Manual Code3 32
Manual Code3 32
Manual Code3 32
with
PERSEUS Control
Version 1.01
Software Decoder Manual
Last update 14 June, 2010
Index
Program
PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................................................. 1
CODE3-32 PLATINUM USER MANUAL .................................................................................................................... 3
TRADEMARKS................................................................................................................................................................ 3
GENERAL INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................ 5
GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................................... 5
SETTING UP THE PROGRAM..................................................................................................................................... 6
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................................... 6
WIBU DRIVER INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................. 7
WIBU STATUS INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................................... 8
CODEMETER CONTROL PANEL ........................................................................................................................................ 8
THE DONGLE .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
AUDIO – DEVICE AND LEVEL ................................................................................................................................. 10
AUDIO INPUT ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
DISCOVERING YOUR RECEIVER'S CENTER FREQUENCY ............................................................................ 13
TUNING .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
ONLINE CENTER FREQUENCY INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................. 14
CALIBRATING THE PC'S INTERNAL INTERRUPT CLOCK............................................................................. 15
CALIBRATING WITH DCF 77 OR MSF STANDARD TRANSMITTER ................................................................................... 15
CALIBRATING WITH A FAX TRANSMITTER .................................................................................................................... 17
MAIN MENU.................................................................................................................................................................. 18
PRECEIVER CONTROL ( PERSEUS AT THIS MOMENT ) ............................................................................... 20
SWITCH BETWEEN PERSEUS RECEIVER AND A NORMAL SOUND DEVICE ..................................................................... 20
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21
CONTROL WINDOW ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
SPECTRUM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22
ZOOM INTO THE MAIN FFT ........................................................................................................................................... 22
MAIN DATABASE ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 23
OPEN A SCAN DATABASE ............................................................................................................................................... 23
EDIT SCAN DATABASE ................................................................................................................................................... 23
EDIT SCAN SETTINGS ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
FAVOURITES .................................................................................................................................................................. 24
DATABASE OBSERVED FREQUENCIES ............................................................................................................................ 24
SCANNING MODES ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
SELECTED DATABASE ENTRIES ...................................................................................................................................... 24
SELECTED SCAN DATABASE ........................................................................................................................................... 24
FREQUENCY RANGE ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
NOTCH........................................................................................................................................................................... 25
FILTER ........................................................................................................................................................................... 25
ENHANCE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 25
RECORDING BAND SEGMENTS OF PERSEUS: ................................................................................................................ 25
CUSTOM MENU............................................................................................................................................................ 26
RIGHT TOOLBAR – MODE CONTROL................................................................................................................... 27
DECODING MODULE MENU .................................................................................................................................... 29
STATUS BAR ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
BUTTONS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 31
KEYBOARD EMULATION ......................................................................................................................................... 32
NORMAL OPERATION OF THE CODE3-32 DECODER ...................................................................................... 35
MAIN FFT WINDOW ................................................................................................................................................... 36
AUTO CLASSIFICATION AND SHIFT SPEED MEASUREMENT ...................................................................... 38
CUSTOMTABLE.TXT ...................................................................................................................................................... 40
HANDLING FSK MODES ............................................................................................................................................ 41
HANDLING DEMODULATORS................................................................................................................................. 42
MFSK MODES ............................................................................................................................................................... 45
AUTO TUNING.............................................................................................................................................................. 47
USING CODE3-32 IP'S ................................................................................................................................................. 48
MESSAGE WATCHER................................................................................................................................................. 49
AUDIO RECORDING ................................................................................................................................................... 50
RECORDING WITH GRAPHICAL SQUELCH ....................................................................................................... 51
LOADING AN AUDIO FILE........................................................................................................................................ 53
BIT BUFFER AND DATA PROTECTION................................................................................................................. 54
FILES AND FOLDERS ................................................................................................................................................. 57
CODE3.CFG ................................................................................................................................................................... 58
CUSTOMTABLE.TXT ...................................................................................................................................................... 61
CUSTOM LOG TEXT ....................................................................................................................................................... 61
KNOWNCRCS.TXT .................................................................................................................................................... 61
LAYOUT ......................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Reminder:
Code3-32 Platinum is a smaller version in functionality derived from the
professional Decoder Code300-32. Especially in the help you will find
information about functions which are only foreseen for the Code300-32.
All screen shoots are taken from the Code300-32.
The functions in both decoders are absolutely similar, but this ‘light’- version
must do with less modes and functions, i.e. Remote Control is not available.
The included receiver control is for the Perseus SDR at this moment, but
some similar types, i.e. SDR-14 will be integrated in same way asap
Definitions
Child Window – This is any window (module) activated via a keystroke or menu selection that is not the
Main FFT Window (module). Active (i.e. in use) child windows are said to have the focus of the parent
window and any change to the parent or child window will affect the other.
Configuration File – This is a file named CODE3W.CFG found in the c:\Program Files\CODE3-32\ sub-
folder. This file controls a good number of important CODE3-32 functions and is described in further detail on
page 41.
Host-Side Remote Control (Host) – This term is used to describe the computer running the Controller.exe
program and remotely controlling the CODE3-32 located on another computer via a LAN or the Internet.
IP/IP Mode – Refers to the use of a CODE3-32 specific convention which allows for the saving and
restoration of measured parameters associated with a decode module. This should not be confused with the
term IP Address as used with the TCP/IP protocol.
Mode – A mode, in the context of the manual, describes the type of signal being transmitted, and can be
used interchangeably with the terms “Keying System”, “Signal”, or “System”.
Module – A module, in the context of this manual, describes any “child window” opened from the Main FFT
Interface. For example, clicking on the Mode Option on the main menu bar and selecting Common Modes
and SITOR will bring up the SITOR Decoding Window. All other active windows are referred to as modules
throughout this text.
All rights reserved. Printed in the Netherlands. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form
or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of Hoka
Electronics except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Making copies of
any part of this book for any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of Netherlands
Copyright laws.
The database is property of Roland Proesch, www.frequencymanager.de. Making copies of any part of this
database for any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of German Copyright laws.
Trademarks
All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately
capitalized. Hoka Electronics cannot attest to the accuracy of this information. Use of a term in this book
should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. IBM OS/2 is a registered
trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft MSDOS and Microsoft Windows (NT,
XP, Vista) are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. WIBU are registered trademarks of WIBU
System AG. Sentinel, Sentinel SuperPro, Rainbow Technologies are registered trademarks of SafeNet Inc.
Technical Details
We offer no guarantee that the information regarding systems contained in this
manual is 100% correct and always updated.
We continue to suffer from the ever growing problem of old and new competitors using information in our
manuals as they see fit often at the expense of accuracy in order to reduce their own development times at
our expense. Due to this problem, we regret that only scant details of some systems are detailed here. In
some cases the information is deliberately confusing or erroneous. It can take a long time to analyze and
crack systems. We do not believe our detailed efforts and research should be provided to our competitors
(via this manual) at an enormous loss to ourselves! To those that have genuinely paid for this product we
know you will understand.
Computer Requirements
CODE3-32 will currently run under Windows 98, 2000, ME, NT 4 XP and VISTA. The original Windows 95 is
not supported. NT4 requires a modern WDM driver for the sound device, the old original driver supplied by
NT 4 does NOT work correctly with CODE3-32, even if the sound device is working properly with other
applications!. Please consult your hardware suppliers website before you try to run under NT4 !
The program will work on all PC's that are genuinely 100% hardware and software compatible to the IBM AT
– ATX using at least a 500 MHz processor or faster and with at least 128 MB RAM. You will need to ensure
that your PC has a sound card that is equipped with a LINE IN and that you have one spare USB port for the
supplied DONGLE. A network card or a Remote access component must be installed to allow CODE3-32 to
run properly, but no network connection is necessary yet.
General Description
CODE3-32 is a software based DEMODULATOR, DECODER and ANALYSER which runs under the
Microsoft Windows operating systems, W98, WIN 2000, NT4, WIN ME, XP, VISTA and 7. This program is
part of a new generation of Data Decoder Analysers and follows in the footsteps of the popular CODE3
DOS-based decoder. This release operating under the 32-bit Windows OS, allows us to integrate many new
functions and ideas. The CODE3-32 utilizes the PC’s installed sound card running under Windows as the A-
D/D-A device. The software does not require an expansion slot or any dedicated hardware to function. Use
of a computer’s soundcard as the decoder provides maximum flexibility for operation on any PC or notebook.
Some modern sound cards offer very good performance when compared against industrial AD cards. The
speed of the DSP sound card need not be 500 MHz or more in order to run on a modern 1.5 GHz processor,
as the modern 66MHz DSP sound card works just as well with a very old Pentium CPU with a 300 MHz clock
speed or the newest and fastest Pentium IV Processors.
