Dear Gisle,

I use an "ancient" (purchased in 2000!) Windows 98 laptop - a Toshiba
Satellite 2180CDT - which is really no longer suitable for internet
use. I "wiped" it, reinstalled Windows 98, and use it only for a few
programs, one of which is "RxWings." The computer is next to my sofa
within easy reach and the radio itself is across the rather small room,
about eight feet away. The two are connected by a cable. Both are
plugged into the same APC UPS and I have a C. Crane surge protector
which also reduces EMI ahead of just the radio. (My Wellbrook ALA 330S
is also plugged into that same APC UPS.) I just sit back in my sofa and
control the radio from there.

If you do not own a laptop, and you would prefer to use one with your
radio, you could probably buy a used or refurbished one very cheap -
I've seen them advertised sometimes for less than $150.00. You need
nothing elaborate; I think even an old Windows 95 machine would work.
Just make sure you totally wipe the drive first - with something like
"Darik's Boot and Nuke" - and then reinstall the Windows OS. You'll
have a "clean" computer which will work very well with 'RxWings" or any
other computer-control program you care to try. (By the way, do NOT buy
AOR's "DataMaster" program: it is grossly overpriced and obsolete. Take
my word for it - I DID buy it. Live and learn.)

I have never had any problem with any noise whatsoever caused by the
computer. (The electrical noise caused by neighbors and
transformers/streetlights, etc. on my property - I live in a small
townhouse community - are something else, but the Wellbrook has taken
care of that!) Of course I do not know what might happen were I to
place the computer right next to the radio but, fortunately, I have no
need to do so.

All the best,

Joe

Gisle Vanem wrote:
"Joe Analssandrini" wrote:

There is, however, another option which no one so far has mentioned
here (and it applies to the JRC NRD-545 as well): there is a FREE
computer-control program called "RxWINGS" which allows you to control
the receiver via your computer.

I'm a bit suspicious to have a noise-source like a table-top PC powered
on while DX-ing. Do you have a LCD-screen or a lap-top?

--gv