Has there been a successful after market setup that allows the remote operation of an SDS200 via a tablet? I’m hoping to remote my radio to the trunk of my car and operate it using a small tablet computer.
SDS200: Remote control for SDS radios
- Thread starter newsnick175
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I don't know that Proscan runs on a tablet but it works great on a windows computer. I'd guess that it might depend on what kind of tablet you're running too. I have a Windows Surface that I run in tablet mode with no problem.
To date, I know of nothing that is commercially produced that will do as you ask.
I had a Connect Systems DMR Radio that had a remote (hard wired) accessory called a BFD (Big Freakin Display) that was as big as a large iPad. Apparently the BFD had always been intended to pair with the CS radios because the radio’s display size was way too small. It was horribly lacking. It took the developer another year or so to produce a BFD production model. The display touted a screen that could show one or up to 4 additional radios at one time, a dual or quad screen. I always hoped I could get someone interested in producing a program that would include the SDS100/200 series scanners but the developer said the BFD was designed for those radios that already came with remote heads, where the cabling between the remote head and radio were compatible, or could be made easily compatible.
I had a Connect Systems DMR Radio that had a remote (hard wired) accessory called a BFD (Big Freakin Display) that was as big as a large iPad. Apparently the BFD had always been intended to pair with the CS radios because the radio’s display size was way too small. It was horribly lacking. It took the developer another year or so to produce a BFD production model. The display touted a screen that could show one or up to 4 additional radios at one time, a dual or quad screen. I always hoped I could get someone interested in producing a program that would include the SDS100/200 series scanners but the developer said the BFD was designed for those radios that already came with remote heads, where the cabling between the remote head and radio were compatible, or could be made easily compatible.
I read with interest your reply and wonder if you can elaborate on exactly what your Windows Surface tablet can accomplish when used with the SDS series?
A Windows tablet will work with ARC-536Pro, ProScan etc. to control the radio but there are a couple things to remember:
- It will not be able to turn the radio on or off, so you will need to control power to the radio with the ignition or a remote power switch.
- You would need to wire a remote speaker.
- Sometimes the USB Cable will need to be unplugged and reconnected. That happens with me and the SDS but not other radios like the 536 etc.
- iPads and Android tablets do not run these applications, get a tablet that runs true Windows. The ARM version of Windows should work but there are less issues with drivers on the x86 version so if that is a choice I would lean that way.
- You could use an iPad or Android as a client with a Windows host machine and emulation or remote access software but that requires a Windows computer at the radio, some additional tech savvy and would be needlessly complicated. I suspect if you knew how to do that you wouldn't be asking your question here anyway.
- Be sure there is a USB port on the tablet independent of the power connection. The SDS cannot provide the table power so you might have issues when the battery runs down on the tablet.
- You can try using the Ethernet port on the SDS200 to connect if your tablet is so equipped. I have had occasional success with this method but the connection with USB seems more reliable.
Thanks for your quick reply! I’ve just about given up on any possible inclusion of the Connect System’s BFD (Big Freakin Display). My objective is to relocate my SDS200 (which resides on top of my dash) and somehow mount a tablet or iPad size (which offers a larger display than the scanner… something I can quickly glance at while driving. (I was hoping the BFD might work as it is an open source device. But, like I said, no one seems to be interested in patching it to the SDS200. I know it’s beyond me so I guess I’ve got a BFD with no purpose… just like the remote head Uniden offered at one time and was never supported with the newer models due to poor sales!)
(of course) Rich nailed it with his answer. Well done, as always. It sounds like to me you're essentially looking for a remote head which afaik, it doesn't exist for the SDS radios at this time. An idea could be to change from an SDS200 to an SDS100. They have the same functionality (in a mobile setting) and since you're moving it out of sight, you're losing the only real advantage the SDS200 is giving you (in a car).
If it were me though, I'd figure out a way to use your SDS200 in a car that works for you. The big screen is awesome and helps mediate an issue I see with so many HAMS especially. When you're moving, going down the road is not the time to be trying to tweak settings.
If it were me though, I'd figure out a way to use your SDS200 in a car that works for you. The big screen is awesome and helps mediate an issue I see with so many HAMS especially. When you're moving, going down the road is not the time to be trying to tweak settings.
Roger that! I’m not one to add to the distractions we already have in the newer vehicles. Messing with the functions on any radio, scanner or ham gear is not advisable, not while driving or even while stopped at a traffic light. But looking down to where the scanner most usually is located is also distracted driving… anytime one takes their eyes off the road for that matter. A remote display placed higher up towards the top of the dashboard is what I’m looking for… no controls are necessary (I either pull over for that or wait until I’m destinated). But I believe we are on the same page-there’s enough fools out there without us adding to them!
For what it's worth, while mobile, the listening is worth far more than the seeing who is saying what. I say this for several reasons, the first (for me) is WHERE the activity is occurring, is it on my route and will it interfere with my traveling. From back in the 70's when I was a police officer and had a 2nd job as a traffic reporter during morning rush... I never looked at the scanner, didn't need to, I heard what and where, didn't care what channel. Even working with news reporters, again, all I cared was what and where... same as now.
It's also safer, no looking away from where I am going to see who was talking.
What about ProScan serving the scanner? As long as the tablet has an Internet connection, the SDS can be controlled remotely.
I’m really only looking for a larger display that I can mount closer to eye level. The remote aspects did intrigue me however, but only cause additional distractions while driving. So, to refine my wish, I’d like a tablet or iPad that allows for the necessary patch cords, running any software program which will afford a larger display.
Your cautions are noted and appreciated. I also do much of what you suggest, recognizing a particular alerting tone or the voice of the dispatcher does not require a glance in the direction of the scanner. But it doesn’t hold for all scenarios. It’s these that have me wanting to customize a bit with a larger and closet display mounted closer to eye level.
