Looking for BCD536HP / SDS200 Beta Testers for a New Android Scanner App

[d3reeves]

I've been involved in scanner listening for over 55 years. Recently I've been building an Android scanner app called SOS Lite by ScannerHeads, and I’m at the point where I need some real-world beta testers.

The goal is to make scanner listening and remote access much simpler from your phone, without turning setup into a networking project.

Right now the app is centered around Uniden BCD536HP and SDS200 users. But all Uniden models are soon to follow.

The BCD536HP path is the one I’ve been testing heavily. The SDS200 should use a very similar network/control/audio path, so I’m especially interested in finding a few SDS200 owners to help validate it on actual hardware.
Current beta features include:

• Live scanner audio on Android
• Alpha tag / scanner information display
• Local network connection
• Remote access capability ( coming very soon )
• Device-based private beta activation
• Built-in bug reporting / diagnostics
• ScannerBridge support in development for easier remote access

One of the things I’ve been testing is remote listening. I’ve been about 60 miles away from my home BCD536HP and listen to it live from my phone, with scanner data tags coming along with the audio.
This is still beta software. I’m not looking for people who just want a free app and disappear. I’m looking for scanner hobbyists willing to actually use it, report problems, test different conditions, and tell me what doesn’t make sense.
I’m especially looking for:
BCD536HP owners
SDS200 owners
Android phone users
People comfortable testing local and remote connections
If you’re interested, reply here or email:
scannerheads1@gmail.com
I’m keeping the first beta group fairly small so I can actually keep up with feedback.

Thanks. I’m trying to build the scanner app I always wished existed. 📻

 

[jtwalker]

Is this a phone app only? Nothing near the scanner? If so, curious how you accomplished this securely without a networking project.

 

[d3reeves]

Not quite. SOS Lite is the phone app, but for full remote access I use a second component called ScannerBridge near the scanner.

ScannerBridge can run on an old Android phone and acts as the bridge between the scanner and the network. It handles the scanner’s data and live audio, while SOS Lite is the interface on the phone you actually carry.

For remote access I’m using Tailscale, so I’m not opening ports on the home router or exposing the scanner/bridge directly to the public internet. The phones communicate through a private encrypted Tailscale VPN.

On the local network, SOS Lite can connect directly to supported network scanners. Away from home, it can connect through ScannerBridge/Tailscale.
So there is something near the scanner for the remote setup, but the idea was to make it something cheap people may already have sitting in a drawer rather than another dedicated networking box.

And yes... figuring out reliable scanner audio over Android networking has consumed an unreasonable percentage of my life lately. 😂📻

 

[d3reeves]

Is this a phone app only? Nothing near the scanner? If so, curious how you accomplished this securely without a networking project.

we would love to have you on board!

 

[jtwalker]

we would love to have you on board!

I’m an Apple user, or I’d be on board.

 

[d3reeves]

I’m an Apple user, or I’d be on board.

For Apple users, you’d still need an old Android phone at the scanner running ScannerBridge. That Android phone acts as the bridge between the scanner and the network. Your iPhone or iPad then connects securely to ScannerBridge through Tailscale and uses the mobile web interface for scanner data, controls, and audio.

 

[N4ZTH]

I have an SDS200, BCD536HP, and an Android phone and am interested in beta testing the app. Email has been sent!

 

[dave3825]

You have any screenshots? Gps down the road? I have a 200 and android. Always looking for new toys..

 

[SenSolari]

I am currently using an SDS200 and looking to possibly acquire a BCD536HP (unfortunately I can't message users on classifieds yet with my new account!). I have many Android devices and would be willing to test your app if you're still looking. I'll send an email.

 

[d3reeves]

You have any screenshots? Gps down the road? I have a 200 and android. Always looking for new toys..

With a phone your GPS will be built in! Email us for a link to download!

 

[d3reeves]

I’m an Apple user, or I’d be on board.

We've added a web based player that could work for apple folks. You will need an old android as a server, easy setup! Email us and get more info!