Black Box Scanner?

[K4APR]

Since I do most of my scanning in the car and the spaces in the car are becoming smaller, I was wondering if Uniden has ever considered a black box version of the 996(XT). Basically a scanner, without a display and instead use of a USB link to a computer for display and control. I am thinking of the Icom receivers as an example:

IC-R1500 Communications Receiver - Features - Icom America

As I look to change cars in the next year, I am hoping to switch over to an in-dash Windows-based computer for doing everything ie. music, remote control and radio (scanning, amateur, ect).

There might also be an option for a small remote control option. Maybe include a serial connection option for the control head option.

I am not posting this as a demand on Uniden. I am simply asking who else on this forum would be interested in something like this.

 

[ka3jjz]

Jason, remember the Optocomm? Of course it used a serial link but the concept is otherwise the same...73 Mike

 

[NE1C4NSC4N]

I would be interested, I like the computer idea, ALL scanners should come with an interface for computers IMO, most do already tho, I would like to see a bluetooth or USB connection into a system like SYNC, which is standard on all Fords now I think, and of course it could link to a pc as well with the bluetooth..

It would be nice to have it displaying the information from the scanner onto the screen/display for the stereo, and of course have it audible thru the speakers..like a phone or any other device, but wirelessly. It would be great if it was a bit more rugged than the ICOMs too, maybe even MILSPEC..or water resistant as much as possible.

 

[MarMatthias]

Personally, I think there is too much reliance on a computer. People need to learn how to program the scanner from the keypad.

Before anyone goes through the rhetoric of how easy a computer is, I'm a 30 year veteran programmer, so don't give me no flak...

 

[Dewey]

Personally, I think there is too much reliance on a computer. People need to learn how to program the scanner from the keypad.

Before anyone goes through the rhetoric of how easy a computer is, I'm a 30 year veteran programmer, so don't give me no flak...

I think you missed the point. No one has said anything about programming... it's all about mobile control, similar to using the RH96 now.

 

[MarMatthias]

I think you missed the point. No one has said anything about programming... it's all about mobile control, similar to using the RH96 now.

No, The post I was replying to:

I would be interested, I like the computer idea,

ALL scanners should come with an interface for computers IMO,

most do already tho, I would like to see a bluetooth or USB connection into a system like SYNC, which is standard on all Fords now I think, and of course it could link to a pc as well with the bluetooth..

clearly references programming the scanner through a computer...

 

[NE1C4NSC4N]

I wasnt really speaking about programming, just interfaceing, which to me is feeding the information from the scanner(TGID, Channel name, etc), as it scans, maybe my terminology is wrong?

 

[MarMatthias]

Basically a scanner, without a display and instead use of a USB link to a computer for display and control. I am thinking of the Icom receivers as an example

I wasnt really speaking about programming, just interfaceing, which to me is feeding the information from the scanner(TGID, Channel name, etc), as it scans, maybe my terminology is wrong?

Without a keypad, the only way to enter information into such a scanner is to program it. As a computer programmer, I can see several pitfalls for this type of device, most of which center around diagnostics and the owner's ability to be able to resolve most problems by themselves. Such a device would pretty much be a "purchase with programming from the factory" approach... In my opinion, that would drive costs up as the owner has no easy way to confirm the unit is properly working.

 

[N1SQB]

My 2 Cents Worth....

Personally, I think there is too much reliance on a computer. People need to learn how to program the scanner from the keypad.

Before anyone goes through the rhetoric of how easy a computer is, I'm a 30 year veteran programmer, so don't give me no flak...

