"Virtual" Cotrol Heads - Do They Exist?

KE9GK · Post by **KE9GK** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 7:58 pm

Hey everyone I have a good one for you....
Lately I have been getting bored putsing with the same old /\/\ gear, and not having any room in my car, so I have decided to undertake the monumental task of integrating my warning light/siren controls, and -"hopefully"- with your help my VHF radio into a touch screen computer application. Thanks to the good people at Federal Signal the lights/siren were not a problem with the virtual smart siren control program they offer, but the VHF radio is a different story.
May sound like a dumb question but I was wondering if there was any type of computer programs that anyone knows of that would mimick an A9 A7 A5 etc. control head for a spectra/x9000 that would allow for all the head functions to be controlled from a laptop computer setup instead of the head itself? - AND- Taking this one step farther is it possible to route the mic audio through the soundcard or the accessory connector so a remote microphone such as a cellphone mic for example can be used? I would also like to know if there is any software that does all the above functions and would integrate the PTT into the "Virtual" program as well to key the remote mounted microphone. I would like to stress that I am not hung up on the transmitter having to be a /\/\ product, I would prefer to use my 110w spectra but any commercial or dare I say "ham" gear that allows me to do what I want will work!! I would really appreciate anyones comments and feedback on this (other than "your crazy!").
Thanks For Looking!!

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:01 pm

Motorola gave away the Virtual Control Head software (vRCH) for quite awhile. I don't think it's available for download any more. You'll need to find a copy elsewhere.

Post by Pj » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:20 pm

The software is (or was at least a month ago) on the MW520 site. You have to search for it. Something like mw520.motorola.com

If I remember correctly, it supports the spectra, astro spectra and mcs2000.

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:27 pm

Those sites still resolve, but no server found. Both MW520.motorola.com and MW800.motorola.com. Unfortunately...

Post by Pj » Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:41 pm

Good thing I saved a copy somewhere. Grrr

clavo · Post by **clavo** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 12:01 am

If you find it. Can you post the file name? I know I have it on my drive somewhere but without a name to search for i'd never find it.

-c

Post by **akardam** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:39 am

Well, the file I downloaded back a ways was named "vRch_1.3.5.1.zip", if that helps.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 5:58 am

From what I recall about it, you have your laptop connected to the radio via the RIB full time and you can use VCH to control pretty much everything you can from the control head.

clavo · Post by **clavo** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:44 am

If one of the mods says it's OK i'll offer the file up for download off my site. I don't know how/if the RSS rule applies because moto gave this away for free anyways.

Mod(s)?

-c

KE9GK · Post by **KE9GK** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 8:39 am

Thanks for all the good info everyone!!! If the MOD's will allow the program to be posted I would really appreciate it.....I'm sure that others on the board would too. I also was looking into this website for syntorX conversions: http://www.piexx.com/SynXDoc/syntorx.pdf
It looks like a pretty cool thing to play around with, and it freq. agile!!
Has anyone had experience with this?? I am seriously considering it if I cant get the /\/\ stuff anymore!

007 · Post by **007** » Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:12 pm

clavo wrote:If one of the mods says it's OK i'll offer the file up for download off my site. I don't know how/if the RSS rule applies because moto gave this away for free anyways.

Mod(s)?

-c

Any word on this? I could use it also...will be in the same boat as KE9GK shortly and could use a copy also.

Post by Pj » Fri Jul 29, 2005 11:50 pm

Standby, lemme ask the rest of the crew. Seeing as the software was a free download, as long as there isn't anything funky with license restrictions, I don't see why not.

WB6NVH · Post by **WB6NVH** » Sat Jul 30, 2005 12:05 am

The California Highway Patrol and several other law enforcement agencies are currently beta testing a touch-screen virtual control head / integrated mobile computer system made by Visteon. Visteon has a website you should be able to find by searching under "Visteon Tac-Net." Their previous experience seems to have been making DVD players for mini-vans. The whole thing is proprietary and usually runs with multiple Kenwood radios and a Federal Vision light bar, so it isn't something useful for us, but I just thought I would mention it since it seems to be the control head of the future.

It also has a "heads-up" display that projects messages from a video projector mounted at the dome lamp in the headliner onto a plexiglass screen on the windshield, and even has a stereo that mutes during radio traffic and a mouse that mounts on the transmission hump.

In a back-to-the-fifties flashback, the Visteon CHP package takes up nearly the entire car trunk!

