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HAM API FAQ Laste updated February 08, 1999 |
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Q1. What is the Ham Radio Application Programming Interface? The Ham Radio Application Programming Interface or HAM API for short is a standardized library of routines that remove radio and other computer controlled ham radio control codes from the application. Instead of a Ham Radio software developer for instance having to write many different routines with different control codes and protocols, he or she calls a function HAM_API_radio_setfrequency(x, y) where x is the frequency on radio y. This could be expressed in object oriented programming constructs using the following property HAM_API_radio.radio[y].setfrequency = x. Q2. When and how was the idea born? The Ham Radio Application Programming Interface idea was originally proposed by Lawrence G. Dobranski, VA3LGD on the CT e-mail reflector in March 1998. Given the support he received from Ham Radio Software Developers, Lawrence published an article in the ARRL's QEX entitled Amateur Radio Application Programming Interfaces in the January/February 1999 issue. Q3. Where do I find out more information? The HAM API effort is just beginning, through the support of QTH.NET an e-mail reflector has been set up: [email protected]. Please subscribe to obtain the most recent information. Q4. What time of software license is necessary to use the HAM API? Yes. The project would place all of its software under the GNU Public License, with the condition that the inventor, Lawrence G. Dobranski, VA3LGD is credited. Q5. What is the status of the API development? Currently a sample API for the Windows/Intel Environment is being developed for implementing control of the Kenwood TS-850 radio. This sample API will implement the alpha API. Any hardware dependant sections of C++ code will be bracketed with condition #define statements to support porting to Linux. Q6. How do I help? Q7. What is next? |