The CODE3-32 product continues our long experience as a software-based DSP leader, but is completely
different from the DOS based versions. Every module, analysis or decoding, is completely independent and
can be used stand-alone within its own window. This offers a complete new world in utility decoding. The
program uses the soundcard's left input channel as its main source but any additional module can be
switched to the other input channel or remain ‘listening’ to the main input. This allows the decoder to run
multiple modules from two independent sources.
An example of this multiple module scheme would be to have a Morse and SITOR decoder window active
with the left-channel input supplied to both. The two decoder windows will catch traffic in both modes as the
user switches between them. An example of using independent sources would be to have a stereo cable
with two RCA type plugs; the left plug (input source) connected to the Morse/SITOR station on your HF Rig,
and the right plug (input source) connected to your VHF/UHF Rig listening to, let’s say, the VHF PAGER
system POCSAG. But you might miss a FLEX message—no problem, open a FLEX module and select the
right input source to begin decoding it as well. You now have four decoder windows open decoding traffic
being input from two different radios! The main FFT window is always running for tuning control and signal
checking as well.
The new CODE3-32 also performs as a DAT recorder with unique functions. You can record one or both
channels independently from the decoding modules and play them back into the decoder while off-line to
perform more tasks as-if the signals were live data. The data format can be specified in the decoder set-up
but for most users 11 KHz and 16bit MONO do just fine. Note: all recordings are made in the standard WAV
format so you can use your recorded signals with other Windows programs such as “Adobe Audition®” or
they can be stored as a reference for future use by the CODE3-32 software.
Insert the CD-ROM, and the setup should launch automatically. If not, access your CD-ROM drive with
Windows Explorer and double-click on CODE3-32 and on SETUP.EXE
The progress bars will show the state of the Now you can select to add an program icon on your
5 installation process 6 desktop. Click on FINISH at the end of the process.
If you are running the setup program under W98-Me the system will now reboot and then the installation of
the driver for the hardware key will start. If you are running the setup under WNT-2000-XP the setup wizard
will start without reboot.
The progress bar shows the state of Installation is finished, press the ‘Finish’
11 the installation process 12 button to continue.
* the facility to choose the language appears only if you are using an operating system with different
language selections.
The CodeMeter Control panel appears now, no The CodeMeter control panel appears, the dongle
A hardware info yet because the dongle is not 2 is connected meantime, and the serial number of
connected. your dongle appears
This type of dongle has a few more capabilities, the most important function is the additional integrated Flash
RAM of 256 MB or on request 1GB.
In this case the complete program CODE3-32 with all necessary files can be copied into the USB stick, and it
can run also from this device, using the free space for the data directory. This features is very useful for test
CODE3-32 in different PC' s without the need to install the complete program.
It is only necessary to run the supplied file 'CodeMeterRuntime32.exe' in order to install the Codemeter
environment only, it can be de-installed later without any problem. The mentioned file can also be found on
the USB stick in the directory ' Drivers' In this case please refer to step 7 to 12 of the above installation only,
related to the WIBU driver installation.
WIBU dongle fitted on rear USB port WIBU dongle fitted on a notebook USB port
You must adjust your soundcard’s audio input levels upon starting the program for the first time. This will
allow you to calibrate the audio level that is fed to the decoder and the PC clock which will ensure the
program runs correctly. When the program starts, it will access the default sound card listed by Windows.
If you have only one sound card installed in your computer, then skip to the Audio Level Setup below. If you
have more than one sound card OR you wish to use a sound card other than the one Windows has defaulted
to, you will need to enter the Windows Control Panel then select Sounds and Audio Devices (Windows XP)
or Sound Device (Windows 98). From there you will select the sound device you wish the CODE3-32
program to use as its audio source and then select OK. NOTE: There is no need to change the default
sample rate.
Use the AD Scope under the Signal Analysis menu or press [Ctrl][F2] to calibrate the input line level
amplitude. Generate the audio level that will be normally used and view the signal on the scope display as
shown below.
Please note: the 16bit AD converter has a fairly good dynamic range, so an input level of e.g. –10 db works
fine and allows some room for higher peaks as well. As the audio level from the receiver can increase and
overload the AD input with the addition of only one db—which will decrease the performance of any AD
device dramatically— it might be better to choose a value of app. –10db for all connected receivers.
You may wish to tune to a steady carrier or a known station sending a data mode and use it as the input
audio level you are feeding the decoder. Try and choose a clean signal and use a wide filter to ensure
sufficient audio to drive the sound card.
During normal operation of the program, VU style meters to the right of the FFT window display the incoming
audio level to the left (default) and right (stereo operation) channels. A colour scheme is used to show the
level of the incoming audio. Light Green describes the correct input levels and equates to approximately
-29dB to -20dB; yellow may cause a distorted input and is approximately -19dB to -2dB; red is too high and
will degrade the performance of the CODE3-32 and is approximately anything higher than -1dB. You may
use these as a “quick guide” to setting the correct audio level. Use the steps above to lower the audio levels
if you notice signals often peaking into the red zone.
Note
• The program defaults to the left channel when open – if you are using both the left and right
channels remember to select the correct input source when starting a new module or analysis tool.
• If your PC has a multi-media 5.1 sound card, a problem could appear when the multi speaker setting
is enabled. (It is enabled as default!) Please disable this option via the Windows sound device
setting as mentioned above. This will enable the LINE input, which will not be available otherwise.
1 Left 1 Left 1 In
2 Right 2 Right 2
Audio Input
Prior to tuning your first signal, you must align your receiver’s filter center frequency to the CODE3-32’s
software enabled center frequency. This will allow for perfect “on-frequency” tuning every time you find a
signal (i.e. a given signal center tuned as a result of using the below process will be centered on its actual
frequency, and not on an offset frequency of the radio’s filter).
Select the receiver IF filter and mode you wish to use for demodulation. On most radios this will be either CW
or RTTY (You may want to check if your radio has a tunable BFO. If so, this should be set to one of the
default settings that the CODE3-32 supports.) Most radios use either 800Hz or 2210Hz as standard for CW
and RTTY modes (respectively). If your radio supports it, you can change the default filter center frequencies
to suit your own tastes e.g.1000Hz and 1900Hz. You will need to specify in the CODE3-32 Configuration file
what center frequency you are going to use (described below). By default the program uses 1900Hz on start-
up.
To begin, switch your receiver’s filter to the one you will be using (e.g. RTTY), and tune your receiver to a
known frequency which radiates a steady carrier such as a short wave radio station found in the AM
Broadcast Bands (535KHz – 1605KHz). Please do not use incremental stations, independent stations, or
local radio stations as they are always a few Hertz off frequency and cannot be relied upon to provide an
accurate frequency measurement. The WWV transmitter on 10000.000 kHz is another good example of a
station which will produce a steady tone when tuned. One should choose a narrow bandwidth for these tests
and use a filter width on the receiver of 1KHz if possible.
The CODE3-32’s main FFT window will display the chosen filter’s center frequency as a tone at one a few
possible standard center frequencies—namely, 800Hz, 1750Hz, 1900 Hz or 2210Hz. This is shown below.
Now using the mouse, right click the audio tone you see in the FFT window and use the D8 P4 FFT width
button to zoom in. Continue using the right mouse button until you have centered the single blue middle line
directly on the tone. Once you are happy that the tone and the blue line are aligned correctly you can
determine the filter’s center frequency by looking at “Center” measurement provided in the lower middle box
in the graphic above (Center: 1900Hz). This measurement is the radio filter’s offset frequency as required for
the center frequency in CODE3-32. NOTE: Each radio filter’s center frequency will have to be determined if
you plan on using it when tuning your receiver (i.e. FAX, CW, RTTY filters each have a different center
frequency and each must be determined independently).
Once the frequency has been ascertained, make a note of it and open the program configuration file with
notepad or other text editor. Find the entry marked CENTER_FREQUENCY=1900 and change this to reflect
the frequency you have recorded and then save the file. Restart CODE3-32 and you will now have the FFT
tuning marker and the Center indicator set to your chosen frequency. This is now the default measurement,
but it can be changed at any time by clicking the right mouse button in the main FFT window.
The above technique cannot be used for calibrating your SSB filters! Instead, simply choose a center
frequency like 1500, 1900 or 2000Hz and remember that all frequency readouts will be offset by this amount.
