ScannerMaster 'RH200' prototype at Hamvention

[03msc]

Personally, I have my SDS200 sitting atop the dash in the glove tray Ford provides in the F-150. So, I won’t be biting for the RH200 at any price. What I’d like to see ideally is the ability to use the truck’s video display panel. That would definitely be something. But I doubt that is going to happen.

I'm sure it works for you and to each their own, but I personally never recommend mountain radios or scanners up on the dash in direct sunlight and exterior view. But maybe it's not an issue where you are.

And I don't think we'd ever see an interface to connect to a factory display. Obviously I'm not going to say 'never' but I see that as a fraction of a percentage of possibility, likely because of the propriety of the system and how each vehicle's system is different. Makes much more sense to create one display and get it working than have to deal with numerous interfaces for various manufacturer's screens.

 

[Clarky]

Any updates on the production?

 

[jpjohn]

Any update on production schedule or release date for this? I remember the initial talk of this unit said Fall of 2024 but haven't seen any updates. Anxiously awaiting release!

 

[n1chu]

Any update on production schedule or release date for this? I remember the initial talk of this unit said Fall of 2024 but haven't seen any updates. Anxiously awaiting release!

Did you ask Scanner Master?

 

[03msc]

I reached out to ScannerMaster this morning. They said that after dispalying it at HamVention and getting a lot of good feedback, they sent that feedback back to the designers who are continuing to work on refinements. They also said because of that, they are looking at "launching it after the first of the year". So...there we go.

 

[Omega-TI]

A wise man once said, "I'll believe it when I see it."

 

[KC1UA]

A wise man once said, "I'll believe it when I see it."

And another, perhaps wiser, said "good things come to those who wait".

 

[03msc]

Glass half empty, glass half full.

 

[WX9RLT]

I reached out to ScannerMaster this morning. They said that after dispalying it at HamVention and getting a lot of good feedback, they sent that feedback back to the designers who are continuing to work on refinements. They also said because of that, they are looking at "launching it after the first of the year". So...there we go.

I was wondering when.

Thank you!

 

[n1chu]

Connect Systems has what they call a BFD (Big Freakin Display) that is “open sourced”. I take open source to mean it has the ability for anyone to write programs for it. But I’m not well versed in programming. Their intended use is for ham radio, allowing for larger displays. Their DMR Ham radios come with small displays because they intended from the start to develop the larger BFD which can be used as a remote head when used in a vehicle-the radio itself can be placed under a seat or in the trunk. So far, no one has written any programs for scanners. But I’m hoping against all hopes that someone will. Presently it will support Connect Systems radios and another that has a remote head. I guess they want to use a standard connection between the radio and remote head and since radios that already come with remote heads have that connection port, all the connections to the radio are already in place.

 

[Omega-TI]

And another, perhaps wiser, said "good things come to those who wait".

That is also a true and wise statement, however in my old age, having experienced vaporware too many times, I always revert to the first. I do hope it works out for everyone though.

 

[ScannerMasterSupport]

Here is the latest update on the RH-200 Remote Head from Scanner Master:

First, we created a short video showing the latest developmental version. The final product will have a lot of changes, both operationally and appearance-wise. Please see:

Our development team is working on the following improvements to the second beta unit shown in the video. The video shows the v2 Beta unit as demonstrated by Scanner Master at the Dayton Hamvention in May 2024. We do not yet have a firm timeline for availability but will let you know as soon as possible.

Scanners supported are expected to include:

• SDS200, SDS100, BCD536HP, BCD436HP,
• BCD996P2, BCD996XT, BCD996T
• BCD325P2, BCD396XT, BCD396T, BR330T, BC346XT
• BCD260DN, BCD160DN, BCT15X, BCT15
• Will also work on international versions of these radios (SDS200E, SDS100E, UBCD3600XLT etc.)
• Other Uniden scanners may be supported in the future

Improvements to the RH-200 are expected to include:

• Improved Bluetooth Module. This will make it easy to pair to your vehicle or other Bluetooth audio units.
• Color Touchscreen control. Most control activity is done via the touchscreen display.
• Color display for ALL scanners. The display uses multiple and customizable colors for easy readability for ALL supported scanners, not just the SDS series.
• Power Control for x36 and SDS scanners. This will provide a polite power-down sequence for these scanners to help avoid SD-Card corruption that can be caused by impolite power-down.
• GPS Module. This built-in GPS receiver will provide real-time GPS positioning for supported scanners so that you will not need an additional GPS receiver.
• Easy Firmware updates. We are working on a system to make firmware updates for the RH-200 as easy as possible!
• Ambient Lighting Monitor. This will automatically adjust the screen brightness during day and night driving, can be disabled if desired.
• Front-mounted Speaker. Mounted between the control knobs, this will provide audio from the scanner at the RH-200 so that you can hear your scanner even if it is remotely mounted without needing an external speaker.
• External Speaker Jack. This will allow you to choose between the radio speaker, the RH200 speaker or even an external speaker that you can connect to the RH-200.
• Mounting options. We are researching the best way to provide mounting options for the end product.
• Single cable connection to Remote Head. A single Ethernet cable is used to connect the Remote Head to the small interface box that connects to the radio(s).
• No modifications needed. Nothing needs to be modified on your scanner, it is just Plug and Play.
• Switchable between 2 compatible scanners. This will allow you to use the remote head with 2 different scanners without changing the connecting cable. (Requires that one have a rear serial port and one with a USB connection.)

Of course, unforeseen developments and supply chain problems can cause issues along the way. We will do our best to keep you updated!

 

[garys]

Any idea on the dimensions of the unit? I think it will be helpful to some people in their planning if they know roughly how much space migh be needed.

It seems to have some very nice features. Although I probably will never use the BT to run audio through my vehicle speakers, it's a nice option to have even for a fixed installation in a building.

 

[N9JIG]

The beta unit shown is about 3.75 inches wide by 3.5 tall

 

[garys]

Thank you. My guess is that the prototype case is 3D printed.

The beta unit shown is about 3.75 inches wide by 3.5 tall

 

[N9JIG]

Thank you. My guess is that the prototype case is 3D printed.

Yes, it was. Obviously the production models will not be.

 

[jpjohn]

Excellent!! Looking forward to be able to purchase!!

 

[dispatcher812]

Will it also allow for a remote power up or will we still need to turn the scanner on itself?

 

[n1chu]

Rich, Maybe another video giving some sense of size by comparison, possibly next to a SDS200, and handling it, turning it around, viewing all sides would be nice. I realize you listed the dimensions but you can gather more interest for the unit if it is visually compared and handled… at least that’s what the audio/visual department of a local television station touts. I expect they would elaborate… there’s no such thing as an “Information only” production. Every time there is exposure it is to be considered a sales opportunity and should be treated as such. To me it makes sense. you put some considerable time and effort into the presentation, why not wring every ounce of speculation out of it?

 

[garys]

I would expect so, but it's nice to be able to prototype items fairly inexpensively.

Yes, it was. Obviously the production models will not be.