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