Video - BC780XLT Virtual Display Created with VB 2005 Express

Stupidfatkid · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 11:10 AM

If anyone wants to get started creating homebrew software for their scanners Visual Basic 2005 Express is the way to go (free download from M$). I had never played around with the serial port control but after a couple hours I was able to create a virtual display for my BC780XLT. It's by no means a masterpiece, but it works. I posted on a video of it running on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCzzzM5oyFo

Has anyone else played around with Visual Basic 2005 Express and a scanner?

Stupidfatkid · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006, 08:19 AM

I added a lot to the program since the first post. Along with the virtual display, the new version allows virtual control of the scanner. And of course there's a new video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ3bbaYxeUY

Dubbin · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006, 11:38 AM

Very nice!!! It almost looks like winscan 780.

Stupidfatkid · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 09:35 AM

I've had several inquiries about getting a copy of the control codes. For those who haven’t heard, Uniden now publishes the control codes for all their computer controlled radio on their website. Just bring up the page for your scanner and click on the downloads link.

k4gps · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006, 11:37 AM

Would you be willing to make the program available ? I guess we would need to compile it ourselves as an .exe. I would make much better use of my scanner if I could leave it in one room connected to an outdoor antenna and just have a laptop let me control it and stream the audio. I have streamed audio over the internet in the past, I guess with your program, streaming software and also VNC I could make use of my scanner while watching TV, in the bedroom or out in the garage over WiFi.

Rich

Stupidfatkid · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006, 08:20 PM

Source files are attached. The serial port control is set to COM1 and 19200 baud. If your scanner is different make sure you change the settings before you compile. And yes, I know, the way the virtual display is updated is kind of retarded. I plan on revisiting that later. I just threw together a quick display so I could get feed back while testing the buttons , so no laughing!!!!

If anyone has already worked out a reliable way to update the display I'm all ears!

k4gps · #7 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006, 08:54 PM

Thanks! I'll give it a try, I just loaded it on a PC but I don't have the .NET framework installed. I'll go install it now and give it a run.

Rich

k4gps · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006, 09:33 PM

I am not seeing any issue with the actual display, works fantastic so far.

I did look at your video and the buttons are black on white but in my installation the buttons are just plain old black. The only way I can tell it is a button is by the top and left shadow you placed on the buttons. By clicking to the right of the shadow they do operate properly though.

Again I really like the look and the LCD graphic, seems to be updating VERY well.

Sweet.. makes me wish I had just a drop of programing ability.

GreatLakes · #9 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stupidfatkid

I added a lot to the program since the first post. Along with the virtual display, the new version allows virtual control of the scanner. And of course there's a new video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ3bbaYxeUY

That's nice to be able to make your own custom display to your personal preferences. I used to program, maybe I'll get back into it!

Stupidfatkid · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k4gps

I am not seeing any issue with the actual display, works fantastic so far.

I did look at your video and the buttons are black on white but in my installation the buttons are just plain old black. The only way I can tell it is a button is by the top and left shadow you placed on the buttons. By clicking to the right of the shadow they do operate properly though.

Again I really like the look and the LCD graphic, seems to be updating VERY well.

Sweet.. makes me wish I had just a drop of programing ability.

Can you post a screen shot? I have no idea why it would be doing that!

k4gps · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2006, 05:58 PM

Here is an example of what I see. I attached the file, this is my first time, hopefully it will work.

Rich

Stupidfatkid · #12 (**permalink**) 12-14-2006, 09:52 AM

I noticed from your screen shot that you have your "Themes" service stopped, and I understand why, but I wonder if that's why the buttons aren't showing up correctly. When I get home I'll have to stop the Themes service and see if I get the same result.

k4gps · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2006, 07:48 PM

Don't even remember turning off themes ? I don't mess with the laptop very much, I use it more as a tool than a toy like I do my my desktop.

I'll have to look into it and see where I can turn themes on or off, since quite honestly I do not remember doing it years ago when I set up the PC.

k4gps · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2006, 08:06 PM

That was it, you were right on the money!

OK now I remember about themes, I turned it off so I can go into the classic mode.

Honestly I don't like the XP theme but I can turn it on and off easy enough when I
want to use your app.