Author Topic: 521 Radio Programming Software and Windows 7 (Read 17678 times)

MOOXE · « **on:** January 09, 2014, 16:18:13 »

Are they compatible? We're about to upgrade.

dapaterson · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2014, 16:20:21 »

Somewhere on the DWAN is a list of all the software that has been tested with Win 7. There have been several requests / directives to identify all mission critical software to ensure it is still compatible.

I'd start o nthe ADM(IM) homepage, then look for the Windows 7 rollout information page; should be links there.

MOOXE · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2014, 16:24:01 »

Thank you!

dapaterson · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2014, 16:25:00 »

And I'm in a good mood, I'll post http://dsblcsf.ottawa-hull.mil.ca/apps/default.asp?ID=4 and let you look there...

I think that's the official repository.

PuckChaser · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2014, 19:50:58 »

Better question.... people still use 521s on a regular enough basis to need the software???

MOOXE · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2014, 19:56:49 »

We still have quite a few 521s here so I keep the software handy just in case. I have only used it once to see if a 521 was a master/slave. They are rarely used. In fact I can't even remember using them in the field, or even issuing them to anyone for use.

AmmoTech90 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2014, 21:18:06 »

And if the software is not compatible I would worry about the competency of communication and information "consultants" who don't ensure the serviceability and usability of communications equipment is maintained through the life cycle.

PuckChaser · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2014, 21:25:45 »

Windows 7 has a compatability mode, but when you're using radio equipment designed and built in the 90s, sometimes you're going to get software that won't work with OSes built in the late 2000s.

MOOXE · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2014, 21:27:22 »

If you're an ammo tech and worrying about this, I'm worrying about you!

AmmoTech90 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2014, 22:17:34 »

I didn't see a question. Just a sarcastic remark intended to make incite a reaction.

MOOXE · « **Reply #10 on:** January 09, 2014, 22:25:31 »

You couldn't put this garbage in the thread it came from originally? There's a few other posts here you can follow me on to.

Bruce Monkhouse · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2014, 22:45:38 »

MOOXE.........just a friendly warning to wind in your neck. You've been the site fool today.
Thanks,
Bruce
Staff

MOOXE · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2014, 23:13:53 »

A fool for coming back to this forum for sure. If I remembered how sensitive people were here I would'nt of come back.

mark-space · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2014, 08:52:05 »

MOOXE,

Can.community.military this forum ain't!

Miss it, though....

Bzzliteyr · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2014, 10:31:36 »

My question: if the software is not compatible will you avoid the upgrade?

I would suggest once the first computer gets swapped over, attempt to install the software on it and be the "beta tester". If it doesn't work, then do your best to convince the chain of command that you keep at least one laptop unaltered and label it as "521 laptop only".

Occam · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2014, 11:37:50 »

Do you not use dedicated standalone laptops to program your radios? I ask because I know the Navy and the Air Force have specific standalone systems which have remained untouched with regards to OS upgrades, because the software they were meant to support isn't supported on newer OSes.

Fishbone Jones · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2014, 15:00:30 »

Quote from: Bzzliteyr on January 10, 2014, 10:31:36

My question: if the software is not compatible will you avoid the upgrade?

I would suggest once the first computer gets swapped over, attempt to install the software on it and be the "beta tester". If it doesn't work, then do your best to convince the chain of command that you keep at least one laptop unaltered and label it as "521 laptop only".

Quote from: Occam on January 10, 2014, 11:37:50

Do you not use dedicated standalone laptops to program your radios? I ask because I know the Navy and the Air Force have specific standalone systems which have remained untouched with regards to OS upgrades, because the software they were meant to support isn't supported on newer OSes.

Most Reserve units, other than some Sig units I suppose, don't have the resources to source a standalone laptop. You're lucky to get one to teach a lesson let alone dedicate it to programming radios. And given that Reserves are usually the ones that get the hand me downs no one else wants, they will likely be the ones that are still using 521's the most. A typical Catch-22 for Reserves and equipment.

Occam · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2014, 15:11:19 »

Surely with the number of DWAN laptops being life cycled in DND (I think they're on a 4 year plan), some could be diverted from disposal to support Res units. A four year old laptop today would still be running XP, and it should work just fine with most radio programming software. Sure, Computers for Schools will end up with fewer laptops heading their way, but at least it would prevent Res units from having to expend funds on standalone laptops for radio programming utilities or e-readers.

PuckChaser · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2014, 15:14:22 »

You would think that, but some units have a hard enough time just life cycling their equipment, let alone diverting some to remain as standalones. My Dell D600 laptops just don't cut it anymore.

Occam · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2014, 15:18:05 »

Quote from: PuckChaser on January 10, 2014, 15:14:22

You would think that, but some units have a hard enough time just life cycling their equipment, let alone diverting some to remain as standalones. My Dell D600 laptops just don't cut it anymore.

D600s? They were on their way out when I was working 1st line support in 2007. Someone higher up the chain isn't doing their job right.

Bzzliteyr · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2014, 15:20:48 »

Quote from: Occam on January 10, 2014, 15:18:05

D600s? They were on their way out when I was working 1st line support in 2007. Someone higher up the chain isn't doing their job right.

Are you saying I can turn in my palm pilot and get a new one?

Occam · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2014, 15:27:06 »

I'm sure there's a museum somewhere that would give you top dollar for it. Didn't they run on vacuum tube technology?

Pre-flight · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2014, 09:38:54 »

I would be very surprised if it didn't work, given the simplicity of the program. Plus Windows 7 can still run most Win 95 and Win 3.1 era programs both natively and in compatibility modes.

Your more difficult task is going to be finding laptops with serial ports, as they are hard to find now. C-30/CF-31s still have them as they are an industrial/commercial class PC.

PuckChaser · « **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2014, 09:42:34 »

Quote from: RADOPSIGOPACISSOP on January 12, 2014, 09:38:54

Your more difficult task is going to be finding laptops with serial ports, as they are hard to find now. C-30/CF-31s still have them as they are an industrial/commercial class PC.

They make adapters:

http://www.amazon.com/USB-9-pin-Serial-Port-Adapter/dp/B001J226JQ

Pre-flight · « **Reply #24 on:** January 12, 2014, 10:11:09 »

Quote from: PuckChaser on January 12, 2014, 09:42:34

They make adapters:

http://www.amazon.com/USB-9-pin-Serial-Port-Adapter/dp/B001J226JQ

I've bought some out of my own pocket and tried them, they don't work unless you install the software drivers. If it is an issue the drivers can be installed, check with local help desk. If local help desk doesn't know how, have them submit an RFC for the driver software which will be approved. Takes time and persistence but can be done and implemented within a month.

My recommendation is to get laptops with serial ports. Signals side they are basically mandatory as you need them to interface with switches, UPS's, Sat recievers and almost any green piece of equipment.

News:

Author Topic: 521 Radio Programming Software and Windows 7 (Read 17678 times)