How to connect SmartSDR on iPad to Flex-6300 over WiFi?

Richard Mogford

I want to connect SmartSDR on the iPad to my Flex-6300 over my WiFi network. What are the steps?

Ken Hansen

First, your Flex should be hardwired time your WiFi router, then your iPad should join the WiFi connection from your router, then check settings on SSDR on your iPad to look "Local" for a connection. The other options are SmartLink and direct (from memory), the first will attempt you log you into SmartLink servers, the latter will expect you to specify a fixed IP address for your Flex 6300. Hope that helps, Ken, N2VIP

KI4P

Hey Richard
i use my iphone on my 6400 everyday while setting on front porch, works great,
i assume you've installed the ios version of smart sdr?
i also assume your flex is connected to your router?
open up ios sdr and click on first instance of your Flex(which should be the network and not thru smartlink)
click connect and it should open up. be sure to click on the little icon in upper right corner of screen, it brings down the tabs for different settings and change the mic to you iphone. from there just tweak settings on various settings, such as waterfall speed, and such, i have better luck with audio using my earbuds rather than direct into iphone, get some reliable help as far as adjusting audio and your good to go, finally got mine where they cant tell difference where im on iphone or setting at rig, love the remote operation! hope i didnt get too much second grade on you, enjoy!

Ted VE3TRQ

One final suggestion: if you can, use 5 Gig, not 2.4. If you are in a crowded (or not even so crowded) WiFi environment, 2.4 Gig with it's limited clear channels (3), and WiFi's shared bandwdith, will cause lost packets and unsatisfactory audio. 5 Gig has many more channels to choose from.

Load up one of the WiFi analysis tools available for Android and iPhones and survey your RF environment to help you pick the right WiFi channel to use. (Edit: I use "WiFi Analyzer")

Richard Mogford

Thanks! Yes, the 6300 is connected to a node in my mesh WiFi system. When I start SmartSDR on the iPad, I see an option for the 6300 over Smarktlink.  It prompts me to buy an upgrade for $59.95.  How do I connect directly rather than over Smartlink?

Richard

KI4P

Have you not paid for the iOS app in app store? You will have to buy the app. Flex doesn't do the app, it's a guy that has created it. It is a one time fee, and he upgrades it frequently at no extra charge

Ted VE3TRQ

Also, please let us know how the mesh WiFi works out. Not enough experience how it works for streaming audio and waterfall.

Richard Mogford

There was no charge for downloading PSDR on the App Store.  Once installed, there is a charge to use Smartlink apparently.

Ted VE3TRQ

And if you are on a new device, it may promp to repurchase - just refresh it - you won't be charged again on the same Apple Store account.

Richard Mogford

There is a section in the Tools of the SSDR app to pay $59.95. The feature to link over Smartlink has to be unlocked.  I don't mind this, but I think you said I could connect directly?

KI4P

You don't use power SDR!

Richard Mogford

Sorry, Smart SDR.

KI4P

After you pay for the app you can

KI4P

You have to pay the one time fee to use the app either way

Richard Mogford

Will do. 

Richard Mogford

OK, thanks.

R

Richard Mogford

I paid the fee but can't connect yet. I looked at the status in the SSDR software on the PC, and the Smartlink test fails. I am registered for Smartlink. Do I need to do something with port forwarding?

Ted VE3TRQ

You want to direct connect to your network, not through SmartLink (at least not initially). If you are on the same network with your radio, it should show up as a connection choice once you have enabled the app (with a payment).

Be sure that your WiFi assigns your iPad / iPhone the same network number as your radio (i.e. if the radio has 192.168.1.21, your iPad / iPhone should have an address of the form 192.168.1.x). Technically speaking, the two devices must be in the same collision or broadcast domain.

Ted VE3TRQ

Oh, and under SSDR for iOS Settings, set "LAN mode" to "Discover". That way the broadcasts from the radio on the same network will be picked up and presented for connection. I am, of course, assuming that you connect locally to your radio with SSDR, so you know it works and see broadcasts on the SSDR application.