Scan320 is a freeware controller/scanner program I wrote for the TenTec RX-320 shortwave receiver. The program runs on PC's running Win95/98, Win2000, and WinME, WinNT, and WinXP systems.
When I bought my RX-320 receiver some years ago, I tried several of the contol programs that were available on the net at the time. The very best of them was the pair of shareware programs, RX320 and DB320, written by Clifton Turner, Jr. They are still two of the best programs avaialble for the RX-320. (They are available here.) But Clifton's programs are written to meet the needs of the shortwave broadcast listener. For that purpose, they are superb. However, my chief interest in the shortwave bands is searching for and monitoring the utility stations. (The "Utes" include just about anything on the shortwave bands other than amateur radio operators and international shortwave broadcasts.) For my work, I really needed the ability to scan the bands. There was nothing available at the time to meet my specific needs and desires. So, having recently (back then) purchased the kiddie version of Borland's Delphi development package and searching for a good project to use as a learning exercise, I decided to try a simple frequency stepper for the RX-320. A very basic version of Scan320 was the result. It could tune the radio manually or from the same frequency files that Clifton's programs use, and tune and scan from the files or from scratchpad memories. It was a good start. Thanks to the wonderful ideas I've received from my users (and even some I thought up all by myself :), the program has grown into something that makes me proud, and something that I enjoy using. I've had lots of fun chasing utes with Scan320. But Scan320 V1.0 had the opposite problem that Clifton's programs did. It catered to the needs of the utility listener, while virtually ignoring the needs of the shortwave broadcast listener. Version 1.1, posted here, is an attempt to correct that shortcoming. I've included the most-requested shortwave listeners' features, scheduled tuning and wave file recording. I've taken this opportunity to make a couple of other large changes, such as user-programmable data modes, and have corrected many of the little problems in V1.0 that I found irritating. This version of Scan320 is much easier to operate, with much smoother file operations and much more intuitive overall operation. And I've even added something for the utility listener: the master frequency list utility generates a list of all the frequencies you have stored in all of your frequency files. It includes a viewer that lets you sort and search the master list. Like the original V1.0 release, the program incorporates smooth manual control, locked-in tuning, scanning between any two frequencies, scanning pre-programmed bands, scanning its 160 scratchpad memories, and tuning/scanning from the same set of *.320 frequency files you use with Clifton's RX320 program. I've written a comprehensive HTML help document, available by clicking the Help choice on the Help menu. Of course, you can also go into the Help directory and open Scan320Help.html with your browser. Scan320 should be easy for you to learn.
FeaturesThis is a brief overview of Scan320's features. There is a comprehensive feature list in the Help document.
RequirementsAny PC running Windows 95 or later, with at least one free COM port and a monitor supporting at least 800 x 600 pixel resolution. Optional: a TenTec RX-320 shortwave receiver.The software runs just fine without the radio connected. Feel free to give it a try even if you don't own an RX-320 receiver. DownloadThis software is freely available, without limitation, for your personal, non-commercial use.
Installation and RemovalIf this is a new Scan320 installation for you, create a working directory and unzip the distribution archive into it. Verify that your unzipper has installed Scan320.exe, Scan320-Readme.txt, and Alarm.wav into the root of your working directory, has created the Help subdirectory and filled it with Scan320's html help files and illustrations, and has created the LogHelp subdirectory and filled it with B-Log's html help file and its illustrations. Create a desktop icon for Scan320.exe. Start the program.If you are upgrading from a previous version of Scan320, unzip the archive into your working directory. Let your unzipper overwrite the old copy of Scan320.exe and the files in the Help and LogHelp subdirectories. Start the program. It will use the existing data and setup that your old version of Scan320 used. If you plan to install B-Log, you will unzip that distribution archive right into your Scan320 working directory. Let your unzipper overwrite the contents of the LogHelp subdirectory. Scan320 doesn't write to your registry or add any DLL's to your system directory. If you choose to uninstall the program, just send your Scan320 working directory to the recycle bin. Thanks!Thanks very much for trying my program. I hope that you'll enjoy using it. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to email me at ab9b@qsl.net.
RX320 LinksTenTec's RX-320 PageHere's the manufacturer's site where you can learn about the amazing RX-320 DSP shortwave receiver. This is a most unusual radio; it has no controls on its front panel! All radio control functions are performed by control software running on your computer. The computer controls the radio using a serial cable.Clifton Turner's RX320 and DB320 Programs Clifton's RX320 is the best non-commercial RX-320 controller available. His programs bring out the best in the RX-320 receiver, and the very best in radio/computer integration.Gerry's RX-320 Page I'll let Gerry himself tell you about his page: "I will attempt to amass all the information available on the net including, hints, tips, tricks, mods, software, reviews, specifications and control software available for this amazing receiver."Mike Newell's RX-320/SWL Page Whatever you can't find from Gerry's RX-320 page, you'll find linked from Mike's page. Lots of good sources of SWL-related information.
Copyright © 2000, 2001
Tom Lackamp
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