The following information is intended to provide maximum success when tuning a signal for the first time
using the CODE3-32. Look at the main FFT window and begin tuning. You will hear the signal before you
see it in the window. Slowly tune the signal until it can be seen in the window. The audio pitch of the signal
should start off as “high” and decrease as you center tune it. Tune the signal until it is “centered’ on the
CODE3-32’s default center frequency tuning guide (shown as a yellow line). For Frequency Shift Keyed
(FSK) signals you will place the tuning guide in the middle of the “bat ears” as shown below. Other types of
signals are tuned similarly but require a greater degree of skill to accurately center tune them (such as a HF
modem which must be very precisely center tuned in order to produce any discernable output).
In the case of the [F1] Auto-Analysis module the signal should begin to appear from the right of the screen
and work its way left as one tunes upwards towards the RTTY signal.
In the case of the [F2] tuning Oscilloscope it should appear from the top and, on further tuning UP in RF
frequency, it should continue to move DOWN the tuning screen.
If upon tuning the receiver up in RF frequency the audio pitch also goes up, then the signal’s mark and
space tones will be reversed. The mark tone should always be decoded as the lowest audio frequency and
the space tone as the highest. To recall which tone is which remember - Space is high.
One reason why the tones may be reversed is because the transmitter is using Lower Sideband instead of
Upper – The solution is to select the Upper Sideband filter instead! If this occurs when using the CW or FSK
filter, then the BFO is probably operating on the wrong side of the IF frequency. The solution to this may be
more difficult. Some receivers (usually commercial or military grade) allow plus and minus BFO frequencies,
the solution is to simply choose the opposite setting. Some receivers (often amateur grade) have fixed BFO’s
and cannot be altered, often because the CW and FSK settings are really based on LSB filters. Solution –
Select the “inverted” option within the decoding windows and see if your text decodes as it should.
The CODE3-32 software must “know” your PC’s unique ‘ticker’ interrupt-clock frequency in order to work
correctly. NOTE: This is not the same as the computer’s system clock frequency which is the speed your
computer operates at (i.e. 800MHz, 1.1GHz, 1.5GHz). This tutorial will help you to set your computer’s
standard IBM ‘ticker’ interrupt which runs at about 18 times per second.
All IBM PC compatible computers have near identical 'ticker' interrupt clock timing. However the very
slightest amount of variation from what it should be (according to IBM) will cause an inaccuracy within the
software because this is what is used as its reference— get that wrong and the CODE3-32’s timing will be
out-of-synch enough to cause problems in all of the decoding and analysis modules.
This warning appears when the program starts with an This message appears when the correction file was not found in
un-calibrated interrupt clock frequency. the folder. It will be created with a default value of 1
This message can be disabled for special purposes: Add following line in CODE3W.cfg. “CLOCKCORRSUPPRESS=YES”
In order to rely on the CODE3-32 to supply accurate and consistent results, including vertically-aligned FAX
pictures, one must calibrate the software to the clock frequency of your PC.
To begin, turn on your PC and leave it running for a minimum of 30 minutes. This allows for the computer to
have a stable internal temperature which will affect the timer’s speed. The computer should also be in a
room with a stable temperature between 60F/16C and 100F/37C. Notebook users take special care to
ensure temperature stability in the room you are in. Failure to follow this process will result in the CODE3-32
returning inaccurate baud speed measurements and will seriously degrade its ability to work with signals with
a low SNR (i.e. transmitting at the noise floor).
Tune into a good reliable FAX service like those found in the HF or use a time standard such as MSF on 60
kHz or DCF77 on 77.5 kHz and enter the FAX module.
Tune your receiver to 77.5 kHz and use the Oscilloscope module to center the signal in the example below,
the center frequency is at 1038 Hz. Start the fax module once you are sure the signal is centered. Leave the
default settings but turn off the APT function to allow the decoder to start.
Within the FAX module, allow a full screen to accumulate and use a right-mouse click to align the top edge of
the pulsed time-signal with the left or right edge of the screen. You can do this as many times as you need
in order to ensure the image is lined up with the window edge. This will make the alignment easier to perform
as you have a vertical edge to judge by.
To start the timer alignment, hold down the [CTRL] key, move your cursor to the top of the DCF77 timing
signal as shown below, and click the left mouse button to mark the top of CODE3-32's calibration marker
coincident with the top of the fax's edge. Keep the marker as close to the edge of the image guide-line as
possible (see below).
As you can see above, the decoder picture is more or less vertical and as a result minimal adjustment is
needed. Slowly move the calibration marker until the Ì cursor is at the bottom of the image and against the
lower edge of the signal. Left-click the mouse once you are happy you have the calibration marker in line
with the image. This is shown above.
You may repeat this process a few times until the picture is perfectly vertical. This will then quickly calibrate
your computer's interrupt clock frequency. During normal use this setting should not need to be checked
again, BUT, it is worth running the procedure again after a CPU or motherboard change, or when using the
CODE3-32 on a new computer, in order to ensure the calibration is set to the computer’s interrupt clock
frequency.
You may repeat this process a few times until the picture is perfectly vertical. This will then quickly calibrate
your computer's interrupt clock frequency. During normal use this setting should not need to be checked
again, BUT, it is worth running the procedure again after a CPU or motherboard change, or when using the
CODE3-32 on a new computer, in order to ensure the calibration is set to the computer’s interrupt clock
frequency.
For backup reasons, a file called ClockCor.txt is created in the CODE3-32’s start-up folder (as mentioned
above) and can be copied to a back-up disk and re-installed into the CODE3-32 folder should you delete the
CODE3-32 program off of your computer. This way you will not need to re-perform the above processes.
The program will function without the timer clock setting for normal modes like Baudot or Sitor but more
complex modes like HFDL, MIL 188-110 A, STANAG, etc. will need the properly calibrated clock setting for
best results. Decoder performance and SNR routine also benefit from having the timer clock set-up and so
Hoka advises you to spend a few moments completing this process before “jumping” right into the decoder.
(*) To find an actual frequency where a meteorological fax station is active please refer to National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration's and download for free Worldwide Marine Radiofacsimile Broadcast
Schedules at http://nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/rfax.pdf
From version 2.12 the main menu has changed a little bit. A new tool bar with icons now handles the most
important and frequently used items.
Menu Description
Files Access to audio file .WAV, received text files, .IP files.
Signal Analysis Access to all signal analysis modules, like spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, etc.
Data Analysis Access to all data analysis modules, like correlation bit, bit analysis etc.
Select Off Line operation, load a wave file – back to Real Time operation
Oscilloscope [F2]
Waterfall [F7]
Generator
Universal Demodulator
Select Left audio channel in FFT display. - “gray” shows the inactive channel
Select Right audio channel in FFT display. - “gray” shows the inactive channel
Please note:
For the control function of the PERSEUS you will need the newest USB driver for Windows and fort he
receiver itself.
This optional SDR mode will not replace the original supplied receiver control software which comes with
PERSEUS. For some purposes this maybe the better choice.
Also here CODE3-32 can be connected very easy, with a Virtual Audio Device program or also with a real
existing sound device, via mixer input. Our SDR control does use own demodulators as well and is mainly
made for data communication purposes.
The interactivity between decoder and scanning entries of the database was a main part of this integrated
receiver control. These functions will be increased in the next time. In MIL188-141, ALE, it is possible to
open the ALE decoder and scan through the ALE database ( adjust dwell time to at least 1700 ms). Press
the ‘Fx’ button and select the requested function, stop in this case. Scanning wiil be stopped as soon a signal
appears.
Additionally for the database function the Borland Database Engine BDE has to be installed. The setup part
will ask you to install this part or not in case it is installed by another program before.
Select SETUP, choose sound device . This way is the most easy way, but keep in mind that the decoder
must be started with Perseus control enabled! Only in this way the PERSEUS input is shown as sound
device in the selection menu.
Open the CODE300W.CFG file with an editor and remove the first line,
AUDIO_SOURCE_PERSEUS=YES, change into 'NO';
Start CODE300-32 again, it will work without the Perseus part as normal decoder analyzer.
In case of a new start of CODE300-32 with receiver control the above setting in the CODE300W.CFG file is
requested, because the PERSEUS is not in the Windows list of present sound devices.
When running the PERSEUS SDR as input for CODE300-32, please change a few settings in the
CODE300W.CFG file:
AUDIO_SOURCE_PERSEUS=YES must be set, this will start CODE300-32 with receiver control as default.
If started in this way, one can switch to normal decoder with sound card input by selecting another audio
source, i.e. the default PC sound device.
If started in this way, one can return to the PERSEUS setting again by selecting the Perseus input as sound
input from setup.
