Copyright: Help File Copyright ® 1992-95 FineWare
Citation: Smart R8 Control for Windows Help ® 1992-95 FineWare


 Help Contents

Copyright © 1992-95  FineWare

Thank you for choosing Smart R8 Control for Windows.  This help file is intended to serve as an on-line users manual, showing what the software will do, how to set it up, and how to run it.

Through out this help file, you will see the Smart R8 Control icon in the help topic title.  Clicking on it will bring you back to the next higher level in the help system.

Introduction

About Smart R8 Control

System Requirements

Warranty and License Information

Possible Future Enhancements

Acknowledgments

Version History

How to...

Install and Set Up Smart R8 Control

Operate the Faceplate

Use the Memory Management System

Use the Logging System

Register Smart R8 Control

Contact the Author

Commands

Control Menu

File Menu

Edit Menu

Radio Menu

Tuning Menu

Memory Menu

Query Menu

Tools Menu

Keyboard Conventions


 About Smart R8 Control for Windows

Because most shortwave broadcast stations change frequencies during the day, its often frustrating have to double check mounds of reference material while trying to listen at the same time.  For example, consider the following:

Scenario 1:  Upon settling in for a relaxing session of twirling the dial, an unfamiliar station pops out of the ether.  While waiting for the station to ID, you fumble through pages of reference material trying to get a heads-up on what the station might be.

Scenario 2:  You have an urge to listen to a particular station such as Radio Sweden, Radio Netherlands, Radio Moscow, or Radio Australia (if the conditions are right).  Again, you fumble through your references to find out what frequency to tune to.  Not only have you found the station's programming schedule, but the station won't be on for at least another hour.

For these and other cases, Smart R8 Control for Windows is designed to both simplify and enhance the shortwave listening hobby.  Smart R8 Control for Windows integrates a database of frequency information with the power of remotely controlling the shortwave receiver.  Smart R8 Control for Windows emulates most of the R8's front panel controls, adding the capabilities of tuning by user selected increments (i.e., 5 kHz) and controlling an attached tape recorder; while adding the name of the station you're listening to and a dual 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.  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 now automatically tune the receiver by selecting a frequency from the list.  A marking feature is included, to allow the user to highlight particularly reliable frequencies in the list (i.e., the 5975, 7325 and 9915 kHz evening frequencies for the BBC to North America).  If a new frequency has been heard during that time period, it can be added to the list.

The frequency database can also be queried to display a station's full frequency schedule, when selected programs are on that particular day, as well as a query to find what other stations use the frequency the receiver is tuned to.  Other ancillary features include memory management, a full-featured logging facility and a 'reminder' display of the shortwave frequency bands.


 System Requirements

The system requirements for operating this software are the Drake R8 Communications Receiver and a 286 based MS-DOS Computer running Microsoft Windows 3.10; with VGA video, a minimum of 1Mb RAM and one available serial port.  A mouse is optional, but desirable.

Warning:

Because of the unstability of Windows communications drivers, it is helpful (but not necessary) to know what type of Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) chip is being used by your computers serial port.  For the software to work correctly, users with an 8250 or compatible UART must interface with the port directly.  Users with a 16550 class UART have the option of using the Windows communications drivers, which in some instances may make Smart R8 Control for Windows more responsive.


 Warranty and License Information

This and all of the other files contained in the distribution file SMWIN201.ZIP are provided as shareware to be used and disseminated in an unmodified form.  The author requests that no fee be charged by any agent other than FineWare (Mark J. Fine), for the enjoyment or use of this software.  Neither the author nor his associates are responsible for any results of using this software or hardware modification recommendations included in this document on any computer system or radio receiver, whether used or performed either properly or improperly.  The user hereby agrees that he is using this software/modifying his hardware at his own risk.

This and all of the other files contained in the file SMWIN201.ZIP are provided as is, with no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, and all such warranties are expressly and specifically disclaimed.  In no event should the author or any of his associates be responsible for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages or lost profits to you or any other person or entity regardless of the legal theory, even if the author or any of his associates have been advised of the possibility of such damage.

No person or entity is authorized to expand or alter either these warranties or this agreement; any such representation will not bind the author or his associates.

The user is licensed to operate Smart R8 Control for Windows 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 are entitled to a special collateral upgrade for only fifteen United States dollars (US$15), to switch to the Windows version of the software.

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 the following integrated capabilities:

*  Editing and updating of the shortwave database with user data and frequency schedule changes.

*  Use with various user-defined databases, to include regularly updated shortwave schedules from TRS Consultants (only for subscribers to TRS Consultants' English Language Shortwave Broadcast Database).

*  Desktop publishing of the full shortwave database in a neatly collated two-column newspaper style format.

*  On-line prediction of HF propagation conditions to a particular station or area of the world.

See How to Register Smart R8 Control for Windows for more information on product registration.


 Possible Future Enhancements

Add-ons:

* One of the things missing when controlling the Drake R8, is the capability to address the receivers volume and tone controls.  The author is toying with the idea of providing these functions via a hook to an on-board sound card, if available.

* Another missing feature is the ability to visualize the waveform and spectrum of the receivers audio output.  In addition to volume and tone controls, an on-screen oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer may be provided via the sound card as well.  An on-screen oscope and spectrum display will provide the user with a means to not only correctly tune the receiver for TTY signals, but allow the user to visualize any clipping in the audio output.

* To go with the oscope and spectrum analyzer (for on-screen tuning of TTY signals), the addition of an add-on TNC/TU decoder interface would be nice.  Since not all possible TNCs can be addressed, the author is toying with the idea of providing a dumb terminal in a future version.

Logging:

* For logging utility stations, there is no field that specifically addresses the signal type (e.g., voice, SITOR-A, etc.).  A future version may additionally include this field.

* Currently the user can access only one log file, SMARTCON.LOG.  This may be enhanced in a future version, to allow access to multiple user-definable log files.

* Currently there is no way to print specific log entries, or edit them easily.  A future version may include this capability.

* Many users have already asked for a way to print the log (or specific log entries) to a text file.  this may be provided in a future version.

Memories:

* The current method of building memory files may be cumbersome and hard to use, especially when preparing a file for a specific station.  The author would like to include a drag-and-drop feature that allows the user to drag any frequency from a database display, and drop it into a user-defined memory file.

Database:

* The current database structure was a direct port of the DOS version, which required meager memory usage.  This restricted the storage of frequencies in the database as whole numbers.  A future version of the database may correct this, allowing users to store frequencies in fractional kHz.  On the down side, this will make the Smart R8 Control for Windows database incompatible with that for DOS.  There are no plans to upgrade that database to accommodate this capability.

* The current version of the software was supposed to include access to multiple databases, other than just the distribution and TRS Consultants database.  A future version of the software will allow the user to create separate SWBC, Ute and BCB databases that can mixed and matched to suit the users needs.

* A nice feature that would make life easier, is the ability to print, edit, delete and mark entries in the DX Programs list, much the same as with frequency database entries.  This feature may be included in a future version.

Miscellaneous:

* Because of the amount of features in Smart R8 Control for Windows, it is becoming increasingly clear that a tool bar is warranted.  This may be included in a future version.

* Currently the user can add new stepsizes to the list, but cannot delete them.  This feature may be included in a future version.

* Currently the user may set only one default antenna in the software.  However, some users employ more than one antenna.  A feature to define an antenna to a specific band or set of frequencies may be included in a future version.

* Currently the size of the main screen (the faceplate) is fixed.  Because so many dialog windows can be displayed at one time, the screen can get pretty cluttered.  A future version may combine the faceplate and other dialog windows to be enclosed in a single desktop window, that may be resized and scrolled.

* The author is also toying with the idea of providing reconfigurable timers to complement the VOX Tape control.  Since the R8s internal timer cannot be addressed by the computer, this will require that the computer is on at all times.  This feature may also be included in a future version.

* Many folks have requested that Smart R8 Control for DOS, as well as Windows be able to control other remote control-capable shortwave receivers.  Smart R8 Control has always, and will always, only focus on the Drake R8.  However, if enough people request that another particular receiver be addressed, the author may consider creating a separate software suite for that particular receiver.  This decision will be based not only on the amount of requests, but the availability of the particular receiver in question.


 Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank all of those who have contributed in making the DOS version of Smart R8 Control a success.  For this Windows version, the author also wishes to thank the efforts of Messrs. Phil Potts and L. Mitchell Wein, for their lasting support.  Special gratitude goes to Mr. Steven A. Wagner, who pushed me into this project, causing me to lose much sleep (paybacks are hell <Grin>).

* 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 for Windows 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 Grove, Publisher, and Bill Grove, SYSOP of the Grove Systems BBS, for their permission to reproduce this format.  The Grove Systems BBS can be accessed, Monday through Friday from 6:30PM to 8:00AM EST and 24 hours on weekends, on the following telephone numbers:

(704) 837-7081	300 - 14400 BPS

(704) 837-9200	300 - 14400 BPS

(704) 837-5957	300 - 14400 BPS

(704) 837-5183	300 - 14400 BPS

* English Language SWBC Schedules is a product of TRS Consultants, PO Box 2275, Vincentown, NJ 08088-2275.

* Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

*  Portions of Smart R8 Control for Windows are Copyright © 1983-92, Borland International, Inc.


 Version History

v2.01ß - Secondary Registered Release  23 Jan 95

* Automatically saves the last stepsize selected as the default, for the next session.

* Made DX Programs screen more robust, by automatically indexing to the next upcoming show in the list.

* Fixed bug that incorrectly drew the station windows, when the list was not filled and a scroll bar was not present.

* Fixed bug that did not allow you to save the database, if you exit Windows prior to exiting Smart R8 Control.

* Fixed problem with communications, to include initialization of the DTR and RTS lines.

* Fixed problem with communications at installation time.  Smart R8 Control for Windows now makes sure that the Control Panel configures the desired port for 9600,e,7,1,p.

* Fixed bug when printing a memory file.  Channels with valid note fields in the right column (above #50), did not print correctly if the corresponding channel on that line in the left column (below #50) was blank.

* Fixed bug in print dialog box.  The cancel button in the print dialog box now operates correctly, and will abort after printing the current page.  Also, the dialog box now displays the current page being printed.

Registered Utilities (registered users only):

* Integrated Shell : All utilities may now be run either internally from Smart R8 Control for Windows, or from a single front-end shell SMUTES.EXE, when the main program is not running.

* Database Compilation : Compilation now synchronizes database editing with Smart R8 Control.  It automatically kicks in when re-opening the database if it has changed after an editing session.

* Database Importing : Importing now does not alter the utility frequencies, for TRS users.

* Database Publishing : Publishing now asks for pages to print and includes the name of the database in the header.

* HF Propagation Prediction : Eliminated useless EMUF curve, in favor of a 10% FMUF curve.  Utility now also has MUF-LUF display built into the main entry window.

