Linux development

[leftystrat]

Ok, it's apparent that there's nothing seriously happening as far as computer control of scanners for linux. Therefore we need to make it happen ourselves, in the fine linux tradition.

The only small problem I have is that I have not the slightest clue as to how to program. I was exposed to Visual Basic so I have some of the basic concepts down, but VB isn't what you program in with linux.

Is there anyone here with programming and scanner experience? I would be more than happy to contribute time and effort to the project. Maybe if I could get a brief tutorial with some existing code, I can start moving things around to make them work.

If anyone is interested, please email jeff v at op dot net.
I don't want to make a commercial product - just a good one that works.
I have a BC780, BC895, and Pro-92. If I had my choice, I'd do it for the 780, although the 895 probably isn't that different.


Thanks,

jeff
(the stupidly brave and hopelessly optimistic non-programmer)

 

[fmon]

http://parnass.com/tk92/

Bob Parnass has some experience with Linux.

 

[SCPD]

Ok, it's apparent that there's nothing seriously happening as far as computer control of scanners for linux. Therefore we need to make it happen ourselves, in the fine linux tradition.

Hi Jeff,

There is more out there than you realize. The thing is, most Linux and open source projects are distributed as a tarball of source code. You have to fumble through the "README" instruction file to create a working executable - which scares away a lot of potential users. For the fearless Linux operator, do a keyword search here ...

http://freshmeat.net/

For "Uniden" ...

http://freshmeat.net/search/?q=uniden&section=projects&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

For "Icom" ...

http://freshmeat.net/search/?q=icom&section=projects&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

For "Radio Shack" ...

http://freshmeat.net/search/?q=radio+shack&section=projects&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

Another good place is ...

http://sf.net

-rick

 

[pfish]

rfmobile, its not that bad. Most of them are the same once you get to installing a few of them. Normally just ./configure;make;make install

I've considered writing one for Linux, but I keep putting it off as I am busy with another win32 project for the company I work for. If I get some free time I will likely write one that will have a nice GUI.

If one of you decide to write one, please don't take the easy way out by doing it in a scripting language like perl/tcl/tk -- Pure C/C++ is the best and most portable!

One question, If I was to write one.. would you guys want one that has support for tons of radios in one program or separate programs for each radio?

 

[Al42]

One question, If I was to write one.. would you guys want one that has support for tons of radios in one program or separate programs for each radio?

I'd opt for a separate module (or modules) for each radio, but keep the data file as portable between radios as possible, even to the extent of unused fields if that's the only way you could do it.

Of course there's have to be at least 2 models - banks and systems. Or, at least, I can't figure out how to have both in the same data format.

 

[pfish]

Separate modules is possible. There could be a main program, then you download plugins for each radio and it will be good to go.

One data format is also possible.

 

[leftystrat]

Hi Rick.

>There is more out there than you realize. The thing is, most Linux and open source projects are distributed as a tarball of source code.

I've checked out the software you mentioned before. There really isn't much to speak of.
Meanwhile you can have your choice of programs that run on the Redmond Menace.

> You have to fumble through the "README" instruction file to create a working executable - which scares away a lot of potential users.

Yeah, I've performed this exercise. I'm not afraid of building from source but there's almost nothing available.


I appreciate the links and effort,
jeff

 

[leftystrat]

>I've considered writing one for Linux, but I keep putting it off as I am busy with another win32 project for the company I work for. If I get some free time I will likely write one that will have a nice GUI.

Once again, I'm volunteering my computers, scanners, and time to assist.
I learn pretty quickly, if you care to explain.


>Pure C/C++ is the best and most portable!

the one book I read on C++ made the room spin.


>One question, If I was to write one.. would you guys want one that has support for tons of radios in one program or separate programs for each radio?

I'd like one that can run more than one radio, of different types, without opening multiple instances.

 

[SCPD]

I'd like one that can run more than one radio, of different types, without opening multiple instances.

T4Win has (or had) a provision for configuring multiple receivers - as either signal sources or as tuners for voice following. I think the only folks that could stand to listen to multiple simultaneous conversations are (1) press media and (2) hard-core scanner heads.

For what it's worth, significant portions of UniTrunker and T4Win can compile on GCC and Borland C so that leaves open the possibility of a back-port to DOS or side port (upgrade?) to Linux and Mac OS/X.

But ... I'd like to create a release version first!

-rick

 

[Al42]

I'd like one that can run more than one radio, of different types, without opening multiple instances.

T4Win has (or had) a provision for configuring multiple receivers - as either signal sources or as tuners for voice following. I think the only folks that could stand to listen to multiple simultaneous conversations are (1) press media and (2) hard-core scanner heads.

You forgot 3) dispatchers. You can actually learn to monitor a few frequencies at once with your subconscious, retaining everything you need and ignoring the rest. I did it for a few years and didn't have any problem. (Of course I still had all my hair [and it was all the same color] when I started. I doubt I could train myself to do that now, even if I can still listen to 3 scanners at a time.)