007 · Post by **007** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 8:01 pm

WB6NVH wrote:The California Highway Patrol and several other law enforcement agencies are currently beta testing a touch-screen virtual control head / integrated mobile computer system made by Visteon. Visteon has a website you should be able to find by searching under "Visteon Tac-Net." Their previous experience seems to have been making DVD players for mini-vans. The whole thing is proprietary and usually runs with multiple Kenwood radios and a Federal Vision light bar, so it isn't something useful for us, but I just thought I would mention it since it seems to be the control head of the future.

It also has a "heads-up" display that projects messages from a video projector mounted at the dome lamp in the headliner onto a plexiglass screen on the windshield, and even has a stereo that mutes during radio traffic and a mouse that mounts on the transmission hump.

In a back-to-the-fifties flashback, the Visteon CHP package takes up nearly the entire car trunk!

It's a wild system...saw one up close and personal. The trunk is packed with little room for anything. The guys I talked to are happy because the AM/FM radio is finally available in the cars...they never had the AM/FM, at least from the late 50's until now. The cars had a radio delete plate and back in the 50/60/70's, CHP mounted the toggle switches for the lights on them.

As far as Visteon goes, there are heater hoses made by them in my g/f's Exploder and I saw something made by them in my Chevy the other day.

Post by Pj » Sun Jul 31, 2005 8:19 pm

The new Whelen MPC03 cencom looking head now supports TACNET and the MPC01 is available for the Project54 setup now too.

Next couple of years should be interesting

kb9rre · Post by **kb9rre** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:14 pm

there is a guy on the board who's brother wrote a program for operating relays through serial port. JMR964
cannot remeber name of company who made the relay board.

007 · Post by **007** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:04 pm

kb9rre wrote:i still have it. if anyone is intersted. also there is a guy on the board who's brother wrote a program for operating relays through serial port. JMR964
cannot remeber name of company who made the relay board.

Ask and ye shall receive:

The original thread...

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=15457

The business thread...

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=23370

Snoblen · Post by **Snoblen** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 1:18 pm

[quote="WB6NVH"]The California Highway Patrol and several other law enforcement agencies are currently beta testing a touch-screen virtual control head / integrated mobile computer system made by Visteon. Visteon has a website you should be able to find by searching under "Visteon Tac-Net." Their previous experience seems to have been making DVD players for mini-vans. The whole thing is proprietary and usually runs with multiple Kenwood radios and a Federal Vision light bar, so it isn't something useful for us, but I just thought I would mention it since it seems to be the control head of the future.

In a back-to-the-fifties flashback, the Visteon CHP package takes up nearly the entire car trunk![/quote]

The SirenWorks (TACNET) group at Visteon has never made DVD players (we do share office space with that group). As for the size of the system the TACNET hardware fits on a sliding tray that fits in the upper deck area of the trunk of the Crown Vic. What makes it looks like it takes up the whole trunk is that in order to see anything you have to pull the drawer out. Also half the space on the tray is for radios, scanner, radar and other user supplied equipment.

The TACNET system will support any hard wire light bar, and CHP serial light bar. Up to five radios ( Astro, Spectra and Kenwood TKx90), Scanners (Bearcat) or VRS (Pyramid or Futurecom) . Stalker and Kustom radars are supported . Kustom video. More devices are being added ever couple of months.

Some of TACNET interesting features:

Cross connecting the radios into a multi- radio repeater system.
Voice Control of all major function
Heads up display (radar data and user data through our API)
Second isolated 12v battery
PC ( for TACNET GUI and user programs)
Master Control computer for all critical functions
Control pod (connects to MCB)

If anyone has any questions just let me know.

Tom Snoblen
TACNET Engineer
Visteon Corp.

kb0nly · Post by **kb0nly** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:55 pm

Any progress on the subject of the software? I know someone that would be interested in doing this.

I can also offer up some space to serve this file if needed in exchange for finally finding a copy.

I can't find anything about it to review a software license on it.

DakotasKustoms · Post by **DakotasKustoms** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 7:54 am

I will add this bit of info the the thread ...

Myself, in conjunction with my computer company, are currently designing a program that will include the ability to control:

- Lights Control ... Up to 8 outputs. (Non Serial controlled, but looking to add that feature too)
- GPS & Mapping (Your applcation you are alreday using, be it Microsoft, Garmin, Street Atlas ... )
- Web Browser for those who have Cell Modem Connection
- Video Input (Backup camera / Dash Cam.. etc...)
- ???? What would YOU like to see? Since we are still in the programing stage, we can add features that you would like to see.

Note: Radio (UHF/VHF) ...this might be a feature later on. We have collectivly decided since there are so many versions out there, we will focus on the other parts first. I personally want it, but ..I will be patient as well.