* Added secondary registered help file.

v2.00ß - Original Shareware Release  02 Jan 95


 Keyboard Conventions

Smart R8 Control for Windows is easy enough to use with the Windows menuing system and a mouse.  However, in some instances it may be desirable to utilize the keyboard instead.  For those cases, Smart R8 Control for Windows also recognizes the following key combinations:

Key Combination	Smart R8 Control for Windows Function	Corresponding Menu
Esc	Toggles the radios Power	Radio Menu
Ctrl-Esc	Invokes Windows Task Manager	Control Menu
Left/Right Cursors	Fast Tunes the radio using stepsize
Ctrl-Left/Right Cursors	Slow Tunes (nudges) the radio
Numeric Keypad, Enter, Backspace	Direct Access Tunes the radio
Ctrl-A	Sets the radios Antenna Port	Radio Menu
Ctrl-B	Sets the radios IF Bandwidth	Radio Menu
Ctrl-C	Toggles the radios Scan Mode	Tuning Menu
Ctrl-D	Toggles the computer-radio Connection	Tuning Menu
Ctrl-E	Toggles the radios Memory Mode	Tuning Menu
Ctrl-F	Invokes HF Propagation Prediction	Tools Menu
Ctrl-G	Sets the radios AGC Speed	Radio Menu
Ctrl-H	Displays current Memory List	Memory Menu
Ctrl-I	Inserts a Memory Channel	Memory Menu
Ctrl-J	Invokes Memory Jumping	Tuning Menu
Ctrl-K	Sets the radios Noise Blanker	Radio Menu
Ctrl-L	Prompts for a Log Entry	Tools Menu
Ctrl-M	Sets the radios Demodulation Mode	Radio Menu
Ctrl-N	Toggles the radios Notch Filter	Radio Menu
Ctrl-P	Prompts for Scan Parameters	Tuning Menu
Ctrl-Q	Closes all active windows	Tools Menu
Ctrl-R	Sets the radios RF Amplifier	Radio Menu
Ctrl-S	Toggles the radios Synchronous Detector	Radio Menu
Ctrl-T	Toggles the radios Tape VOX	Radio Menu
Ctrl-U	Invokes Database Publishing	File Menu
Ctrl-V	Toggles the radios VFO	Radio Menu
Ctrl-W	Captures the radios memories	Memory Menu
Alt-X	Exits Smart R8 Control for Windows	File Menu
Ctrl-Y	Fills the radios memories	Memory Menu
Ctrl-Z	Sets the radios stepsize	Tuning Menu
Ctrl-=	Sets the radios VFOs A = B	Radio Menu
F1	Invokes the Help System	Help Menu
Shift-F1	Displays Help Contents	Help Menu
Ctrl-F1	Displays Context Sensitive Help	Help Menu
F2	Displays the SWBC Band Plan	Tools Menu
F3	Displays the DX Programs	Tools Menu
F4	Displays the Radio Log	Tools Menu
Shift-F4	Prints the Radio Log	Tools Menu
Alt-F4	Closes current window	Control Menu
F5	Displays Available SWBC Stations	Query Menu
Shift-F5	Displays Available AM/CB Stations	Query Menu
Ctrl-F5	Displays Available Utility Stations	Query Menu
F6	Displays Current Station Freqs.	Query Menu
F7	Displays Full Station Schedule	Query Menu
Shift-F7	Prints Full Station Schedule	Query Menu
F8	Displays Who Else Uses Freq.	Query Menu
F9	Saves a changed Database	File Menu
Shift-F9	Swaps Databases	File Menu
Ctrl-F9	Dumps Database to disk	File Menu

Notes:

Grayed items are only available for registered users of Smart R8 Control for Windows.


Ok Button

This button is used to accept any changes and continue the action.


Cancel Button

This button is used to deny any changes and abort the action.


Help Button

This button is used to display the help screen behind this message.


Nice Try!

You are already at the highest level of the help system.


 Installation and Setup

Installation

Unarchive the entire distribution file SMWIN201.ZIP into a single disk directory.  This is important, because the main program, SMWIN.EXE, expects to find all of the individual files it creates and uses in a single disk directory.

Setup

It is necessary (but not essential) that the computer's real time clock be accurately set.  If no battery back up clock is used in the computer, the DOS TIME and DATE commands should be used prior to running Smart R8 Control for Windows.  The importance of this will be detailed later.

The first time you run Smart R8 Control for Windows, the software will automatically prompt you for all of your default options.  These options will consist of your UT-to-local time offset, which of the computers serial ports is connected to the receiver, which of the receivers two antenna ports is connected to the shortwave antenna, and some user information that may be included for logging purposes.

All default options will be stored in an initialization file, in the default directory, named SMARTCON.INI.  Upon future runs of Smart R8 Control for Windows, this file will be automatically read at start-up.  Since these options can change, the user can enter these options independently.  See Setting Options for more detailed information.


 Operating the Faceplate

Faceplate Description

After properly setting all options, Smart R8 Control for Windows will automatically read the default frequency database and display the radio faceplate, as shown above.  The layout of the faceplate is somewhat similar to that of the R8, except that it also displays a Band Indicator, the current tuning step size, the local and UT times, and space for up to ten co-channel station names.  For easier direct tuning of the radio, Smart R8 Control for Windows adds a fully functional numeric keypad, similar to that on your keyboard.  It also adds a couple of extra tuning buttons, that will allow you nudge the receiver's frequency by 0.01 kHz (0.1 kHz for the VHF Converter).

See the following topics for more faceplate operations:

Tuning the Radio

Memory Mode Operation

Scanning Mode Operation

For a full description of all faceplate controls, either click on a feature in the above faceplate, or select one of the following:

Band Indicator	VFO Button	Station(s) Tuned List Box

Tape VOX Button	VFO A=B Button	Direct Tune Keypad

Memory Mode Button	Antenna Combo Box	Power Button

Memory Channel Indicator	RF Amplifier Combo Box	Up/Down Tuning Buttons

Noise Blanker Combo Box	AGC Speed Combo Box

Notch Filter Button	Bandwidth Combo Box

Scan Mode Button	Mode Combo Box

Scan Parameters Button	Synch Detector Button

Stepsize Combo Box

Unfortunately, there are no provisions to remotely control receiver's tone, notch, squelch, passband offset, volume or RF Gain control knobs; nor the internal clock or timer settings.  There are provisions to remotely control the tuning knob step display, but because of the tuning features provided by Smart R8 Control for Windows, the point is moot.

A work-around for controlling the volume control can be made, if you connect one of the radios line outputs to an input on your computers sound card (if available).  The radios volume can be then controlled via the sound cards speakers, using the cards Windows-based mixer utility.  If this is a desirable feature, a volume control will be implemented in a future version of Smart R8 Control for Windows.  It may also be possible to provide an audio spectrum display that may be used for tuning RTTY signals.

In addition to the available faceplate controls, space is reserved for the following status indicators:

*  Current database selected.  The name of the current database will be shown in the Smart R8 Control title bar.

*  Carrier Status. If a signal is present and is at a level above the squelch threshold, the meter in the upper left hand corner of the faceplate will display, as shown.

*  Registration status.  The space to the right of the power button will display the users registration number for registered copies of Smart R8 Control for Windows.

*  Serial port communications status.  The space next to the registration status indicator will display Comms if the software is disconnected from the receiver.

*  Database status.  The space to the left of the up/down tuning buttons will display Save if the database has changed since the last time it was saved.


 Using the Memory Management System

Description

New to the Smart R8 Control line, is the ability to manage the Drake R8s 100 memory channels.  Previously, the DOS version of Smart R8 Control only allowed the user to fill and recall one memory channel at a time.  This made it cumbersome to completely fill the radio.  In addition to the original memory functions, Smart R8 Control for Windows now has a robust Memory Management System, to make the R8s memory channels a lot easier to use and manipulate.  The Memory Management System allows the user to create, edit, recall and save individual memory files; as well as to Capture and Fill all 100 memories.  When either Capturing or Filling the radio, the contents of the memory locations used will be automatically loaded the next time Smart R8 Control for Windows is run.

It is expected that the Memory Management System will provide a set of useful tools for operating the Drake R8 while the computer is Off.  For these instances, memory files may be constructed to hold a either single stations set of used frequencies, or any combination thereof.  The constructed memory file can then be used to Fill the receiver for use when the computer is Off.  The user can also Print these memories out in a foldable one-sheet format, as a handy reference.

Memory File Creation and Loading

The Memory Management System operates from a series of memory files.  The user can create a memory file by either Capturing the radios current memories, or editing each location in a blank memory set.  The Capture Radio function will automatically step through all 100 memory locations, reading each setting at each location.  The New function will create a blank set of memories that the user may configure.  If the user Captures the receivers memory locations, Smart R8 Control for Windows will automatically prompt the user to Save the settings to a memory file.  The memory file may then be recalled at a later time, by using the Open command from the Memory Menu.

Editing and Saving Memory Files

A memory file may be easily edited using Smart R8 Control for Windows, either from within the displayed Memory List.  To edit the memory file, select the memory location to edit, click and hold the right mouse button on that item and pick Edit from the PopUp Edit Menu.  From here, the user can modify all of the memorys settings (except the memory channel number) as well as fill the memory location of the radio at that time.  Selecting Clear from the PopUp Edit Menu will empty the contents of the location, as shown in the Memory List as <none>.

Once changed, the filename in the title bar of the Memory List display will be followed by an asterisk (*), showing that the current memory file needs to be saved.  The user can then save the file using the Save command or by the Save As... command from the Memory Menu.

The memory files can also be edited manually using a text editor.  Within the memory file, all active records are formatted as *MM SSSSS FFF.FFFFF*MHz<#Notes>.  In this format, MM = the active memory channel, SSSSS = Drakes 5-character settings string, FFF.FFFFF = the frequency setting, in MHz.  The user may append the end of each record with a short notes field, describing the contents of the memory location, containing a maximum of 28 characters.  The notes field begins with tab character (shown as the # in the format string, above).  A memory file can have up to 100 records, to match the receivers memory capacity.

Filling Memory Locations

As previously mentioned, the a single memory location can be filled, either by using the Insert Channel... command from the Memory Menu, or while Editing a memory location.  Each does basically the same thing, and uses the same dialog box.  When using the Insert Channel... command, the user may only select the channel number to fill, using the receivers current settings.  When Editing a memory location from the Memory List display, the user can only change the contents of that location, and has the option of filling the channel at that time.  The user can likewise fill all of the R8s 100 memory locations by using the Fill Radio command from the Memory Menu.  This command will run through all active memory locations in the currently loaded memory file and fill each corresponding channel.

For a full description of all Memory Management System functions, select one of the following:

New	Creates a fresh memory file.

Open...	Opens a previously saved memory file.

Save	Saves a modified memory file.

Save As...	Saves the current memory file under a new name.

Print	Prints the current memory file to the printer.

Capture	Reads all of the radios memories into a memory file.

Show List	Shows the current memory file listing.

Edit	Modifies the selected memory file record.

Clear	Clears the selected memory file record.

Fill Radio	Fills all of the radios memories with the current memory file.

Insert Channel...	Fills a memory channel with the current radio settings.


 Using the Logging System

Description

One of the mundane tasks of the listening hobby is the logging of activity.  Smart R8 Control for Windows contains a robust Logging System that makes this task a lot easier.  Depending on how a log entry is invoked, the Logging System will produce a Log Entry form that automatically contains the date, time, frequency, station name and mode settings from the faceplate.  These settings may be recalled later, from the Log Display, to automatically tune the radio.  The Log Entry form also contains the users name, address and equipment details, as set from the default Options.  This will be used in later version for producing automated reception reports.