The following settings maybe changed to increase the decoder performance and handling:
CENTER_FREQUENCY=1700 sets the decoder center frequency equal to the receiver BFO setting (1700
Hz in this case)
CENTER_FX_MEASURED_AS_DEFAULT=NO
AUTO_TUNING=NO
These two settings are useable in offline modus, the decoder will ‘auto tune ‘ into all audio signals with
different setting of center frequency. With a receiver input these values can be better fixed to the receiver
settings.
The user interface fort he PERSEUS control is divided into four different areas:
1. Control window
2. Spectrum window also for receiver control
3. Database
4. Scanning
Control Window
The reception mode is selected below the frequency field, also all settings like AGC, ATT aso. in the right
part of the control window. Every mode (except AM and FM) do have a free choice of bandfilters, but comes
with a default setting. Changing i.e. the USB filter is possible in two ways:
Below the window the filter bandwidth can be set by using the right and left arrow button. With this function
not only the PERSEUS spectrum is adjusted but also the audio bandwidth in the decoder spectrum. The
bandwidth is shown as a grey shadow.
The bandwidth can also be set in the FFT screen of the decoder spectrum. Select within this CODE3-32
audio FFT the begin of a free definable filter with the left mouse button pressed AND left CTRL key of
keyboard pressed, now move the mouse until the defined higher end of the IF filter is reached. The grey
shadow follows this line.
Un-pressing the left mouse button selects this filter width, it will also stored for this frequency setting if it
should be stored into one of the memories.
The frequency control of the PERSEUS can also be performed directly in the spectrum window. By pressing
the left mouse button and dragging to the left or right the receive frequency can be changed. In the lower
parts the changes are small (down to 1 Hz), in the upper part bigger changes (up to 1 MHz) are possible.
Double click any signal in the FFT will tune this signal into the FFT center.
If a hook is set to Main database follow tuning the database is following the frequency changes. Below the
spectrum window the center frequency, the frequency delta below the mouse and the level are displayed.
The button Linear is changing the display between logarithmic and linear level. Average shows the average
level of a transmission and Peak Hold adds the strongest values.
With the button Waterfall the waterfall mode can be selected.
The receiver can also be tuned by a double click on a dataset of the main database or the observed
frequencies. Press left ALT key and use CURSOR UP / DOWN or CURSOR LEFT / RIGHT to
scroll through the main data base entries.
The receiver tuning will follow these entries immediately without confirmation by ENTER.
Please note: the database part must have the focus in this case!
Move the mouse cursor into the receiver main FFT, to give this window the focus, than scroll with the mouse
wheel. The scale should change, the shown frequency range in this window, the receiver span, is changed
and can be set up to a few kHz wide only.
A span of 10 kHz wide will allow recognising of all possible details around a selected frequency.
Main database
Select with the mouse the field you want to select on, i.e. Country.
After a short delay a window appears showing all stored countries in this database. Choose one and double
click with the left mouse button, the database will show only entries from this country now. You can handle
these details in same way as the complete database, tune into each setting, select for scanning etc.
To return to the full database, open the selection window again and click with the RIGHT mouse button, full
database is shown again, which is always sorted on frequency entries.
Above the spectrum display four menus for additional functions are
located. These are:
Button Function
Open a scan database
Recording of the spectrum which will be stored as wave file on the harddisc.
This menu opens a scan database fort he scan mode Selected scan database. All datasets of this
database are scanned cyclical. This database can be edited with the button Edit scan database.
Each frequency is received with the time stored in the field Dwell-time (ms).
It is possible to use as many own databases as you need, i.e for a special mode or user. In case you create
or convert your own databases, please add the requested fields for the receiver setting, with preset for each
mode. (simply copy these settings from an existing database).
With the menu File a scan database can be opened. Frequencies are
stored by drag & drop from the frequency control window.
If a dataset is selected by a single click this can be deleted by using the
button Delete database entry.
A new database can be created with the menu File. After saving the
database name it can be filled as described above.
In this database special frequencies can be stored. Frequencies are stored by dragging them from the
frequency control window to a needle. By double click this frequency is set to the control window.
A single click will select a dataset for editing. A second click allows to edit the contents of the fields.
Scanning Modes
Press left keyboard SHIFT button, keep pressed and select with
mouse or upper / lower keys the entries in the main database, they
should colour blue.
All these entries will be scanned now with the chosen dwell time.
It is possible to use as many own databases as you need, i.e for a special mode or user. In case you create
or convert your own databases, please add the requested fields for the receiver setting, with preset for each
mode. (simply copy these settings from an existing database).
This button activates the scanning of a selected scan database with the given dwell time. Open the scan
database selector and load the new scan database. The field with 3 scan buttons will change, two more
buttons are visible now. These two will scroll manually through all entries (up and down),
the receiver is tuned immediately. An automatic scroll is possible with the 'normal' buttons
(start, pause, stop) within the selected dwell time.
Frequency range
Filter
This button suppresses the noise in the background and filters the audio.
Enhance
For voice transmissions this button suppresses the noise in the background.
Be aware this recording will fill your hard disk in a short time!
Selecting the PLAY button loads a file and allows 'offline' tuning of the receiver.
From version 2.12 a custom menu box is available. This function is very similar to “Run from IP [F12]” and
offers also the facility to recall a module from an *.IP file, but with an easy custom management.
The IP of this module is saved into the subfolder ' Freq_Used_Modes' without the extension ' *.IP' .
In this way it is very easy to fill the own 'custom menu' with your own selection of modes. They will appear
later in alphabetical order in the custom menu selection box.
Clicking with the left mouse button on the custom menu opens this selection box and one can start one of
the shown modules by double click. The selected mode will start and the custom menu is closed at the same
moment.
Closing the custom menu without selecting a mode is possible by clicking the left menu button again.
If the custom menu is not active (combo box not visible), all mode IP's are written into the standard data
folder with the 'IP' extension as well.
Version 3.81 and higher got a new facility to start up to five modes or tools with only one command. See in a
later chapter “Multiple IP” for all details.
These allow the operator to change or select settings for each mode quickly and
without the need to open other options from a menu bar. Certain modes will load with
pre-set parameters if they are standard for that mode. There are two ways to change
the settings for these parameters: 1) Use the pull down menu and select the option
you wish, or, 2) You can use the unique left-mouse-click capabilities of the interface
whereby you place your cursor on the parameter and click the bottom half of the
character to select a lower value, and the top half of the character to select a higher
value (see below).
NOTE1: If the Shift-Speed Measurement Module [F1] is active then left-clicking on the entry’s name (i.e.
clicking on the word “baudrate”, “center”, “shift”) will display the measurement from that module and a right-
mouse-click will input the measured value into the entry.
NOTE2: Using the left-click method only works with the numerical entries (i.e. Baudrate, Center, Shift), not
alphanumeric ones like the demodulator entry.
Baudrate Entry. Some modules have the pre-set baudrates associated with them
available, while other modules display all major known baudrates. The baudrate for all
systems can be changed using the left-click method. NOTE: Systems which regularly
use a specific baudrate will default to that rate upon opening the decoding module.
These can be changed at any time but the program writers have made your task a
little easier by using preset speeds based on their knowledge and other data sources.
Center Entry. Upon entry your pre-set center freq is displayed. The drop down offers
3 presets but can be changed manually using the left-mouse-click to anything from
100Hz to 5000Hz in 1Hz steps.
Shift Entry. Any shift from 6Hz to 3.5KHz can be selected using the mouse. All
modules open with their default shift width based on common signals. It may be
necessary to adjust these settings manually for a different type of signal.
Alphabet Entry. For modes that support another alphabet this drop down menu offers
other installed alphabets. This option is not available in all modules.
ITA-2 Mask Entry. The ITA-2 Mask dropdown allows you to change the bit mask for
transmissions that are using the ITA2 character set. Baudot and Rou-Fec are two
examples that can be found running with BIT masked transmissions. Common start
points such as 15 and 24 are preset and any bit mask from 0 (none) to 31 can be
selected using the mouse.
With a click right click on the label Baudrate, Center, Shift, you can recall the extimated vaule measured with
Shift an Baudrate Measurement, with a left click you can see this value only but you den set it.
From version 3.0 all decoding modules are changed and offer a tool bar with icons for the most common
settings.
Edit current alphabet mapping Show On Line Help for this module
Select left audio channel for this module.
Open Text Scanning module
“Gray” shows the inactive channel
Insert date and time stamp Select right audio channel input.
(only in production mode) “Gray” shows the inactive channel
Enable On-Line SYNOP decoder Close this module - Exit
Each module has a common menu and status bar—these change on a per mode basis but share many
common elements. For quick reference we will cover the main areas that are common to most modules.
