. If more than one file is present in the directory they will be shown in alphabetical order in a window. The flashing cursor will appear under the first letter of the current file name. Enter a new file name, or use the up and down arrow keys to select a file from the list shown in the window. Press the Enter key to select the new file. This will become the “current” file for subsequent entering of frequency information or containing frequency data received from the radio.

The function keys F6 “Delete” and F8 “Print” are available to erase or output a file. The highlighted file in the window is implied. The “current” file remains in effect regardless of which file is deleted or printed.

F8 (print)

The F8 “Print” function will output the highlighted file to a printer. Be sure a printer is connected to the parallel port of the PC. A total of two pages is printed. If a printout does not appear properly, refer to “LF insert” under the “Special Configuration” section in this manual.

F9 (send)

Press F9 “Send” to send the entire one-hundred frequencies and text descriptions to the radio. It will take approximately one minute to transfer the data. If only a few changes were made to the file, use F5 “Updt”. This will take much less time, depending on the amount of changes that need to be sent.

If everything if hooked up correctly, the word “Send” will flash and a bar along the bottom of the screen will show figuratively how much data is being received by the PC. However, if the data can not be received properly, a message is displayed. See the section on error messages.

Esc

The Esc (escape) key is used to exit the program.

Use of Alt keys

During editing of the file, special keys can be used for various purposes as described. Press and hold down the Alt key. A menu bar will appear at the bottom of the screen showing what additional functions are now available. While holding the Alt key, press one of the indicated letters “A”, “B”, “L”, “P”, or “S”. The combination Alt key and the letter keys provide the following functions:

Alt A –	The current bank is made active/deactive.
Alt B –	This allows you to edit the bank label.
Alt L –	Lock-out or enable the channel. When present, the letters “L/O” indicate that the channel is locked out. This causes the scanner to skip the channel during scanning.
Alt P –	Define the channel as a “priority” channel.
Alt S –	Change the “SECURE” setting for the channel. When present, the letters “SECURE” indicate that the channel can not be changed from the MR8100’s keyboard.

Special configuration

By pressing F1, a configuration window is shown. This allows changing parameters from their default values. Pressing the up and down arrow keys highlights the parameter that requires changing. Pressing the left and right arrow keys changes the highlighted parameter.

Serial port:

Select COM1 or COM2 depending on how you intend to connect the MR8100 to your PC. Most PCs have one port – named COM1. COM2 may be an option, or may be available on newer PCs as standard equipment.

Unlock keyboard:

You may select “NO” if you do not wish the MR8100’s keyboard to be unlocked after data transfer. This condition forces the user to reset the scanner by turning it off/on before the newly programmed frequencies and active bank selection take effect.

In the “YES” position, after data transfer the radio continues immediately with its current mode (“SCAN”, “HOLD”, or “PROG”). However, active bank selection under PC control still requires resetting by turning it off/on.

LF insert:

Some printers, depending on their set-up such as laser printers require a line-feed character to advance the paper for every line printed. If the output prints all on one line or spreads across the page improperly, select “YES”.

If your printer double spaces its output (some dot matrix printers) select “NO”.

Error messages

Failure to initialize serial port!

There is something wrong with your PC’s serial port. It could be a hardware fault, or you attempted to use COM2 when in fact the PC is only configured for COM1.

Radio link failed!

The PC has waited too long for a response from the scanner – or unexpected data was received. Check cable connections and ensure that only the MR8100 and no other serial device is connected to the PC.

Improper radio response!

The MR8100 is not in a proper operating mode. This occurs primarily when the MR8100 is locked on to the priority channel. To remedy, turn off the priority scanning mode by pressing “PRI” on the radio’s keyboard.

Attempting to link to radio... Unsuccessful!

The MR8100 does not seem to be responding to the PC’s requests. Among possible causes is improper cable connection or inoperative radio.

Printer not ready!

This condition is encountered when there is no printer connected to the PC’s parallel port, or the printer is not turned “on”, or it is not “on line” or “selected”. Ensure that the printer is connected and fully functional (eg. paper available).

Printer not responding!

The printer encountered a problem while printing. This could be due to running out of paper, or an improper cable connection. Re-initiate the printout when everything checks out.

Custom Software Advantages

By using a PC, the full functionality of the MR8100 can be realized. Frequencies can be changed individually, or all one hundred channels may be programmed at once by just pressing a function key. If multiple MR8100s need to be programmed, the software will accomplish the task in a minimum of time.

The primary function of the software is to provide a means to “program” the MR8100 scanning receiver in terms of frequency and descriptive text assignments. The current contents of the radio’s memory can be retrieved and updated as required. A printout may be generated for reference.

In a typical scenario, a set of frequencies and descriptions can be entered into a PC at “base” without tying up the radio. Then, after a printout and confirmation of its accuracy, the data can be transferred to the scanner when it is convenient to do so. If you are using a portable or laptop PC this can be accomplished without removing the radio from its operating position. It takes about one minute to load a complete set of one hundred channels into the MR8100.

For even more flexibility, multiple files of frequency data can be saved on your PC’s disk. For example, one file could contain HAM repeaters and another could contain fire department or ambulance frequencies. The scanner can then be quickly configured for whatever scanning task is required. Only a minimum of keystrokes is required, making the software practical for in-the-field use.

In summary, the frequencies of the 100 channels as well as a textual description visible on the scanner’s LCD panel can be defined using your PC.

Other functions of the MR8100 such as scanning speed, “hold”, and “manual” control, volume and squelch adjustments can only be performed via its own keyboard.

The UNIDEN scanning mobile receiver MR8100 can be programmed using an IBM PC or IBM PC-compatible computer. The additional features this method provides which are beyond the capabilities of the MR8100 by itself are:

         access to frequencies in the 824 to 849 MHz range and the 869 to 894 MHz unavailable via MR8100’s own keyboard

definition of 16 character textual description for 100 channels – will display on the MR8100’s LCD panel when frequency is tuned.

definition of 16 character textual description for 10 banks – will display on the MR8100’s LCD panel when bank is activated.

restriction on specific channels to prevent alteration via MR8100’s own keyboard

·         retrieval of stored frequency information in the MR8100 – file storage on the PC and printout using a printer.

·         convenient mass programming of a number of MR8100 radios.

In addition, custom software can exceed the capabilities of the “official” version by providing enhanced functionality as itemized below.

·         Unrestricted programming of 800 MHz frequencies – no password required.

·         There is no need to turn it off/on to make it usable after data transfer. The radio continues scanning automatically and its keyboard is unlocked immediately after data transfer. This feature can be disabled.

·         Fastest data transfer speed: download of data – 40% to 60% faster, upload of data – 10% to 30% faster. Slower computers experience the higher percentage gains.

·         Partial download of only those frequencies changed – less than 2 seconds to approximately 1 minute depending on quantity, instead of entire file each time. The software “remembers” which file was last sent so that only new changes need to be sent. Date/time of last download is saved in radio to ensure that it contains up-to-date data.

         Bank active detect and activate/deactivate via software.

·         Choice of COM1 or COM2 serial ports provides additional flexibility.

·         More robust error detection for data transfer problems such as unusual radio status or printer problems.