I agree with you on this. When the unfortunate incident of Sept.11, 2001 took place, I was home. Where I was living at the time, Fairfield County Connecticut, I could easily hear prettty much all the NYC Emergency Services. Even though I had a scanner dedicated entirelly to NYC, I had to make a lot of adjustments on-the-fly. ( lock out channels, move channels around, put in new frequencies into separate banks, ect..) I run on average about 5 scanners. Obviously, I have to know my scanners very well so I had no trouble doing any of this. If I had to do everything I did through a computer, with all the plugging / unplugging of different brand radios, different cables ect., It would have taken me twice the time it took me. In an emergency, no matter how prepared you think you are, there are always going to be changes and adjustments you will have to make. Depending on a computer to do this, is more time consuming. In an emergency, seconds count. Now, during routine scanning and searching, do I use a computer to make things easier? Of course I do. I just don't DEPEND on it for ALL my programming. I believe a conbination of computer programming as an aid and familiarizing yourself with the programming of your equipment WITHOUT the assistance of a computer is the best approach.

Manny

 

[flyingscotsman]

I agree with you on this. When the unfortunate incident of Sept.11, 2001 took place, I was home. Where I was living at the time, Fairfield County Connecticut, I could easily hear prettty much all the NYC Emergency Services. Even though I had a scanner dedicated entirelly to NYC, I had to make a lot of adjustments on-the-fly. ( lock out channels, move channels around, put in new frequencies into separate banks, ect..) I run on average about 5 scanners. Obviously, I have to know my scanners very well so I had no trouble doing any of this. If I had to do everything I did through a computer, with all the plugging / unplugging of different brand radios, different cables ect., It would have taken me twice the time it took me. In an emergency, no matter how prepared you think you are, there are always going to be changes and adjustments you will have to make. Depending on a computer to do this, is more time consuming. In an emergency, seconds count. Now, during routine scanning and searching, do I use a computer to make things easier? Of course I do. I just don't DEPEND on it for ALL my programming. I believe a conbination of computer programming as an aid and familiarizing yourself with the programming of your equipment WITHOUT the assistance of a computer is the best approach.

Manny

I totally agree with you.. however I think what the OP was asking, was in newer cars you don't have the space you used to, and was looking for a trunk mounted scanner controlled from the drivers, center with screen capability... and as for reprogramming the scanner on the fly, you would not do that while driving!! too dangerous (you would be one of the calls).

 

[jcpd9720]

Since I do most of my scanning in the car and the spaces in the car are becoming smaller, I was wondering if Uniden has ever considered a black box version of the 996(XT). Basically a scanner, without a display and instead use of a USB link to a computer for display and control. I am thinking of the Icom receivers as an example:

IC-R1500 Communications Receiver - Features - Icom America

As I look to change cars in the next year, I am hoping to switch over to an in-dash Windows-based computer for doing everything ie. music, remote control and radio (scanning, amateur, ect).

There might also be an option for a small remote control option. Maybe include a serial connection option for the control head option.

I am not posting this as a demand on Uniden. I am simply asking who else on this forum would be interested in something like this.

Just like on 9-11, this thread got hijacked. Where did he talk about computer programming? Any type of control done remotely though either a control head or the onboard computer screen of newer Fords would be the same as having the scanner in hand, typing in quick searches and everything else you would do directly from the remote head.

I think this is a cool idea, and would probably be easy for Uniden to get ironed out. They just need the push, and you have done it. Bravo sir, bravo!

 

[SkipSanders]

Perhaps you missed it...

The 996XT already has a remote control 'front panel' option, sold by Uniden.

The RH-96 Remote Head works with the 996 and 396 radios.

Uniden Bearcat BC-RH96 Remote Head

 

[N1SQB]

I like the remote head option. Where I think Uniden missed the boat is in the power on/off dept. If I mount my BCT15X in the cargo area of my Expedition, why do I have to go out and turn the radio off again when I get out of the vehicle at my destination? Why not just have the remote head control power as well? That is the only issue I have with the remote head option. Commercial remote heads and even Ham radio remote heads allow you to do it. Why can't Uniden do the same? They spend all their time/money/efforts into creating a new state of the art/does it all for you- scanner for entry level folks but stop short with a simple remote head.

Manny

 

[K4APR]

Just like on 9-11, this thread got hijacked. Where did he talk about computer programming? Any type of control done remotely though either a control head or the onboard computer screen of newer Fords would be the same as having the scanner in hand, typing in quick searches and everything else you would do directly from the remote head.

