ScannerCast Update: Now with Auto-Config for RR Feeds, Enhanced Re-Connect Logic

[PeterGV]

I've just published the latest version of my free ScannerCast program -- this is V0.8 (626).

This version has several new and very cool features over what was available in previous versions:

- Auto-Config support: If you're sending a scanner feed to Radio Reference, just give ScannerCast your RR username and password. It retrieves your feed parameters (host, port, mountpoint, and feed password) and automatically configures ScannerCast for you. What's even better: Each time you start ScannerCast it checks to see if the configuration information has changed, and automatically updates with the changes.

- Bullet-Proof reconnection support: Through V0.7f, ScannerCast didn't do a good job reconnecting to Radio Reference when the connection was lost. The reconnect logic was completely re-written in V0.7g and this new code appears in this and all future ScannerCast versions. Beta testers tell me it's now "bullet proof" and allowing them to use ScannerCast for their feeds full-time. YAY!

- Enhanced "Minimize to System Tray" support. Now, ScannerCast will change the color of it's system tray icon and pop a notification box whenever your RR feed goes down, and while it tries to reconnect.

And, of course, lots of small bugs have been fixed.

Another nice things is that I've (finally) gotten around to writing some simple online ScannerCast documentation. Check it out and let me know how you like it.

You can download the latest version of ScannerCast from my web site: ScannerCast at K1PGV.COM

Of course, I'm eager to hear your feedback. As always, I'm easiest to reach via email: use my callsign (which is K1PGV) @arrl.net.

Thank you to everyone who's tried ScannerCast so far, and provided feedback. Together, we'll make ScannerCast the best utility for playing scanner audio over the web.

Thanks to all... and ENJOY,

Peter
K1PGV

[AMDXP]

Peter,

I received an unhandled exception:

This happened when after I entered my RR info then click the login button. I thought maybe the login was taking a bit long so I clicked the drop down menu.

That when this execption came up. I was able to click continue and the login was successful as it had pulled my info.

Prior to clicking continue I was able to copy this debug info:

=========================


See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.IndexOutOfRangeException: Index was outside the bounds of the array.
at ScannerCast.ScannerCast.RRFeedToSendComboBox_Selec tedIndexChanged(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at ScannerCast.ScannerCast.GetFeedButton_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnMouseUp(MouseEventAr gs mevent)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.O nMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.W ndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
ScannerCast
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 0.8.626.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/ScannerCast.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Istrib.Sound
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/Istrib.Sound.DLL
----------------------------------------
Istrib.Sound.Mp3
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/Istrib.Sound.Mp3.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound
Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/Microsoft.DirectX.DirectSound.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX
Assembly Version: 1.0.2902.0
Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/Microsoft.DirectX.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
Accessibility
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Accessibility/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Accessibility.dll
----------------------------------------
yeti.mmedia
Assembly Version: 1.0.3446.38973
Win32 Version: 1.0.3446.38973
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/yeti.mmedia.DLL
----------------------------------------
yeti.mp3
Assembly Version: 1.0.3446.38974
Win32 Version: 1.0.3446.38974
CodeBase: file:///C:/SCANNERCAST/yeti.mp3.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Web.Services
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Web.Services/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Web.Services.dll
----------------------------------------
hdszegvl
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box


=========================


I think what caused the error was that there was no information within the drop down yet so it threw a hissy fit, lol. Maybe keep it grayed out until there's information to be had.

Perhaps during that login some sort of status message is displayed that says :"Retrieving Feed information, please stand by"

Other than that, It's a great update keep it coming!

Also Would it be possible be able to see and adjust the Audio levels like in Oddcast?

[N7AS]

I have been using Oddcast to send my feed to ScanAmerica.us and now here to RR. I downloaded the latest version of ScanCast and thought I would give it a try. I use a BCT15 and picked Uniden 396/996, and let it auto config for RR. When I started ScanCast, my computer crashed. Got a blue screen with a crapload of text. It went away fast so I could not read it, then the computer restarted.

I had it set at the default port 5700 and had the tags set for System + Group + Channel and checked the Add Frequency Tag check box.

I'm running Vista Home Premium x64 if that matters.

Any idea of how to fix this so it works?

[PeterGV]

Originally Posted by AMDXP

I received an unhandled exception:

This happened when after I entered my RR info then click the login button. I thought maybe the login was taking a bit long so I clicked the drop down menu.

That when this execption came up. I was able to click continue and the login was successful as it had pulled my info.

...

I think what caused the error was that there was no information within the drop down yet so it threw a hissy fit, lol. Maybe keep it grayed out until there's information to be had.

Perhaps during that login some sort of status message is displayed that says :"Retrieving Feed information, please stand by"

Other than that, It's a great update keep it coming!

Also Would it be possible be able to see and adjust the Audio levels like in Oddcast?

Yikes! Good error report, Patrick, many thanks. And your diagnosis is right on the mark... I didn't do anything to protect from people touching the "Feed to Send" box before it's ready. I've attempted to put in a fix to prevent the exception from happening. Nice bug!!

I've also added the "RetrievingFeed Info" message, as you suggested. Excellent suggestion, many thanks for THAT.

