Installation of 1.4.3 SmartSDR

Mark Griffin

Being new to SmartSDR, I need to ask this question. Must one always delete the prior version of the program before installing an updated version. I had 1.40 on my Windows 8.1 computer and just went in and removed the whole program and it's sub programs. I now have installed version 1.4.3. Now, I must say I don't have a Flex radio yet, but will be purchasing one soon. Thanks in advance for the help and advice. Mark Griffin, KB3Z

John n0snx

Mark it is not necessary to remove previous versions.... Every new upgrade is built into a new directory.  I still have the last 3 updates installed and have never had any issues...,. If you choose to uninstall it should be done before installing any newer upgrade. And always export your saved profiles somewhere just in case you need to reinstall them using the import feature.

Jason Whiteaker

I wouldn't agree nor really disagree with John on his approach. The release notes recommend that you do an uninstall before installing a new release. Perhaps you'll get by without issue, but I've experienced problems with DAX drivers not getting upgraded properly, and ended up uninstalling the old stuff anyway. I just go ahead and uninstall all the SmartSDR code, reboot, and install the new. That way, I can bypass that troubleshooting step if something goes wrong.

Just my $.02 + Indiana sales tax. :-)

-Jason, NK9B

Jim Gilliam

John is correct. It easy too observe that each version is installed in separate folders by viewing the C:/ drive.

Jim, K6QE

Neal_K3NC

I think its especially needed when there are changes to the DAX drivers. I personally ALWAYS uninstall and reboot before installing a new release.

Jim Gilliam

When you perform an uninstall how do you know you are uninstalling the previous DAX drivers?

Neal_K3NC

The uninstall asks if you want to remove the drivers and  I always click on Yes!

John n0snx

Jason, the release notes says.... If you want to uninstall older version of SmartSDR, it is recommended that you uninstall older version before installing SmartSDR v1.4.3. Uninstalling SmartSDR versions after installing the latest version may in some cases adversely affect the operation of SmartSDR CAT and DAX. It is recommended to retain the latest previous version of SmartSDR in case you need to revert back to a previous version.

Jason Whiteaker

OK, I'll have to re-read the notes again, as I *thought* I understood this to be a recommendation and not just a suggestion. I've ran into weird issues with DAX, so I think that's why I decided to take the high road and go through the extra steps. Then again, I'm kind of ADD when it comes to my workstation. :-)

Tim - W4TME

When you uninstall a version of SmartSDR, you will get prompted for thee things:

• The first is if you want to uninstall all of the components of SmartSDR - answer YES.
• The second is you are asked if you want to keep the DAX drivers - answer YES.  
• At the end of the process, you are prompted to reboot your PC - I recommend you answer YES but if you answered YES to the 2nd question, you can do without a PC reboot.  

So when I uninstall SmartSDR, I answer, YES, YES, NO.

Jim Gilliam

Not arguing but asking: What happens if you answer NO to the second question? Will the new installation provide new DAX drivers and will they be the same or possibly different than the older DAX drivers?

NX6D Dave

You get a fresh install of the DAX drivers.  If you have done as I have done -- disabled channels my 6300 never uses (3 to 8) -- then you will need to do that again.

The install notes suggest to me that there may be changes to the DAX software, so I answer "no".  But, I don't know if the drivers will be freshened anyway if the incoming software differs from the existing, so I may be doing this for no reason.  It would be helpful if the release notes clarified this, for instance "Version 1.4.3 DAX drivers are the same as version 1.4, so there is no need to uninstall/reinstall these drivers when upgrading from 1.4" -- etc.

The uninstall/install process works very well for me.  I uninstall all Flex software, reboot, install all new software and reboot.

Tim - W4TME

If you are required to remove/update the DAX drivers for any release, it will be clearly noted in the release notes and any release announcements.  Otherwise you can assume that the DAX drivers have not changed.

DrTeeth

If it is that important to uninstall a previous version, the install generally does it automatically; like SMPlayer, LibreOffice and many others. Others pause the install and ask if one wants to uninstall the previous version.

Tim - W4TME

It isn't that important to uninstall old versions before installing a new version.  It is important to do the sequence correctly if YOU choose to uninstall a previous version.

Bill -VA3WTB

Many software problems happen because people are not following recommended processes. Best to follow Tim's advice.