IC-705: Programming with MicroSD Card

Programming the IC-705 via an SD Card
with the RT Systems WCS-705 Programmer

Programming the Icom IC-705 via an SD card begins with saving a file from the radio to the SD card. This gives the radio a chance to build the directory system on the SD card that is required for this process. Even with a factory fresh or freshly reset radio, details are collected for use in programming.

This may be your first experience working with the SD card and the data transfer process. This is so much easier than taking your computer and a cable to the car after the radio is mounted! These steps will help you through that process.

Step 1A: With the radio off, insert the SD card into the slot on the left side panel of the radio.
  • The SD Card Slot is item 9 in the figure.
Step 1B: Follow these precautions as you insert the card.
  • This radio uses a MicroSD card.
  • The slot is on the left side of the radio.
  • There is only one way the card will fit into the slot. Check the orientation of the card and do not force it.
  • Gently press the card into the slot until it clicks and stays firmly in place.
Step 2: The radio will acknowledge the card with an icon on the display.
  • An icon will appear on the face of the radio letting you know that the SD card is properly seated in the slot and recognized by the radio.
  • Check for this indication (number 13 in the image) to be sure you are ready to move on.
Step 3: Saving the Radio's Details
  • This step is necessary for two reasons:
    1. This step is the beginning of Communications | Get data from Radio as described in the Getting Started Process for programming.
      This step will gather essential information from the radio to identify it to the Programmer.
    2. This step must be completed before using the SD card with the Programmer.
      Without it, the Programmer will not find the SD card automatically.
  • From the list presented in the SD Card Menu, select Save Settings
  • Next you are prompted to create a New File.
  • Note: Generally, formatting in the radio is not required as SD Cards come formatted in a way that is useable by the radio.
Step 4: Naming that New File
  • Using a new file prevents confusion over which is the file that contains the most up-to-date information from the radio.
  • The radio offers a name that uses the date along with a numbered extension if multiple files are created on the same day. This is a perfectly good filename, but, you will need to remember it for use in the Programmer.
  • Using the keys on the screen, you are welcome to change the default name.
  • When satisfied with the name, click ENT to save this file. This file saves the memories and data settings of the radio as it is right now.
Step 5: Save File
  • A screen opens prompting to Save File?
  • Click Yes to save or No to cancel the save process.
Step 6: Remove the SD card for use in the computer
  • Touch Menu on the radio to exit the SD card options.
    Turn the radio off. Remove the SD Card.
    If the the radio is On, be sure to Unmount the SD card before removing it. Else, data may be corrupted or lost. Best to power the radio Off then remove the SD card.
  • Push the SD card until it pops loose. Then it is ready to remove, although may still be hard to grip.
  • Mount the SD Card in your computer for use by the Programmer.
  • Although not a necessity, you can confirm that the SD card is accessible through File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
Step 7: Start the RT Systems Programmer for this radio.
  • In this example, the Programmer opens the last file your were working in and saved.
  • The Programmer always opens the last file you saved if it is available.
Step 8: Open a New File
  • You will complete Communication|Read from the SD card to identify this radio to the Programmer. This process will overwrite and destroy the file you worked in and saved.
  • To protect your file, click File | New from the menu at the top of the screen.
  • This opens a new file to use for this part of the process.
  • While this file has frequencies in it, they are not important to save.
  • This is the file you will use for Communication|Read data from the SD Card to identify your radio to the Programmer.
Step 9: Complete Communication|Read from SD Cards
  • Select Communications | Read from SD Card from the menu at the top of the Programmer.
Step 10: Select the file
  • The Programmer will automatically find the SD card, but it cannot select the file to use.
  • Select the file that you created on the radio from the list presented.
  • Note: In the future when you have worked with this process repeatedly you may have many filenames from which to choose. Windows and Mac computers can share these files, BUT never select a file that begins wtih an underline "_". It will not work. Find the same filename without that leading character for success with the process.
Step 12: The File into which you completed Read from SD Card displays the details of the radio.
  • If you are looking at the Memories tab in the Programmer, you may see no change. This is normal if you have no memories saved to your radio.
  • The Programmer has collected what it needs to identify this radio.
  • Click the tabs at the top of the screen until you see the information you want in the radio.
Step 13: Write the information to the SD Card.
  • Select Communications | Write to SD Card from the menu at the top of the screen.
  • The current file (the one you are looking at in the spreadsheet) will be translated into a file that the radio can use.
  • Everything about this file will be used: Memories, Limit Memories, DR Memories, Call Channels, GPS Memories, Settings, DStar settings, Your Callsigns list and other radio details.
  • Click here for more details about how RT Systems Programmers help complete missing DStar information if you have had to reset your radio.
Step 14: Name the file.
  • A dialog opens for you to enter a filename.
  • Click Save to complete the process.
  • Remove the SD Card from the computer and return it to the radio. (Be sure to eject it on the Mac)
Step 15: Repeat Steps 1, 2 and 3
  • Mount the SD card in the radio.
  • Verify that it is acknowledged by the radio.
  • Access the SD Card option of the radio's Menu
Step 16: Load the file to the radio
  • In the SD Card menu, select Load Setting.
  • The list of files presented will include those you loaded from the radio plus those you loaded from the Programmer.
  • Select the one you want loaded to the radio.
    Remember: This one SD card could hold all the files that you need for a long road trip or for specific activities. By naming the files differently, you can easily tell what each is for.
  • Note: In the future when you have worked with this process repeatedly you may have many filenames from which to choose. Windows and Mac computers can share these files, BUT never select a file that begins wtih an underline "_". It will not work. Find the same filename without that leading character for success with the process.
Step 17:The Load File Dialog appears
  • From the Load File dialog, select:
    • All - To load all memory channels including DR Memories and Menu settings to the radio.
    • Except My Station - To load all memory channels including the DR Memories, Menu settings with omission of MY callsigns and TX Messages.
    • Repeater List Only - To load only DR memories.
Step 18: Keep "Skip" settings in the Repeater List
  • The process asks this next. This pertains to the DR Memories that you may have set to Skip manually from the face of the radio.
    • Yes - The skip settings are not disturbed when the file is loaded.
    • No - The skip settings you may have set manually through the radio are replaced by those from the file. A DR Memory can be set to Skip in the Programmer by unchecking the Use Repeater option on the DR Memories tab. This option controls which channels are included in DR Memory Scan and does not affect your ability to select and use one of these channels for DStar activities.
    • Cancel - Halts the process and returns you to the Load File options.
Step 19: Load File?
  • Your last step of confirmation.
    • Yes - Begins the process. The radio will check the file before loading it. Loading begins once the file is approved. COMPLETED! is displayed on the radio when the process is complete. The final step is to power the radio off and back on.
    • No - Halts the process.
Step 20: Storing the SD Card
  • The SD card can be stored in the radio.
  • If not and you use a different card in the future, it will be necessary to repeat all steps here to let the radio built the structure it needs on the new card.
  • Remember, you can store several files on this card to use separately for different locations or special events.
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267 S Davis Road
LaGrange, GA 30241
 
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