Open letter to the authors of RS/GRE programming software

[GrumpyGuard]

This is an open letter to the wonderful gentlemen that have created Win500, PRSEdit and ARC500. With Andriod, Windows 8 tablets and iPads becoming very popular is any one considering creating programming software for these knew devices. It appears more people are purchasing these devices as they seem to fill the needs of most computer users. I know that I prefer to carry my Lenovo tablet as it is much smaller than my laptop. I would love to be able to program my Pro 106 with my tablet. I have used both Starr soft products and PSREdit500 and would love to see Andriod, Windows 8 and iOS applications. I am sure I am not alone in this simple request. Gentlemen thank you for developing the computer software that makes programming our radios enjoyable.

 

[michaeldim]

I imagine that coupling the scanner to a smart-device would be difficult. Most devices don't have a USB-A port, and on top of that, I don't even know if Android or iOS could support a serial adapter if it had such a port.

I certainly understand your reasoning, as it would be helpful indeed, but I don't think the mobile OS's are equipped to handle such a task.

 

[One13Truck]

I don't have Android, Windows 8, or the popular iPads. But I DO have an iPhone and have been a user of the Mac/iMac for over 2 decades now. I'd love to see something iOS compatible.

I do all my scanner programming by hand but I'd love to be able to do the firmware updates from the manufacturers on my iMac along with being able to use the appropriate programs for my scanners to at least create a backup of everything I have in case of an error in the firmware updates. I have a Windows laptop but I only use that for programming Minitors and the firmware updates and I COULD buy a Windows emulator again but having used them in the past I really don't want it on my latest iMac. So something that would work with MacBook or iMac would be fantastic but will probably exist only in my dreams.

 

[dlettiere]

Many newer Android tablets support USB To-Go that allows you to connect USB devices via an USB micro to USB A socket, generally they are used to connect flash drives to tablets

The drivers would be easy to do as the programming cables have linux drivers out there already and since Android is based on linux it wouldn't require a complete recoding of the driver.

Making the software work on Android is the hardest part, as the publisher would have to learn to write android apps which can be a pain as it takes time to test this software.

Your best bet is a crappy Chinese based pc tablet, they can be bought for cheap and if the sole purposes is to help your scanner then their great

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

 

[burner50]

I imagine that coupling the scanner to a smart-device would be difficult. Most devices don't have a USB-A port, and on top of that, I don't even know if Android or iOS could support a serial adapter if it had such a port.

I certainly understand your reasoning, as it would be helpful indeed, but I don't think the mobile OS's are equipped to handle such a task.

I disagree.

Many newer devices have full USB ports and include USB HOST.

The bigger problem would be convincing the cable manufacturers to create a driver for the device.

 

[lynxrufus]

This is an open letter to the wonderful gentlemen that have created Win500, PRSEdit and ARC500. With Andriod, Windows 8 tablets and iPads becoming very popular is any one considering creating programming software for these knew devices. It appears more people are purchasing these devices as they seem to fill the needs of most computer users. I know that I prefer to carry my Lenovo tablet as it is much smaller than my laptop. I would love to be able to program my Pro 106 with my tablet. I have used both Starr soft products and PSREdit500 and would love to see Andriod, Windows 8 and iOS applications. I am sure I am not alone in this simple request. Gentlemen thank you for developing the computer software that makes programming our radios enjoyable.

There are so many different configurations that it's hard to think of everything.

But I do think that software developers should consider certain things.

Like screen size for example. The fact that it works on the developer's screen doesn't necessarily mean it will work on mine.

I was pleased to find that Win500 works on my notebook.

I've had issues with other programs. If a program opens at 800 pixels in height and the screen is 800px high, there may be a problem. Even though the window may in theory be resizeable, there's no way to resize it if it's bigger than (or even the same size as) the screen. I've cussed out more than a couple of programs because of this. If I had just a few more pixels...

I've found workarounds for some programs (like attaching a bigger display) but it's annoying.

End of rant.

As I said, Win500 works fine. In fact, in some ways I like it better in control mode on the smaller screen than on a bigger one.

 

[michaeldim]

Many newer Android tablets support USB To-Go that allows you to connect USB devices via an USB micro to USB A socket, generally they are used to connect flash drives to tablets

The drivers would be easy to do as the programming cables have linux drivers out there already and since Android is based on linux it wouldn't require a complete recoding of the driver.

Making the software work on Android is the hardest part, as the publisher would have to learn to write android apps which can be a pain as it takes time to test this software.

Your best bet is a crappy Chinese based pc tablet, they can be bought for cheap and if the sole purposes is to help your scanner then their great

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I dunno how open these OS's are with apps accessing external devices.

 

[GrumpyGuard]

I have thought about some of the items some of you have posted before I made this post. I know that more and more devices are being manufactured with USB ports. Andriod is an open source product and it would take collaboration on the part of the software vendors to work with someone who is capable of writing programs for iOS devices ( I am thinking iPad only). Lets face it the days are numbered for desktop and laptop computers for most home users as these other platforms gain popularity. In the not so distant future businesses and geeks will more than likely be the only ones using these machines. As I travel I see more and more businesses and individuals using tablets as it affords them more freedom to conduct business. It would be nice to see these platforms supported in the next few years. I would love to hear from Don and Mike and get there take on this as they are the main players in the software arena.

