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Difference between revisions of "RadioFeed Setup Instructions"

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RadioFeed is a free program with two powerful features; Source Client and Web Server.  Both of these features gets the audio from the audio input jack, encodes it, and sends it out to the internet.  Optional Metadata (text tags) from supported scanners sends data thru the internet for viewing with media players if the media player type supports Metadata.
 
RadioFeed is a free program with two powerful features; Source Client and Web Server.  Both of these features gets the audio from the audio input jack, encodes it, and sends it out to the internet.  Optional Metadata (text tags) from supported scanners sends data thru the internet for viewing with media players if the media player type supports Metadata.
  
The Source Client feature streams real time audio to RadioReference, Icecast, and ShoutCast servers.  Source Client can replace Edcast/Oddcast and SimpleCast types of programs.  If you are a RadioReference stream provider then the Source Client can be configured automatically.
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The Source Client feature streams real time audio to Broadcastify, Icecast, and ShoutCast servers.  Source Client can replace Edcast/Oddcast and SimpleCast types of programs.  If you are a RadioReference stream provider then the Source Client can be configured automatically.
  
 
The Web Server feature is a server that doesn't require an external server.  The Web Server serves real time audio and folders & files.  Audio and folders & files can be password protected.
 
The Web Server feature is a server that doesn't require an external server.  The Web Server serves real time audio and folders & files.  Audio and folders & files can be password protected.

Revision as of 12:03, 10 February 2015

Introduction

RadioFeed is a free program with two powerful features; Source Client and Web Server.  Both of these features gets the audio from the audio input jack, encodes it, and sends it out to the internet.  Optional Metadata (text tags) from supported scanners sends data thru the internet for viewing with media players if the media player type supports Metadata.

The Source Client feature streams real time audio to Broadcastify, Icecast, and ShoutCast servers.  Source Client can replace Edcast/Oddcast and SimpleCast types of programs.  If you are a RadioReference stream provider then the Source Client can be configured automatically.

The Web Server feature is a server that doesn't require an external server.  The Web Server serves real time audio and folders & files.  Audio and folders & files can be password protected.

System Requirements

  • Operating system - Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0, Windows ME, Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, or Windows Server 2003 family
  • Communications port (For streaming scanner Metadata) - RS-232 port or a USB port with a USB to RS-232 converter
  • Display - Minimum 960 x 720 screen resolution
  • Mouse
  • Sound card
  • Internet connection

Installing RadioFeed

  • Download RadioFeed and Save or Open the RadioFeed setup file.
  • Run the RadioFeed setup exe file and follow the prompts.
  • Choose the folder for the install.
Notes:
  • The existing options will be retained if installing in an existing folder.
  • There is no need to un-install RadioFeed if re-installing RadioFeed.
  • On Win 7 Systems, It's not recommended to install RadioFeed in the folder: "\Program Files (x86)" as Win 7 will put the options file and log files in "\Users\[UserName]\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\RadioFeed".
  • RadioFeed is designed for the Microsoft .net Framework 2.0.  You may have .net 2.0 installed as its part of the Microsoft Windows Update.  If it's not installed, it will be installed automatically during the setup.

Audio Setup

For reference, see the excellent articles; Connecting Radios to Soundcards and Setting up your Broadcasting Station.

A audio cable with 1/8" connectors on both ends is needed.  Connect the audio cable from the scanner Tape Out / Speaker / Headphone jack to the computer sound card Line In jack(green) or Mic jack.  The Line In jack is preferable.

  • Click the Source Client or Web Server tab.
  • Select the Input Sound Device.  In most cases, this will be the Primary Sound Device or the 1st item in the selection.
  • Select the Mode: Mono or Stereo.  It's recommended when streaming to the public, the mode should be mono.
  • Select the Samples Per Second.  A higher number for better quality but uses more bandwidth.  It’s recommended that this setting be kept at the default setting of 22050.
  • Select the MP3 Bitrate.A higher number for better quality but uses more bandwidth.  It’s recommended that this setting be kept at the default setting of 16 (mono) or 32 (stereo).

If using the Source Client feature and the Server Type is set to RadioReference then the Samples Per Second is fixed at 22050 and the MP3 Bitrate is fixed at 16 (mono) / 32 (stereo).