Log Entries

Creating log entries has been made extremely flexible and easy to use.  For example, there may be instances when a late log entry is to made.  When invoked, the Log Entry form will be shown with only the current date and time, and the station field will default to UnID.  From here, the Frequency, SINPO (or SIO) and Mode fields can be manually entered.  As well, any program details or notes can be entered in the multi-line Notes field.  The station name can be manually typed or can be changed by searching through the standard station names in the drop-down combo box.  Pressing the Ok Button completes the entry, which is then posted in the file SMARTCON.LOG.

If the radio were on, the Frequency and Mode fields would be automatically filled, anticipating that you will log what you are listening to.  If the station you heard is displayed in the faceplates Station(s) Tuned list, clicking on the stations name will automatically invoke the Log Entry form with that station name already filled in.

If the stations name is not shown on the faceplate, or can not be IDed, it may be possible that the station also uses that frequency at another time during the day.  Invoking the Who Else Uses database query may show this station in the list, and possibly help you to ID it.  Clicking on a station name is from the Who Else list will also display the Log Entry form with that station already filled in.

Revisiting a Log Entry

In some instances, it may be desirable to revisit some old log entries.  One possible instance is to attempt to ID a previously unidentified entry.  Invoking the Log Display will show all log entries, and automatically point to the most recent one.  Selecting one of these log entries will automatically tune the receiver to that frequency.  This will also set the radio to the mode that it was set to when the entry was made.  This should be extremely helpful for those users that do a lot of utility DXing.

Porting the Log File

The structure of the log file SMARTCON.LOG has changed somewhat from earlier DOS versions.  It is no longer a simple text file, but a tab-delimited flat file database of log entries.  This has been done, so that the log file can be easily ported to another database, or to a spreadsheet program.  When porting the log file, the structure is as follows:

Field	Length	Comments

Frequency	8 Chars	FFFFF.FF, if kHz; FFF.FFFF if MHz (see Multiplier)

Multiplier	3 Chars	kHz or MHz

Time/Day	5 Chars

Date	9 Chars	DD MMM YY format

Mode	<=4 Chars

SINPO	<=5 Chars

Station Name	<=25 Chars

Short Notes	          	If notes are <=22 Chars, they will be preceded by a tab.

or

Long Notes	           	If notes are >22 Chars, they are split into separate lines, with each line preceded by a carriage return (#13) and two tab characters.  Each line is limited to 80 Char of free text.

For a full description of all Logging System functions, select one of the following:

Log Entry...

Show Log

Print Log


 Registering Smart R8 Control

The user is licensed to operate Smart R8 Control for Windows 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 are entitled to a special collateral upgrade for only fifteen United States dollars (US$15), to switch to the Windows version of the software.

To register Smart R8 Control for Windows v2.01ß, print this help topic (from the menu bar, select File | Print), fill out the form below and return it with a check or money order in the appropriate amount.

Checks or money orders drawn on a United States bank 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 22734-9684


 Contacting the Author

The author would appreciate any comments regarding the improvement of this software or any bug reports (nobody's perfect).

The author may be contacted by calling the FineWare Support Conference (#16) on The Cats Meow BBS, Warrenton, Virginia (1-703-349-9553, Name used on BBSs: MARK FINE).  Jon Poisel, the new owner of TCM, has graciously provided this support conference for users of Smart R8 Control, as well as other FineWare products.  It is anticipated that users will be able to use the FineWare Support Conference as a forum for rapidly acquiring software updates, information on Smart R8 Control developments as well as a means to exchange up-to-date shortwave data.

In addition to TCM, updates to this software may be found at the following land line BBS and FTP sites:

TRS Consultants Conference Area (#50) of Pics OnLine BBS	1-609-753-2540 1-609-753-1549 1-609-753-2605 1-609-753-2618
Grove Systems BBS	1-704-837-7081 1-704-837-9200 1-704-837-5957 1-704-837-5183
VOA Frequency Division BBS	1-202-619-1494
oak.oakland.edu	/pub/hamradio/pc/ham-utils
ftp.funet.fi	/pub/dx/software/msdos/rx-control

The author may also be contacted via any bulletin board system currently participating in the following national BBS conference echoes:

RIME (RelayNet) SCANNERS/SWL Conference (route using '->MEOW', R/O capable, public key 26936)

FidoNet Shortwave Conference (NetMail address:  1:265/109)

The author also tends to hang out in the following message areas in Cyberspace:

USENET Rec.Radio.Shortwave Newsgroup (via the University of Texas USENET gateway:  Rec-Radio-Shortwave@cs.utexas.edu)

Drake R8 List (DrakeR8@terra.pwd.hp.com)  [Note:  Send a SUBSCRIBE message to DrakeR8-Request@terra.pwd.hp.com to join the list]

In addition, the author may also be contacted by mail at his home address (phone calls are discouraged):

MARK J. FINE

c/o FineWare

11252 Cardinal Drive

Remington, Virginia 22734-9684

Comments should be constructive and contain detailed descriptions of what the user would like to see included in this software.  If a bug report is in order, please include information such as computer make and model, version and make of DOS & Windows used, a hard copy of the user's AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, as well as detailed descriptions of the nature of each problem.  All constructive comments and bug reports will result in a prompt, courteous response.


 Tuning the Radio

Power on and Up/Down Tuning

The receiver can be turned on and off by either clicking on the Power Button, or by pressing the Esc key.  The receiver can then be tuned in a stepping fashion by clicking on one of the buttons on the tuning bar.  Clicking on the Double Arrow Buttons of the tuning bar will tune the receiver at whatever the amount is shown in the Stepsize Combo Box.  Clicking on the Small Arrow Buttons of the tuning bar will tune the receiver in a set increment of 0.01 kHz (0.1 kHz for the VHF Converter).  Stepped tuning can be also done by using the left and right cursor keys on the keyboard.  Holding down the Ctrl key when using the left or right cursor keys will emulate clicking one of the small arrow buttons.

Direct Access Tuning

If desired, the receiver can be direct-access tuned by either using the faceplates Direct Tune Keypad, or by typing in the frequency and hitting return.  Corrections can be made while direct-access tuning, by using the backspace key on either the direct tune keypad, or the keyboard.

When using the direct-access tuning, typing 15, 15.000 or 15000 will yield the same result: 15 MHz.  This only works between the frequency range of .176 through 55 MHz.  Frequencies below .176 MHz and above 108 MHz must be entered in MHz (i.e., .153 for 153 kHz or 147 for 147 MHz).  Since the receiver only tunes between .100 - 30,35 - 55, and 108 - 175 MHz, any other frequency will yield an error message.  If the optional VHF Converter is not installed, tuning in the latter two bands will also yield an error message.

Changing the Stepsize

The stepping increment defaults to 5 kHz upon program start-up.  This can be changed by at any time by clicking on the Stepsize Combo Box, or by pressing the Ctrl-Z key combination.  Once selected, the new stepsize increment can selected from the list of preset stepsizes, or a new one can be typed in.  The increment is entered in kHz and is valid for a range of .01 to 9999.99 kHz.  All newly entered stepsizes are stored, and may be recalled from the stepsize list at a later time.

The Keyboard Layout

All of these key positions were specifically chosen because of the layout of the 101 style keyboard.  On the 101, the Esc key is in the upper left hand corner of the keyboard, which keeps it nicely out of the way.  Also on the 101 keyboard, are separate cursor and numeric keypads.  If the NumLock is depressed, it is extremely easy to punch in a direct-access frequency or incrementally tune.

Smart Tuning

Smart R8 Control for Windows is not only limited to the tuning methods, described above.  Throughout the software, there are numerous dialog windows that contain various frequencies.  Even the least experienced users will soon find that the receiver can be tuned by clicking on any frequency shown in one of these dialog windows.


 Memory Mode Operation

Entering Memory Mode

Memory mode tuning can be toggled on and off by clicking the Memory Mode Button, or by  pressing the Ctrl-E key combination.  When in memory mode, the Memory Mode Button will change from a lower case to upper case MEM and the receiver will tune to the memory number displayed on the Memory Channel Indicator.  Selecting the Memory Mode Button again will download the memory settings into the current VFO, which is analogous to pressing the M-V key on the receiver.

Tuning or Jumping to Another Memory Channel

While in memory mode, tuning up or down will step through all of the preset memory channels.  An alternate method for accessing a particular memory number is by either clicking on the Memory Channel Indicator, or by pressing the Ctrl-J key combination.  This will display a list of all of the radios memory channels, if the radios memories have been captured to a memory file, and the memory file has been loaded into Smart R8 Control for Windows.  The radio will jump to that memory channel, by either clicking or selecting any one of the items in the list.  The receiver may be tuned by the direct-access method without having to leave memory mode.  Smart R8 Control for Windows will handle this automatically.

Special Note:  Items in the list that are marked <none> cannot be tuned.  Please refer to Capturing Memories to create a valid memory file.

More Memory Operations

Smart R8 Control for Windows has a fairly complete and robust memory management system, allowing you to read all memory locations from the receiver, or fill them with a previously created memory file.  As well, each memory location can be individually set either by using the radios current settings, or with a user-defined combination.

For more detailed information, see the Memory Menu topic, or one of the following:

Capture

Show List

Fill Radio

Insert Channel...


 Scanning Mode Operation

Entering Scanning Mode

Scanning mode can be accessed by clicking on the Scan Mode Button, or by pressing Ctrl-C key combination.  This function does not work very well on the shortwave bands if the squelch is not properly set.  It is only recommended if the RF Amplifier setting is switched OFF and the squelch is set to open at approximately 10 to 20 dB over S9.  Since many of the radios functions are not usable while scanning, they will be automatically disabled.  Only the Band Indicator, Memory Channel Indicator, and Up/Down Tuning Buttons will be enabled while in this mode.  The former two functions will operate normally, however they will not allow you to tune the receiver.  On the other hand, using the Up/Down Tuning Buttons during scanning mode will allow the user to change the scanning direction.

Setting the Scanning Parameters

If the scanning parameters have not been properly set (as indicated by a ?? on the Scan Parameters Button) Smart R8 Control for Windows will automatically prompt for them.  This may also be performed by either clicking on the Scan Parameters Button or by pressing the Ctrl-P key combination.  Invoking this function will bring up the Scanning Parameters dialog box.  The appropriate scanning mode (Memory, List or A-B) and scanning type (Seek, Time or Carrier) can be set by selecting each from the appropriate combo box.  If the List Mode scanning is to be used, the desired memory banks to be scanned can be likewise selected using the appropriate radio buttons.

Special Note:  If Memory or List Mode scanning is used, the user must remember to enter memory mode and initially tune to a memory location within the specified memory list.  Failure to do so has been known to confuse the receiver.


 Control Menu

The Control Menu includes commands that enable you to move or minimize the programs main dialog box, exit Smart R8 Control for Windows, or switch to another application.

For more information, select the Control Menu command name.

Restore	Restores a minimized dialog box back to the screen.

Move	Moves the dialog box to a new location.

Minimize	Shrinks the dialog box into an icon at the bottom of the screen.

Close	Exits Smart R8 Control for Windows.

Switch To...	Switches to another currently running application.


 Restore Window

This Control Menu Item will allow you to restore a minimized (or iconized) dialog box back to the Windows desktop.

Special Note:  The dialog box can also be restored by double-clicking on the minimized dialog box icon.


 Move Window

This Control Menu Item will allow you to move the dialog box to a new location on the screen.  After selecting this item, the cursor will change to a cross-hair-like icon.  Placing the icon on the dialog box and holding down the left mouse cursor will move the dialog boxs outline around the screen.  Releasing the mouse button will drop the dialog box at that location.

