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MD-12 Configuration

The MD-12 Setup app is available for Windows, Linux and Raspberry Pi. Links are on the Downloads page. The configuration app is a standalone application and does not require any special installation. Just unzip into a folder of your choice. It is not recommended to place it on the desktop.

Step 1 - Connecting to the MD12

The MD-12 may be configured via the ShackLAN network or a direct USB connection. Before connecting the the MD-12 you must know the current radio number [A] set in the MD-12. New units will be set to Radio 1. if configuring via a direct USB connection, connect a USB cable to the MD-12 and a new COM port should appear in the list [B]. Click on the new port number to initiate the connection. This may take a few seconds as the app searches for the correct baud rate. Be sure you get the note that the app has opened the COM port successfully [C]. The status light will turn green indicating a successful connection.

Step 2 - Set up the radio

1 - Set the Radio Number to the desired number. NOTE: Two decoders cannot share the same radio number as conflicts result.
2 - Select the type of radio. The Kenwood and Yaesu options give you the choice of using the FA or IF commands. Pick the one used by your logging software. The FA option is the most common.
3 - For Icom radios, you may manually enter the CI-V address of the radio (if known) or enter FF to automatically acquire the address.
4 - Select the baud rate to match that of the radio. The USB port will be set to the same baud rate.
5 - The Polling option is normally left enabled. You may disable polling if you experience data collisions with Icom radios.
6 - The Timeout option is used to automatically disconnect antennas when the radio is turned off. When disabled the MD-12 will continuously send the last band information received from the radio, even if the radio is turned off.
7 - The AUX RS-232 option selects the data format sent on the Radio connector (RS-232) when using Icom radios or band data inputs. Most accessories can be set to use Kenwood FA data.
8 - The Switch number is the address of the ShackLAN antenna switch to be used with the decoder when the Target is set to Switch. If you only have a single switch this can normally be left at the default value of 1. The Target options determine which type of commands are sent by the MD-12. This selection should be set to the type of controller you are using. Choose the PC App option if you are doing all your antenna selection from the ShackLAN Control Center software without any controllers.
8 - Click on the Save button to write the new configuration to the MD-12.

Step 3 - Antenna assignments

The last required step in configuring your MD-12 is to assign a default antenna to each band. Click on the Antennas tab to see the assignments. Select the desired antenna number for each band. NOTE: RatPak and SixPak users should not select antennas 7 or 8. Click on the Save button to write the configuration the to MD-12.

Band limits - Optional

The MD-12 also provides the ability to define your own band segments. Most users will not need to change these from the default values. The only one you may wish to change is the 80M one to move the divide between 80M and 75M. Changing a segment limit is as simple as clicking on the one to change and entering the new value. Remember that all frequencies are in KHz. No decimal points.