The updated version is already on the web site. It'll be V0.8(626a).

Adjusting audio levels: I *really* want to add a VU meter, so that you can properly set the audio levels on your scanner, for V1.0 -- Gordon suggested this as something that'd be nice to have as well. The problem is it's surprisingly hard to add to the program. Adding the meter is certainly a goal I'm hoping to meet for V1.0.

Thanks again for taking the time to report the bugs, AND for the encouragement!

Peter
K1PGV

[PeterGV]

Originally Posted by N7AS

When I started ScanCast, my computer crashed. Got a blue screen with a crapload of text. It went away fast so I could not read it, then the computer restarted.

Double YIKES! Sorry to here you had trouble, Grant.

All I can do is suggest you try it again. ScannerCast, by itself, isn't capable of crashing your system (believe it or not)... it was probably your sound card driver. Yeah, I know, it sounds like I'm trying to get off easy and blame something else in the system. But, really... ScannerCast is just a user-mode program and such things can't blue screen Windows (even Windows Vista) without some help.

Be sure you've selected the right audio input on the Config tab.

Aside from that... just try it again? If you continue to experience problems, email me (send to callsign @arrl.net) and I'll do what I can to help.

Sorry for the problems... ouch! Let me know how it goes!

Peter
K1PGV

[Forts]

Hi Peter,

I've been doing some playing with your program and it's really quite slick. I do have a possible feature request for you though.... Would it be possible to have an option to disable the scanner control? I currently have a feed setup with a Pro-96 using Icecast/Edcast and I would like to swing it over to your program. However when I do obviously I get an error saying it can't communicate to the radio and the program ties up one of my two com ports (the streaming works great though!).

Thanks for the consideration and keep up the great work!

[Sinister]

Just wanted to say thanks Peter for the hard work you put into the program and for offering it to the RR community.
I do have a question that maybe Gordon or yourself could answer.
Scanners used are the GRE 600 and Pro197
Version tested was the one prior to V0.8 (626) release

1) If the user wants to stream tag information will this cause Winamp or Itunes media players to continually buffer due to the additional info being sent?

[PeterGV]

Originally Posted by Forts

Would it be possible to have an option to disable the scanner control?

Forts: Thanks for the positive feedback, and the request, I really appreciate it. I've received several requests for a "Audio Only" setting. I've kind of resisted the idea, because doing the tags "right" was sort of the major principal behind me initially writing ScannerCast. But, enough people have now requested this feature that I've got to give it serious consideration. I mean... if that's what a lot of people want, it wouldn't be right for me to say no.

So, thanks again for the suggestion... I'll have a look at the code and see how difficult it would be to handle a setting with NO tags.

Originally Posted by Sinister

If the user wants to stream tag information will this cause Winamp or Itunes media players to continually buffer due to the additional info being sent?

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're asking, but I'll try to give you an answer.

The amount of data buffered at the player isn't really related to whether tag data is sent or not, it more a function of how the player is configured. Winamp, for example, has a setting that controls how much data it buffers during playback.

ScannerCast sends tag data *very* frequently (compared to other Icecast/SHOUTcast source clients), and it typically sends less than 100 bytes of tag data every 1/2 second (in other words, less than 200 bytes per second). Contrast this with 8,000 bytes of data per second sent for the audio.

Speaking of buffering, ScannerCast is designed to buffer several seconds of audio before sending it along to the player (if connected directly) or Radio Reference. This is to allow ScannerCast to handle transient network problems -- like having part of a message lost or delayed -- which happens surprisingly regularly.

Hope I answered your question completely. If not, feel free to follow-up or contact me directly via email.

Thanks also for the kind words and encouragement!

Peter
K1PGV

[bonus1331]

What other players besides Winamp will show tags using this software?
Currently using WMP at work to listen.
IT has downloads pretty locked down and I am unable to use Winamp.

[Sinister]

Thanks Peter for the response it does answer my question. I was curious if the addition of adding the tags to stream added to the buffering issues I was experiencing with Winamp.
Winamp for me has issues with buffering too much, and I have played with the config settings but to be honest its not worth the time or effort. I find Itunes works better and I can just use the miniplayer with no buffering issues.

[PeterGV]

Originally Posted by bonus1331

What other players besides Winamp will show tags using this software?
Currently using WMP at work to listen.
IT has downloads pretty locked down and I am unable to use Winamp.

Unfortunately, most Icecast/SHOUTcast compatible players do NOT display tags. The players that I know of that do (or CLAIM to) are:

1) Winamp
2) iTunes
3) VLC
4) xmms (a player primarily used on Linux)
5) Real Player* (SEE BELOW)

Not all players display tag in the way that we'd like for scanners -- that's because they're mostly designed to support displaying title/artist information for the song being played, which typically changes once every few minutes -- not once every few seconds like scanner tags.

