Thank you for your interest in Smart R8 Control for Windows. 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 version 3.x of TRS Consultants' English Language Shortwave Broadcast 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 TRS Consultants database can be selected.
The distribution file SMWIN300.ZIP should contain the following files:
README.WRI - This Text.
SMWIN.EXE - The Smart R8 Control for Windows v3.00 Program.
CTL3DV2.DLL - 3D Windows Controls DLL.
BICOMM.DRV - Supplemental serial communications driver.
SMWIN.HLP - The Smart R8 Control for Windows Help File.
SWBCGIDE.DAT - Shortwave frequency database file.
STATIONS.DAT - Shortwave stations database file.
DXSHOWS.TXT - Selected shortwave programming.
*.FML - Export formats for posting logs to various DX clubs.
SMARTCON.FMR - Sample reception report format.
QUESTION.WRI - Last minute information on Smart R8 Control for Windows. PLEASE READ!
TRS.TXT - Information regarding TRS Consultants' SWBC Database.
FW_ORDER.WRI - Ordering information for Smart R8 Control, and other FineWare products.
SETUP*.*,
MS*STF.* and
_MS*.EXE - Installation and Setup files (may be deleted after installation).
The user is licensed to operate the software free of charge, for the purposes of inspection, for a period of sixty (60) days. After the 60 day period expires, the user is expected to pay the nominal registration charge of forty United States dollars (US$40). Currently registered users of the DOS version of Smart R8 Control may take advantage of a special collateral upgrade to switch to the Windows line of the software. at a cost of fifteen United States dollars ($15). Checks or money orders may be made payable to MARK J. FINE and can be sent to the following address:
MARK J. FINE
c/o FineWare
11252 Cardinal Drive
Remington, Virginia 22734-2032
Support of this shareware product ensures its continued development and dissemination. As a bonus for registering Smart R8 Control for Windows, the user will receive future updates to the software, free of charge. As an extra added bonus, the registering party will receive four additional free integrated capabilities that will allow the user to maintain the shortwave frequency database provided:
1) Allows the user to update and compile the shortwave database with user data and frequency schedule changes.
2) Allows subscribers to TRS Consultants' English Language Shortwave Broadcast Database to import regularly updated shortwave schedules.
3) Allows the user to print the full shortwave database in a neatly collated two-column newspaper style format.
4) Allows the user to predict HF propagation conditions to a particular station or area of the world.
* The Drake R8 Communications Receiver is a product of the R. L. Drake Company (Drake), Miamisburg, Ohio 45342.
* The format of the shortwave database used in Smart R8 Control is based upon the Shortwave Guide column found in Monitoring Times magazine. Monitoring Times is a monthly publication of Grove Enterprises, Inc., 140 Dog Branch Road, Brasstown, North Carolina, 28902-0098. Special credit is given to Bob and Bill Grove for their permission to reproduce this format.
* English Language SWBC Schedules is a product of TRS Consultants, PO Box 2275, Vincentown, NJ 08088-2275.
* Microsoft is a registered trademark, Windows and Windows95 are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
* Portions of Smart R8 Control for Windows are Copyright c 1983-95 Borland International.
