IR Remote Control for Shortwave Radios & Scanners

Updates

Each shortwave version now has a separate manual specific to that version of the SWL IR Remote.  This makes it easier to get the information you need for your specific version.  The single manual for all the shortwave versions was too confusing.  The new manuals are available on our downloads page.

Yaesu FIF-232C CAT Interface

FRG-100 & FRG-8800:

The FIF-232C CAT Interface is no longer available from Yaesu.  You can achieve the same functionality by using the Level Converter option on our FRG-100 & FRG-8800 versions.

New in Firmware Version 1.43

R-5000 New Feature:

• The optional Kenwood VHF Converter can now be operated with the Universal Remote.  The VHF Converter (VC-20) must be installed.

R-5000 fix:

• Fixed an issue when stepping FM frequencies down.

UNIDEN:

• BCT8 is now implemented.
• BC898T is now implemented.

FRG-8800 Receiver Control:

• We now have a Windows Program available for the FRG-8800 that permits frequency logging and receiver control.  The FRG-8800 Receiver Control Software runs on Windows 95, 98, 98SE, Me, and XP.

R-5000 New Feature:

• Directly set Mode.  Access modes directly rather than toggling through them.

R75 New Features:

• Directly select Preamp, AGC, Modes, and Filters.  Access these features directly rather than toggling through them.

Drake R8 New Features:

• The VHF Converter can now be operated with the Universal Remote.  The Drake VHF Converter must be installed.
• Directly select modes and filters - quickly select a mode and filter.  Simulates the single key press mode and filter selections of the R8A & R8B.
• Toggle Frequency and Time Display (R8A & R8B).
• Toggle kHz, and MHz Display Modes (R8A & R8B).
• Turn Name Mode on and off (R8A & R8B).
• Adjust Display Brightness (R8A & R8B).

FRG-8800 New Features:

• The VHF Converter can now be operated with the Universal Remote.  The FRV-8800 VHF Converter must be installed.

New in Firmware Version 1.41

NRD-545:

• All the analog controls on the NRD-545 can be operated with the SWL IR Remote.  Volume, Squelch, NB Level, Notch Level, PBS, BWC, and Tone controls are all operable from the Universal Remote.  We have also implemented control for the Wide Band converter option for the NRD-545.  You can directly enter frequencies, and select modes throughout the frequency range of 100KHz to 1,999MHz with the Wideband converter option installed.

New in Firmware Version 1.40

• The Uniden BC796D is now implemented in the UNIDEN version of the SWL IR Remote.
• We have released a version for the Lowe HF-150.   If you are looking for the functionality of the optional Lowe keypad, the SWL IR Remote does that and more using a common Universal Remote.  Our optional Level Converter is equivalent to the Lowe IF-150, and permits computer operation of the HF-150.
• We have released a version for the Kenwood  R-5000.  This is a perfect answer for the key bounce problem that develops over time on the R-5000.  With the optional Level Converter, you can also control the receiver with your computer.
• We have released a version for the Lowe HF-225.  If you are looking for the functionality of the optional Lowe keypad, the SWL IR Remote does that and more using a common Universal Remote.
• We have released a version for the JRC NRD-535.
• The Radio Shack PRO-2052 is now implemented in the UNIDEN version of the SWL IR Remote.

R75 new features and fixes:

• Set up to six (6) User Defined Analog Control settings for each of the analog controls - RF Gain, SQL, and PBTs.
• Move Inner and Outer PBTs together in the same direction (IF bandpass shift) or in opposite directions (IF bandwidth adjust) from current PBT positions.
• Changed Programmed/Memory scan commands to be compatible with ICOM Transceivers.
• The initial press of the VOL when using volume and LCD brightness controls is delayed so you can single step and not step multiple times when making small adjustments.  Speed shifts up to fast rate when VOL is held down for quick adjustment.

FRG-100 fix:

• Fixed a problem when selecting an SSB mode after FM/N or CW/N is selected, always going to USB mode.

All Shortwave versions:

• The timing on the first key press of the CH keys for frequency stepping has been delayed so you can single step through frequencies without stepping too far when the frequency pacing is set to a high pacing value.  Holding the CH key will then shift up to the faster pacing value when stepping the frequency.

New in Firmware Version 1.30

R75 new features:

• Set a sleep time.
• Recall the last directly entered frequency.
• Toggle NB (Noise Blanker) on/off.
• Turn on NR (Noise Reduction) and set level in steps from 1 - 9 directly or use VOL to move through the levels.
• Select FM and CW modes.  You can configure the remote to select FM and/or CW along with the AM/S-AM modes.  This way you control whether or not to include these modes.
• Select AGC off.  You can configure the remote to select AGC off in the AGC selections.
• Move the RF Gain, SQL, and PBT to specific levels (e.g. full CW/CCW) and default these analog controls independently.
• Set up to five User Tuning Steps.  Useful for detuning frequencies by one half of filter bandwidth or use a very small frequency step to quickly zero-beat in SSB mode.
• Adjust LCD Backlight brightness.

FRG-100 new features:

• Set a sleep time and enable the sleep timer.
• Recall the last directly entered frequency.
• Select FM or CW modes.
• Select Wide or Narrow filters in CW mode.
• Set up to five User Tuning Steps.  Useful for detuning frequencies by one half of filter bandwidth or use a very small frequency step to quickly zero-beat in SSB mode.

Drake R8/A/B new features:

• Recall the last directly entered frequency.
• Set up to five User Tuning Steps.  Useful for detuning frequencies by one half of filter bandwidth or use a very small frequency step to quickly zero-beat in SSB mode.

ICOM new features:

• Recall the last directly entered frequency.
• Select FM and CW modes.
• You can configure the remote to select FM and/or CW along with the AM mode.  This way you control whether or not to include these modes.
• Set up to five User Tuning Steps.  Useful for detuning frequencies by one half of filter bandwidth or use a very small frequency to quickly zero-beat in SSB mode.