The following pages are summaries of some of the answers to questions asked by Watcher and RTE users. In case of difficulty, please review carefully. If the solution to your question or problem is not found here, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ... see below for important update information

IN CASE OF TROUBLE:

 

RTE:

Some anti-malware anti-spyware, and anti-virus software programs interfere with the operation of the RTE software. If you are having difficulty in connecting, disable these programs.

A few users are attempting to remote their systems before they have any experience even with local computerized rig control. Make sure your system can be operated via computer control and you know how to operate it before attempting computer control over the Internet.

Some have tried to use other Com port redirector software programs. RTE units will NOT work with other redirector software programs. Other such programs may interfere with the Glentek software operation. 

NEW REDIRECTOR SOFTWARE:

There is a new REDIRECTOR program available here: NEW SOFTWARE Click on the GUI CPR FTP link. This combines the two previous programs that were included on your CD. You must UNINSTALL both programs and reboot you computer before attempting to install the new software. Some users who had installation issues with the old software have reported success with the new program. While the software has not been fully tested on Windows 7, users have reported success. 

  •  RTE errata:  To install the Comport Redirector program described in the instructions, you want to run the file called red32bit.exe identified as the "old" program 3.1.0.4 on the Lantronix site here: http://ltxfaq.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ltxfaq.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=928. The newer version software had been included on the earlier installation CDs. You may NOT run both the new and the old versions on the same computer... they interfere with each other. Be sure to UNINSTALL the old version if you want to change. If, at any point you have installed both, you must UNINSTALL both and then start over.
  • RTE Units Installation and Operating hint: If you are using Cable or DSL service to access via the Internet, be aware that your IP address will be reassigned periodically by your service provider. Look into a service provided by NO-IP.com to give you a virtual static IP. You do not necessarily need a computer at the RTE location, but you will at least need a router that is capable of communicating with such services. Most modern routers have this capability without the need for a PC connected to the network.
  • RTE Units Installation hint: After you have written down the RTE's IP address (by running the configuration software), you must run REDIRECTOR and set up a NEW com port that will point to that IP. Click COMPORT setup and check a NEW Com port number (there will be dozens of options). The redirector will not work with HARD Com ports or virtual ports set up by other software programs.  Only the virtual ports that it sets up will work.
  • RTE DOES NOT CONNECT AND RED (IDLE) LIGHT DOES NOT CHANGE: Check to be sure your router is set for DHCP. Also, remember that when you redirect a COM port, it must be a COM port that the software has set up. You may not redirect an existing COM port. Your rig control software must then point to that new COM port.
  • RTE DOES NOT CONNECT BUT GREEN ACTIVITY LED IS ON: Your LAN settings are likely correct. The most common problem is baud rate. The RTE is set to 19,200 when shipped. If your radio does not support this speed, the RTE baud rate must be changed via the internal web server.
  • I CHANGED THE WEB SERVER PASSWORD AND NOW I CAN'T REMEMBER IT: You're out of luck if you want to change the settings. This is not recoverable. For this reason, we do not recommend changing the server password. The default is leaving everything blank and just hitting ENTER when the password page appears. Loss of password and setting errors will not be covered by the warranty.
  • I CANNOT CONNECT OR I DROP AFTER A FEW MINUTES: Check to be sure you don't have any viruses or malware infecting your computer. Also, some anti-malware and anti-virus software prevents connection. Notably MalwareBytes and ZoneAlarm programs may prevent connection. These programs must be disabled while using the redirector software. Also, if you're an ICOM user, make sure that the CI-V function called "TRANSCEIVE" is set to OFF
  • MY RADIO CANNOT OPERATE AT 19,200BPS: Most notably, the Yaesu FT897 cannot operate at 19,200 bps. Standard RTE units have a strap that will allow 9600bps operation. However, if you did not specify this when you ordered, you will also have to access the internal web server and change the baud rate from 19,200 (factory setting) to 9600. Units will operate at other baud rates than 19,200/9600 but the aux output commands will not function. There are 4 items to set up: the remote computer's COM port , the rig control software, the RTE internal speed, and finally the radio itself. ALL must be set to the same speed.  Special 9600/4800 chips are available for a $10 extra charge at time of ordering if specifically requested. Replacement chips are available for $25 +s/h. Also note that these older Yaesu radios used 2 stop bits so all of your COMs must be set up accordingly.
  • HOW DO I ACCESS THE INTERNAL WEB SERVER?:  Use caution when accessing. Some settings (such a passwords) may not be recoverable. You should never have to change anything but the serial settings and possibly the Port access. But to change baud rate or Port access, simply input the local IP address into the address line of your Internet browser program. Default password is blank/blank. A lost or forgotten password is not recoverable if you have changed it. Don't forget to hit "OK" at the bottom of each page and then "APPLY SETTINGS". New settings may not appear until you close your browser and then re-access the RTE internal web page.  
  • WILL THE RS-232 UNITS WORK WITH ICOM RADIOS WHEN USING THE CT-17 (or eq.) LEVEL SHIFTER?: Yes. Level shifters are required with some radios, including the Yaesu FT-897 and all ICOM radios. The RTE-CI-V units eliminate the need for this adapter this for ICOM radios only.It is built in.