 

[lynxrufus]

Lets face it the days are numbered for desktop and laptop computers...

So I guess running one of these programs on my Tandy 4P computer with 128k memory is out of the question. USB- what's that? Upper sideband?

 

[mule1075]

I agree with most of your post but the days are numbered for desktops and laptops i disagree.And if i am a geek so be it desktops and laptops are not going away at all.Just my opinion no more no less.

I have thought about some of the items some of you have posted before I made this post. I know that more and more devices are being manufactured with USB ports. Andriod is an open source product and it would take collaboration on the part of the software vendors to work with someone who is capable of writing programs for iOS devices ( I am thinking iPad only). Lets face it the days are numbered for desktop and laptop computers for most home users as these other platforms gain popularity. In the not so distant future businesses and geeks will more than likely be the only ones using these machines. As I travel I see more and more businesses and individuals using tablets as it affords them more freedom to conduct business. It would be nice to see these platforms supported in the next few years. I would love to hear from Don and Mike and get there take on this as they are the main players in the software arena.

 

[burner50]

I have thought about some of the items some of you have posted before I made this post. I know that more and more devices are being manufactured with USB ports. Andriod is an open source product and it would take collaboration on the part of the software vendors to work with someone who is capable of writing programs for iOS devices ( I am thinking iPad only). Lets face it the days are numbered for desktop and laptop computers for most home users as these other platforms gain popularity. In the not so distant future businesses and geeks will more than likely be the only ones using these machines. As I travel I see more and more businesses and individuals using tablets as it affords them more freedom to conduct business. It would be nice to see these platforms supported in the next few years. I would love to hear from Don and Mike and get there take on this as they are the main players in the software arena.

Does the I pad have a USB port? I didn't think it did... that would pretty Mich eliminate it from being used in this manner unless you can come up with a Bluetooth dongle

 

[n5ims]

Does the I pad have a USB port? I didn't think it did... that would pretty Mich eliminate it from being used in this manner unless you can come up with a Bluetooth dongle

Or a serial adapter like this Redpark Console Cable (C2-RJ45V) Single - Get Console Shop

 

[garys]

Why use a cable at all? Why not use Bluetooth or WiFi?

 

[michaeldim]

Why use a cable at all? Why not use Bluetooth or WiFi?

Because no scanner supports programming in such a way to date.

 

[garys]

Because no scanner supports programming in such a way to date.

Which is no reason to design it into new scanners coming down the road. Unless there is a ton of encrypted radio systems in the future, in which case we are screwed, there are going to be several new scanners over the next few years (I hope). If Android OS systems are going to be prevalent, then it makes sense for software developers to write software and hardware manufacturers to think of wireless programming.

 

[K2KOH]

Maybe not so much for iPad, but yes, more Mac software would be nice. Macs are getting more and more popular.

 

[krokus]

Android Smartphones would have to connect to an external system converter, maybe via bluetooth.

 

[dlettiere]

Why does everyone think wireless is the way to go? Nothing beats a wire(except fiber/laser) By the time the developers of the software have it ready to go new.devices will be hitting the market, with new devices cones new wireless components that need new drivers.

Also manufacturers will be reluctant to add wireless programming because then they would need to spend money on R&D that could be better spent figuring out the digital formats that we still can't scan. Not to mention then they would sell less cables.

Devices will always be able to use serial adapters, how do you think apple programs parts of your iPad. Serial interface is nearly standard on Android for debugging.

Before anyone even hooks their scanner to their tablet/smartphone there needs to be software to program the scanner with. Until a developer starts writing the software, mobile programming with tablets or smartphones will just be a nice idea.

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

 

[N1XDS]

I don't have Android, Windows 8, or the popular iPads. But I DO have an iPhone and have been a user of the Mac/iMac for over 2 decades now. I'd love to see something iOS compatible.

I do all my scanner programming by hand but I'd love to be able to do the firmware updates from the manufacturers on my iMac along with being able to use the appropriate programs for my scanners to at least create a backup of everything I have in case of an error in the firmware updates. I have a Windows laptop but I only use that for programming Minitors and the firmware updates and I COULD buy a Windows emulator again but having used them in the past I really don't want it on my latest iMac. So something that would work with MacBook or iMac would be fantastic but will probably exist only in my dreams.

I agree with this...I use a iPhone and a Macbook Pro I would love to see a scanner programming software that is iOS and Mac OS X capable.

 

[krokus]

Why does everyone think wireless is the way to go? Nothing beats a wire(except fiber/laser) By the time the developers of the software have it ready to go new.devices will be hitting the market, with new devices cones new wireless components that need new drivers.

Because bluetooth is on the phones, and USB-A is not. I do not see USB-A ports being added to anything smaller than a netbook. (I could be wrong.)