Audio Level Adjustment Procedure

  • Start with the RadioFeed input level controls.  Turn up to 100% on the connected left or right input and turn down to 0% on the non connected input.
  • Click the Windows Mixer Control and go to the Recording side, not the Playback side.  Insure that the input is enabled and set to 100%.  If using a microphone input then the level control should be turned way down.
  • Tune the scanner to a constant channel such as weather or a control channel frequency.
  • Turn the scanner volume up until you hear distortion and back off about 10%.
  • The Left and Right level indicators should move with the scanner audio if the audio setup is correct.

Source Client Setup

Configuring The Source Client Manually

  • Server Type - Select the server type that you attend to stream the audio to.  RadioReference,Icecast2, or ShoutCast.
  • RadioReference Auto Configuration - This button will be hidden unless the server type is set as RadioReference.
  • Server IP Address or Name - Enter the IP address or name of the server.  RadioReference provides this info if streaming to RR.
  • Server Port - Enter the port number of the server.  RadioReference provides this info if streaming to RR.
  • Mount - Enter the mount name configured in the Icecast setup.  RadioReference provides this info if streaming to RR.
  • Password - Enter the password configured in the Icecast setup.  RadioReference provides this info if streaming to RR.
  • Stream Name - Any title of your choosing.  This will show on the Icecast web page.
  • Stream Description - Any description of your choosing.  This will show on the Icecast web page.
  • Genre - Any genre of your choosing.
  • Website URL - Any website URL of your choosing.  This will show on the Icecast web page.
  • Auto Reconnect - If the connection from the Source Client to the server is interrupted then this option will try to reconnect at 10 second intervals.
  • Broadcast Lockout - Click this button and enter frequencies(conventional) and talk group ID's.  The red light will illuminate when the scanner is on the freq or TGID and will not stream the audio.
  • Connect - Click the Connect button.  A successful connection is indicated with a entry to the Status Logging grid "Source Client Connected".

RadioReference Automatic Configuration - If you are a RadioReference stream provider then the Source Client can be configured automatically.

  • Select RadioReference as the server type.
  • Click the RadioReference Auto Configure button.  A dialog will appear as shown.
  • Enter your RadioReference User Name and Password.
  • Optionally check the Remember Me box.
  • Click the Connect button.  If the RR login is correct then you will see the boxes populate with data.
  • If you have more then one feed associated with your RR User Name then the Description box will show all your feeds.  Select the feed to stream.
  • Click the Set button.
  • Click the Close button.
  • Genre - Any genre of your choosing.
  • Website URL - Any website URL of your choosing.  This will show on the Icecast web page.
  • Auto Reconnect - If the connection from the Source Client to the server is interrupted then this option will try to reconnect at 10 second intervals.
  • Broadcast Lockout - Click this button and enter frequencies(conventional) and talk group ID's.  The red light will illuminate when the scanner is on the freq or TGID and will not stream the audio.
  • Connect - Click the Connect button.  A successful connection is indicated with a entry to the Status Logging grid "Source Client Connected".

Before connecting the Source Client, check the audio format options in the Audio Control -> Source Client tab.  See Audio Setup. If streaming Metadata then the Metadata Source needs to be setup.  See Metadata Setup.

Web Server Setup

Steps

  1. Configure the audio format options in the Audio Control -> Web Server tab.
  2. Get the Web Server to work locally
    1. In the Web Server Server Port box, choose a port number from 1 to 65535.
    2. Start the Web Server.  If the port is in use then a message will appear, advising to use another port.
    3. If your computer has a firewall running, ProScan must be added to the firewall exception list.  The firewall software may show a prompt asking for your permission to allow ProScan in the exemption list.
    4. Using your favorite web browser, in the URL area, put in the computer address followed a colon and port number.  Example 192.168.1.4:5000
      If the browser fails to connect with the Web Server, troubleshoot before continuing.
  3. Get the Web Server to work remotely
    1. Configure your router to allow incoming TCP connections.  Log in to the router and look for a section called Port Forwarding, NAT, Applications, or Port Routing.  Consult your router manual.  Enter the server port number.
    2. Using your favorite web browser, in the URL area, put in the outside address followed a colon and port number.  Example 71.165.76.211:5000
      If the browser fails to connect with the Web Server, troubleshoot before continuing.
  4. Use a free DNS service
    For those with a dynamic IP address, it may change periodically.  It's recommended that you use a free DNS service like dyndns.com, no-ip.com, or dynip.com where you can choose a name that never will change.
    1. Using your favorite web browser, in the URL area, put in the no ip address followed a colon and port number.  Example proscan.dyndns.org:5000

