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Writing Data

This page will teach you how to write a command to your QMX. We'll learn by setting VFO A to our favourite CW calling frequency.

Setting the frequency​

To set the frequency we first need to know the QMX's CAT command for setting the frequency. We do that by referencing the QMX's CAT programming manual.

Finding the CAT command​

Page 2 shows the following:

FA: Get/Set VFO A

Set:      Sets VFO A value. Example: FA7030000; sets VFO A to 7.030MHz

Get:      Returns the VFO A contents as an 11-digit number. Example: “FA;” returns “FA00007030000;”

FB: Get/Set VFO B

Set:      Sets VFO B value. Example: FB7016000; sets VFO B to 7.016MHz

Get:      Returns the VFO B contents as an 11-digit number. Example: “FB;” returns “FA00007016000;"

This tells us that if we send the command FA<freq>; (all commands MUST end with a semicolon), the QMX will change VFO A's frequency accordingly. So for example, if we want VFO A to be 7.030 MHz, our command will be FA7030000;;

Writing the script​

Now we'll learn our first script function:

sendCat(command: string, waitForResponse: boolean = true): Promise<string>

If you're not familiar with writing software, that may look complex, but it's actually rather simple. Let's look at what it's telling us:

  • The command is called sendCat.
  • It takes two parameters, the first command: string is the CAT Command which should be in the form of text within quotes.
  • The second waitForResponse: boolean: true wants a simple true or false (without quotes). If we don't provide anything, it will default to true.
  • The final part : Promise<string> tells us that it will return a promise containing a text value. We can ignore that for now though.

So in this instance, our script will be:

Set Frequency
sendCat("FA7030000;",false);

Installing the script​

Now for the fun part.

In Figaro, create a new task. You'll see the default script, which you can delete and replace with your new script.

When done, you new task should look something like this:

alt text

If you've not yet done so, update the rest of the fields thus:

  • Name: A short name for the task. Enter: "Set 7.300".
  • Description: A one line explanation for what the script does. Enter: "Set the QMX freq to 7.300 kHz".
  • Script: This is where you'll paste your script. Tapping/clicking will open a large dialog for easy editing. Close when you're done.
  • Task colour: Select a colour to visually distinguish tasks in your list. A good practice is to use Red or Orange for any script which will put your radio into TX mode, as a reminder to ensure you've got an antenna/dummy load connected first.
  • Auto-run on connect: Enable if you want Figaro to run the script when a connection with your radio is established.
  • Priority: If Auto-run is enabled, the priority determines the order in which Auto-run tasks will execute. We can leave it as the default.
  • Auto-lock: If enabled, the task must be armed before it may be run. This is usefull for preventing accidental execution of tasks. Note that this is a UI lock only. If both Auto-run and Auto-lock are enabled, the script will still execute as Auto-run’able without being armed.

Now save your script and try running it.

Congratulations​

You've just created your first custom script!