SmartSDR for iOS adds 'flic' capability

Roy Laufer

Hello,

I just noticed that the latest, greatest iteration of SmartSDR for iOS now includes the ability to be controlled using a "flic" Bluetooth based button that can be attached to objects, or people and that can send control codes using a single, double or long tap with a cell phone or tablet nearby (until they sell their flic hub).

I would be interested if anyone has tried this new feature and what they think of it?

Thanks!

73,
Roy AC2GS

Ria

I ordered one. I’ll let you know how it works out.

KY6LA_Howard

Just tried one. Code is still Alpha Testing it for bugs. Will wait until Marcus releases before commenting.

KY6LA_Howard

Did some testing. Works very well. Easy.

Roy Laufer

Unless I fell through a temporal breach without noticing, Marcus and Apple released the new 'flic' enabled version to the general, nontesting public this morning.

Perhaps you should check it out, and update from your Alpha to the release version?

Roy Laufer

Do you think it would be redundant for people that have already invested in a Griffin controller, or do you think the two complement each other?

KY6LA_Howard

Been playing Alpha so missed the general release. Got v2.2.1 now Flic works great.

KY6LA_Howard

Don’t have a Griffin so can’t compare. I am using Flic for PTT for SSB. Easier than hitting screen PTT. It. Was only $34. So no big deal.

Roy Laufer

The Griffin device has a rotating knob control for tuning/volume as well as a button device.

I just wonder if the flic's simpler, smaller pushbutton has any more uses than the Griffin controller, or whether it is just "more of the same"?

Ria

If you have the griffin knob then you can use that but there is the risk of QSYing when you PTT so the flic adds an extra button independent from the vfo knob.

Bill N3HQB

Four flics and a PowerMate Bluetooth knob playing well together, PTT, AM, LSB, USB functions assigned.

Mike W1BFA in Maine

Not to muddy the waters..( a skill I seem to have ) but I wonder if the Satechi Bluetooth button could be made to work as well? That seems to have the functionality of the Griffin but reportedly much better battery life.  Any experience out there on that with the Griffin?
  I'm looking to make the Ipad Pro play as a control surface here on the desk for the PC SSDR.  I was hoping the Maestro would have gained that function with Ver. 2 but no apparent sign that is coming.    thanks  Mike W1BFA

ThisUserDoesNotExist

Mike, the Satechi Button won't work as it doesn't support Bluetooth LE as far as I can see on their website. Bluetooth LE is the only reasonable option for something external to be integrated to iOS Apps and even then, some development work would be necessary from my end.

73,
Marcus, DL8MRE

Mike W1BFA in Maine

Thanks Marcus... I saw the Satechi and liked the looks of it. I’ll go back to looking at the Flik or Griffin. Also, thank you for the efforts with Smart sdr. Very smooth and well thought out! Mike. W1BFA

ka7gzr

Bought a three pack from Amazon- should have them by Wednesday. I also have the Powermate but haven't used it much. The flic attracted me because if its smaller size.

Thanks Marcus for integrating this into SmartSDR for iOS.

Jim

ka7gzr

ka7gzr

I like the knob on the PowerMate!

Jim

ThisUserDoesNotExist

I personally use the Powermate most of the time for fine tuning. I don't want to miss it anymore. It is always sitting here at my desk.

Please note that there is a USB and a Bluetooth LE Powermate. Only the Bluetooth LE Powermate can be used - just if somebody is wondering. More can be found in the manual of course.

Thanks all,
73,
Marcus, DL8MRE

Ria

I have one flic. I’m loving it! Nice as a ptt button. Pictured next to my EDC HT for size comparison

ka7gzr

I got my 3 pack today.I haven't really had time to play with them yet. I see most use them as a PTT. Probably I will use it in the near term- but wonder how long the usefulness will last...

Jim

ka7gzr