Special Note:  The dialog box outline will not be grabbed until the cursor reaches the title bar.  The same thing can be done by simply selecting and grabbing the title bar of the dialog box.  This item is obviously for backwards compatibility with earlier versions of Microsoft Windows.


 Minimize Window

This Control Menu Item will allow you to minimize the dialog box into an icon on the bottom of the Windows desktop.

Special Note:  The dialog box can also be minimized by clicking on the down-arrow in the right hand corner of the title bar.


 Switch To...

This Control Menu Item will allow you to switch to another currently running application.  Selecting Switch To...  will display the Task Managers Task List, from which the user can select another application, end a specific application, tile or cascade currently maximized application windows, or arrange all of the minimized application icons on the bottom of the Windows desktop.


 File Menu

The File Menu includes commands that enable you to open, save and the database, set up the printer and exit Smart R8 Control for Windows.

For more information, select the File Menu command name.

Open Database	Opens (or re-opens) a stored frequency database.

Save Database	Saves the modified database to disk.

Dump Database	Saves the database in an ASCII format for editing.

Import Database	Converts a TRS Consultants database file into Smart R8 Control format.

Swap Database...	Switches between the Smart R8 Control distribution and TRS Consultants databases.

Publish Database	Prints the database in a two-column newspaper format.

Printer Setup...	Sets the default printer.

Exit	Exits Smart R8 Control for Windows.

Notes:

Grayed items are only available for registered users of Smart R8 Control for Windows.


 Open Database

This File Menu Item will allow you to open (or re-open) a previously stored database.  Registered users of Smart R8 Control for Windows will have the capability to store and retrieve various frequency databases.  Unregistered users will only be allowed access to the distribution database, SWBCGIDE.DAT.

Special Note:  If changes have been made to the currently selected database prior to invoking this function, the user will be prompted to save the current database before the new one is read in.


 Save Database

This File Menu Item will allow you to save all changes made to the currently loaded database to disk.  This function will only be enabled if it has been changed.  This will be evidenced by Save being displayed in the database status indicator.  Registered users of Smart R8 Control for Windows will have the capability to store the databases under another name.  Unregistered users will only be allowed to save the distribution database, SWBCGIDE.DAT, and only if the database has been modified.  This function can also be made by pressing the F9 function key.

Special Note:  If changes have been made to the currently selected database prior to invoking this function, the user will be prompted to save the current database before the new one is read in.


 Printer Setup...

This File Menu Item will allow you to locally change the currently selected printer to another one that is installed and recognized by Windows.  It will also allow you to modify any of the printers setup options.  This function should be run in preparation for any Smart R8 Control for Windows print functions.

Special Note:  Selecting another printer will not set the default printer for other Windows applications.


 Close/Exit

This menu item is replicated in both the Control Menu, and the File Menu and will allow you to safely exit from Smart R8 Control for Windows.  The Close/Exit function can also be made by double-clicking on the Control Menu Box in the left-hand corner of the title bar, or by either pressing the Alt-F4 (Close) or Alt-X (Exit) key combinations.

When Exiting Smart R8 Control for Windows the user will be prompted to save the database or the memories, if either has been changed.  Any user defaults that have been changed will automatically be saved to SMARTCON.INI.  Since this program alters certain computer parameters, it is important that the user ONLY exit the program in this manner.  If for some reason the program hangs, the best solution is to reboot the virtual machine that the program is running in with Ctrl-Alt-Del (when in Windows running in 386 Enhanced mode).  Any other method to Exit Smart R8 Control for Windows should be avoided..

Special Note:  Selecting the Close function in any other Smart R8 Control for Windows dialog box will simply close that box.  It will only exit the program when performed on the faceplate.  Selecting the Exit function will exit Smart R8 Control for Windows  from any dialog box.


 Edit Menu

The Edit Menu includes commands that enable you to modify the currently selected list box item.  Editing features include marking (or unmarking), modifying, inserting or deleting frequency records.

All editing may also be done by selecting a list box item and holding down the right mouse button.

For more information, select the Edit menu command name.

From the Radio Faceplate and Find Frequency List:

Mark/Unmark	Marks or Unmarks frequency records in the database.

Delete	Deletes the selected database record.

Also, from the Find Frequency List:

Modify	Modifies the selected database record.

Insert	Inserts a database record above or below the selected record.

Also, from the Memory File List:

Edit	Modifies the selected memory record.

Clear	Clears the selected memory record.


 Mark/Unmark Record

This Edit Menu Item will allow you to change the marked state of a frequency record.  The marking feature is a useful way to draw attention to frequencies that are audible at the listener's location, as evidenced by a records highlighted text color.  This text color change will occur in any Smart R8 Control for Window display that references that record.

A frequency record can be marked for future reference by first selecting the record in the faceplates Station(s) Tuned List Box and picking this menu item from the menu bar.  Records can also be marked or unmarked from the either the Find Frequency List display or the faceplates Station(s) Tuned List Box using an alternate method.  The alternate method consists of placing the cursor over a selected entry in either list, holding down the right mouse button, and picking the Mark (or Unmark if already marked) Item from the resulting popup menu.

In either method, changing the marking status can only be performed on a list item that is currently selected, as evidenced by a highlighted background color.  Because the faceplate display  is updated every minute, it may be possible that the Station(s) Tuned list item may become deselected during this process.

Special Note:  Marking and unmarking frequency records in the Find Frequency List display can only be done using the above alternate method.  Using the faceplates menu bar will only change the marking state of the station name listed in the Station(s) Tuned List Box.


 Delete Record

This Edit Menu Item will allow you to remove a selected frequency record from the currently loaded database.  The feature is a useful way to remove records that are either out of date, or in error.  Descriptions of each field in the Delete Record dialog box can be displayed by clicking on any entry in the above example.

A frequency record can be deleted by first selecting the record in the faceplates Station(s) Tuned List Box and picking this menu item from the menu bar.  Records can also be deleted from the either the Find Frequency List display or the faceplates Station(s) Tuned List Box using an alternate method.  The alternate method consists of placing the cursor over a selected entry in either list, holding down the right mouse button, and picking the Delete Item from the resulting popup menu.

In either method, attempting to delete a record will pop up the Delete Record dialog box, containing all of the records pertinent information.  None of the data in the dialog box will be able to be changed.  Clicking the Ok Button (or pressing the Enter key) will delete the record from the database.  Clicking the Cancel Button (or pressing the Esc key) will abort the process.

The Delete function can only be performed on a list item that is currently selected, as evidenced by a highlighted background color.  Because the faceplate display is updated every minute, it may be possible that the Station(s) Tuned list item may become deselected during this process.

Special Note:  Deleting frequency records in the Find Frequency List display can only be done using the above alternate method.  Using the faceplates menu bar will only attempt to delete the station name listed in the Station(s) Tuned List Box.


 Modify Record

This popup Edit Menu Item will allow you to modify a selected frequency record in the currently loaded database.  The feature is a useful way to modify records that are either out of date, or in error.  The Modify function can only be performed on a list item that is currently selected, as evidenced by a highlighted background color.  Descriptions of each field in the Modify Record dialog box can be displayed by clicking on any entry in the above example.

A frequency record can be modified in the Find Frequency List display by placing the cursor over a selected entry in the list, holding down the right mouse button, and picking the Modify Item from the resulting popup menu.  This will pop up the Modify Record dialog box, containing all of the records pertinent information. If the radio is on, the frequency field will automatically be filled with the currently tuned frequency.  Only the records frequency, target area and marking status will be changeable from this dialog box.  Clicking the Ok Button (or pressing the Enter key) after modifying the records data will change the records data in the database.  Clicking the Cancel Button (or pressing the Esc key) will abort the process.


 Insert Record Above/Below

This PopUp Edit Menu Item will allow you to insert a selected frequency record in the currently loaded database.  The feature is a useful way to make additions to the current database due to minor scheduling changes.  The Insert function can only be performed next a list item that is currently selected, as evidenced by a highlighted background color.  Descriptions of each field in the Insert Record dialog box can be displayed by clicking on any entry in the above example.

A frequency record can be inserted in the Find Frequency List display by placing the cursor over a selected entry in the list, holding down the right mouse button, and picking either the Insert Above or Insert Below Item from the resulting popup menu.  This will pop up the Insert Record dialog box, containing all of the selected records time and station information. If the radio is on, the frequency field will automatically be filled with the currently tuned frequency.  Only the records frequency, target area and marking status will be changeable from this dialog box.  Clicking the Ok Button (or pressing the Enter key) will accept the data in the dialog box and insert the new record in the database.  Clicking the Cancel Button (or pressing the Esc key) will abort the process.


Start Time

This field displays the time that the station begins to broadcast on the frequency shown, within a one-hour time block.


End Time

This field displays the time that the station ceases to broadcast on the frequency shown, within a one-hour time block.


Days of the Week

This field displays the days of the week that the station broadcasts on the frequency shown, within a one-hour time block.  Day codes are shown as smtwhfa, where:  s = Sunday, m = Monday, t = Tuesday, w = Wednesday, h = Thursday, f = Friday and a = Saturday


Station Name

This field displays the station name, as annotated within the database.


Broadcast Frequency

This field displays the frequency (in kHz) that the station broadcasts on, between the times shown.


Target Area

This field displays the target area that the station intends to broadcasts to, using the displayed frequency.


Station Heard Mark

This field displays the state of the marking flag.  If should be set if the station was heard, and cleared otherwise.


 Radio Menu

The Radio Menu includes commands that enable you modify the radios settings.

For more information, select the Radio Menu command name.

Power	Turns the radio on and off.

VFO A/B 	Toggles between VFO A and B.

VFO A=B 	Stores the current VFOs settings in the other VFO.

Antenna	Sets the radios input antenna port.

RF	Sets the radios RF amplifier.

AGC	Sets the radios AGC speed.

Bandwidth	Sets the radios bandwidth setting.

Mode	Sets the radios demodulation mode.

Synchro	Toggles the radios Synchronous Detector on and off.

Noise Blanker	Sets the radios noise blanker.

Notch	Toggles the radios notch filter on and off.

Tape VOX	Toggles the tape carrier sense on and off.


 Power On/Off

The radio can be toggled On and Off by clicking the Power Button, or by pressing the Esc key.  The Power indicator (green LED) will light if the radio is On.  Turning the radio Off will dim the indicator.  The Power Item in the Radio Menu will display a check mark depending upon the Power status of the radio.


 VFO A/B

The VFO can be toggled from A to B and vice versa by clicking on the VFO Button, or by pressing the Ctrl-V key Combination.  The VFO Indicator will display the currently tuned VFO, and the VFO Item in the Radio Menu will display the VFO to change to.


 VFO A=B

The A and B VFOs can be set to the same radio settings, by clicking on the VFO A=B Button, or by pressing the Ctrl-= key combination.  If the user is using the A VFO, it will be copied to the B VFO, and vice versa.  The A=B indicator (green LED) will light if both VFOs are equal.  Changing one of the frequencies will dim the indicator.  The VFO A=B Item in the Radio Menu will display a check mark depending upon the status of the indicator.


 Antenna Port

The Antenna Port can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the Antenna Combo Box.  The Antenna Combo Box will also be selected by pressing the Ctrl-A key combination.  From the control, HF antennas 1 and 2, or the VHF Converter (if available) can be chosen.  If the VHF Converter is chosen, the Noise Blanker and RF Amplifier will be disabled.