Module-specific controls will be covered during the explanation of that module.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1) Reading from left to right we have the B and Y FSK tuning blocks – these will illuminate in sympathy with
the incoming signal if it is FSK (SITOR, BAUDOT, PACTOR etc) These allow the user to quickly tune an FSK
signal without need to return to the FFT main window.
2) Next the Channel number for MFSK modes – these include COQ PICCOLO and CROWD 36. The
number changes with the current channel being decoded and allows you to see signals that need accurate
channel tuning e.g. CROWD 36 to channel 24.
3) SYNC is enlightened when the module has achieved a good synchronization with the signal.
4) The BY is showing in this case that the signal is ERECT. If say we were tuned to a station using the
wrong sideband then the signal would be INVERTED and the BY would be shown as YB. For signals that
are MFSK like TWINPLEX the BYBY or BYYB status will be shown. You can change the signal polarity with
the ERECT and INVERT buttons found on the right hand toolbar.
5) After this the current module center frequency is shown. Note this is per module and can be changed by
the drop down found on the menu or by the module on entry. RS-ARQII and ALE will default to known good
values – this does not affect any other module open or the main FFT display.
This is useful for signals that are either off frequency to each other or modes that need to have the center
frequency changed without retuning the receiver. Watching a channel with ALE traffic and MIL110a would
normally need the receiver to be returned between mode changes to compensate the different center
frequencies these modes use – with Code 300-32 this is not needed as each module will use a unique
setting totally independent from each other.
6) Delta F is visible when the ATC is turned on. This will show the mistuning around the carrier or center of a
FSK system. This is most accurate when using FEK filters – but will also be useful using other demodulators
when tuning a mode that requires critical tone alignment. CROWD 36, MIL110a, PACTOR II etc will need
once tuned the ATC setting to compensate for slight mistuning or signal drift.
7) Some signals have a polarity element and this can be shown on the far right as either Erect or Inverse.
Do not confuse this with the signals mark level. Common modes like SITOR can be either erect or inverse
and this will be reflected on the lower status bar.
Starting from the top left and working down across the panel you will find these options on most modules.
These change the signal polarity in respect of the mark or space. So BY or YB signals
can be decoded without having to change sideband. The signals ROU-FEC and DUP-
ARQ are very sensitive to the mark level and will not decode properly unless set correctly.
Pressing the ATC button will tell the CODE3-32 software to automatically make minor
<software> tuning adjustments which allow the decoder to keep locked on to signals that
require maximum frequency stability such as MFSK systems and PACTORII. The Delta F
on the lower status bar will show the amount of mistuning being corrected.
Pressing this button will display special control characters that are normally inhibited from
being displayed on screen. These include Line Feeds, Carriage Returns, and others
(ALPHA, BETA, RQ etc).
Under poor signal conditions the figure or letter shift might be missed and as a result the
decoded output will be incorrect. Choose UoS (UnShift On Space) to correct missed letter
shifts and SoS (Shift On Space) to correct for missing figure shifts. These are useful for
METEO type transmissions which contain a lot of figures—a weak or distorted signal
could cause the decoder to print incorrectly.
Used in conjunction with UoS and SoS, this button allows the end user to correct a
missed figure or letter shift without having to turn on those options. Using this will perform
a one-time correction when you know the output should be either letters or figures but the
CODE3-32 has decoded it incorrectly.
This turns on or off the save decoded text option. Files are saved in the sub-folder which
the program's Config file specifies, normally the \DATA_AND_AUDIO_FILES subfolder.
Each file contains the mode, channel, and date in the filename which allows the user to
quickly locate a file (e.g. MIL110A 02032002.RTT). TDM and MFSK modes will output to
2 or 4 files depending on the number of active channels. These again will be marked in
such a way that the operator can quickly find their file (e.g. PICC6 CHANNELA
03022002.RTT).
Old DOS keyboard commands from the CODE30 and CODE3 decoders can be used with the new CODE3-
32 software. This allows experienced users to quickly navigate the program using the key-strokes they are
already familiar with. Certain keyboard commands, namely those which require a secondary typed input are
not supported. The keyboard emulation can be enabled or disabled in the SETUP part of main menu. Not all
the old commands are implemented, but the most important and handy ones are available.
Please find hereafter the most important commands:
[t] auto-tuning on
[1][2][3][4]
in PACTOR: select different mode
[5][6][7]
[b] Manual numeric input of baud rate (incl. Leading zero), 10,00 to 999,99 baud
[o] Output to disk. The text file has the extension '*.RTT'.
[F3] Auto classification - Note you need to open Shift Baud Measurement before this is enabled
[F6] Straddle
[F7] Waterfall
[ctrl] [I] ITA2 Analysis - Note you need open a module based on ITA2 Alphabet before this is enabled
[ctrl] [c] Character Counter - Note you need open a decoding module before this is enabled
[ctrl] [a] Open a RTT file into Data and Text Editor
The program starts with a standard Windows-looking interface—a fully supported menu, the Main FFT
Screen, and the lower Status Screen.
1) The FFT window displays an audio spectrum between 0Hz and 5.5KHz with a vertical blue (or red when
other modules open) line representing the center frequency as specified in the configuration file.
2) The resolution of the FFT window can be increased or decreased by selecting an option from the right
hand side button bar. You can choose between seven options from displaying the full spectrum down to
170Hz.
3) Changing the center frequency or shift in another active window, such as a decoder module, will override
the values already set on the main FFT window—this allows for easy tuning of modes like RS-ARQ and ALE.
4) The FFT window also contains a pair of yellow ‘roofing filter’ lines. These allow you to see the roofing filter
in action when activated. These are adjusted by the shift and baud rate option drop down list found in most
decoder and analysis tool modules.
5) The lower status bar shows the buffer size in KB and the amount of time this equates to at the current
sampling rate. The actual sample rate is shown in Hz. The default sampling rate is a 16-bit format at
11025Hz over two channels, but this can be changed by modifying the configuration file.
6) The status bar also displays the current selected center frequency followed by the estimated center
frequency and the selected roofing filter shift and estimated roofing filter shift, both in Hz. As mentioned
above, these change if they are modified within a module.
7) The ‘L’ indicates the left input channel is being displayed in the main FFT window. To change to the right
channel, click the icon L or R. NOTE: The program defaults to the left channel upon start-up.
9) Fast Audio Card Select makes it possible to switch between all installed sound devices in an easy and
fast way, simply press one button to choose the requested sound card, up to 10 sound devices can be
handled here.
Shift
Filter
Bandwidth
Center
Frequency
Energy
Detection
Main Spectrum
If two modes are opened with different audio inputs, you will see the actual input level of the mode which has
the 'focus' under Windows. Toggling between these modes will switch the input LED to the right or left
channel.
Fast Audio Card Select makes it possible to switch between all installed sound devices
in an easy and fast way, simply press one button to choose the requested sound card,
up to 10 sound devices can be handled here.
VU meter show the incoming audio level signal for L and R channel.
Four different colour help to have a good idea of the incoming audio level
1. Press the left upper Auto Tune button to swap to manually tuning. The tuning is possible now by mouse
clicking (right button) in the main FFT spectrum. This tunes the SSM demodulators to the correct value.
2. Select manually the correct, expected baud range by one of the speed buttons, a max measurement
range up to 45, 225, 900 and 4.800 bd is possible. Double clicking one of these buttons switch off the range
automatic and a 'fixed range' message appears.
Double click again to switch to enable automatic range setting again.
3. Same situation with a special PSK demodulator for some (B)PSK signals: normally the automatic
should select another demodulator, the PSK demod button is highlited then. With crowded signals press this
button or double click for a fixed PSK demodulator setting.
Same signal after a short time, PSK demod is active, range is set to 45 bd max.
In any open module find the right toolbar and left-click on an entry's name (i.e. baudrate, center or shift) to
see what measurement is coming from the Shift Baud Measurement Module. If you are satisfied with the
measurement, perform a right-click on the entry's name to change the default measurement to the one
coming from the Shift Speed measurement Module. This lift-click-measure, right-click-change method works
in all open modules, but only on the Shift, Baudrate, and Center Frequency entries on the Right Toolbar.
Note: Measurements from the Shift Baud Measurement Module are not automatically entered into an open
module because you may not want to use those default measurements, especially, if you are using that input
in two different modules. The program will only change the settings for the Shift, Baudrate, and Center
Frequency by using the left/right-click method above or by using the associated drop-down menus. Once
stable measurements of the baud-rate and shift have been taken, press [F3] to activate the Auto Classify
module. Only this module works interactive with SSM, it changes his own center frequency and shift width
continuously with the incoming signal.
