WATCHMEN EYES ONLY€¦ · WATCHMEN EYES ONLY Programming Puxing Radios Using the Software Packages...
Transcript of WATCHMEN EYES ONLY€¦ · WATCHMEN EYES ONLY Programming Puxing Radios Using the Software Packages...
WATCHMEN EYES ONLY
PROGRAMMING THE PUXING 888D, 888K AND 777 PLUS RADIOS USING THE SOFTWARE
Compiled and Written By:
NightStalker
1SG, AZ
Operations and Training
This document will give you the basics and some insight into programming the Puxing Radios
utilizing the Software, your computer and a Programming Cable. I have placed the
Classification on this document as Watchmen Eyes Only because I am writing it for Watchmen
and expect that it will not be shared outside the Watchmen Community.
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Those that know me, know that I do not like to ‘reinvent the wheel’ when it
comes to writing and publishing manuals. I usually take material previously
published and tailor it to the current audience.
In the case of the material presented in this manual, I will make an exception
and start from scratch.
It was brought to my attention that personnel were getting confused with
programming the various versions of the PUXING Radios that are floating around.
This is because some have previously purchased units (myself included), and some
purchased units from sources like EBay instead of through TACGEARZONE and
either by accident or on purpose purchased the K Model instead of the D Model or
the 777 Plus instead of the D Model.
This Manual is deliberately written in a manner that it will walk you through
the various Software Packages so that you can use the radio. The directions for the
software programs are available from other sources but are as confusing as the
User Manuals that come with the Radios.
I will address the software in the following order: PX-888D VHF, PX-888K
Dual Band, and then PX-777 Plus VHF.
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The Enhanced PX-888D Manual that linkinpark9812 put together and is
posted to the How To section of the Watchmen Web Site, is a vast improvement
over the factory manual that comes with the radio package. That Manual is focused
on manual programming the radio without the use of the software. This Manual is
focused on programming the radio with the software, allowing programming of
multiple radios with the same information in a short period of time.
Users need to be familiar with everything in that Manual; except for pages
14 through 18 (The use of 2 Tone/DTMF/MSK are NOT critical or necessary for
Watchmen use). Pages 20, 21 and 22 Are Critical (Manual Programming), as is
Page 25 (Zero the Radio Memory) and should be practiced until the sequences
are completely understood. The use of Dual Channel Watch could get confusing
and use should be limited otherwise you may transmit on the incorrect channel.
Using Manual Programming, you can use the full spectrum of the radio, but
that is time consuming and subject to human error. If you use the software you will
lose 2 MHz on either end (134.000 manual – vs – 136.000 and 176.995 manual –
vs – 174.000 MHz). BUT the software will allow you to develop and save any
amount of Channel Plans as you feel necessary. It will also allow for the rapid
programming/reprogramming of any number of radios.
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------ ACCESSORIES ------
You should pick up, when you get a chance, the following items (no matter what
version radio you have):
1. SMA to BNC antenna adapter
2. Antenna with BNC connector (both normal and long sizes)
3. A Good Hand Mike - and/or
4. A Good Headset with Boom Mike
5. Spare Batteries (Standard and High Capacity)
6. Magnetic Mount vehicle antenna with BNC connector end
7. 12 volt Battery Eliminator
8. Programming Software (downloadable from various sources) and Cable
9. A sturdy radio pouch that will not bind and activate the side keys
------Reasons For Each Accessory------
The antenna adapter will give you more versatility in using you radio. It will
allow the use of normal or longer size flexible antennas (keep the standard one as a
spare). It will also allow the use of a magnetic or on-the-glass mounted vehicle
antenna (more range, clearer transmission and reception). It will also allow you to
connect the radio to a ‘J’ Pole antenna (make sure that you have the correct
connector on the antenna coax). The BNC connector acts as a ‘quick
connect/disconnect’ allowing quick changing of antennas.
A Hand Mike and/or Headset will allow you to communicate without having
to take the radio out of the pouch on your belt/vest. The Headset allows for the
easy use of the VOX function (when the settings are properly adjusted).
High Capacity Batteries will extend the amount of time you are able to use
the radio before recharging or changing batteries. Extra batteries are always a good
thing and should be high (if not the first) on the list of accessories to pick up.
A Battery Eliminator takes the place of your battery and runs the radio off of
your 12 volt vehicle power. It will also allow the use of and hooks up to the Desk
Charger to recharge your radio batteries. Make sure that the radio is OFF or the
power cord disconnected when you start up your vehicle otherwise you run
the risk of burning out the electronics in the radio (power spike).
