Computer Control

[Eric61]

Does anyone have any experience with remote controlling a scanner over a long distance? We want to put a scanner in the radio room on the 6th floor to eliminate a long coax run, and remote control it via a PC in our office on the 1st floor. We would also run the audio back down to an external speaker. Feasible? Or are we better off with a long coax run and a pre-amp?

 

[Al42]

Does anyone have any experience with remote controlling a scanner over a long distance? We want to put a scanner in the radio room on the 6th floor to eliminate a long coax run, and remote control it via a PC in our office on the 1st floor. We would also run the audio back down to an external speaker. Feasible? Or are we better off with a long coax run and a pre-amp?

It's not too difficult. If you don't mind typing in the commands by hand you could even use Hyperterminal for control. You'll want some serial-to-TCP type software and you'll probably want to stream the audio. Put a computer (it can be an old 120 MHz Win98 box) on the 6th floor with the scanner and use 802.11 to connect to your home network.

Of course the scanner has to be something that can be controlled by computer, so that lets out any GRE scanners.

 

[Tweekerbob]

For control of the scanner, you will definitely need to use Ethernet. 60+ feet over a serial cable in most all cases won't work. Too far.

If you are able to place a computer in the "radio room" then see my response on this post http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20795 This is a step by step (although not all that detailed) method for accomplishing the task of controlling a scanner from a great distance.

If not try a "PORT BOX" like the one found at www.hw-group.com or a similar product. Using their free software in conjunction with the port box, you can control your scanner from long distances, even globally if you wish.

Ryan

 

[RISC777]

Does anyone have any experience with remote controlling a scanner over a long distance? We want to put a scanner in the radio room on the 6th floor to eliminate a long coax run, and remote control it via a PC in our office on the 1st floor. We would also run the audio back down to an external speaker.

Eric61, The responses from Ryan and Al were useful to me, but I wanted to ask you how has the above gone for you? I'm going to be doing the same but I'm dealing with a longer distance...