Because the programs auto classification system can detect nearly all commonly seen keying systems, this
is a very quick way to select a mode and begin decoding. Not all systems will automatically be detected by
this module, under certain reception conditions including selective fading or co channel interference the
module will NOT be able to make a 100% correct system choice. If the system remains unclassified then you
will need to move on to the other analysis tools to identify the signal composition if required.
In case a mode is detected, press button [ACCEPT] to jump into this system, together with all measured
settings.
Selecting another system in the left window by double clicking it, will jump into this module.
Please note: some modes will be discriminated by baud speed only, so one has to measure the baud speed
always before !
AUTO-TUNING
The above two modes, Shift Speed Measurement and Auto Classification, can run both together
simultaneously to analyze i.e. a couple of different (recorded) sound signals. Because these signals are
mostly recorded with a different center frequency, it maybe very helpful to enable an automatic tuning and
shift setting for these two modules that work continuously and keeps tracking the shift- and center frequency
of the sound input. This will enable the Classification module to do his work also correctly, his tuning is also
done automatically now. In main menu, 'Preferences' , Auto Tuning, one can enable or disable this tool for
these two modules.
CustomTable.txt
The function of this table is limited to AUTOCLASSIFICATION module.
One can add his own, not common baud speed and (fake-) name for this system.
If this external table is activated, the Auto Class module will look only for these parameters.
BAUDRATE=131 SYSTEM=TEST1
Tune the receiver so the incoming FSK straddles the Center Frequency Reference Marker.
Each decoding module will open with the default Center Frequency. However, if you switch back to the Main
FFT Window and use the right-click method and change the Center Frequency Marker’s location, you will
change the Center Frequency in the decoding window as well. Note: you will have to do this each time you
open another module as each new module displays the default Center Frequency.
The main thing to remember about the active module is that it has the ‘focus’ of the FFT window, and
changes made within that window will affect the FFT Window and vice versa. The focus changes as you
switch between active windows (i.e. go from the SITOR Module to the CW Module). This functionality allows
each window to have its own Center Frequency setting independent of any other window which can be
important in decoding certain modes.
In most decoding modules with their own fixed demodulator, there is no choice possible and also not
necessary.
OOK
Although the most commonly thought of system using OOK is Morse, there is no need to select OOK
demodulator when using the Morse modules. OOK is automatically selected in this case. For any other
decoding systems, selecting OOK will switch in a single filter and amplitude sensitive demodulator for just
one single tone centered on the set centre frequency. This can be very useful for some (agreed they are
rare) single tone RTTY signals or when one of the tones is badly affected by interference.
FSK
The default mode is FSK in most cases, because it is a good ‘all-round’ general demodulator for the majority
of signals found on HF. Best suited to narrow to medium shift FSK signals (e.g. 85 Hz or 170 Hz). Not at all
suitable for wide shift FSK signals (e.g. 850 Hz) unless significant selective fading is affecting reception
using FEK demodulation.
FEK
The FEK demodulator uses two (or more) matched filters. The exact number of filters is decided by the
number of tones the system being decoded has. For example if FEK was selected for the 13 tone Coquelet
MK1, then 13 matched filters would be set up. FEK demodulation is best used on medium to wide shift
signals (greater than 170 Hz) and VFT signals that require the filtering out of adjacent interleaved channels.
The following demodulator settings are only possible in the Universal PSK Demodulator.
BR 6028
This 6028 VFT system is a commonly found VFT system
using 7 channels of 45 bd to 100 bd Baudot each with 170
Hz shift.
Spectrum of BR6028
Sometimes it seems to be a modified BR6028 system where channel 2 never seems to be present. The Pilot
tone at 560 Hz is an unmodulated tone. All channels carry 100 bd with 170 Hz shift Baudot delayed in time
by 0.5 secs. This system is included in BAUDOT and available as special demodulator "BR6028"
Spectrum of R39
A grid made with number of tone, shift between tone and center frequency set on
Demodulator, appear on main fft in order to help in a correct tuning.
Tuning into an FSK or MFSK signal is made easy by the tuning markers which are available in CODE3-32.
These markers can be used in two different ways. First, they can be kept off until you open an associated
MFSK module. This will keep your main FFT window clear of the markers until they are needed. To activate
this option, go to the Main Menu and click on TUNINGàAuto Tuning Grid. The second method allows you to
select from the tuning menu any of the various marker schemes. This is best used when the MFSK you are
monitoring is unknown to you. Center the MFSK signal, lower the bandwidth until you have zoomed in
enough to see the individual tones. Activate each set of markers until you find a match between your signal
and the selected marker set.
Finally open the associated decoder to see if this is correct. The example below shows how you can center
an MFSK, narrow the bandwidth, and manually select the marker set to determine what kind of MFSK is
being received.
D8 P8 zoom factor 8x, phase zoom factor 8x with tuning reference grid activated
Software release 1.8 and higher offers an automatic tuning facility. Simply press the button on the right
part of the main form to auto-tune into any FSK signal. Pressing the short key [t] for tuning starts this tool
very fast from keyboard for all modules that need FSK tuning. As long as the button is pressed, the auto
tuning will be active and correct the center frequency. Please note: this tool cannot work properly under all
circumstances, i.e. selective fading, too much noise etc, so it will not stay active while a decoder is running.
Loss of data could be caused by this tuning tool. It needs an operator to check its correct operation.
In the main menu of CODE3-32 you can find a menu option 'SETUP', submenu ' Preferences'. The first
option of this Preference menu is called 'Measured center fx as default'. The default value is 'ON'. This
option is therefore checked. All modes and tools where a variable center frequency is necessary or possible,
are opened with the measured center frequency and shift. These two measurements are made in the main
form in background and are valid for most two tone FSK and most MFSK systems. All decoding systems with
fixed values for center frequency will therefore not be changed. Also all remote controlled started systems
will appear with their IP value.
This auto tuning tool can be very handy under most circumstances and can save a lot of time. On the other
hand it can startup a decoding module with wrong parameters under bad circumstances, i.e. selective fading,
idling signal etc. In this case it is easy to disable this auto tuning tool. Simply remove the check mark in the
above mentioned menu section. This setting is not saved but can be set after each start of CODE3-32, but in
the CODE3W.CFG part one can disable or enable the default setting.
A snapshot of all measured parameters coming from the decoder or analyzer can be taken and saved to a
native CODE3-32 file for later use. This unique tool is referred to as the “IP Mode” and consists of a 256-byte
string of data which, when activated, will supply the snapshot data back to a decoding or analysis module.
This tool effectively acts as a macro within the CODE3-32 program. This mode can be started from any
decoding or analysis tool.
The IP Mode is used for two purposes: it allows a customer to create his own menu with all favorite settings
and mode descriptions, and it is also used for the remote control function.
These IP’s can be sent from an external database which controls a receiver e.g., in this case the IP will be
copied into a new field of an existing database which may be part of a bigger system. This permits user
integration within a completely automatic control system for receiver(s) and decoder(s). The sender only has
to know the decoders IP number, and it is possible to send this IP via a LAN or the Internet as a string of 256
bytes. A short program READIP.EXE is available on request to explain the content of an IP file with all
parameters….
In most modules with text output it is possible to enable a very handy tool called 'Message Watcher'. The
menu option 'TOOLS' shows a submenu 'Text Scanning'. This text watcher is opened for each decoding
module separately, so if more than one decoding module is running, each mode can have its own text
scanner.
Up to eight different search texts can be entered here, each will start a different reaction to a found message.
Two or more lines can be added in a logical form, i.e. text in line 1 can start audio recording to hard disk, this
recording will be stopped as soon as the text in line 2 does appear.
This tool will be increased in its functions in future releases, but even now it is possible to send a
'TextScanAlert' message by LAN through the control socket, to generate a beep, to start or to stop audio
recording, to start or to stop text output to disk.
A 'Hit Counter' shows the counted number of hits for each line, the button right of this counter will reset the
counter to zero, the button below, [Reset ALL], resets all counters.
As soon as a text on a line is found in the decoder output, the hit counter for this line increments by 1 and the
line color changes from gray to white. The reset button will also change the line's color to default.
Text scanner in action, watching for 'ddh7’in line1 and 'nnnn in line 2. A hit in line 1 will enable Lan
message and start Recording, the recording will be disabled as soon as the text ‘nnnn’ in line 2 is
found.
Clicking one of the buttons to the right will begin recording the input bit-stream
in either an audio or bit-buffer format. The explanation for each button is
provided in the chart below. NOTE: files are automatically generated when
beginning the recording, and named when ending the recording.
