Using Alternate Databases with PowerSDR 2.x
| System Dependencies |
| Minimum PowerSDR Version: |
2.0.8
|
| Applicable Hardware: |
Any FlexRadio SDR
|
Content provided by: FlexRadio Systems Engineering
Beginning with PowerSDR v2.0.0, all operational and user specific data, which includes the PowerSDR database, is no longer stored in the application folder found under ..\Program Files\.., but is kept in a user specific profile location specifically designed for data that changes during the operation of the application. The absolute path of the application data folder location and whether or not it is a hidden folder or not unfortunately changes depending on what Windows operating system you are using. Fortunately, Windows had made concessions in this regard and uses an environment variable to map the different absolute paths to the application data folder location. This Windows environment variable is %APPDATA%. You can use this environment variable to display the path even if the folders are hidden.
To view the absolute path of the %APPDATA% environment variable and all of the other defined environment variables, just issue the set command from the Windows Run applet (WinKey + R), Windows Search box or a command window.
How to Select a Different Alternate Path for PowerSDR Application Data
For each unique version of PowerSDR 2.x that is installed, there is a specific application data folder for each version. It is in this folder that the PowerSDR database, EEPROM backup information, wisdom file and recorded audio files are stored. You can over-ride the default location of the application data folder when starting or initializing PowerSDR, by using a run-time argument or option that will direct it to use an alternate path for the application data folder location. This will allow you to keep separate PowerSDR databases and other files needed to operate the radio for different operating configurations or provide the ability to run multiple instances of PowerSDR on your PC at one time using a common application folder by keeping the databases separate.
The alternate application data path run-time argument is: -datapath:[path]
Where [path] is the full path (without the brackets) to the folder that contains the user specific data for that version of PowerSDR. If the absolute path has any spaces in it, which is usually the case, then you must put double quotes ("path") around the path string.
Also, there is no space between the ":" and the path statement.
When
PowerSDR starts up it will use the database in this path location and
will subsequently write any files to this path, such as wave files you
create while using PowerSDR.
Using the -datapath:[path] Run-time Argument
In the examples below, an alternate user data folder will be created for PowerSDR version 2.0.8 specifically for a FLEX-5000. The PC operating system is Windows XP
If you want to use or create a new application data folder in the same location where other PowerSDR v2.x application data folders are located, use the %APPDATA% environment variable. In the examples below, a radio (hardware) specific application data folder will be created for a FLEX-5000 under the PowerSDR v2.0.8 "parent" folder" by using the following path parameter.
"%APPDATA%\FlexRadio Systems\PowerSDR v2.0.8\FLEX-5000"
There
are several different ways to pass the run-time argument to PowerSDR
2.x when starting the application. You can create an application
shortcut or start PowerSDR from the Run box or Command window. One
other way is to create a small batch file to start the application.
Option 1. - Start up PowerSDR using the -datapath:[path] run-time argument using a Batch File
In the example below, a small batch file is used for starting PowerSDR showing the syntax of the -datapath:[path] run-time argument.
===== [ start of batch file ]=====
@echo off
REM - clear the screen of any junk
cls
REM - add some informational text...
echo.
echo Starting the FLEX-5000...
REM - change to the C: drive to make sure you are on the correct hard drive partition
C:
REM - change directory to where the PowerSDR executable is located
cd C:\Program Files\FlexRadio Systems\PowerSDR v2.0.8\
REM - add some more informational text...
echo The FLEX-1500 and PowerSDR are Initializing...
REM - run PowerSDR with the -datapath run-time argument
powersdr.exe -datapath:"%appdata%\FlexRadio Systems\PowerSDR v2.0.8\FLEX-5000"
:END
===== [ end of batch file ]=====
Option 2. - Start up PowerSDR using the -datapath:[path] run-time argument using a Program Shortcut
The -datapath:[path] run-time option can be added to an application shortcut. When PowerSDR 2.x is installed on your computer, an application shortcut was placed on the desktop. You can edit this short cut to append the -datapath:[path] run-time option to the application target.
Step 1. - Right click on the PowerSDR 2.x.x application shortcut and select Properties from the displayed menu dialog box.
Step 2. - In the Target field, append (add to the end) the full -datapath:[path] run-time option string (see above). For a Win7 x64 PC, the complete string in the target field would look like the example below.
"C:\Program Files (x86)\FlexRadio Systems\PowerSDR v2.0.8\PowerSDR.exe" -datapath:"%appdata%\FlexRadio Systems\PowerSDR v2.0.8\FLEX-5000"
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