The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor is a nice addition to the N1MM Logger Plus, which can also be used as a general logger. The Spectrum Monitor works with a limited number of radios, including the Icom IC-7300, IC-7850/51, and IC-7610. The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor can be purchased from the N1MM Logger+ Website.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Radios supported | Icom IC-7300, IC-7850/51, Icom IC-7610, Flex 6300/6400/6400M/6500/6600/6600M/6700 Radios, Elecraft K3/K3S/KX3 and KX2, Yaesu FTDX5000, FTDX3000, FTDX1200, FTDX9000 |
Baud rate | 115,200 |
Display | Red squares show stations that are stronger than the current noise floor setting |
What You'll Learn
N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor: Radios and Interfaces
N1MM Logger+ is a software that can be used for contesting and as a general logger. It has a spectrum monitor feature, which is sometimes called Spectrum Display, that is compatible with a limited number of radios. The supported radios are:
- Icom IC-7300, IC-7850/51, IC-7610
- Flex 6300/6400/6400M/6500/6600/6600M/6700 Radios (supported via CAT and UDP)
- Elecraft K3/K3S/KX3 and KX2
- Yaesu FTDX5000, FTDX3000, FTDX1200, FTDX9000
The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor works very well, as discovered by Rich, K0PIR, during an RTTY contest.
To set up the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor, you will need to configure the settings in your radio menu. For example, for the Icom 7300, you will need to set the interface baud rate to 115,200. The specific settings will depend on the model of your radio, so be sure to refer to the N1MM Logger+ documentation and your radio manual for detailed instructions.
In addition to the radio settings, you will also need to configure the N1MM Logger+ software. This involves selecting the appropriate options in the Config menu, such as the serial port and radio model, and setting up the audio and CW/PTT interfacing.
For CW keying and PTT control, you can use either a COM or LPT port. You will need an interface to connect the computer to the radio, which can range from a simple resistor and transistor setup to a commercial interface like the Winkeyer USB.
By following the setup instructions and configuring the settings in both your radio and the N1MM Logger+ software, you can integrate the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor with your radio to enhance your amateur radio experience.
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N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor: Settings and Display
N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor, also known as Spectrum Display, is a nice addition to N1MM Logger Plus. It is a contest logger that supports a limited number of radios, including the IC-7300, IC-7850/51, IC-7610, Flex 6300/6400/6400M/6500/6600/6600M/6700 Radios, Elecraft K3/K3S/KX3 and KX2, and Yaesu FTDX5000, FTDX3000, FTDX1200, and FTDX9000. The Spectrum Display Window can be used to display spectrum data in six ways, including using a vendor-provided ExtIO dll and N1MM SDR Server, via CAT data from radios, and via an ExtIO dll provided by the SDR vendor.
To set up the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor on the IC-7300, you need to connect the USB interface and select the correct baud rate. According to N1MM+ documents, the IC-7300 should be set to use an interface baud rate of 115,200. This requires manually setting the baud rate in the IC-7300 menu as the "AUTO" setting will not work for rates this high. Once the baud rate is set and N1MM+ is restarted, the Spectral Window will appear.
The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor has several features that can be customised in the settings. The noise floor threshold can be adjusted with the mouse wheel, and the display orientation can be set to "Auto" to automatically switch between horizontal and vertical spectrum displays based on the dimensions of the window. The "Show Waterfall" option controls whether the waterfall is displayed, and the "Show Noise Floor as Line" setting changes how the instantaneous signal values are shown. The "Snap to Signal" feature allows you to jump to the nearest signal centre when clicking on the chart, and the "Signal Decay Speed" controls how fast the blue signal indicator lines decay. The "Show Instantaneous Signal Levels" option can be used to hide or show the noise that does not peak above the signal threshold, and the “Remove this spot” setting removes a spot from the display.
The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor also has a right-click menu that provides additional options and customisations. From the right-click menu, you can open a new window, delete an existing window, select the spectrum source, access relay options, reverse the frequency scale in bar chart mode, and access the scrolling options. The scrolling options include Centre Mode, Fixed Mode with scrolling, Fixed Mode, Respect Mode Subbands, and Set fixed frequency.
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N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Guide for the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor
The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor is a useful tool for amateur radio enthusiasts, providing a spectral display for a limited number of radios, including the IC-7300. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot common issues with the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor.
- Setting up the IC-7300 baud rate: To get the spectral display from the IC-7300, you need to set the interface baud rate to 115,200. This can be a bit tricky, as you need to manually set the baud rate instead of using the AUTO setting. Be sure to follow the instructions in the N1MM+ documentation for setting up the IC-7300 spectral display.
- Adjusting the noise floor: If your red dots don't line up with signals, adjust the noise floor. You can do this by using the mouse wheel while hovering over the main portion of the spectrum display. This will help you fine-tune your signal detection.
- Jumping between signals: You can quickly move from station to station by using the SHIFT-UP and SHIFT-DOWN keyboard shortcuts. This is especially useful when you are in Search & Pounce mode during a contest.
