Update Features Refreshed

Recently, several “real world” situations have caused the automatic program and propagation update features in Ergo to break. These issues have been resolved as follows.

Program Update is accomplished using ERGO4UPDATE.EXE. File versions older than 4.4.1.2 no longer work because my web host now uses a more secure FTP port instead of port 21. This has been resolved with file version 4.4.1.2 as of November 22, 2018. You have two choices to fix this situation.

Reinstall Ergo using the latest ergo4.zip file (also called demo program.) Make sure to retain your registration key file for the new installation. OR
Download the replacement ERGO4UPDATE.EXE from the Downloads page and copy it into your program folder.

Propagation Update is accomplished using ERGO4NET.EXE. File versions older than 4.4.1.5 are no longer able to download the latest information from the Space Weather Prediction Center. This is the result of the recent SWPC switch away from HTTP to secure HTTPS download requirements. This problem is resolved in the latest ERGO4NET.EXE which is available using Program Update. Unfortunately, these secure downloads require your OS to be newer than Windows XP, which is no longer supported in any event.

Both of these updated program files are now included in the installation package in ergo4.zip as of November 22, 2018.

September 18, 2018

Perseus SDR Preamp – Mystery is Solved

Many listeners have wondered about the mysterious Perseus SDR Preamp that seems to do nothing much. Mystery solved. Here’s how. Read more

July 26, 2018

Modulation Dependent Carrier Level – Saving Energy

Although you don’t know it, most AM broadcasters rapidly adjust their power up and down to save energy costs. The technique is called Modulation Dependent Carrier Level. Read more

May 12, 2018

About VITA 49 – Discovering Radio Transport Protocol

Why should you care about VITA 49? I may just be the next big thing in software defined radio. Here is a gentle introduction. Read more

May 8, 2018

SDR Spatial Filtering Demo – Watch It Work

This GNURadio SDR spatial filtering demo shows how you can eliminate local RF interference using coherent sampling on two radio channels with different antennas. Read more

May 5, 2018

Implementing a DSP Noise Canceller

A DSP Noise Canceller is easily the most useful Spatial Interference Filtering Technique for hams and shortwave listeners. Here’s how its done. Read more

May 1, 2018

Dual Coherent SDR Receivers – Current State

This article describes the current state of hardware and software solutions for coherent SDR receivers within reach of hams and hobbyists. Take a look. Read more

April 28, 2018

Narrowband Digital Beamforming – A Spatial Filter

Read this article to learn how to do narrowband digital beamforming in software defined radio. In my opinion, it’s the next big thing for hams and shortwave listeners. Read more

April 21, 2018

Ham Radio Beamforming with Phased Arrays

K9CT 80 meter four square

Antenna phasing is used for ham radio beamforming and shortwave listening, especially on the lower bands where conventional beams are not feasible. Read more

April 19, 2018

More About Beamforming – Questions and Answers

Credit: UC Davis

Let’s learn more about beamforming. We dig into some of the key assumptions and terminology, including the difference between time delay and phase shift. Read more