Warning: LPB2 is not compatible with newer versions of HRD because HRD now uses Unicode (32-bit) character encoding for text fields. AFAIK, this problem only exists with HRD, and only with newer versions. We plan to support the newer version when we can get to it, but other things currently have a higher priority.

Overview:

LPB2 is a new version of LP-Bridge which has been expanded to support more radios than the original, which only supports the K3. At least for now, LPB2 has some limitations compared to LP-Bridge. Below are some differences and similarities between the two versions...

LPB2 provides support for K2, K3, Yaesu (950,2000,5000) and Kenwood.
LPB2 supports adjustable baud rate.
LPB2 does not support TRX-Pan.
Both versions support PowerSDR/IF and NaP3.
Only VPort1 provides full bi-directional access to the rig with LPB2.
VPorts 2-5 provide GET support for the 8 most common commands used by most rig control applications.
VPorts 2-5 provide SET support for 3 commands... VFO A, VFO B and Mode.
All 5 VPorts provide RTS and DTR handshaking control for keying and PTT, like LP-Bridge.
Both provide output ports to drive hardware like SteppIR.

LPB2 provides two main functions... to link the SDR software to the rig for interactive control, and to allow multiple applications to talk to the rig at the same time.

SDR Linking... The following functions are currently linked between the rig and the SDR software: For all rigs... VFO A, VFO B, Mode and TX/RX. For K3 we add support for IF center tracking, passband width and shift, preamp and attenuator settings. We will add support for these with other rigs as PowerSDR/IF and NaP3 add support for them. The links are bidirectional, meaning that any change made on the SDR software will be reflected at the rig, and vice versa.

Rig Sharing... LPB2 allows one additional application full access to the rig at the same time as the SDR software. It also allows up to 4 additional apps to read the most common rig parameters such as VFOs, mode, etc. LPB2 actually intercepts and buffers the additional polling traffic and responds immediately without sending the additional polling commands to the rig, which reduces serial traffic and eliminates packet collisions.

LPB2 is beta software. You should understand this when you use it. There may be bugs, and some things that are not finished yet, but it is solid in testing by us and beta testers. Report any bugs or feature requests to my email. It is also wise to monitor the LP-PAN User's Group for up to date feedback.

Before installing, make sure you are logged in as Administrator, or that your user account has admin privileges. This will save headaches, especially with Vista. Normally, if you are the main or only user, your default account will be Administrator or have these privileges. Click on one of the links below to either open and run the installation program, or save to your downloads folder, where you can open and run it. Install both the "full" version and the most recent release update the first time you install LPB2. Install just the "update" version if you are just updating the program, and have already installed the full version at some point. If you ever uninstall LPB2, you will have to install the "full" version again, plus the latest update.

You can track the history of releases by clicking on Software Version History.


Downloads

Note: This version of LPB2 uses the latest virtual port drivers from Eltima Software. It is certified to work with Windows 8.

LPB2 v1.07_full.zip  Save this file and unzip, then run the setup.exe file. It installs the program and virtual port drivers, and registers the drivers as well. Instructions follow after these two links. After finishing the installation of v1.07 full, return to the following link to update the LPB2.exe file to v1.08.

Note: This link updates the LPB2.exe program file to the latest version. It fixes a polling bug with Yaesu rigs. This version should be installed after you have installed v1.07 full, or if you already have v1.07 full installed.  It only updates the one file in your installation directory.

LPB2 v1.08_update.zip  Save this file and unzip it. Then run the setup.exe file.
Once unzipped, click on the program folder, then click on setup.exe to start installation. Accept the default installation directory. The virtual port drivers in LPB2 are different for each operating system. During installation, LPB2 Installation will detect your OS and install and register the correct versions. LPB2 will run on Windows 2000, XP, XP64, Vista, Vista64, Win7,  Win7/64 and Windows 8.

You will see a command console open up during installation to run the registration programs, and you will see messages that the registration was successful for the two drivers after a bit of a wait. Click OK on the two registration messages when they appear. Click Finish to finish installation. Depending on OS, you may see a message asking you if you want to reboot. Click yes if you see it. The console will close and your PC will reboot.

This mode is required to enter paths for the AutoLaunch feature which lets LPB2 not only create your virtual ports, but launch the application associated them. It is also used for diagnostic purposes by allowing you to view the serial traffic to/from your apps. Clicking on the setup menu and choosing "Hide" will hide the terminals and path entry boxes, as shown below...