- CW keying issues: When using CW keying via the USB interface, you may experience occasional delays or hiccups. To resolve this, consider using a WINKEYER, which offloads the CW timing from the computer CPU and provides cleaner and faster CW.
- Spectrum Display not opening: If you are unable to open the Spectrum Display window, try the following steps:
- Right-click in the Spectrum window and reconfigure it for your PC.
- Close the program, open N1MM Logger.ini, search for " [Spectrum", change left and top to 100, save, and reopen the program.
- If the above doesn't work, delete all sections in N1MM Logger.ini that start with [Spectrum].
- Off-screen windows: If you are having issues with windows being off-screen, N1MM Logger+ may add code to detect when a window is off the display screen and centre it on the nearest screen. This will remove the overhead of dealing with off-screen windows.
Additional Tips
- USB cable: For the IC-7300, you only need to use one USB cable to connect to your computer.
- Using N1MM Logger+ as a general logger: Even if you don't contest, N1MM Logger+ can be used as a general logger. You can also use it with MMTTY for RTTY (FSK).
- Supported radios: The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor supports a limited number of radios, including the Icom IC-7300, IC-7850/51, IC-7610, Flex 6300/6400/6400M/6500/6600/6600M/6700, Elecraft K3/K3S/KX3 and KX2, and Yaesu FTDX5000, FTDX3000, FTDX1200, and FTDX9000.
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N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor: Reviews
The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor, also known as the Spectrum Display, is a useful addition to the N1MM Logger Plus software. It is compatible with a limited number of radios, including the Icom IC-7300, IC-7850/51, and IC-7610, as well as Flex and Elecraft models. The Spectrum Monitor is particularly beneficial for contesting, allowing users to quickly move from station to station using the SHIFT-UP and SHIFT-DOWN keys.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the Spectrum Monitor requires configuring the correct baud rate in the radio's menu. For instance, the Icom IC-7300 needs to be set to a baud rate of 115,200. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions provided by N1MM for using the Spectrum Monitor with a specific radio model.
User Experience
The Spectrum Monitor provides a rapid display update and can identify signals, allowing users to jump to them via keystrokes. It also compares signals to local and RBN spots, helping to identify unspotted and already worked signals. The monitor's ability to display signals above the noise floor setting is particularly useful, making it easier to find weak signals.
Limitations and Troubleshooting
Some users have reported occasional delays or hiccups when using CW keying via the USB interface with the Icom IC-7300. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to use a WINKEYER for cleaner and faster CW.
The N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor is a valuable tool for amateur radio enthusiasts, especially those who participate in contesting. It offers a range of features, including signal identification and the ability to display signals above the noise floor. While there may be some minor technical challenges, these can be addressed through proper setup and configuration, ensuring a positive user experience.
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N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor: Similar Products
N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor is a great addition to N1MM Logger Plus, especially if you are participating in a contest. It is a useful tool for Search & Pounce mode, allowing you to move quickly from station-to-station.
If you are looking for similar products, here are some options:
Icom 7300, 7610, and Elecraft
These transceivers are compatible with the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor. The Icom 7300 is a popular choice for amateur radio enthusiasts, offering a range of features and capabilities. The Icom 7610 is another great option, supported by the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor via CAT and UDP. Elecraft offers the K3/K3S/KX3 and KX2 transceivers, which are also supported by the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor.
Yaesu FTDX5000, FTDX3000, FTDX1200, and FTDX9000
These Yaesu transceivers are also supported by the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor. The FTDX5000 and FTDX3000 can be used with the Win4YaesuSuite software, while the FTDX1200 and FTDX9000 are great options for those seeking a more powerful transceiver.
SDRPlay
SDRPlay is a software-defined radio that can be used with the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor. It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to connect to an antenna, RX Ant output, or IF output. It is a great option for those looking for a flexible and powerful tool for their amateur radio setup.
Airspy HF+
The Airspy HF+ is another software-defined radio that is compatible with the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor. It offers dual ports and can be used with the Airspy HF+ Discovery, providing a range of capabilities for amateur radio enthusiasts.
Waterfall Bandmap Software
Waterfall Bandmap Software is a great tool that can be used with a variety of SDRs, including SDRPlay, FunCubeProPlus, HackRF, LP-PAN, and more. It allows you to connect the SDR to an antenna, RX Ant output, or IF output, making it a versatile option for your amateur radio setup.
These are just a few examples of similar products that can be used alongside the N1MM Logger+ Spectrum Monitor. Each of these options offers its own unique features and capabilities, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best suits your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The N1MM Logger and Spectrum Monitor is a software that can be downloaded online. It is not a physical product.
The N1MM Logger and Spectrum Monitor support a variety of radios, including the Icom IC-7300, IC-7850/51, IC-7610, IC-9700, Flex 6300/6400/6400M/6500/6600/6600M/6700 Radios, Elecraft K3/K3S/KX3 and KX2, and Yaesu FTDX5000, FTDX3000, FTDX1200, FTDX9000.
The setup process for the N1MM Logger and Spectrum Monitor can vary depending on the specific radio and software version being used. It is recommended to refer to the official documentation and support forums for detailed instructions on setting up the software for your particular radio.