 RF Amplifier

The RF Amplifier can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the RF Combo Box.  The RF Combo Box will also be selected by pressing Ctrl-R key combination.  From the control, Att selects the attenuator, Pre engages the preamplifier, and Off selects no RF enhancement.  When using the VHF Converter, the RF Combo Box is disabled.


 AGC Speed

The AGC Attack Speed can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the AGC Combo Box.  The AGC Combo Box will also be selected by pressing the Ctrl-G key combination.  From the control, the AGC Attack Speed can be set to Off, Slow, or Fast.  When in FM Mode, the AGC Combo Box is disabled.


 IF Bandwidth

The IF Bandwidth can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the BW Combo Box.  The BW Combo Box will also be selected by pressing the Ctrl-B key combination.  From the control, the 0.5, 1.8, 2.3, 4.0 or 6.0 kHz settings can be made.  When in FM Mode, only the 12 kHz bandwidth filter is available.


 Demodulation Mode

The Demodulation Mode can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the Mode Combo Box.  The Mode Combo Box will also be selected by pressing Ctrl-M key combination.  From the control, the Demodulator can be set to AM, FM, CW, RTTY, LSB or USB.  When changing the Demodulation Mode, the AGC Speed and IF Bandwidth will be changed to the setting last used at that mode.  The Synchronous Detector can only be enabled when using the AM demodulator.


 Synchronous Detector

The Synchronous Detector can be toggled On and Off by clicking the Synchro Button, or by pressing the Ctrl-S key.  The Synchro indicator (green LED) will light if the Synchronous Detector is On.  Turning Off the Synchronous Detector will dim the indicator.  The Synch Item in the Radio Menu will display a check mark depending upon the status of the Synchronous Detector.  The Synchronous Detector will only be available if operating in the AM Mode.


 Noise Blanker

The Noise Blanker can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the Noise Blanker Combo Box.  The Noise Blanker Combo Box will also be selected by pressing the Ctrl-K key combination.  From the control, the Noise Blanker can be set to NB Narr (Narrow), NB Wide or NB Off.  When using the VHF Converter, the Noise Blanker Combo Box is disabled.


 Notch Filter On/Off

The Notch Filter can be toggled On and Off by clicking the Notch Button, or by pressing the Ctrl-N key combination.  The Notch Button will change from a lower case to an upper case NOTCH when the Notch Filter is On.  The Notch Item in the Radio Menu will display a check mark depending upon the Notch Filter status.


 Tape VOX On/Off

Smart R8 Control for Windows provides a robust Tape VOX control.  If a tape recorder is connected to the line audio and timer connections in the back of the receiver, the Tape VOX can be  enabled by clicking the Tape Button.  The Tape VOX can also be enabled by pressing Ctrl-T key combination.  When enabled, the Tape Item in the Radio Menu will display a check mark depending upon the Tape VOX status.

The Tape VOX is provided as a handy footswitch for a controlling a tape recorder in order to capture radio programs or updates to the program schedules.  The Tape VOX control, once activated, will only roll the tape if a carrier is present.  This way, if the receiver is being used on the VHF Service frequencies (i.e., Police, Fire), dead air will not be recorded, thus compressing tape usage.

The Tape VOX will not operate while the receiver is scanning.


 Tuning Menu

The Tuning Menu includes commands that enable you modify how the radio is tuned.

For more information, select the Tuning Menu command name.

Stepsize...	Sets the up/down tuning stepsize.

Memory Mode	Sets the radio to operate from stored memories.

Memory Jump...	Allows you to select another memory channel.

Scan Mode	Sets the radio to scan a set of frequencies.

Scan Parameters...	Allows you to select the way the radio scans.

Connect/Disconnect	Toggles the computers connection to the radio on and off.


 Up/Down Tuning

Fast Tuning.

The receiver can be tuned in a stepping fashion using the Double Left and Double Right Arrows on the faceplate, or by using the Left and Right Cursor keys.  When tuning in this fashion, the radio will be slewed up or down by the increment shown in the Stepsize Combo Box.  While in Memory Mode, these controls will tune the receiver up or down to the next memory channel.

Slow Tuning.

By clicking on the Single Left or Right Arrows on the ends of the tuning bar, or by using the Ctrl-Left or Ctrl-Right Cursor keys, the receiver will be tuned in a set increment of 0.01 kHz (0.1 kHz when using the VHF Converter).  The key combinations are valid when any dialog window is displayed, except when the Available Shortwave, Utility, or AM BCB/CB Stations are selected.  Since the cursor keys are used for navigation in those dialog windows, the Ctrl-Left and Ctrl-Right Cursor key combinations are used to perform Fast Tuning.


 Numeric Tuning Keypad

If desired, the receiver can be direct-access tuned by using the faceplates Numeric Tuning Keypad, or by manually typing in the frequency and hitting the Return key.  When using the direct-access tuning, typing 15, 15.000 or 15000 will yield the same result: 15 MHz.  This only works between the frequency range of .176 through 55 MHz.  Frequencies below .176 MHz and above 108 MHz must be entered in MHz (i.e., .153 for 153 kHz or 147 for 147 MHz).  Since the receiver only tunes between .100 - 30, 35 - 55, and 108 - 175 MHz, any other frequency will be ignored.  If the optional VHF Converter is not installed, tuning in the latter two bands will be ignored, as well.


 Tuning Stepsize...

The Tuning Stepsize can be changed by making the appropriate selection in the Stepsize Combo Box.  The Stepsize Combo Box will also be selected by pressing the Ctrl-Z key combination.  From the control, the Tuning Stepsize can be set to any of the available settings.  If none of the settings are desirable, you can enter a new Stepsize value, which will be stored such that it may be recalled at a later time.


 Memory Mode On/Off

Memory mode tuning can be toggled on and off by clicking the Memory Mode Button, or by  pressing the Ctrl-E key combination.  When in memory mode, the Memory Mode Button will change from a lower case to upper case MEM and the receiver will tune to the memory number displayed on the Memory Channel Indicator.  Selecting the Memory Mode Button again will download the memory settings into the current VFO, which is analogous to pressing the M-V key on the receiver.  The Memory Mode Item in the Tuning Menu will display a check mark depending upon the Memory Mode status.


 Memory Indicator

The Memory Indicator shows which of the radios available memories are either currently selected, or are selectable by switching to Memory Mode.  If the receivers memories are completely erased (by pressing and holding the receivers Del button down while turning it on with the Power button), the Memory Indicator will only show 00, and switching to Memory Mode will be impossible.

The Memory Indicator also serves as an alternate means to access any of the receivers programmed memory channels.  Clicking on the Memory Indicator will display a dialog window containing this information, similar to selecting Memory Jump from the Tuning Menu, or Memory Show from the Memory Menu.  This feature requires that a memory file of programmed memories has been previously created, using Smart R8 Control for Windows Memory Capture function.


 Memory Jump...

Rather than use Up/Down Tuning to slew between memory channels, the user may jump to another memory channel using the Memory Jump command.  This may be done by either clicking on the faceplates Memory Indicator, or by using the Ctrl-J key combination.  This command will display a memory list dialog window, and is essentially the same as using the Show Memory List command from the Memory Menu.  Once the Memory List is displayed, selecting an active memory from the list will automatically tune the receiver to that memory location.  The receiver will automatically be put in Memory Mode, if necessary.

Special Note:  Memory locations that Smart R8 Control for Windows thinks are empty will display a <none> indication next to the memory location.  Empty memory locations can neither be tuned nor selected.  It is for this reason that a valid memory file should be loaded prior to performing memory tuning operations, such as this.  Please refer to Using the Memory Management System for more information.


 Scan Mode On/Off

Scanning Mode can be toggled on and off by clicking the Scan Mode Button, or by  pressing the Ctrl-C key combination.  When in scan mode, the Scan Mode Button will change from a lower case to upper case SCAN and the receiver will begin to scan according to the set Scanning Parameters.  Selecting the Scan Mode Button again will stop the receiver from scanning, leaving the receiver at the frequency and receiver settings that were last scanned to.  The Scan Mode Item in the Tuning Menu will display a check mark depending upon the Scan Mode status.

Special Note:  While the receiver is scanning, Smart R8 Control for Windows is capable of performing any function, except those that will tune the receiver or change any of its settings.  The only receiver control functions that will be available while in Scan Mode are the ability to turn Scan Mode Off, or to change the direction that the receiver is scanning.


 Scanning Parameters...

The Drake R8 is capable of scanning frequencies in a variety of ways.  The user may declare which way the receiver will scan, by either clicking on the faceplates Scanning Parameters Button, or by pressing the Ctrl-P key combination.  This will display the dialog box, as shown above.  Descriptions of each field in the Scanning Parameters dialog box can be displayed by clicking on any entry in the above example.

The receiver can be configured to scan between two frequencies, any number of memory banks, or all of the receivers memories.  These may be declared by setting the Scan Mode to A-B, List, or Mem, respectively.  If the List Mode is chosen, at least bank of memories must be selected from the group of Memory Bank Radio Buttons to the right of the dialog box.  Displaying the radios memories, using the Show Memory List Item in the Memory Menu, may help decide which memory banks should be scanned.

How scanning progresses may also be selected from this dialog box.  The receiver may be configured to stop on the first active channel, idle for two seconds on every active channel it sees, or idle until the channel no longer is active.  These may be declared by setting the Scan Type to Seek, Time, or Carr, respectively.


Scan Mode

Scanning can be set to occur between the frequencies in the A and B VFOs (A-B), a number of memory banks (List), or all of the receivers memories (Mem).


Scan Type

Scanning can be set to stop on the first active channel (Seek), idle on an active channel for 2 seconds (Time), or idle until the channel is no longer active (Carr).


Memory Banks

Used for scanning in the List Mode, the user may select any of the 10 available memory banks to scan among.  Selecting one of these Memory Bank Radio Buttons will include it for List Mode scanning.


 Connect/Disconnect From Radio

Smart R8 Control for Windows automatically detects if a receiver is present and appropriately configures a communications path via the computers serial ports.  Because the serial interface requires a hardware handshake, it is imperative that the receiver be Connected to the computer while the program is running.  If Smart R8 Control for Windows is to be run for database access only, or if the user wishes to tune the receiver manually, the program can be temporarily Disconnected from the radio.  Toggling the connection to the radio can be done by either selecting this Tuning Menu Item, or by pressing the Ctrl-D key combination.


 Memory Menu

The Memory Menu includes commands that enable you manipulate and display memory files.  It also allows you to read and set the radios memories.

For more information, select the Memory Menu command name.

New	Creates a fresh memory file.

Open...	Opens a previously saved memory file.

Save	Saves a modified memory file.

Save As...	Saves the current memory file under a new name.

Print	Prints the current memory file to the printer.

Capture	Reads all of the radios memories into a memory file.

Show List	Shows the current memory file listing.

Fill Radio	Fills all of the radios memories with the current memory file.

Insert Channel...	Fills a memory channel with the current radio settings.


 New Memory File

This Memory Menu Item will allow the user to clear all current Memory List entries for creating a fresh memory file.  Invoking New will automatically display the blank list, which will show all entries as <none> and have the file name <Untitled>.

Special Note:  Invoking this command will prompt the user to Save the current memory file, if it has been changed.


