The Smart R8 Control for Windows program is designed to both simplify and enhance shortwave listening on the Drake R8 and R8A Communications Receivers. Smart R8 Control for Windows integrates a database of frequency information with the power of remotely controlling the receiver. Smart R8 Control for Windows emulates most of the R8 and R8A's front panel controls, adding the capabilities of tuning by user selected increments and controlling an attached tape recorder; while adding the name of the station you're listening to and a user-selectable 24-hour clock (local/UT) to the continuous display. Aside from displaying the station you're tuned to, Smart R8 Control for Windows allows smart queries to the integrated frequency database. Using the Windows 3.1 or Windows95 windowing environment, Smart R8 Control for Windows allows the user to choose from a list of stations broadcasting at that time. Once a station is selected, a separate window is created containing that station's list of current frequencies and target areas. The user can automatically tune the receiver by selecting any frequency from any database query. A marking feature is included, to allow the user to highlight particularly reliable frequencies in the database. Smart R8 Control for Windows allows most receiver functions to be changed with a simple click to the main "faceplate" window. A special tuning bar allows the user to tune the radio by a user-defined stepsize, or nudge the radio by 0.01 kHz. Smart R8 Control for Windows also contains an integrated Logging System, which is greatly enhanced over the current DOS and Windows versions. The Logging System allows the user to enter more data, tune the receiver directly from the log display, and create professionally printed logs. Smart R8 Control for Windows also includes an integrated Memory Management System, that allows the user to capture the radio's memories, fill the radio with user-defined memory files, as well as print these memory files in a handy listing for use when the receiver is off. Smart R8 Control for Windows contains an extensive help file that doubles as an on-line users manual, with context sensitive help, enabling the user to get the most out of every feature. Smart R8 Control for Windows imports FineWare's new SWBC Schedules database files. Registered users of Smart R8 Control for Windows are entitled to an integrated importing capability, that will convert these files to the Smart R8 Control for Windows format. Once converted, either the distribution database or the imported SWBC Schedules database can be selected.