I think this is a cool idea, and would probably be easy for Uniden to get ironed out. They just need the push, and you have done it. Bravo sir, bravo!

Sorry for my absence after creating this thread...

As said before, I mentioned nothing about PROGRAMMING, I was strictly talking about CONTROL of the unit through software or some kind of control head. Having said that, the programming COULD be done through the computer as well.

I envision a car computer ie. ITX-Mini/Micro design with an in-dash 7" touchscreen LCD. This LCD would serve as the display for controlling any radio that is capable of being controlled via software and some kind of link such as direct serial, USB or even CI-V TTL-Serial conversion (mostly Icom and Yaesu). The scanner it'self would be a black box with the connections (antenna, audio, serial and/or USB).

I would eventually tie in an Icom IC-7000 HF radio into the system and maybe a seperate VHF/UHF mobile with CI-V capability.

As for programming, the programming would still be in the black box scanner, but profiles could be easily saved on the control computer for quick flash changes. No need to hook up a computer each time because the computer would already be there controlling the box. Just pull up a profile and flash it in. Want to change? Pull up another and flash it in.

Take a look at the link I posted in my original message of the Icom receiver that is almost exactly what I am describing. If that Icom had Moto/EDACS/LTR/P25 capability, I would just use that, but it does not, so I look towards Uniden or GRE to possibly consider this.

 

[K4APR]

Perhaps you missed it...

The 996XT already has a remote control 'front panel' option, sold by Uniden.

The RH-96 Remote Head works with the 996 and 396 radios.

Uniden Bearcat BC-RH96 Remote Head

I already have a 396 and 996, along with two RH-96 heads. I bought them when I was designing the RH-96 remote mount kit:

http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/166587-rh96-control-head-remote-kit-first-look.html

I agree, the lack of powering on/off option is a real dead horse for this setup. I even have a board designed with a built-in relay to take care of that via the ignition line in a car, but it doesn't do you much good in other environments. The board will simply cut the power to the scanner off and on and since the scanner remembers it was on, when it last had power, simply restoring the source of power will power the scanner back up.

 

[NE1C4NSC4N]

Take a look at the link I posted in my original message of the Icom receiver that is almost exactly what I am describing. If that Icom had Moto/EDACS/LTR/P25 capability, I would just use that, but it does not, so I look towards Uniden or GRE to possibly consider this.

Have you looked at the ICOM-PCR2500 KE4NYV? It says here it does P-25 optionally, I think you have to buy a P-25 add on card :

IC PCR2500/IC-R2500 - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[scanpprcn]

I also agree with the intent and purpose of the OP's point. And to further NYV's comments, I have replaced three automotive batteries simply because I have gone away on business or vacation and forgot to turn of the the remotely mounted Uniden attached to an RH-96. Fortunately all of the batteries were covered under warranty... I am well aware of the function (and non-function) of the power to the remote scanner, but I'm human. Having a main scanner body of sight and 'out-of-mind' is problematic if it doesn't have "true" blackbox functionality like remote sensing of the power knob on the remote head.

I'm glad to see someone stepped up to post this idea... I was thinking these same thoughts.

I do like the Uniden products, but like most things, there's room for improvement.

 

[torontokris]

current uniden scanners can already be hooked up via USB to a PC laptop or similar device for full control and programming. (uniden scanners need a proper serial-usb cable)

there is also the above mentioned remote head options (from uniden or that nice 3rd party one above)

im not sure about all the ipod/iphone app offerings i dont think they add control but you can see whats on the scanner display etc

basically they already do what your asking for, just they have a screen, which is even better.. for time when your not hooked up on a pc

a black box would be cool but if the current scanners can do the same things yet offer a screen then even better... the above mentioned optocom was amazing scanner but had limitations due to the screen/lack of controls without a pc

 

[MarMatthias]

a black box would be cool but if the current scanners can do the same things yet offer a screen then even better... the above mentioned optocom was amazing scanner but had limitations due to the screen/lack of controls without a pc

Which is the pint I was making... Relying on a computer (or any external source) is problematic at best... disasterous at worst...