Please keep in mind that audio recordings can only be started from the main FFT Window, BUT, will be
automatically stopped if you close the active decoding module (this does not apply in analysis modules—the
recording will continue when you close the analysis module). Another point to keep in mind is that the IP
Mode, when activated within a decoding module, will also save the fact that a recording was being made,
and the next time you start that IP from the menu or [F12] key will bring up that decoding module AND begin
recording again.
In CODE3W.CFG you can enable or disable 'Keep_Recording_After_Mode'. Enabling it with 'YES' will
keep audio recording. Also if a decoding mode is closed, or more modes are running with audio recording.
The default value is currently 'YES' because in this way all decoding and audio tools become independent.
Clicking the PAUSE button in main FFT window stops the recording, but does NOT close and save the audio
file—that only happens when you click on the start/stop audio button again.
To conserve space on the hard drive, and to ensure files are not too large to be transmitted via a LAN, the
CODE3-32 automatically cuts each audio recording into separate files according to a setting in the
configuration file. No data is lost as each file overlaps the others by a short amount of time. The default
setting for the amount of space dedicated to each file can be changed by modifying the
MAX_AUDIO_FILE_SIZE entry in the configuration file. Besides the independent audio recording function
already discussed, there are two other audio modules which act as “decoding modules” and can be started
and closed by the IP Mode.
The two modes are called ‘Radio Quality’ and ‘Telephone Quality’. Radio Quality samples at 11.025KHz and
Telephone Quality at 8KHz The Telephone Quality Module offers a 4 KHz audio bandwidth which saves
space on the hard disk—this allows for very long recordings of up to several weeks. Due to the lower
sampling speed of this module, no other modes can be running at the same time. Please keep this in mind!
At any moment you can press the PAUSE button to stop the recording without saving it. Press the start/stop
button to end the Radio/Telephone quality recordings. NOTE: Due to the amount of data being recorded,
allow up to a minute for the recording to end. Both the Radio and Telephone modules run independently
from the decoding modules and will not end when you close them.
A distinct innovation which the CODE3-32 has over many other commercial decoders is the implementation
of a GRAPHICAL SQUELCH tool which allows you to define what audio level and span (shift) should
continue to be recorded while in the Radio/Telephone modules.
For example, you can tune to a known frequency for an FSK weather station, open the Radio Quality
Module, use the LEFT MOUSE BUTTON in the main FFT window to mark a start-stop frequency and
amplitude block (see graphic below), and press the SQUELCH button which becomes visible in the running
audio module to activate the squelch (shown above). Now you can head to work for the day…
It is possible to define a squelch level in any way that you desire over any amount of shift—Just click and
drag the left mouse button in main FFT window to define the Squelch level and amount of shift between a set
of frequencies
All audio files will be saved automatically when the Radio/Telephone Modules are finally closed. The file
names are generated automatically and include the start time in their names.
Each decoding module has an option via its menu bar—Input SourceàLeft/Right Channel—to select either
the left or right channel as the input to the module. When selecting a channel via the decoding module the
main FFT window will also update to show that channel as being the active channel.
The loaded file runs in a loop in memory and enables most functions to run at a much higher speed. By
replaying a file, you can analyze portions of a signal that you could not work on while it was ‘live’. You can
also try different analyzer/decoding options while the signal is looped. Pressing key [z] on the keyboard or
activating the ‘real time’ button (highlight by the arrow) on main menu closes this file and returns CODE3-32
to real time mode.
The CODE3-32 does not discriminate between different audio formats—all supported formats and sampling
speeds will be played correctly, e.g. a file recorded in a stereo 16-bit format sampled at 8000 Hz will set the
sampling rate of CODE3-32 to that value. The CODE3-32 will return to its default sampling rate upon
switching back to live mode. Press the Online icon again to do so.
The CODE3-32 uses a special technique to prevent the loss of any kind of output data.
The ‘Output To Disk’ option is very flexible and will continue to save data to the hard drive until either you
click on the button again, exit the decoder module, exit the CODE3-32, or lose power to your computer! No
matter what, data will be saved as you do not need to do anything to actually ‘close’ the file. Filenames are
automatically generated when this method is used. You can also start saving data via the decoder menu bar;
click on the Save Text to Disk icon. This option will save the session that is already open, and you can
specify a filename at that time. NOTE: Saving text via the menu will only save the data already decoded,
NOT, any text that will be decoded after you save this file! Click on the Output to Disk button to save all text
associated with a decoding session.
Another option is to send the decoded text to a host computer when running the CODE3-32 as a client over
a LAN or the Internet. This is accomplished through the use of IP numbers (addresses) that are associated
with the CODE3-32 session. An attached example program, controller.exe, allows someone with two
computers connected via a LAN or the Internet to quickly set-up a test configuration within minutes!
Processing decoded data is important, but using the incoming, online data is sometimes even more
important. Case and point: you tune to a frequency and suddenly a short-duration ALE (MIL-188-141A)
activates and then closes down prior to an HF modem coming up. You’ve lost the identity associated with the
ALE burst. This is No Problem! All incoming raw data is stored in a BIT-BUFFER, which you can see running
in the main FFT window as a horizontal green bar at the bottom of the screen.
This buffer starts when the CODE3-32 is started and runs continuously until the program is closed down.
With the bit-buffer running, it is possible to “review” what a signal did as far back in time as you have RAM
allocated to the buffer. The size of the buffer depends on the needs and preferences of the user, but is only
actually limited by how much RAM your computer has.
Use a mono if only one receiver is connected to the CODE3-32, or stereo if you have two receivers
connected.
All incoming data are still written into memory while in this playback mode as the Read and Write Buffers
are completely independent in CODE3-32.
This unique function offers several helpful analysis functions such as trying to ‘re-synchronize’ a SITOR
signal if it did not synchronize the first time, or catching a call-sign in Morse or ALE that you missed just
seconds earlier. The replay function, or ‘read buffer’, only lasts as long as you have memory allocated to the
bit-buffer, and will ‘catch up’ to the write buffer once it has completed playing. Your incoming data stream will
now appear in the main FFT window now that the read and write buffers are again in sync.
At any time you can play back the bit-buffer as an audio input.
Press the ‘Playback Current Buffer' button to replay the current buffer.
Please note, this playback mode has a duration equal in length to the
input buffer, e.g. a 2 MB input buffer will replay approx. 48 seconds
worth of audio stored in the buffer. The audio playback stops
automatically after one buffer sequence
If this line should appear for over thirty seconds in a decoding/analysis module when the replay function is
not active, close this module and any other additional opened modules as there is a delay in the CPU for
some reason and may crash the CODE3-32 program.
There are a few exceptions to the above warning: If you are replaying a recorded file OFFLINE, or you are
using an input generated by the CODE3-32’s generator, you will see a full red line to the left (as shown
above).
This module was NOT designed for sending text files or keyboard entered characters via a transmitter—it
was designed to generate emissions with known and repeatable signal to noise ratios, shifts and baud
speeds from approximately 29 different systems for testing the CODE3-32 or other demodulators. The signal
to noise figure is S/N in a 3KHz channel with AWGN. Text will be generated after selecting the various
parameters (shown below).
1234567890 the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
test CODE3 fec s ryryryryryryr
The keying system identification will be sent after each transmission of quick brown foxes.
As soon the buffer is filled with data you can open any decoding or analysis module you want. CODE3-32 is
offline during this time, and will return to ‘live mode’ as soon the generator module is closed.
Main FFT shows the generated signal only, the decoder now working offline.
CODE3-32
DATA_AND_AUDIO_FILES Audio files, received text files, image files
Freq_Used_Modes Selected .IP files for custom menu
Tables Mapping table files
Font files Font (fon) for CODE3-32 : C332_t0 to C332_t1, C332_t2, C332_t6
The CODE3-32 configuration file is a normal ASCII text file which contains some of the most important
settings available to the decoder. A detailed description of the configuration file CODE3W.CFG is listed
below. If possible modify and edit this file with Notepad.
NOTE: Parameter statements are listed in BOLD text with examples following the statement description. All
values must immediately follow the equal sign without any space in between.
Sample_Buffer_Size:
Defines the size of the buffer where the audio samples are stored for processing. The sample buffer size equals the
value times 64kb. A value of 4 will give you a buffer size of 256 KB. This value is internally limited to 160 * 64kb, with a
minimum of 2 * 64kb
Example: SAMPLE_BUFFER_SIZE=2
IP_FILE:
Defines the file to look for at start-up, containing the IP for a pre-defined start-up mode. Failing to find the file or finding
an invalid IP in this file, will start the decoder in the IDLE-mode. Long filenames are permitted.