RTE/FXO and A2T:

  • NO MIC AUDIO WHEN USING THE RTE/FXO: The A2T audio card is a simplex device. That means it will connect phone audio either to the speaker or to the microphone. Not both at the same time. In order to switch direction, it must have PTT information. In other words, PTT must be asserted via the RTE. This is done by programming a button in HR Deluxe (see manual and FAQ section of this website). If you wish to use another method, the PTT line must be connected to the RTE pin marked "PTT". When doing so, you must pull the PTT jumper on the A2T card to prevent lockup of the PTT control system.
  • THE A2T DOES NOT HANG UP: The A2T will not release the phone line until the ENABLE lead is de-asserted. This is done by closing the rig control program or loss of the Internet connection. The RTE will time out (wait 30 seconds) and then the phone line will be dropped.  This is indicated by the Red/Green activity LEDs on the RTE. When green, the ENABLE lead is asserted.Also, make sure no ground is coming from an external power switch. If the ENABLE lead is grounded, the A2T will not release the phone line.

WATCHERS:

  • Watcher Installation Hint: During installation of the USB drivers, point Windows to the hard drive installation directory under .../drivers The drivers are on the installation CD, but they are unpacked during the installation process and placed on the hard drive. If you point Windows to the CD, they will not be found. ***This has been corrected on later versions of the CD***
  • Watcher Operating Hint: If the side BYPASS switch is positioned in the BYPASS mode with power still applied (either via the external power jack or the USB plug), the physical meter will slowly switch from zero to full scale and back. This is normal, but just a reminder that all power must be removed to operate in the BYPASS mode.
  • Watcher Operating hint: While the Watcher's peak reading feature of the physical meter does not require connection to a computer, it does require DC input power either from the USB jack or the external power jack.

  • NO COMPUTER READING AND PHYSICAL METER READS LOW: The sensor leads are probably connected to the wrong location ... they do not connect to the meter terminals. See the manual.

  • NO SOFTWARE METER READING BUT PHYSICAL METER READS OK: You are likely connected to the wrong COM Port. Unplug the USB connector and restart the METER.EXE software. Click on the COM tab and note the COM ports listed. These are the ports already installed on your computer. Close the software and plug in the USB connector. A new COM port will appear in the list. This is the only one you may use. 
  • THE PHYSICAL METER "OSCILLATES" AT SLOW SPEED EVEN WITH NO RF APPLIED: You have switched the unit into bypass mode with DC power still applied. When operating in the bypass mode, all power must be disconnected. Since the unit gets power from the USB plug, the plug must be removed.
  • THE SOFTWARE METER "OSCILLATES" AT SLOW SPEED EVEN WITH NO RF APPLIED: You are in the software DEMO mode and not connected to a COM port.