Warning: Upgrading to SmartSDR v4 may break SmartIOS depending upon age of Apple device

John K3MA · January 31

I am not a big fan of Apple devices, but I do own one iPad, which I use exclusively for SmartIOS when I travel. I purchased it new in 2017, and it gets used a half dozen times a year for a week or two at a time. Apple no longer supports it for updates to their newest iPADOS but I did not really care as it works fine for what I need until today.

I am getting ready for a two-week trip and was making sure everything was working correctly for operating the stations remotely just in case the Bouvet DXpeditions comes on while I am away. The last time I used the iPad, everything worked fine, but this time I found that when I started SmartiOS, the waterfall was gone, and there was no audio from the receiver coming out of the speakers.

I went through all the checks, setup, and troubleshooting as outlined in the Manual and still no joy. I even launched the test radio in SmartiOS, and it worked as expected. So, as a final check, I uninstalled and reinstalled SmartiOS on the iPad. Still no fix. So I sent an email to Marcus asking for some clues on what I might check to fix it.

Well, his response was that I needed to downgrade my Flex radio back to version 3 and lose all the new features I had paid for back in November. Boy, I wish I had known before paying the SmartSDR+ fees for two radios that I would be forced to downgrade whenever I wanted to use my still working (but older model) iPad remotely or pony up another $500 to Apple for a new version of an iPad that I don't need or want.

So I downgraded both my Flex radios back to SmartSDR v 3.10.15 and now the iPad is working correctly with SmartiOS. I do not know what Flex changed in going from V3 to V4 such that the waterfall and audio no longer works with SmartiOS, but if it is possible to reverse it without affecting any other major functionality, that would be appreciated.

I realize technology has a lifetime, and I just happened to be on the losing end of it this time, so don't take my post as being negative toward Flex. Rather, my post is to alert and warn others who might be thinking about upgrading to version 4 and also have an older Apple device that this issue might be part of your decision process.

Also, I do not know exactly which version of iPadOS work and do not work. I only know mine does not. If needed, maybe you should contact Flex or Marcus so that you get the correct information.

Gord-VA7GP · February 1

I feel your pain. And I think your radio-downgrade is the practical solution for your upcoming travel. I'd do that too.

I used Android devices for a very long time. But I'm also security-conscious. That led to me rooting all my Android devices, and running alternate softwares (cyanogenmod usually). I was able to keep things secure, enjoy complete "ownership" and it was kind of a fun hobby in itself.

But after maybe a decade of this, I looked to alternatives. And then I moved to Apple. It wasn't a comfortable move, coming from have total device-control and then having none. And expensive apps. BUT - what I gained was what I was seeking: many years of on-going security updates, and more time to enjoy ham-radio 😀 (among other things).

My first Apple iPad lasted for many years. It was polished and refined, with a gorgeous screen. I began to actually like that I was no longer hobby-ing my tablet, but was able to enjoy responsiveness, very nice display and Apple's much-longer-commitment to updates.

As you note, though, all good things must come to an end. I found Apple provided reasonable warning, and didn't abruptly abandon me. I recall some devices (HTC, Samsung) where I received just a single update ever!!!

Today, I carefully consider my options when seeking a new phone, a new tablet, a new laptop, etc. Many times that evaluation leads me back to Apple, primarily for the long-term, well-managed updates. I find comfort in the on-going security maintenance.

The whole point of this note, John, is to encourage you to update 😀 and make sure the entirety of your needs is fulfilled. You may find a lightweight Windows laptop will suit you (avoid ARM CPUs just now, else you'll lose CAT/DAX). You may find a newer iPad suits you. Or possible a Maestro for travel will be the right answer.

Again - I feel your pain, especially if your iPad is otherwise functioning perfectly. At 9 years old, it seems to have stood you in good stead.

John K3MA · February 1

Gord, thanks for the perspective and suggestions. I have been down the same road as you. I have owned too many different pieces of computing technology to list here, including all that you mention. At one point, I also owned a Dell Windows Tablet, which I believe was the same model Flex decided to use for the display in the version A Maestro.

Some worked well for me, and some did not. After many years, I have settled upon a collection that works well for my operating conditions and uses. When it comes to Apple my wife is perfect for their ecosystem, but I have always found it too restrictive with too many constraints and a lack of flexibility. That is why she has an iPhone and iPad, and I prefer my OnePlus12 Android phone and Windows laptops. The iPad is an outlier and is only around because it is needed for SmartiOS. It is physically 9 years old, but with its limited use, it has less than a year of screen time. I suspect I will get a new model once my wife desires a newer iPad as she will get that and I will get her older (but newer than my current) iPad.

Warning: Upgrading to SmartSDR v4 may break SmartIOS depending upon age of Apple device

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