THE DXHUNTER 5.0: MAIN FUNCTIONS WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTION For installation notes, see the end of this section. *DXHUNTER is a DOS, shareware, freely distributable program for PC and TNC modem (note: no BAYCOM modem support), for DX CLUSTER management. You can run DXHUNTER in a DOS session simultaneously with your favourite programs, such as your log: PIF and ICO files are included, to use the program under Windows, so you'll not have to abandon your dear old LOG program, when adopting DXHUNTER. *Automatic DXCC data import from different log types (such as DXBASE, TOPLOG, EASYLOG...). *Alert on New Ones: you can set an alert type and an alert duration; you can choose between 5 different new one classes to accept (cell, band, mode, band/mode, total). Allowed alert types are SOUND, MUSIC, CW and VOICE; the CW and VOICE alert types execute the spelling of the alerted spots (call and frequency) also on the PC speaker, making it possible to remotize alert events via radio. *You can enable the announcement of any incoming spot, wich will be performed in CW or VOICE, by spelling spot's call and frequency, also on the PC speaker (useful for people who are blind). *Some special features allow you to decide which alerts to accept, at a spot's CALL/FREQUENCY level; the band planning can be adjusted to your needs. *Automatic connection/reconnection to the DX CLUSTER, also via an unlimited number of intermediate nodes: your presence is not needed, even when the link drops. *Antitimeout function, to avoid inactivity disconnections. *A monitor mode function allows you to operate also when disconnected; a smart anti spot repetition function avoids identical spots display (this filter is active also when operating in connected mode, to avoid looped spots repetition). The monitor mode function supports also the special spot format used on forward links, between cluster nodes!. *Incoming new ones are saved apart, on an active list: once you select an item from this list, you can play it (in CW or VOICE), you can send its frequency to your RTX via RS232; the spots that currently result to be more probable (because they were received into a one hour window centered on current z time) are displayed marked. *DXPED and SKED reminder, with automatic deletion of expired events: when a DXPED becomes active a visual warn is displayed; when a SKED becomes active, a phone-like alert is executed. *Prefix recognition without errors: the DXHUNTER is probably the best in the world in recognizing simple or slashed prefixes; if you keep the data base updated, by adding or deleting prefixes when needed, you'll get the best from this program. An on line prefix check function, allows you to check for any prefix with immediate response. *Filter on far away originated spots: some DX CLUSTERS collect spots being originated from far away sites (i.e. spots coming via the Internet); very often the far away originated DXes are not feasible for you; if you want to exclude alerts on these spots, you can act on the originating field (DX de...) by filtering any originating country you want (unwanted spots will not be alerted but still displayed, anyway). *Remote control on RTX via RS232 port. This control includes frequency and mode setting on the RTX; the control can be manual (you manually type in the desired frequency and mode) or fully automatic (linked to the last received spot or to the new one list). *Voice keyer (Sound Blaster-like card needed): you can record up to 10 voice messages on the fly and then send them back with a snap, with PTT activation on a selected COM or LPT port. *Audio loop recorder (Sound Blaster-like card needed): you can record up to 25/30 seconds of audio onto a circular RAM buffer (thus without disturbing your Hard Disk); you can keep your recording session working for unlimited time; at any time you'll be able to play back the last 25/30 seconds of the current recording, marking audio portions to relisten, with saving capability; you can also select a slower or faster playback speed (6 speed levels: very useful for CW relisten). A switch signal to redirect audio to headphones is included. *Text and audio file capture/storage functions (for audio features a Sound Blaster-like card is needed); a multimedia text/audio archiviation program is included; during the audio playback an hardware switch is activated, to redirect the audio to the headphones. *Automatic CW Key (from 5 up to 100 WPM); you can simulate your CW key with very regular transmission with simple keystrokes or by recalling preset strings; the key switch is performed via a selected COM or LPT port, in a CT like standard. *Unlimited and smart word search function; you can search for any word on entire DX spots, or just on their comment fields; you can also search for IOTA or LOCATOR strings in the comment fields; when a searched word is found, an alert is executed. *RF disturb robustness: some programs block when RF disturbs the serial port; the DXHUNTER simply warns you that you're causing RF disturbs and you might loose data. *Screen capacity selectable, up to 50 text lines. *Automatic talk reply in NOHERE state: you can set a standard message that will be automatically sent as an answer to anybody attempting to talk to you, when you are in a NOHERE state. *Save disk space option (when enabled, all the lists are kept limited in size). *Night mode feature, with blank screen operation (the screen is restored when an alert occurs or at user's keystrokes). *Minimum hardware requirements (the program runs on any PC, from 8088 up, also from floppy disk). *Different acoustic signalling of DX spots, talks, or other messages. *Self documented functions, with on line brief help comments in english language; a printable, justified and page formatted ASCII manual in english language is also included; the manual is schematic and complete at the same time; it has been divided into different sections for easier info retrieval (italian language program and manual also available upon request); the manual also includes some schemes to build the simple required interfaces (PTT, audio switch, RS232<>TTL to drive the RTX). This, and much more, make the DXHUNTER a unique program. Believe me, it will raise up your score dramatically. Many big DXers (scores over 310) are currently using the DXHUNTER with success and satisfaction: they consider it an indispensible DX tool. DOWNLOAD and test it NOW!!!. INSTALLATION NOTES. The minimum evaluation kit is represented by the DXHUNTE5 block. To obtain also multimedia functions, the DXHUTYE5 block is needed. To install the program, download both the blocks or at least the DXHUNTE5 block. Move the downloaded block(s) to a temporary HD directory. Unzip the block(s) then run the Install program; you'll be able to choose the installation directory (C:\DXHUNTER\ default, suggested). Move the zipped block(s) to a good quality floppy disk: you'll be able to reinstall the program in the future, if necessary. Now you can remove the temporary directory and its content. If you install the main block only, you'll be able to enhance your installation at a second time, as soon as you get the second block. To do this, store the install.exe program (which comes with the main block only) then move it to the same directory where you inflated the second block; finally run install, specifying the same installation directory you chose for the previous installation. Problems, advices, suggestions, bugs, tips and other, may be reported to the following Radio Packet BBS Address: IK4VYX@I4UJB.IEMR.ITA.EU, (name is Fabrizio), or to the following Telephone number: +39 545 32916 (Fabrizio) after 19 UTC. This program has been uploaded by the Author. THE DXHUNTER: THE SOFTEST WAY OF HUNTING!!!.