Web Server Configuration

  • Server Port - Select any port 1 to 65535.  Don't choose port 80 as many ISP's block that port for incoming traffic.
  • Maximum Connections - Limits the number of Media Players that will be allowed to connect simultaneously.  -1 will allow unlimited amount.
  • Web Page Title - This text will appear on the home page.
  • Stream Description - This text will appear on the home page.
  • Home Page - This text will appear on the home page.
  • Comments - This text will appear on the home page.
  • Stream Name - This text will be part of the URL.  Example: radiofeed.dyndns.org/stream
  • Web Page Update Interval - The update interval of the web page served showing Current Listeners, media players on-line, etc...  It will use bandwidth so if it's a problem, set to "Off".
  • Broadcast Lockout - Click this button and enter frequencies(conventional) and talk group ID's.  The red light will illuminate when the scanner is on the freq or TGID and will not stream the audio.
  • Live Audio
    • Never Serve - Will not serve audio unless logged in as Administrator.
    • Always Serve - Always serve.
    • Password - Password required.  Click the "Listen Live" in the browser and a prompt will appear.  Enter in the password and click the "OK" button.  An alternative is enter the password in the media player URL box.  Example: radiofeed.dyndns.org/stream mypassword.  On a few media players spaces are not allowed so use "+".
  • Folders & Files
    • Never Serve - Will not serve folders & files unless logged in as Administrator.
    • Always Serve - Always serve.
    • Password - Password required.
  • Serve Folder Location - Browse to the folder that you attend to serve.  Don't select your computer root directory as the serve folder but create a new folder.
  • Administrator
    • Password - Password to log in as administrator and serves audio, folders & files, and can see client connections.
  • Start - Click the Start button.  Check the status log for errors.  If "Port In Use" message appears, then select another port.

Before starting the Web Server, check the audio format options in the Audio Control -> Web Server tab.  See Audio Setup If streaming Metadata then the Metadata Source needs to be setup.  See Metadata Setup

Testing/Troubleshooting:
To test if the Web Server can be seen from the outside, start the Web Server then go to www.canyouseeme.org.  Enter the same port that you have in the Server Port box.  If the web site does not see the Web Server then that needs to be resolved first.  Try connecting with the browser on the same computer with the Local IP address in the browser.  If it does not work that needs to be resolved.  Enter in the outside IP address in the browser.  If it does not work that needs to be resolved.  If not working then it needs to be troubleshot.  A troubleshooting tool is canyouseeme.org

Metadata Setup - Optional

Metadata is text embedded in the audio stream.  Not all media players support Metadata.  Windows Media Player does not support Metadata.  WinAmp & iTunes does.  Metadata can come from the scanner, another program (or another instance of Radiofeed), a file, or a program that puts descriptive information such as the channel name in the title / caption bar of that program.

Text Tag Source

  • Scanner
    • Type - Select the scanner type.
    • Port - Set to the same as the computer port connect to the scanner.
    • Baud Rate - Set to the same as the scanner baud rate.
    • Custom Format: Use the custom format specifiers on the right side to custom format the type of info for the text tags.
    • Text To Show During Scanning - Check the box and enter in text when the scanner is scanning.
The green indicator will flash indicating the scanner is communicating with RadioFeed.
  • Another Program Selected In Grid Below - Click on the program appearing in the grid that's capable of putting channel information in the caption/title bar area.
  • File - Any text file with channel info.
  • None - Will not use text tags.

Text Tags will show at the bottom of RadioFeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Radiofeed do this or does it do that?
The best way to find out is to download RadioFeed and try it.  Your questions may be answered by using RadioFeed.  If still in doubt then email or post the question.
  • Can I run multiple copies of RadioFeed on one computer?
Yes.  Many instances of RadioFeed can run on the same computer.  1) Copy and paste an existing folder and rename the new folder.  2) Run from the new folder and change the options specific to that instance.
  • How can RadioFeed automatically start streaming after the computer reboots?
Add a RadioFeed shortcut to the Windows Startup Group.  Insure that the option is checked "Start Up - Source Client & Web Server Use Last State When Program Closed".
  • How can I stream multiple feeds at the same time?
By running multiple instances of RadioFeed.
  • Which scanners does RadioFeed support for the text tags?
Currently supports the following scanners: BCT8, BCT15, BCT15X, BC250D, BC296D, BR330T, BC346XT, BCD396T, BCD396XT, BC780XLT, BC785D, BC796D, BC898T, BCD996T, BCD996XT, PRO-18, PRO-106, PRO-107, PRO-197, PRO-2052, PSR-310, PSR-410, PSR-500, PSR-600, and HomePatrol