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PUXING 888D VHF INSTRUCTIONS
Make sure that you have the proper version of the software. There are a
number of versions of the PX-888 software available for download. PUXING did
not make the software anywhere near compatible between version releases. As a
result of that, I now have every version of the software either installed or archived.
The version you want for the PX-888D VHF Radio is Version 3. The
program name displays as ‘PX-888A’ but the product dropdown will list the VHF
range for the D Version.
You can use either the USB or DB-25 versions of the Programming Cable
depending on the ports available to you on your computer. I recommend getting
both versions of the cable as one may work better than the other (and you have a
spare).
After you install the software, open it up and go to the ‘HELP’, ‘ABOUT’
screen and verify that you have Version 3.
Hook up your cable (DB25 or USB). Connect the dual prong end to the
Hand Mike port on the side of the radio and turn the radio on.
Click on ‘PROGRAM’, ‘READ’ (yea, I know that there are icons on the tool
bar also). Click on ‘START’ when the dialog box pops up. The program will
attempt to read the information stored in the radio.
If it reads the data without any problems, you are Good To Go.
If it does not then there is a problem with your COM PORT setup. Attempt a
change using ‘SETUP’, ‘COM SETUP’. Change the port setting to another active
port (inactive or used ports will be ‘greyed out’) and try reading the radio again
(usually COM PORT 1 works). Try the other cable. If you have tried all the ports
available, switched cables, etc. and you still cannot read the radio then you have a
problem with your COM PORTS that I cannot address or help you fix with this
manual. Find a good computer tech to help you troubleshoot the problem.
Once you can read the data from the radio, you can write data to it/them and
your software is Good To Go for use.
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Now comes the Fun Part, time consuming, but fun. Now you get to setup
your Channel Plan(s).
You may already have a plan in mind. So put that down on paper using the
format you see on the Channel Information screen. This is so when you do your
input all the blocks get filled in correctly.
You need to remember a few key points:
1. ALL commo can and will be monitored.
2. CTCSS only limits who in your group can hear and listen to you. It is not
encryption.
3. SCRAMBLE only works if everyone else is not using it. And it is not
encryption.
4. Your Receive (Rx) and Transmit (Tx) are the same unless you are using a
Repeater System.
5. Receive Only channels do NOT have a Transmit frequency (Blank It Out).
6. Do your research. Make sure that no one else in your area is using the
channel(s) you want.
7. If you decide to use Channel Names, keep them simple and easy to
remember.
8. Just because you have 128 Channels available for programming, does not
mean that you have to use all 128 Channel slots. Keep It Simple.
Once you have the data on paper, go to a web site such as
www.radioreference.com to make sure that no one in your area is using any of the
channels you have picked out.
CAUTION: DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT input ANY Public
Safety frequencies with Transmit and Receive frequencies UNLESS
you have permission, IN WRITING, prior to doing so. If you get
caught (and you will), I don’t want to hear about it because you are
stupid for doing so. If you want to put them in as Rx Only (like a
scanner) so you can monitor them, fine; Transmit is a big No Go.
Having said that; I would highly suggest that you have the last seven (7)
channels (122 to 128) set to ‘Receive Only’ on the seven National Weather
Channels so you can monitor the National Weather Service. Why all seven? You
may have multiple channels in use in your area and you never know where you are
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going to be at any given point in time. Set the ‘Scan Add’ block to ‘NO’ for these
channels. You will need to manually select them.
Next you will need to decide what Optional Features to set. Remember that
these options will be programmed into every radio. These will be the initial
settings for all radios programmed with your Channel Plan.
My Personal preferences are:
1. Backlight set to AUTO
2. Color set to ORANGE (easy to see, good contrast but not too bright at night)
3. Display Mode set to 2 (Channel Name and Receive Frequency)
4. Keylock set to MANUAL
5. Priority Channel set to whatever channel you designate as the main Priority
to use.
6. Vox Gain set to OFF
7. Frequency Mode set to ON
8. MSK Type set to the default (you don’t want to use it anyway)
9. Scan Mode set to CO (when doing a scan it will stop on any channel that is
transmitting and hold so you can listen before continuing the scan)
10. Squelch Level set to personal preference (default is 5)
11. Step set to 12.5K
12. Timeout Timer set to OFF
13. Voice set to OFF
Uncheck DISPLAY PTT ID, KEY PAD LOCK, SCRAMBLER, and BEEP.
Leave BATTERY SAVER checked.
VOX can be changed on the key board, if/when required. SCRAMBLER
can be changed using the key board. Remember that these options will either be
active or inactive for ALL channels.