 Memory File Open...

This Memory Menu Item will allow the user to retrieve a previously Saved memory file, filling all current Memory List entries with its contents.  Invoking Open will display all of the available memory files (having the extension *.MEM as a default), in the current directory.  Upon selecting a memory file to Open, it will be automatically displayed in a Memory List dialog window.

Special Note:  Invoking this command will prompt the user to Save the current memory file, if it has been changed.


 Memory File Save

This Memory Menu Item will allow the user to Save a changed memory file.  If the memory file has not been changed, this feature will be disabled.  Currently changed, but unsaved memory files will have an asterisk (*) following the file name in the Memory List title bar.  Invoking Save will write the currently loaded memory file to disk, using the file name used to Open it.  If the currently loaded file was developed from invoking the New function, or has <Untitled> as a file name, Save will prompt for a file name, per the Save As function.


 Memory File Save As...

This Memory Menu Item will allow the user to Save any memory file under another name. Currently changed, but unsaved memory files will have an asterisk (*) following the file name in the Memory List title bar.  Invoking Save As will prompt the user for a file name to use (having the extension *.MEM as a default), in the current directory.  After entering a file name, Save As will write the currently loaded memory file to disk, using the file name specified.


 Print Memory File

This Memory Menu Item will allow the user to Print the currently loaded memory file to the default printer.  Each memory entry will be organized by bank number, and contain the memory channel, the frequency, and any user-defined notes.  The bottom of the Printed memory file will contain the date it was printed, and the name of the file used.  Each memory bank will be printed in such a way that the printout may be neatly folded, and serve as a handy reference for when the computer is Off.


 Capture Radios Memories

This Memory Menu Item allows the user to Capture all of the radios memory channels and Save them to a user-defined memory file.  The memory file specified will be specified as the default within SMARTCON.INI, and automatically loaded the next time Smart R8 Control for Windows is run.  This will help Smart R8 Control for Windows know what memories are loaded within the receiver at run time.

Once invoked, the Capture function will prompt the user if he/she wants to continue.  Answering Yes will continue the operation; No will abort.  If the answer was Yes, Smart R8 Control for Windows will step through all of the radios available memories, reading the contents of each.  Once completed, Smart R8 Control for Windows will prompt the user to specify a file name to Save the newly created memory file.  If the Captured memory file is not Saved. it will be given the default file name of <Untitled>.  The Captured memories will then be displayed in a Memory List dialog window.

Special Note 1:  The first time Smart R8 Control for Windows is run. it will not have a default memory file, and all memory locations will be assumed to be blank.  Since blank channels can not be tuned, this function should be invoked in preparation for Jumping to any memory channel.

Special Note 2:  Invoking this command will prompt the user to Save the current memory file, if it has been changed.


 Show Memory List

This Memory Menu Item allows the user to display all of the memory locations, currently available on the receiver.  The Memory List display may be shown by either clicking on the faceplates Memory Indicator, or by using the Ctrl-J key combination. This command is essentially the same as using Memory Jump... Item from the Tuning Menu.  From this display, the user can modify or clear any of the R8s memory locations, by selecting a location, and holding down the right mouse button to display a PopUp Edit Menu.  For tuning purposes, the user may also Jump to another memory channel.  Selecting an active memory from the list will automatically tune the receiver to that memory location.  The receiver will automatically be put in Memory Mode, if necessary.

Special Note:  Memory locations that Smart R8 Control for Windows thinks are empty will display a <none> indication next to the memory location.  Empty memory locations can neither be tuned nor selected.  It is for this reason that a valid memory file should be loaded prior to performing memory tuning operations, such as this.  Please refer to Using the Memory Management System for more information.


 Edit Memory List Channel...

The above Edit Memory Channel dialog box will display when attempting to edit one of the entries in the Memory List dialog window.  It will allow the user to change any of the receivers settings, to include tuned frequency, notch filter, synchronous tuner, antenna, RF amplifier, AGC speed, demodulation mode and noise blanker.  It also allows the user to add a short 28 character or less description of what will be contained in the memory channel; as well as allow the user to fill the memory channel at that time.  Clicking on any of the controls in the above example will provide a short description of it.

Any Memory List entry may be edited, by highlighting the entry, holding down the right mouse button, and selecting the Edit Item from the PopUp Edit Menu.  When a blank entry is selected, as indicated by <none> in the list, the radios current settings will be used.  This has the same effect as Inserting the radios settings into the selected memory channel.  Otherwise, if the entry has been previously filled, the current entrys data will be used.

Special Note:  Since this is intended to change only the selected entry from the Memory List, the memory channel to use has been disabled.


Memory Channel

This item is used to set the memory channel to insert and is only available for inserting memory channels.


Tuned Frequency

This item reflects the frequency that the radio is tuned to.  It includes the frequency and frequency multiplier.


Notch Filter

This item is used to toggle the notch filter and is only available for editing memory channels not using the FM demodulator.


Synchronous Detector

This item is used to toggle the synchronous detector and is only available for editing memory channels using the AM demodulation mode.


Antenna Port

This item is used to set the desired antenna port and is only available for editing memory channels.  HF frequencies may use either the balanced (port 1) or unbalanced (port 2) antenna ports.  VHF frequencies must use the converter, or antenna port C.


RF Amplifier

This item is used to set the desired RF Amplifier and is only available for editing memory channels using the HF frequencies.  Settings are attenuated (Att), Off, and preamplified (Pre).


AGC Speed

This item is used to set the desired AGC Speed and is only available for editing memory channels not using the FM demodulator.  Settings are Off, Slow and Fast.


IF Bandwidth

This item is used to set the desired IF Bandwidth and is only available for editing memory channels not using the FM demodulator.  Settings are 0.5, 1.8, 2.3, 4.0 and 6.0 kHz.  FM signals are preset to use the 12 kHz IF Bandwidth.


Demodulator Mode

This item is used to set the desired demodulation mode and is only available for editing memory channels.  Settings are AM, FM, CW, RTTY, LSB and USB.


Noise Blanker

This item is used to set the noise blanker and is only available for editing memory channels not using the FM demodulator.  Settings are off (NB Off), narrow (NB Narr) and wide (NB Wide).


Memory Notes

This free-text item may be used to append a user-definable label to the memory record.  Up to 28 characters may be entered.


Add to List

This item is used to toggle whether the memory record should be added to the list and is optional only for inserting memories.


Fill Channel

This item is used to toggle whether the memory record should be used to fill the radio and is optional only for editing memories.


Signal Meter

This item is not really a signal meter, but shows if a signals carrier is above the squelch threshold setting.  The signal meter is lit if the radio is On, and dimmed otherwise.


Registration Status Indicator

This item indicates the users registration number for Smart R8 Control for Windows.


Communications Status Indicator

This item indicates the status of the serial port communications.  It will display Comms if the computer is disconnected from the receiver.


Database Status Indicator

This item indicates the status of the database.  It will display Save if the database has been changed.


Dual On-Screen Clocks

These items display the day of the week, as well as local and UT time.  Time is in 24hr format, and the days are given as the first letter of the day (exc.:  h = Thursday, a = Saturday).


 Clear Memory List Channel...

The Clear Memory Channel function can be invoked, to blank out any one of the entries in the Memory List dialog window.  Any Memory List entry may be cleared, by highlighting the entry, holding down the right mouse button, and selecting the Clear Item from the PopUp Edit Menu.  A message box will be displayed, prompting the user if he/she wishes to continue with the action.  Answering Yes, will Clear the memory entry; No will abort the action.  The corresponding entry will then display as a blank entry, as indicated by <none> in the list.

Special Note:  It should be noted that this will only clear the Memory List entry, and not any of the radios memory channels.  The only way to clear any of the radios memory channels, is to first tune to that memory channel, Disconnect Smart R8 Control for Windows from the radio, then on the radio, press F (function) and hold the Del key for 3 seconds.  After performing this manual function, please remember to Connect the program back to the radio.


 Fill Radio

This Memory Menu Item allows the user to Fill all of the radios memory channels a user-defined memory file.  The memory file will be specified as the default within SMARTCON.INI, and automatically loaded the next time Smart R8 Control for Windows is run.  This will help Smart R8 Control for Windows know what memories are loaded within the receiver at run time.

Once invoked, the Fill function will prompt the user if he/she wants to continue.  Answering Yes will continue the operation; No will abort.  If the answer was Yes, Smart R8 Control for Windows will step through all of the radios memories, Filling the contents of each from the corresponding memory file entry.

In some instances, a communications error may occur when attempting to Fill the radio.  In these cases, Smart R8 Control for Windows will prompt the user if he/she wants to Abort the operation, Retry filling the particular channel, or Ignore the error and continue.  Aborting the operation will stop the Fill operation completely.  Retrying will continue to attempt to Fill the radio as normal.  Ignoring the error will skip the particular channel and continue the operation.  Aborting or Ignoring the error may provide unreliable results when using the rest of Memory Management System.

Special Note 1:  It should be noted some memory files may contain blank entries.  These entries will not clear the corresponding memory channel when Filling the radio.  If this is the case, the only way to ensure that the radio is properly Filled, is to clear all of the radios memory channels prior to Filling.  To do this, switch the radios Power Off, Disconnect Smart R8 Control for Windows from the radio, then on the radio, hold the Del key for 3 seconds while pressing the radios power button On.  After performing this manual function, please remember to Connect the program back to the radio.

Special Note 2:  Filling the radio will reset any previously set memory lockouts.  The only way to lock out any of the radios memory channels, is to first tune to that memory channel, Disconnect Smart R8 Control for Windows from the radio, then on the radio, press F (function) and the Lock button (same button as Mode).  A properly locked out channel will flash the MEM indicator on the radio.  After performing this manual function, please remember to Connect the program back to the radio.


Insert Memory Channel

 Insert Memory Channel...

This Memory Menu Item will display the above Insert Memory Channel dialog box.  It will also be displayed by pressing the Ctrl-I (capital i) key combination.  It will allow the user to Insert all of the receivers current settings into one of the receivers memory channels.  It also allows the user to add a short 28 character or less description of what will be contained in the memory channel, if the user opts to add the record to the current Memory List.  Clicking on any of the controls in the above example will provide a short description of it.

Any memory channel can be filled by selecting this Memory Menu Item, and is very similar to Editing a blank Memory List entry.

Special Note:  Since this is intended to use the current receiver settings to fill a memory channel, all receiver setting controls have been disabled.


 Query Menu

The Query Menu includes commands that enable you to make smart database queries.

For more information, select the Query Menu command name.

Shortwave Stations	Displays all currently available Shortwave stations in the database.

Utility Stations	Displays all utility stations in the database.

AM BCB/CB Stations	Displays all AM Broadcast and CB channels in the database.

Find Current Freqs...	Displays a stations currently available frequencies.

Who Else Uses...	Displays all stations using the indicated frequency.

Full Station Sked...	Displays a stations full frequency schedule.

Print Station Sked...	Prints a stations full frequency schedule to the printer or to a text file.


 Station(s) Tuned List

One of the most important features of Smart R8 Control for Windows, is its ability to use its integrated database to rapidly display the station (or stations) that you may be currently tuned to.  The bottom section of the faceplate contains a list box that is solely reserved for this function.  In the event that a few stations may be occupying this frequency, up to ten stations will be listed.  If a frequency for a particular station has been previously marked by the user, the text color of that stations name will be highlighted.

