I’ve created a quick and easy way to set the frequency of your NRD-545 from an Excel sheet. You can also manage your radios memories using this spreadsheet. Simply download the most recent version below, enable macros when loading the file in Excel, then point and click. It’s that easy.
August 17, 2009 – Version .10 releasedÂ
Why did I create this?
After purchasing my NRD-545 back in 2000, I set about writing a tuning and database management application using Microsoft’s Visual FoxPro. It worked great, but I never really “finished” the project. Since then, VFP was upgraded three times, and then finally End-Of-Lifed by Microsoft. It was time to move on to a different programming environment.
One issue with computer control via an application is that most apps require the data to be in a particular format. It can be frustrating and time consuming to convert the various data layout formats into a single structure. I decided to create a “mini-app” that runs in Excel, and the only data requirement is that the frequency be the first cell in the row – you can store whatever other data you want in the other columns. This will allow simple cut-and-paste operations from most online databases.
How to set up the file:
- Download the file to your local machine.
- Unzip the file and load it with Excel.
- ENABLE MACROS when prompted.
- Go to the sheet called Config, and enter the COM port that is connected to your NRD-545, and if you use the CHE-199 extender board.
How to use it
I wrote the application to follow my DXing “style” – the primary sheet, “Frequencies”, is my scrapbook where I paste in DX tips from various locations.
The sheet Memories is where I manage the radio’s memory banks.
The sheet Presets is where I make quick frequency and mode changes – consider these “shortcuts” to various bands.
The rest of the sheets are various databases that I’ve come across on the net and have found useful – from SW list to VOLMET stations to Non Direction Beacons logged in North America.
To use, simply select one of the sheets, and click on a cell. Your radio will tune to that frequency automatically.
I find it handy to simply use the UP and DOWN cursor keys scrub up and down each list.
I hope you enjoy it.
Bill Carney
WC8GOP