I shut the Voice and Beep off because they are annoying and usually sound
off at an inopportune moment. (Sound Discipline)
I leave the Key Pad Lock set to Manual Mode because it is annoying to have
to unlock it every time I turn the radio on or change the batteries or it locks after a
certain amount of time. If I feel the need to lock it, I just push the Lock Button.
I set the Side Key (bottom key) to Squelch Off Momentary.
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Leave the PTT ID set to OFF, BUSY LOCK set to OFF and the OPT
SIGNAL set to OFF (defaults) when you do your data input.
Save your Channel Plan and upload (write) it to your radio. Disconnect the
radio from the cable. Set the radio to Scan through your Channel Plan. Hopefully,
you will not hear anything on any of the frequencies you selected (except for the
Weather Channels). If you do, you need to do some further research and listening.
Some Companies and Agencies keep using a frequency even though their FCC
License for it has expired and that frequency and license is not listed in the FCC’s
Active database. Do Not use any Channel Plan until you have worked out all of
the problems and are satisfied that it is safe to use.
Once your Channel Plan(s) are done, tested, modified, retested and saved,
you can copy the data file and share it with others in your group that have the
software and a programming cable. I very highly suggest that more than one
person in any given group have the capability of programming/reprogramming the
radios using the software. A laptop setup would be ideal.
If you choose to print out copies of the plan(s) so members can have them to
manually program/reprogram a radio when a computer with the software is not
available, you need to remember a few things and make sure that EVERYONE
knows that:
1. The printouts are OPSEC/COMSEC SENSITIVE
2. With manual programming you lose some functions that can only be done
with the software so do not ZERO the radio; just redo each channel with the
new data.
3. Manual Programing should only take place when you cannot do it via the
software.
4. MANUAL PROGRAMMING IS SUBJECT TO HUMAN ERROR. Do
it slowly and make sure all of your data is correct; otherwise you may end up
talking to yourself or to someone you don’t want to talk to.
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Explanation of Some of the Features and Functions
CTCSS USE:
You may see it listed as QT/DQT (Quiet Tone/Digital Quiet Tone), CTCSS
(Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) or PL (Private Line). Different radios
and software packages, different terms for the same function. They are commonly
used to gain or restrict access to Repeater Systems. They will not keep anyone
from hearing what you are transmitting.
If you are not accessing a Repeater System you can use it to limit who you
are transmitting to and receiving from within your group. I.e. you pick a frequency
and want to use it for ‘Team A’, ‘Team B’ and for the whole Group. So you
program three channel slots with the same frequency data, but you use three
different CTCSS codes on both Rx and Tx. That way Team A only talks to Team
A, Team B only talks to Team B and they do not interfere with each other. When
the whole group needs to talk to each other they switch to the Group Channel.
I would highly suggest that if you do not need to use CTCSS that you do not use it
to reduce manual programming errors.
SCRAMBLER FUNCTION USE:
The Scrambler Function is a Global setting. If set to ‘ON’ it will be in effect
for ALL of the channels programmed. It will effect having access to any Repeater
and is forbidden for use on some frequencies.
The scramble function uses ‘speech inversion’ techniques. To someone not
set to scramble it makes you sound like Donald Duck that inhaled a Helium
balloon. To a Radio that is set to scramble, you will come through normally.
If you decide to use it, make sure that ALL radios are set properly and
TESTED to make sure it works on ALL radios. If it does not work on all the radios
your group is using the turn it off and do not use it.
PTT ID and EMERGENCY TONE:
It is highly unlikely that you or any group member will have your radio
positioned where you can see the display or have easy access to it. More than
likely you will have it positioned on your vest, in a pouch and secure. You will
probably (should) be using a hand mike or headset to transmit and receive.
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Given those probabilities, using Push To Talk (PTT) ID is USELESS
because you will not be able to see it. Leave the settings to OFF.
Setting the side button to transmit an Emergency Tone is equally useless.
When set, it allows for and transmits a distinctive, annoying tone and the PTT ID
for the radio. This is useful for Public Safety, but not The Watchmen. When
pushed the radio constantly transmits the tone and data until someone keys that
radio again to shut it off. This shuts down the frequency for use until that happens.
At best it is an annoying function; at worse it is dangerous because it shuts down
the use of that frequency for use. You cannot transmit over the tone unless you
have a radio that is putting out a heck of a lot more transmit power.
2 TONE/MSK/DTMF:
These settings can only be set using the software.
If these settings are not done correctly, you will not be talking to anyone.
The options are not necessary or critical.
The options require taking the radio out of the pouch, looking at it, and
pushing the correct keys.
These are another set of ‘do not use’/’do not touch’ options.