An important note regarding Real Player:

There's a bug in Real Player that causes nasty squeaks and howls during playback, and no tags to be displayed when playing back feeds originating from ScannerCast. It seems that Real Player doesn’t properly interpret the “metadata interval” (the time between sending tags), and that if tags are being sent it incorrectly ASSUMES the tags are sent every 16K bytes. This is contrary to both the SHOUTCast and Icecast specification. By default, ScanAmerica (and now RR) by default has traditionally senttags every 16K bytes (every 8 seconds)… and so it works with Real Player. The problem with doing this is that for scanner use, every 8 seconds isn't nearly frequently enough for the tags to be in good synchronization with the audio.

ScannerCast, on the other hand, sends tag data every 1.2K bytes (about every ½ second). This ensures that the tags are in sync with the audio, but has the disadvantage of uncovering that bug in Real Player.

I’ve been in touch with the Real Player people, and I’m trying to get them to fix Real Player or at least acknowledge that this is their bug. They’re not too interested, it seems… because this particular bug was reported by Icecast users more than 4 years ago (obviously far before ScannerCast was invented).

About Flash-Based (web-embedded) Players and Why They Don't Show Tags

It is currently technical impossible to get a web-embedded player (based on Flash) to display embedded tag information. I spent *a lot* of time looking into this, and -- while lots of people would like this to happen -- Flash doesn't have the capability to do it. Perhaps it'll be there in a future version of Flash.

There ARE some well-known hacks and work-arounds that let you "fake" displaying tags in a Flash player, but they're all clumsy and wouldn't result in tags that are nicely synced for scanner use.

I know... as usual that's probably more information than you wanted to know. But at least (for the archives) you have the whole story on tag playback support...

Peter
K1PGV

[AMDXP]

Your welcome, always glad to help!


Sometime ago in one of the other threads there was talk about which Windows Moble (Smartphone or PocketPC) players would work with MP3 streaming and Tags.

The 2 I remember mentioned were gsplayer and PocketPlayer. I have a Samsung Omnia i910 that runs WM 5.1. I've tried both gsplayer and PocketPlayer and have had mixed results.

PocketPlayer will play streaming MP3's, but with the tags it crashes everytime.

gsplayer will play the streaming MP3s, but there's a huge lag in the tagging update, not real time at all.

I was wondering if anyone else knows of any programs (preferablly freeware) that can do this, hopefully better?

[ScanPEI]

For the ScannerCast Program, it says that the program works best with a Uniden 396 series or GRE PSR-500 series scanner. Will this program also work with any other type of scanner?

[PeterGV]

Currently, it only knows how to get tags from BCD-396/996 (t and xt variants) as well as the BCT-15, and the PSR-500/600 and Pro 197.

ScannerCast can also be used to send "audio only" (no alpha tag) feeds also -- I'll be releasing a version that adds official support for this (in response to popular demand) later this week.

Support for grabbing alpha tags from other scanner models is going to have to wait for V2.0, which is a ways off.

Hope that helps,

Peter
K1PGV

[ScanPEI]

Originally Posted by PeterGV

Currently, it only knows how to get tags from BCD-396/996 (t and xt variants) as well as the BCT-15, and the PSR-500/600 and Pro 197.

ScannerCast can also be used to send "audio only" (no alpha tag) feeds also -- I'll be releasing a version that adds official support for this (in response to popular demand) later this week.

Support for grabbing alpha tags from other scanner models is going to have to wait for V2.0, which is a ways off.

Hope that helps,

Peter
K1PGV

Alright. Thanks. I was planning on downloading this program, looked like a good one, but I only have a BC92XLT, which is nothing special, so i'll wait awhile until you get everything finalized.

[Forts]

Thanks for considering the 'no tags' option Peter. I really like the all-in-one solution your program provides.

[PeterGV]

Originally Posted by Forts

Thanks for considering the 'no tags' option Peter. I really like the all-in-one solution your program provides.

My pleasure. Lots of people asked, so who am I to say no??

I looked at the code, as promised, and it took (literally) less than 30 minutes to get it working.

I'm testing it now and it looks good.

I've also added support for stereo feeds -- Audio with matching tags on one channel (for example LEFT) and audio-only on the other channel (for example RIGHT). I don't really like this idea, frankly, cuz it reduces the audio quality and makes for a darn confusing setup. But, again, there are a good number of people that do this today on RR, and would like to use ScannerCast, so...

(The REAL solution to the mono versus stereo issue is planned for ScannerCast V2... where you'll be able to have two separate feeds, each with audio + tags... sent to 2 separate mount points.... one for the left channel and one for the right channel. This obviously would require one control connection for each channel. But, in the mean time...)

Peter
K1PGV

[ScanPEI]

So will people with scanners that do not support tagging, be able to use this program with ease. As an "Audio Only" options or whatnot? And does it work well with scanners that do not have tag support?

[PeterGV]

Originally Posted by scannerkid

So will people with scanners that do not support tagging, be able to use this program with ease. As an "Audio Only" options or whatnot? And does it work well with scanners that do not have tag support?

Yes and Yes. At least, that's the idea. Of course, you'll have to tell ME how well it works actually works "out in the real world"...

Peter
K1PGV

[ScanPEI]

Originally Posted by PeterGV

Yes and Yes. At least, that's the idea. Of course, you'll have to tell ME how well it works actually works "out in the real world"...

Peter
K1PGV

Alright, Thanks. I'll be sure to try it out.