Hi Howard 

that sounds agreat idea!  Please let me know when you're ready.

Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID

Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities

www.active-elements.org

For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Howard, W A 9 Y B W
Sent: 06 January 2014 14:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: PowerMaster2 and HampPod

Hi Kelvin,

I have no problem with you putting my comments on your site, however, I 
would like to make the modification to my HamPod to improve the tone 
function first so that can be included in the review.  What say you?

Howard #3

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kelvin Marsh" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, January 06, 2014 7:00 AM
Subject: Re: PowerMaster2 and HampPod


> Hi Howard,
>
> I'd like to put something about PM2/HamPod  accessibility on the Active
> Elements site.  Can I use the contents of your message?
>
> Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
>
> Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
>
> www.active-elements.org
>
> For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Howard, W A 9 Y B W
> Sent: 06 January 2014 00:39
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: PowerMaster2 and HampPod
>
> This post is intended mainly for Allen.
>
> As has been posted here within the last couple of weeks, Rob has been
> working to make the Array Solutions PowerMaster 2 Power meter/SWR bridge
> accessible using the HamPod.  I own the PM2 and last night I installed the
> software in a HamPod for use with the PM2.
>
> While the PM2 is basically usable when connected to a computer, it becomes

> a
>
> pleasure to use with the HamPod.  In order to read power or SWR, one need
> only push one button, no complicated commands to memorize.  Also, all the
> features of the PM2 can be set up using the HamPod using the two push
> buttons on the front of the PM2.  One button steps through all the menu
> items and the other button cycles through all the possible choices for the
> selected menu.  This is exactly how a sighted person would use the PM2. 
> The
>
> HamPod simply speaks whatever is displayed on the PM2's display.
>
> The tone function for tuning a transmitter or amplifier is a little quirky
> and I have not spent much time with this feature yet.
>
> The standard HamPod uses the text-to-speech module to generate the tone 
> and
> it is somewhat sluggish in response to power changes.  The HamPod also has

> a
>
> tone generator produced by the microprocessor, however, the HamPod needs 
> to
> be slightly modified with two resistors and a jumper in order for this to
> function and my HamPod does not have this modification yet.  This
> modification cannot be done by a blind person but if you have someone who 
> is
>
> comfortable working with small parts it can be done without returning it 
> to
> Rob.  I have someone who can do this, so I am anxious to check out the
> tuning tone produced by the microprocessor which I understand is somewhat
> better than that produced by the text-to-speech module.
>
> The PM2 is not for everyone as it is a little pricey, however, it has a 
> few
> nice features in addition to simply accurately reading power and SWR.
>
> If you already own this Power meter then the HamPod will make it even
> better.
>
> Howard #3