SIDE KEY ASSIGMENTS:
OPTIONAL TONES – 2 Tone/MSK/DTMF, see above – Do Not Use
EMERGENCY TONE – see above – Do Not Use
SEND 1750Hz TONE – Only used to access some Repeater Systems – Do
Not Use
MONITOR – Only Option That Is Useable
FM RADIO RECEIVE:
This is a nice option to use to monitor News Broadcasts during emergencies.
If you use it, you need to remember that it is a battery drainer with continuous use.
Keep spare, fully charged batteries on hand. Practice switching the function On
and Off until you have it memorized. An emergency situation is not the time to
learn how to do it.
Program the FM Radio slots with the stations in your area that will have the
best news coverage during an emergency.
There is no provision with the PX-888D software to automate the
programming of this function. It will all be ‘hand jam’ on this one.
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PUXING 888K DUAL BAND (VHF/UHF) RADIO INSTRUCTIONS
Those of you that have, for whatever reason, decided to go with the 888K
have to make sure that you have the accessories and software compatible for the
PX-888K Dual Band (VHF/UHF) setup.
The software for the PX-888K is NOT compatible with any other PUXING
Radio. Make sure that you have Version 1.01. Other Versions could and probably
will cause the radio to lose the Manual Programming function (among other
things).
ALL of the previous cautions, except as noted in this section, are valid for
the PX-888K.
You have a unique set of problems, but you also have a lot of advantages:
1. Find a way to separate VHF Channels from UHF Channels when doing
the Channel Plan.
2. Do Not favor one Band over the other. Try to keep it balanced.
3. Check www.mygmrs.com to see if it would be feasible to utilize the
GMRS Repeaters in your State. If so, check into having some members
obtain GMRS Licenses. This way you can pass non-critical radio traffic
over longer distances. There is no test to take, just filling out the
application and paying the fee. GMRS Licenses can be ‘shared’ between
you and ‘Family’ members (get it!!).
Make sure your software and cable communicate with the radio(s) by doing
a read test as you would for the PX-888D.
Draft out your Channel Plan(s), check your data and test them. Make sure
you save them with a unique name in order to tell 888K plans from 888D plans.
The Channel Program Input Screen has additional functions available;
Scrambler No., Compander, BCL and Opt Signal:
Scrambler No: Eight numbered options available (1 through 8). Function is
compatible between 888K’s but you will need to check to see if it is compatible
with the 888D’s and 777 Plus. Other sources report that the function is not
compatible with other brands of radios. I recommend not using it unless it has been
tested and working on ALL radios being used.
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Compander: Speech Compression. Designed for use on Narrow Band
frequencies. Only works when both radios have the option available and set to
‘On’. The 888D and 777 Plus Do Not have this option. Recommend leaving it at
the Default of ‘Off’. Not using it will not affect transmitting or receiving.
BCL: Busy Channel Lock. If set to other than ‘Off’, it will inhibit
transmitting until the other party stops transmitting. Recommend leaving it at the
Default of ‘Off’.
OPT Signal: Optional Signaling. See previous on this. Leave at the Default
of ‘No’.
OPTIONAL FEATURES Screen:
1. Squelch Level: Default is 4. Adjust to personal preference.
2. Time Out Timer: Default is 60s. Change it to ‘OFF’.
3. Battery Save: Leave at the Default of ‘ON’.
4. Work Mode A and Work Mode B: Determines how the radio displays
Channel Data when you use the Dual Watch mode. I would suggest that you
set it to ‘MR’ (Channel Number) or ‘CH Name’ depending on your
preference.
5. Scan Mode: Default is ‘Time’. Change it to ‘Carrier’.
6. VFO Step: Default is ‘12.5’.
7. Back Light: Default is ‘Auto’.
8. Back Color: Default is ‘Blue’.
9. Auto Keylock: Default is ‘Off’.
10. Beep: Default is ‘On’. Change it to ‘Off’.
11. Main Watch: Default is ‘A’. Used to select which channel in Dual Watch
mode has Priority – ‘A’ or ‘B’.
12. Priority Channel: Default is ‘None’. Your other choice is ‘1’.
13. Roger Tone: Ten choices. It is an annoying feature so leave it at the Default.
14. Wait Time: Max this out to ‘12’. It will increase your time when using the
Scan Mode.
15. VOX Gain Level: ‘Off’ is disabled. Lower numbers equals more sensitivity.
You will need to adjust this to meet your requirements, if you use VOX.
16. Power On Msg Mode: Default is ‘DC’ which will give you the voltage left
in the battery. ‘MSG’ only allows for 6 characters. ‘OFF’ is no message.
Take your pick.