Example: IP_FILE=baudot.IP
Dir_Rec:
Defines the sub-folder where the decoder output (IP, RTT, TXT and WAV files) will be stored for retrieval at a convenient
time. Dir_Rec defaults to the sub-folder \DATA_And_Audio_Files. Long pathnames are permitted
Example: DIR_REC=DATA_AND_AUDIO_FILES
Data_Header:
Defines whether or not to store additional mode parameters in decoder output files, valid options are <YES | NO>
Example: DATA_HEADER=YES
Save_unicode:
Defines the way decoded output is saved to disk, valid options are <YES | NO>; YES = store in unicode format; No =
store in ASCII format.
Example: SAVE_UNICODE=NO
Flush_Interval:
Defines the time interval in tenths of a second between flushes of the data buffers and the sending of data to the remote
data port. The default value is set internally to .5 seconds.
Example: FLUSH_INTERVAL=120
Decoder_Number:
Defines the number that will be assigned to the decoder and identifies it for use via a LAN or the Internet. There is still a
need to assign a unique number to the decoder even though they are assigned different IP-addresses. The number is
used to quickly identify a decoder by the operator and the origin of data sent over the data port to that operator. This
number will be displayed in the decoder window. Three digit numbers are permitted, excluding the number 000.
Example: DECODER_NUMBER=123
Code30_ServerPort:
Defines the server port for the client to address in order to acquire a connection with a decoder. The number of
connections the server will accept is limited to 1.
Example: CODE30_SERVERPORT=1234
Remote_Data_Port:
Defines the remote UDP port on Remote_Data_IP that the decoder data is sent to.
Example: REMOTE_DATA_PORT=12001
Remote_Data_IP_Address:
Defines the remote IP address that the decoder, when requested, will send its data to.
Example: REMOTE_DATA_IP_ADDRESS=192.100.0.0
Remote_monitor_port:
Defines the remote UDP port on Remote_Data_IP that the decoder status and associated information will be sent to.
Example: REMOTE_MONITOR_PORT=1400
Inhibit_Spectrum_Draw:
Prevents the spectrum from being drawn on screen which minimizes the network traffic generated by a CODE3-32
anywhere on the LAN. The spectrum is still calculated and available via the send_spectrum_on command. Valid options
are <YES | NO>.
Example: INHIBIT_SPECTRUM_DRAW=NO
Max_Audio_File_Size:
Defines the maximum size of an audio file in MBytes ranging from 1 to 999. Should a file become larger than the defined
maximum size while recording, it is broken into a series of files, each as large as the maximum defined below. Files
belonging to the same recording are identified by a common thread in the filename followed by the text; e.g. 'part_xxx'
with xxx being a one-up integer. After a file is written to disk, the message 'FilesClosed' is sent.
Example: MAX_AUDIO_FILE_SIZE=1
Production_Mode:
Changes the look of decoder modes. valid options are <YES | NO>.
Example: PRODUCTION_MODE=NO
Send_Spectrum:
Defines whether the application should start sending spectrum values immediately after startup. Values will continue to
be sent until a SendSpectrumOff command is received. Valid options are <YES | NO>.
Example: SEND_SPECTRUM=NO
Send_Spectrum_Interval:
Defines the length of time between updates of spectrum values in tenths of a second. Internal default is 100 meaning an
interval length of 10 seconds. Values ranging from 1 to 999 are permitted.
Example: SEND_SPECTRUM_INTERVAL=10
Send_IP:
Defines whether the application should start sending IP's immediately after startup. It will continue to do so, until a
SendIPOff command is received. Valid options are <YES | NO>.
Example: SEND_IP=NO
Send_IP_Interval:
Defines the time between the transmissions of IP's, in tenths of a second. Internal default is 100 meaning an interval
length of 10 seconds. Values ranging from 1 to 999 are permitted.
Example: SEND_IP_INTERVAL=10
Send_Status:
Defines whether the application should start sending status changes immediately after startup. It will continue to do so,
until a SendStatusOff command is received. Valid options are <YES | NO>.
Example: SEND_STATUS=NO
Data_Net_On:
Defines whether the application should start sending data immediately after starting a decoder. It will continue to do so,
until a DataNetOff command is received. valid options are <YES | NO>.
Example: DATA_NET_ON=YES
Center_Frequency:
Defines the default center frequency after starting the application. Too large or to small a value will be corrected in the
application. The internal default is 1900.
Example: CENTER_FREQUENCY=1750
Soundcard_id:
Defines the sound device the program will use, provided the number is in the range 0 .. 5. A soundcard_id of 0 or
commenting out the soundcard_id line will select the default sound device.
Example: SOUNDCARD_ID=1
Ext_Classifier_Table:
Defines if the Classification module can use customer defined tables. Valid options are <YES|NO>.
Example: EXT_CLASSIFIER_TABLE=YES
Center_ fx_measured_as_default:
Enables / disables automatic center frequency- and shift setting to measured values. Can cause a problem with too noisy
or missing signals / measurements
Example: CENTER_FX_MEASURED_AS_DEFAULT=YES
Keep_Recording_After_Mode
Normally the audio recording is stopped as a decoding module is closed to save disk space, but in other circumstances
one may need to keep audio recording on, especially when more modes are opened.
Example:Keep_Recording_after_Mode=YES
Auto_Tuning
Enables automatic tuning of center frequency and shift in Shift Speed Measurement and Auto Classification modules.
Very useful while working with sound files with different center frequencies.
Example:Auto_Tuning=YES
Comport_1:
Defines the serial port for data out of the first running module, always in terminal mode 8N1, valid values are Comport_1
to Comport_4; 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 76800, 115200;
Example: Comport_3=19200
FAST_AUDIO_SELECT
Shows additional buttons on mainform for fast selection of different sound devices. Be carefully, not all functions are
supported yet! If changes the audio card from these buttons also the clockcorr file related to the sound card are changes
automatically. For having the new files of clockcorr for every installed sound card you proceed in this way - selects with
the button the audio card that you want to calibrate, then uses the fax module for adjust the clockcorr as usual repeat this
operation for all the sound cards audio you want to use, valid options are <YES | NO>
FAST_AUDIO_SELECT=YES
PRERECORD
For data recording the content of the actual buffer is also included in the first part of the wav file. For voice recording it
may be better to work without pre recording also possible by remote: PreRecordOn / PreRecordOff toggles the value
valid options are <YES | NO>
PRERECORD=YES
CONNECT REQUEST
Remote control contact via control socket is shown by a message box, contact can be stopped by C3 user, valid options
are <YES | NO>
CONNECT_REQUEST=YES
KEYBOARD EMULATION
Enable to use the command from keyboard as in our old dos version Code30/300, valid options are <YES | NO>
KEYBOARD_EMUL=YES
SINGLE THREAD
Disables multi thread of CODE3-32, allows running of one module at the same time only valid options are <YES | NO>
SINGLE_THREAD=YES
CLOCKCORRSUPPRESS
Disable the warning message that appears when the program starts with an uncalibrated interrupt clock frequency. valid
options are <YES | NO>
CLOCKCORRSUPPRESS=NO
CustomTable.txt
The function of this table is limited to AUTOCLASSIFICATION module. One can add his own, not common
baud speed and (fake-) name for this system. If this external table is activated, the AutoClass module will
look only for these parameters. For example :
BAUDRATE=131
SYSTEM=TEST1
KNOWNCRCS.TXT
This table is used in PACTOR II only, it contains the known CRC's of special user groups. In case this list is
not present or empty, it will be generated automatically the first time PACTOR II is started. A new CRC, if it
was found for the second time, will be added automatically to this list. In this case CODE3-32 is able to
detect and save all possible new users groups automatically. One can edit this list manually and/or add his
own names to some CRC's. Lines starting with a semicolon (;) will be considered comment lines.
FORMAT:
CRC_value as a decimal and smaller 65536. Description as text will be truncated to 8 chars.
CRC_value=Description
65535= Ham
46780= NEW46780
44476= NEW44476
By accessing Menu -> Setup -> Preferences one of two layouts for decoding modules may be selected.
The selected mode also determines how Time Stamping operates. This function writes a time date stamp at
the beginning of each row.
Working in standard mode with two decoding windows, the optional time stamp function cannot be enabled.
In standard mode the last two rows are written into the lower window first, because the upper one is
available for editing meantime.
To avoid any problem with copying the lower part into the upper part, we disabled the time stamp function in
this mode. Change the program setting to 'production mode' (in configuration menu) and the time stamp
function will be available.
IP stands for Initiation Packet, a block of 256 bytes of data, containing variable settings for different modes.
Variables used are mode dependent and may be interdependent. One would be ill advised to manually
construct an IP. The preferred way is to save an IP using the menu item Save IP available in most modes.
There is no additional information available, other then what one can possibly derive from record field
names.
We recommend the