The format of the shortwave database, hence the information displayed, is based on the Shortwave Guide section of Grove Enterprises' Monitoring Times magazine.  For those unfamiliar with this format, it is described as follows:

Field Name	Description
Time Period	Reflects a portion within the one-hour UT block.
Days of the Week	If broadcast is made daily, this space will be empty, otherwise, the particular days will be displayed.  Field uses the same convention described for local and UT clocks.
Station Name	If medium wave (AM BCB), name is expanded to show output power in kW.
Intended Target Area (if known)	* See Below

Typical SWBC and Utility target areas are as follows:  do = domestic service, om = omnidirectional, na = North America, am = Americas, ca = Central America, sa = South America, eu = Europe, af = Africa, as = Asia, pa = Pacific/Oceania, au = Australia/New Zealand, and va = a combination of target areas.  Sideband transmissions will display a uf (USB feed) or lf (LSB feed) to designate that the transmission is in upper or lower sideband.

If the station is a medium wave station, the target area field is used to describe the station's approximate times of operation, if known.  The codes used for this are:  an = all night, ar = all night-reduced power at night, nh = normal hours, nr = normal hours-reduced power at night, dr = day time only-reduced power during dusk/dawn, and da = daytime operation only.

The Station(s) Tuned list box is also used to invoke other Smart R8 Control for Windows functions.  For example, the user can make minor changes to the database (marking and deleting) by using the PopUp Edit Menu.  Clicking on the on the time period portion of any station ID line, will generate a Find Current Frequencies query to display any parallel frequencies.  Likewise, clicking on the Station Name portion of any ID line will prompt the user to create a Log Entry, using the current radio settings as well as the station name selected.


 Available Shortwave Stations

This Query Menu Item will query the database to display a dialog window containing Shortwave Stations that are on at the current time.  The Shortwave Stations displayed in the dialog window are listed from top to bottom (and left to right) by order of start time, end time, country, and station name.  Time period enunciators have been added to the display in order to provide less confusion.  Certain stations, such as the BBC, will jump around the window upon subsequent queries due to the fact that most of the BBC entries are indexed in 15 minute blocks.  This is despite the fact that the BBC broadcasts around the clock.

If any of the frequencies that the station uses have been previously marked by the user, the Shortwave Station name will be highlighted.  This will alert the user that this station has been heard previously, during that time.  By selecting one of the listed Shortwave Station names, a display containing the stations current frequencies will be generated.  This has the same effect as invoking the Find Current Frequencies query for the selected Shortwave Stations name.

In general, this query can also be made by pressing the F5 function key.  If the Available Shortwave Stations dialog window is showing, but is not the active dialog window, it can be re-entered by using Tab key.


 Available Utility Stations

This Query Menu Item will query the database to display a dialog window containing all Utility Stations contained in the database.  The Utility Stations displayed in the dialog window are listed from top to bottom (and left to right), and are grouped by utility class.  These utility class enunciators have been added to the display in order to provide less confusion.

If any of the frequencies that the station uses have been previously marked by the user, the Utility Station name will be highlighted.  This will alert the user that this station has been heard previously.  By selecting one of the listed Utility Station names, a display containing the stations frequencies will be generated.  This has the same effect as invoking the Find Current Frequencies query for the selected Utility Stations name.

In general, this query can also be made by pressing the Ctrl-F5 key combination.  If the Available Utility Stations dialog window is showing, but is not the active dialog window, it can be re-entered by using Tab key.


 Available AM BCB/CB Stations

This Query Menu Item will query the database to display a dialog window containing all AM Broadcast Band (BCB) Stations and CB Channels contained in the database.  These are listed in the dialog window from top to bottom (and left to right), and are grouped by AM BCB and CB, respectively.  These special class enunciators have been added to the display in order to provide less confusion.

If any of the stations/channels have been previously marked by the user, the AM BCB Station or CB Channel name will be highlighted.  This will alert the user that this station has been heard previously.  By selecting one of the listed AM BCB/CB Station names, a display containing the stations frequencies will be generated.  This has the same effect as invoking the Find Current Frequencies query for the selected AM BCB Stations name (or CB Channel).

In general, this query can also be made by pressing the Shift-F5 key combination.  If the Available AM BCB/CB Stations dialog window is showing, but is not the active dialog window, it can be re-entered by using Tab key.


 Find Current Station Frequencies...

A shortcut to finding a particular station's frequencies is to use this direct query.  After selecting this Query Menu Item, or by pressing the F6 function key, Smart R8 Control for Windows will prompt the user to provide the name of the station to query.  The station name may be manually typed, or selected from the prompts drop-down combo box.

Once the station name is entered, and a matching station is on at that time, a dialog window containing that stations Current Frequencies will appear.  If any of the frequencies in the list has been previously marked by the user, the text associated with that record will be highlighted.  It is anticipated that this will be used to alert the user that this station has been previously heard on this frequency during that time period.

Each frequency will be associated with the time and days of broadcast (within the one-hour time block) and the intended target area.  Typically, on the East Coast of North America, frequencies targeted for Asia and the Pacific can be avoided during certain times of the day.  Selecting one of the frequency entries will subsequently tune the radio to that frequency.  If the target area is annotated as uf (USB feed) or lf (LSB feed), the radio will automatically change to upper or lower sideband, respectively.

If any of the Available Station dialog windows are active, an inactive Current Frequencies dialog window may be re-entered by using the Tab key.  The Current Frequencies query can also be automatically invoked by clicking on the left-hand (time block) portion of any station ID line in the faceplates Station(s) Tuned list box, or the Full Station Schedule dialog window display.

The user can make minor changes to the database through this window.  An existing frequency can be marked, modified or deleted by using the PopUp Edit Menu.  Similarly, the user may wish to add a new frequency to the list.  This may be done by choosing the Insert Above or Insert Below Items from the PopUp Edit Menu.


 Who Else Uses Frequency...

Smart R8 Control for Windows integrated database typically contains entries for broadcasts in English.  If foreign language broadcasts are encountered, the station may be using a frequency used for English broadcasts as well.  A listing of all stations that will use the currently tuned frequency at any time of the day may be accessed by either selecting this Query Menu Item, or by pressing the F8 function key, and entering the frequency in question.  The prompt will default to the frequency currently tuned.  This will produce a dialog window containing a list of all of these stations, their times of operation on that frequency (in English), and the target area for the broadcast.  If any of the stations in the list has been previously marked by the user, the text associated with that record will be highlighted.

Other Smart R8 Control for Windows functions can be made using the Who Else Uses dialog window.  Clicking on the left-hand (time block) portion of any entry will invoke Full Station Schedule query, using the associated records station name.  Likewise, clicking on the station name portion of the Who Else Uses display will prompt the user to create a Log Entry for that station, at the current time.


 Full Station Schedule...

A particular station's full 24-hour broadcast schedule may be queried by either selecting this Query Menu Item, or by pressing the F7 function key.  As with the Find Current Frequencies query, Smart R8 Control for Windows will prompt the user to provide the name of the station to query.  The station name may be manually typed, or selected from the prompts drop-down combo box.  While the database is being scanned, a small bar scale display will show the relative progress of the operation.

Once the station name is entered, a dialog window containing the full broadcast schedule will appear.  The format of the information displayed will be similar to that found in the Shortwave Guide section of Grove Enterprises' Monitoring Times magazine.  The text of frequencies that have been previously marked by the user are highlighted, to allow for planning purposes.

An alternative method for invoking this query, is by clicking on the left-hand (time block) portion of any displayed station ID line in a Who Else Uses dialog window.  Likewise, the Full Station Schedule display may be used to generate other Smart R8 Control for Windows functions.  Clicking on any time block in the display will automatically generate a Current Frequency dialog window.

Users may tune to any frequency in the full program schedule window, by simply clicking on it.  This will allow users to double check other frequencies used by that station at other times of the day.  As with other similar tuning functions, if the target area area for that frequency is annotated as uf (USB feed) or lf (LSB feed), the radio will automatically change to upper or lower sideband, respectively.  Any other annotated target area will cause the radio to switch to the AM mode, unless the target area is blank.  In this case, the demodulation mode of the radio will not be changed.


 Print Full Station Schedule...

An alternative to displaying a particular Station's Full Schedule, is to generate a printed or file copy of the schedule.  Either can be generated by either selecting this Query Menu Item, or by pressing the Shift-F7 key combination.  As with the Station's Full Schedule and Find Current Frequencies queries, Smart R8 Control for Windows will prompt the user to provide the name of the station to query.  The station name may be manually typed, or selected from the prompts drop-down combo box.

Output of this query will default to the printer, unless the Print to File check box is selected.  If the check box is selected, Smart R8 Control for Windows will additionally prompt for a file name to send the output.  Any filename extension can be used for the output file.  however, the extension *.TXT is recommended, because of its association with Windows Notepad and other text editors.  While the database is being scanned, a small bar scale display will show the relative progress of the operation.

Once the prompt is completed, Smart R8 Control for Windows will generate a Full Station Schedule on the desired output.  The format of the information displayed will be similar to that found in the Shortwave Guide section of Grove Enterprises' Monitoring Times magazine.  Since printed and file copies of the schedule cannot highlight per se, frequencies that have been previously marked by the user will be followed by an asterisk (*) instead.


 Tools Menu

The Tools Menu includes commands that enable you to display a table of shortwave band frequencies, display a radio guide of shortwave programs, perform radio logging functions, predict reception conditions and set user-definable options for Smart R8 Control for Windows.

For more information, select the Tools Menu command name.

Band Plan	Displays a reference of standard SWBC band frequencies.

DX Programs	Displays a radio guide of currently available shortwave broadcast programs.

Log Entry...	Allows you to create an entry in the radio log.

Show Log	Displays a list of radio log entries.

Print Log	Prints all radio log entries.

HF Prediction	Allows you to predict listening conditions for a specific station.

Close Windows	Closes all open Smart R8 Control displays.

Options...	Allows you to modify all user-definable program options.

Notes:

Grayed items are only available for registered users of Smart R8 Control for Windows.


 Band Indicator

The Smart R8 Control for Windows faceplate adds a Band Indicator.  The Band Indicator shows which broadcasting band (approximate wavelength in meters) the radio is tuned, if set for an HF frequency.  The Band Indicator will also indicate if the radio is tuned to the AM Broadcast Band (BCB), or a VHF frequency when using the optional VHF Converter (VHF).

The user should note that the Band Indicator will not reflect the exact band limits, as sanctioned by the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC), since many broadcasters prefer to use Out of Band (OOB) frequencies.  It is for this reason that the Band Indicator will instead reflect the limits of the de facto band limits.  Clicking on the Band Indicator will display the full SWBC Band Plan, as used by Smart R8 Control for Windows.


 SWBC Band Plan

Despite the rulings of the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), there are a plethora of stations broadcasting outside the authorized broadcast bands.  By selecting this Tools Menu Item, or by pressing the F2 function key, a dialog window of the de facto SWBC Band Plan will be displayed.  This feature can also be invoked by clicking on the faceplates Band Indicator.

The frequency limits displayed in the dialog window are not necessarily hard and fast.  For example, VOIRI, Iran, still broadcasts on the oddball frequency of 9022 kHz, which is nowhere near the limits of the 31 meter band.  However, the limits displayed represent where the majority of shortwave broadcasters may be found.  It also serves as a helpful reminder of what frequencies to search while tuning the receiver with Smart R8 Control for Windows.