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PTT ID Options: DO NOT TOUCH because you are going to leave the
PTTID, and OPT Signal blocks set to ‘OFF’.
DTMF Side Tone: Uncheck
Roger Tone: Uncheck
MSK Reverse: Uncheck
MANUAL: Check this block. If you do not, you won’t be able to do ANY
manual input from the keyboard.
DTMF/MSK/5-Tone: DO NOT TOUCH ANY OF THE SETTINGS.
DISSTUN: Do Not Touch.
Key Assignment: Change Both options to Monitor Momentary
Radio: Allows the automation of programming the 10 FM Broadcast
Channels.
Radio Information: Allows for the input of up to 17 characters. Have not
figured out if it displays somewhere or what its use would be.
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PUXING 777 PLUS PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS
I believe that the 777 Plus VHF is the easiest of the Puxing Hand Held
Radios to manually program. That was the reason I started purchasing them (the
price wasn’t too bad also).
Those of you that have them need to get Version 5 of the Programming
Software. Other versions are limited and will not program all of the functions
available.
Make sure the Drop Downs are set to: ‘PX-777’, ‘134-176MHZ’, and the
last setting to ‘OPEN’ (if it is set to Close you will not be able to Manually change
or reprogram any settings). Some of the settings such as the Background Color you
will need to set from the keyboard.
On the Channel Input Screen the following Options need to be set:
1. OPT SIGNAL: Set to NONE
2. PTTID: Set to OFF
3. BUSY LOCK: Set to CARRIER
4. REPEAT INVERT: Set to FORWARD
The best options for the Side Keys (Program, Side Key from the menu) are:
1. Side Key 1: Short and Long Press set to MONITOR
2. Side Key 2 (Red): Short Press set to SCAN ON/OFF and the Long Press
set to VOX ON/OFF
The OPTIONAL FEATURES should be set as follows:
1. TIME OUT TIMER: Set to OFF
2. SQUELCH: Default is 5, Adjust as necessary. I usually use 4.
3. LANGUAGE: Set to OFF
4. VOX SWITCH: Set to OFF (That’s why you set the Side Key to turn it
On and Off)
5. VOX GAIN: Set the sensitivity to your preferences
6. PRIORITY CHANNEL: Default is 1, set to the channel you need to
7. ROGER: Set to OFF (ANNOYING FUNCTION)
8. BAT: CHECKED
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9. SCRAMBLER ACTIVATION: UNCHECK (unless by some chance you
are using the function)
10. BEEP: UNCHECK
11. The ID Section: BLANK everything out and set the Drop Down to OFF
As with the previous sections, Double Check ALL of the frequencies you
plan on using to make sure they are not in use in your area. Set the
WIDE/NARROW, SCAN and CTCSS options according to your Local or
Regional radio policy.
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WORDS OF WISDOM
1. ALL Communications can and will be monitored.
2. CTCSS only limits who in your group can hear and listen to you. It is not
encryption. It is primarily used to control access to Repeater Systems.
3. SCRAMBLE only works if everyone else (anyone not in your group) is not
using it. And it is not encryption.
4. Your Receive (Rx) and Transmit (Tx) are the same unless you are using a
Repeater System.
5. Receive Only channels do NOT have a Transmit frequency (Blank It Out).
6. Do your research. Make sure that no one else in your area is using the
channel(s) you want to use.
7. If you decide to use Channel Names, keep them simple and easy to
remember.
8. Just because you have 128 Channels available for programming, does not
mean that you have to use all 128 Channel slots. Keep It Simple!
9. Test each and every Channel Plan that you develop before using it.
10. If you are using a mix of radios, test every option that you are choosing to
use with ALL radios that you plan on using. Options on one type may not be
compatible with other types. Test it, Test it, and Test it somemore.
11. Everyone MUST be familiar with their radio(s). In the field is not the time to
find out that someone does not know how to troubleshoot their radio, or how
turn a function On or Off. This also means being able to manually program
the radio with basic data; i.e. Changing to an Alternate Channel Plan on the
fly without the use of a computer or the software.
12. Become familiar with the steps to use to Zero your radio and put it back into
Factory Configuration mode. Radio frequencies are a good source of
intelligence.
13. Spare Batteries and a means to charge them are a must have.
14. Do Not Use Functions That You And Your Group Are Unfamiliar With.
You may and probably will end up talking to yourself (or worse, someone
you don’t want to talk to). Keep it Simple!
15. Do Not interfere with the local Ham Radio Operators. They will hunt for
you and when they find you, report you to the FCC.
16. Do Not interfere with any Public Safety Agency.
17. OPSEC, COMSEC, SIGSEC; AT ALL TIMES!!