Now, Price ... no set price, but we are targeting this to the Average Joe who wants something cool, but doesnt want to spend the $1200 for the SC series whelen bar ... then the software etc ....

What we are aiming for is a system that anyone can incorperate with ethere existing system. No need to buy extra stuff, or have special programs to use it.

Another question to those that are currently useing Whelen's Virtual Screen / Federal Signals Version .... what do you like about it .... what dont you like about it?

Ok, thats it for now. I will let everyone know as we get closer to DEMO Day. Im sure there will be plenty of video at that time.

Snoblen · Post by **Snoblen** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 2:27 pm

I have a copy here of vRCH but its not freeware the manual has two pages of small type and giving it away is strictly prohibited

kb9rre · Post by **kb9rre** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 4:56 am

I have a copy here of vRCH but its not freeware the manual has two pages of small type and giving it away is strictly prohibited

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 6:20 am

Motorola can offer a piece of software for free download on their website and still contractually bound you (which you agree to when downloading) to not distribute their software. Essentially, you're "purchasing" the software from them for $0.

vRCH should be considered as verboten as RSS/CPS if a no-distribute clause is in the license agreement.

kb9rre · Post by **kb9rre** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 6:21 am

deleteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:37 am

Whether the software was made available for free from their website doesn't mean anything.

kc7gr · Post by **kc7gr** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:50 am

DakotasKustoms wrote:I will add this bit of info the the thread ...

Myself, in conjunction with my computer company, are currently designing a program that will include the ability to control:

- Lights Control ... Up to 8 outputs. (Non Serial controlled, but looking to add that feature too)
- GPS & Mapping (Your applcation you are alreday using, be it Microsoft, Garmin, Street Atlas ... )
- Web Browser for those who have Cell Modem Connection
- Video Input (Backup camera / Dash Cam.. etc...)
- ???? What would YOU like to see? Since we are still in the programing stage, we can add features that you would like to see.

Note: Radio (UHF/VHF) ...this might be a feature later on. We have collectivly decided since there are so many versions out there, we will focus on the other parts first. I personally want it, but ..I will be patient as well.

<snippety>

Suggestions from my end of the court...

--On navigation/mapping: I seem to recall that a system exists, in some metro areas, to feed realtime traffic information out over the air (I don't know if this is via satellite, private radio link, cellular, or something else). I think it would be terminally cool if part of your program could feed that raw data to the mapping program involved (I use DeLorme Street Atlas myself), colorize the appropriate highway stretches, and highlight trouble spots.

--On lighting control: That's a Good Thing, to be sure, but I would also want to see a way to control at least four "wildcard" outputs, something that would provide a switched ground, strong enough to handle triggering a relay, in response to a (software) button press. The Whelen BL420A is a good example of this type of functionality, though it's strictly a serial-controlled (B-Link protocol) power switch.

--On Internet connectivity: Don't restrict it to a cellular modem. Also allow it to work with a WiFi card, or any other active network connection the target computer happens to have available at the time.

--On radio control functions: I don't know what the legal (patent) situation surrounding it is, but you could probably reverse-engineer the Systems-9000 protocol pretty easily. It would be nice to have at least that available in something other than a Sys9000 control head, assuming it can be done without bringing the full fury of Mother M's legal eagles down upon your collective heads.

--On serial comms: It would be Really Great to have Whelen B-Link compatibility, but again I don't know if there are legal tangles to that one.

Thanks for asking for input. Happy designing.

Post by **alex** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:47 am

I'm going to air on the side of caution with VRCH software, and dump it in the RSS category - mainly because no body knows for sure, and I'd rather not have this site become a vehicle for distributing this software.

If someone from M would like to inform me otherwise, I'd be happy to help put a link up, but, until that happens, let's stay on the safe side.

-Alex

DakotasKustoms · Post by **DakotasKustoms** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:52 am

kc7gr -

As far as internet connection goes .. any connection will do. WiFi/Cellular/LAN ....

Navigation - That, as least right now out of the question. While that woud be very cool ...to design a program to overlay realtime traffic info onto a non standard type of map software(Garmin has one, Microsoft another, Delorm yet another... is asking too much.

Switches - These cards can handle up to 15 amps .. and can do 240v ac if need be ... so that will not be a problem. I will have to double check, but I think it also will do negative switching as well. Not positive on that...but will check.

Radios - Out of the question right now.

-Dakota
DakotasKustoms.com

"Virtual" Cotrol Heads - Do They Exist?

"Virtual" Cotrol Heads - Do They Exist?

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VIRTUAL HEADS

Re: .

vrch software

Re: vrch software

TACNET

bump