Another feature is the capability to tune the receiver directly from the Band Plan window.  This should be especially helpful when setting up band scans.  After displaying the Band Plan window, the user can tune the receiver to any frequency in the window by simply clicking on it.  The user can then proceed to tune either up or down the shortwave band as desired.


 Available DX Programs

The R8 Communications Receiver is especially designed for listening to programs.  Selecting this Tools Menu Item, or pressing the F3 function key will display a dialog window, containing a list of selected programming.  Each entry displays the name of the station and UT time that the program is on.  A header marking the start of a UT day is provided as a reference.  If any station is on the air at the time displayed in the faceplate window it will be highlighted in the list, regardless of whether the show is actually on.  This was implemented in this manner, because stations often shift program times during the schedule season.

By selecting a highlighted station, the station's current frequency list will be presented.  Selecting a station from the DX Programs window has the same effect as using the Find Frequency database query.  This will allow the user to quickly tune to the station, via the Find Frequency dialog box.  If the  DX Programs dialog window is inactive, it can be re-entered by pressing the Shift-Tab (or Tab Left) key combination.

The database of programs is contained in the file DXSHOWS.TXT.  As an example, DXSHOWS.TXT mostly contains listings for radio oriented programming, such as Glen Hauser's World of Radio.  This file is a field-delimited flat file that may be edited with a simple text editor.  The user may edit this file, provided that the general format of the examples is adhered.  Another restriction is that the station name must match exactly what is in the main shortwave database.


 Create Log Entry...

Selecting this Tools Menu Item, or by pressing the Ctrl-L key combination, will display the above Log Entry dialog box.  Clicking on any of the fields in the above example will display a short description about it.

If the radio is off, only the Date and Time fields will be filled in; as well as any user information entered when setting Smart R8 Control for Windows Options.  If the radio is on, Smart R8 Control for Windows will additionally fill in the frequency and mode fields.  The station name will normally default to UnID.  However, it can be changed to any standard station in the database, using the drop-down combo box.  When filled in, clicking the Ok Button will accept the Log Entry, and clicking Cancel will abort it.  All entries are posted in the file SMARTCON.LOG.

As an alternative, users can also invoke the Log Entry dialog box by either clicking on any station name listed in the faceplates Station(s) Tuned list box, or Who Else Uses dialog window.  In addition to the date, time, frequency and mode settings, Smart R8 Control for Windows will also insert the station name selected.


Date

This field contains the date stamp of the log entry in the format DD MMM YY, where D = day, M = month and Y = year.


Time

This field contains the time stamp of the log entry in the format TTTTd, where T = numeric time and d = day of the week (h = Thursday, a = Saturday).


Frequency

This field contains the frequency that the station was heard on.  The format is FFFFF.FF if in kHz, and FFF.FFFF if in MHz.


Frequency Multiplier

This field contains the multiplier for the adjacent frequency field.  Choices are kHz or MHz.


Station Name

This field contains the name of the station that was heard.  It may be typed in or selected using the drop-down combo box.


SINPO (or SIO)

This field contains the signal quality of the broadcast.  Signal quality can be input in SINPO or SIO, where (S = Signal Level, I = Co-channel Interference, N = Man-made Noise, P = Propagation Fading and O = Overall Quality).  Each figure is a number from 0 to 5, representing the worst to best possible condition, respectively.


Demodulation Mode

This field contains the demodulation mode that the receiver was in, when the broadcast was heard.  Choices are AM, FM, CW, RTTY, USB or LSB.


Log Notes

This field is a free-form text area, to contain program details or general reception notes.


 Show Log File

It may be desirable to revisit old log information for additional reference.  Selecting this Tools Menu Item, or pressing the F4 function key, will display a scrollable Log Window containing all information accumulated in the log file SMARTCON.LOG.  Selecting one of the entries in the Log Window will automatically tune the receiver to the frequency and demodulation mode listed.


 Print Log File

As an alternative to Displaying the Log File, it may be desirable to revisit old log information in a printed format.  Selecting this Tools Menu Item, or pressing the Shift-F4 key combination, will print the log file, SMARTCON.LOG, to the currently selected printer.

The log file will be printed in a line-by-line spreadsheet-like log format.  If the last page of the printed log has any remaining space, it will include blank log entries.  These may be used for writing in any additional log information, while operating the receiver with the computer off.  These manual log entries may then be input at a later time, as outlined in Using the Logging System.


 Close Windows

Sometimes it is desirable to unclutter all Smart R8 Control for Windows dialog windows from the screen.  This Tools Menu Item will clear all dialog windows from the screen, with the exception of the receiver faceplate window.  This function can also be invoked by pressing the Ctrl-Q key combination.


 Set User Options...

Description

The above Default Options dialog box will be displayed automatically the first time Smart R8 Control for Windows is run.  All of the options set will be saved in the file SMARTCON.INI, for use in later sessions.  The dialog box can be displayed during later sessions, by selecting the Options... Item from the Tools Menu.  The Default Options dialog box allows the user to set up Smart R8 Control for Windows, to conform to the users listening and computing conditions.  It tells the software how to set its internal clocks, which HF antenna to default to, how the computer will talk to the radio, as well as some information about the users QTH and equipment.  Clicking on any feature in the above Default Options dialog box will provide a brief description of it.

Time Defaults

The Smart R8 Control for Windows faceplate contains both a local and UT clock.  The local time is taken from the computers internal clock, and may be set by pressing the Set Time button.  This will automatically invoke the Control Panels Date and Time module.  Once this is set, the UT clock may be configured as an offset to the users local time.  The offset is defined as the number of hours to add to the users local time, in order to achieve UT.  For example, if the listener is on the East Coast of North America, the UT Offset is to be configured as +5:00, to convert EST (Winter Time), or +4:00, to convert EDT (Summer Time).  The UT Offset is flexible enough to be used in area of the world, allowing offsets in increments of 15 minutes.

Radio Defaults

When using the VHF Converter, the Drake R8 likes to default to the balanced antenna input (port 1) when returning to an HF frequency.  This is frustrating to those users only using a longwire antenna (port 2).  The Antenna Port option will allow the user to tell Smart R8 Control for Windows to automatically default to the correct antenna port, when tuning in the HF bands.

Communications Defaults

Smart R8 Control for Windows requires that a serial port be used for communicating with the receiver.  Of all of the Default Options, this is probably the most critical.  The user must declare which serial port is to be used as the Receiver Port, from the radio buttons provided.  If a particular serial port is not available on the users computer, that radio button will be disabled.  Once a Receiver Port is selected, it may be configured by pressing the Port Setup button.  This will automatically invoke the Control Panels Ports module.  This can be used to configure all of the serial ports settings, to include the advanced settings of IRQ and hardware address.  This need not be done if the selected serial port is known to operate correctly.  Special Note:  Changing the either Receiver Port, or the associated serial ports IRQ or hardware address may also change some settings in the users WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI files.  If this is the case, the user will be required to restart Windows before the software will operate correctly.

Once the Receiver Port is correctly set, Smart R8 Control for Windows requires the user to also configure the protocol for communicating with the receiver.  The protocols will either use Windows built-in communications driver (Via Windows) or bypass this driver and send data directly to the receiver (Direct to Port).  The protocol to be selected depends upon which Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) is being used by the computer.  This is important, because Windows built-in communications driver has been known to be unstable at rates of 9600 bps, when using an 8250 or compatible UART, and must be bypassed.  If the UART is unknown, please run Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD.EXE) to examine your serial ports.  If the UART is found to be an 8250 or compatible, the Direct to Port protocol must be used, and is the default setting.  If a 16550 or compatible UART is used, either protocol may be used.  However, using the Via Windows protocol may make Smart R8 Control for Windows to be more responsive.

Once the correct protocol is set, the user has the option to set the correct communications pacing used by Smart R8 Control for Windows.  Both the Character and Line Pacing values are declared in milliseconds.  The Character Pacing is only enabled if the Direct to Port protocol is selected, and declares the amount of time that Smart R8 Control for Windows will wait between sending characters to the receiver.  This is default to 0, but may be increased if the receiver appears not to accept any of the commands.

The Line Pacing value is the amount of time that Smart R8 Control for Windows will wait before it receives a response from the receiver.  If no response is received, Smart R8 Control for Windows will know that a communications error has occurred, and will attempt to resend the command.  Commands will be sent to the radio up to three times, until a correct response has been received.  If the command fails in three tries, the computer will produce a dinging sound.  The Line Pacing value can be adjusted such that excessive delays can be avoided, yet robust communications to the Drake R8 can be achieved.

Logging Defaults

This area allows the user to personalize Smart R8 Control for Windows.  The data entered here, includes information about the user, the users equipment, and the listening conditions at the users QTH.  If this type of information sounds familiar, it is because it will be used in a later version of Smart R8 Control for Windows, to automatically generate reception reports from the integrated Logging System.  As shown, the information is pretty self explanatory.  The left side of the Logging Defaults allows the user to enter his/her name and address.  The right side of the Logging Defaults allows the user to enter the radio (hopefully a Drake R8, which is the default) and antenna used.  Additionally, a Listening Conditions entry has been provided, such that the user may describe what kind of location (Urban, Residential, Rural, Remote) the users QTH is in, as well as the relative level of man-made noise.


UT Offset

These selections allow the user to enter amount of time (in hours and minutes) to be added to the listeners local time, to obtain Universal Time (UT).  For example,  The user will select +5:00, for Winter Time on the East Coast of the USA.


Set Time

This button allow the user to set the computers clock, using the Control Panel.


Antenna Port

These radio buttons allow the user to select the antenna port that the HF tuner will default to.  Port 1 is the 50 Ohm J-259 jack, and Port 2 consists of the high impedance spring clips (normally used for unbalanced longwire antennas).


Comm Port Setup

This button allow the user to configure the computers serial ports, using the Control Panel.


Radio Comm Port

These radio buttons allow the user to define the computers serial port that will connect to the Drake R8 receiver.


Communications Protocol

These radio buttons allow the user to select which way the computer will talk to the radio.  Direct to Port bypasses Windows communications driver, and must be selected by users with an 8250 or compatible UART.  Via Windows utilizes Windows internal communications processes, and is only recommended for users with a 16550 or compatible UART.


Character Pacing

This field should contain the amount of time (in milliseconds) that the computer will wait between sending characters to the radio.  The default is 0, and is only accessible if the communications mode is set to Direct to Port.


Line Pacing

This field should contain the maximum amount of time (in milliseconds) that the computer will wait to receive a response from the radio, before it attempts to resend, or assumes a communications failure.  The default is 230.


DXers Name

This field should contain the shortwave listeners name.


DXers Address

This field contains the shortwave listeners address, to include Street address, City, State or Province, ZIP or Postal Code, and Country.  Format should correspond to the DXers standard mailing address.


Receiver Used

This field contains the name of the receiver normally used.  Typically, this will be the Drake R8.


Antenna Used

This field contains a short description of the shortwave listeners antenna.  It should contain details of style (longwire, dipole, etc.), height above ground, length (if applicable), and where the antenna was mounted (roof, lightly wooded area, etc.).


QTH Conditions

This field contains a short description of the area where normal reception takes place.  Typically, this will contain adjectives, such as Urban, Residential, Rural, Remote.  It may also use Noisy or Quiet when describing the man-made noise environment.