Running Smart SDR on IMAC

Luke Reynolds

I know this has been discussed in various threads but Im wondering about setups for running SmartSDR on my new IMAC. I downloaded the trial of parallels, but I dont have a windows disc to install the full blown OS. Is there a software that lets you just run windows apps in MAC without a full **** OS install? Thanks guys

Luke
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Rob N4GA

Try the native MAC app, DogParkSDR.

You can try it for free.

Michael Coslo

Otherwise you have to use something like parallels or I use Bootcamp for direct hardware addressing. Then a Windows OS install disk.   Dog Park is okay, some aspects are better, some worse. But as much as I hate Windows and enjoy all things Unix, I prefer SmartSDR. 

PB Shell - k7shl

In order to run Windows programs on an iMac, you must have Fusion or Parallels installed so you can create a partition on the iMac and actually run the MS Windows program. ( I wouldn't suggest Boot Camp).  There's no way around it.  While you can run DogParkSDR on your Mac, it is certainly not the same as SmartSDR and you won't have the same functionality.  Get a copy of Windows 7 and install it and you won't have to worry about it.

Michael Coslo

That's interesting. Why do you not recommend Bootcamp?

PB Shell - k7shl

It requires restarting the computer to  switch between OS X and Windows - it will not run concurrently with the Mac OS.  With Fusion or Parallels both the OS X and Windows can be running at the same time so you can run simultaneously programs in each.

Luke Reynolds

So there is no way around having a full **** Windows OS install

Jay -- N0FB

I have been running SmartSDR with my 6300 since August 2014.  I've run it using Parallels (my favorite) and also running under bootcamp.  I've not seen it ever behave badly in either settings.  It just runs.  I also am a paid owner of DogParkSDR and MacLoggerDX.  There is very tight integration between these two native Mac Apps which is not found on any other platform.  MacLoggerDX also will run well in a window along side of FlexRadio SmartSDR.  There has never been a need for me to use a windows based logger (sans contesting).




I've since added a second monitor mounted above the iMac.  I usually have SmartSDR running on that monitor and my logging and other ham software (FLDigi, etc.) running on the iMac screen.
SmartSDR is still more feature rich than DogParkSDR but having DX Spots show directly on the Panadapter ais a really nice feature.

Michael Coslo

True, but I prefer the direct access and performance gains of Bootcamp. It's worth that reboot to me.

Michael Coslo

Correct, you have to have a Windows OS to access Windows, either in Bootcamp or Parallels.

I know how you feel.