Multiple instances of UT on same computer

[Liverdog]

I added an additional sound card to the computer that I run UT on and I plugged a second scanner into the last card and found out that a second instance of UT can be run on a different site. So, now I can run two sites at the same time on the same computer. I wonder, however, how UT is going to handle file database updates with two instances running at the same time. Would it be better to create two separate folders that contain UT and its files twice if I don't care that the databases may be different, or does UT always look for and deposit flat files in the same location regardless of where it running?

 

[SCPD]

I added an additional sound card to the computer that I run UT on and I plugged a second scanner into the last card and found out that a second instance of UT can be run on a different site. So, now I can run two sites at the same time on the same computer. I wonder, however, how UT is going to handle file database updates with two instances running at the same time. Would it be better to create two separate folders that contain UT and its files twice if I don't care that the databases may be different, or does UT always look for and deposit flat files in the same location regardless of where it running?

The timing of your question is remarkable. If you want to monitor two sites belonging to the same system ... at the same time ... you'd best run the program from separate folders. Otherwise ... the last program to save "wins" ... which means lost data for you.

The new program takes care of this.

 

[gadgetmikey]

Just curious when you added a second sound card and scanner to monitor 2 sites at once did you also have to add another voice scanner or were you able to have them both run the same scanner?

 

[Jay911]

I would doubt two programs could run one voice scanner. It'd be like having two steering wheels in a car..

 

[gadgetmikey]

I thought the same thing, I guess my hope was that it would not freeze up the com port and that the last one that had a scanable programmed talkgroup would prevail. I new it was a long shot.

 

[Liverdog]

Jay, I rather like your answer ;-)

I supposed though if one had a second voice scanner that another COM port could be designated. However, in my case, I'm just interested in 'seeing' the traffic and usage and the ability to monitor one site (in voice decode) is good enough.

I'm trying to reason out how to add multiple scanner sound card inputs to a PC, where you might exceed the number of PCI slots on a single box... Anyone seen a multiple input sound card (i.e. multiple input mics)? I'm sure it's an expensive solution.

 

[SCPD]

I'm trying to reason out how to add multiple scanner sound card inputs to a PC, where you might exceed the number of PCI slots on a single box... Anyone seen a multiple input sound card (i.e. multiple input mics)? I'm sure it's an expensive solution.

1. I'm adding support for stereo - decode left or right channels. XP will allow two programs to share the same audio input.

2. Out of slots? Using a laptop? USB.

-rick

 

[Jay911]

Rick, got a line on where one can get USB audio devices (if that is what you meant)? I have at least one laptop which could be used for Unitrunker nicely except the line-in/mic jack is bad.

 

[SCPD]

There's quite a few to choose from include Creative Tech's Sound Blaster line.

As an example - not a recommendation - (just the first thing to show up on Google)

http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Audio.html

That first device listed - is junk. I bought several on clearance elsewhere.

-rick

 

[Liverdog]

Yes, the USB solution sounds good (no pun intended). At this point I have three sound cards in one PC. The nice thing about these three is that they're not all the same chip/driver/manuf so they're easy to distinguish when setting up decoders. I can see getting confused if using the same branded USB mic units and if you aren't judicious about labeling and sorting. Bare in mind I'm thinking on the order of a dozen or so inputs...

This is what I envision (sort of):

http://users.757.org/~ethan/pics/geek/computer_stuff/soundcard_champion/

 

[SCPD]

At some point you run out of processor headroom - my current best guess is around 5 concurrent signals sustainable (more or less depending on hardware).

 

[cg]

I picked up 6 Creative cards from EBAY and put 3 into a DELL Dimension w/ Celeron 2.53 running XP (the other 3 are for a second computer). There is also the sound on the motherboard for a total of 4. I was careful when I installed them to keep them straight for ID reasons, although a way to add a single character to the "Universal Trunker" at the top of each window would help.

I copied all my Unitrunker files into 3 new folders and made 3 new shortcuts to the desktop. I can run all 4 on separate systems at the same time, the only problem being seeing them all at once on the 15" screen for that machine when I tile them (the print is too small). I end up cascading the windows.

chris

 

[ayaresr]

Has anyone tried this setup with dual screen systems yet? Does that seem to resolve the print being too small? I have considered this for two systems, but honestly I don't like running anything other than full screen. I guess thats what I get for always having a box dedicated to decoding.

 

[Jay911]

I have never run UT in full screen, even when I have had a single display. The text is fine (you can adjust the MS-DOS display in a windowed setting).

 

[NDRADIONUT]

3 Running

I have 3 versions of UT running on my computer with 3 sound cards with no problems ! ( 2 months and counting.....)

 

[SCPD]

Here's a near term goal for Unitrunker - support multiple inputs - simultaneously with all data shared (as opposed to running separate folders).

 

[cg]

would that also support the same (system file sharing) over a network?
I will have the ability to run 4 different prime sites on the local system and would like to run several other systems on another machine. I would prefer storing all my UT files on one computer as it makes backing up a lot faster and easier.
(I looked at the sneak peak Unitrunker .swf file you have and it looked perhaps like it is already going to happen)

chris

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Networked Unitrunker

In addition to the 3 versions on one computer I also have 2 other computers with 2 sound cards each and 3 other singles all networked back to the same computer...all folders are on the one computer with only the shortcuts on the networked computers. All works very well !! No problems so far after several months. So that is a total of 10 unitrunker folders on the main computer...this makes the data management a breeze !!

 

[SCPD]

would that also support the same (system file sharing) over a network?

Not across machines; I'd have to add an actual database as opposed to merely "persisting" the information to the local hard drive.

Sounds like some of you could already benefit from stereo input.

 

[Liverdog]

Sounds like some of you could already benefit from stereo input.

This is true... It could drastically cut down the number of cards as planned for the near term.