Live bandscan

[comfortably_numb]

I am interested in starting up my live bandscan for Rabbitears again, but the script requires an "always on PC." Currently the only PC I own is my laptop, and it goes to work with me almost every day. Does anyone know of another solution? Like perhaps a mini PC or something else that is capable of running the script? Preferably something that doesn't draw a lot of power and won't run up my electric bill. Any help is appreciated!

 

[zaxcomtn]

I am interested in starting up my live bandscan for Rabbitears again, but the script requires an "always on PC." Currently the only PC I own is my laptop, and it goes to work with me almost every day. Does anyone know of another solution? Like perhaps a mini PC or something else that is capable of running the script? Preferably something that doesn't draw a lot of power and won't run up my electric bill. Any help is appreciated!

A Raspberry Pi is the perfect solution.

 

[comfortably_numb]

A Raspberry Pi is the perfect solution.

I've heard of it, but I'm not familiar. What OS does it run?

 

[zaxcomtn]

I've heard of it, but I'm not familiar. What OS does it run?

Debian, which is a form of Linux.

 

[fri1038]

I use a 2016-vintage Dell laptop. Originally with Windows 10 but then I reloaded it with Debian. Windows Update was taking half a day on its pokey N3700 processor and some update made its WiFi adapter unreliable. It's been trouble free with Linux.

You can find decent refurb laptops, most with Windows if you prefer to stick with that, for under $200 at the big box store and manufacturer websites.

 

[zaxcomtn]

I have built four Raspberry Pi's in the past week for Bandscan. It is not that hard to do if you just follow the instructions. Kit is $149 on Amazon.

Amazon.com

 

[Trip]

You don't have to run it all the time if you don't want to, but it'll prevent gaps in your results if it runs all the time, which is why I recommend it.

- Trip

 

[Pepper]

I'm too lazy/tired to look it up myself right now, but somebody please link me to what this does and its purpose and how to set up. I have plenty of servers running 24/7 and don't mind setting up something to contribute to whatever this is.

 

[primestar31]

I'm too lazy/tired to look it up myself right now, but somebody please link me to what this does and its purpose and how to set up. I have plenty of servers running 24/7 and don't mind setting up something to contribute to whatever this is.

It uploads to rabbitears website live 24/7 reception reports on the stations near the person that sets it up using HDHR tuners from SiliconDust. Then it puts them on a map that people can see:

TV reception map

rabbitears.info

https://www.rabbitears.info/static.php?name=join_live_bandscan

 

[Pepper]

Looks quite interesting. My general area is pretty much empty. I'll add one of those HD Homerun devices to my list of things to buy.

More importantly, I want to find out what kind of antenna array that dude in Pace FL is using to pull stations from thousands of miles away.

 

[comfortably_numb]

Since I'm completely unfamiliar with Linux, I'm uncomfortable with the Raspberry Pi route. I have seen a number of "mini PC's" on Amazon and Ebay that look the size of a Roku. They run various versions of Windows. Would any of those be acceptable?

Amazon.com

 

[zaxcomtn]

Since I'm completely unfamiliar with Linux, I'm uncomfortable with the Raspberry Pi route. I have seen a number of "mini PC's" on Amazon and Ebay that look the size of a Roku. They run various versions of Windows. Would any of those be acceptable?

Amazon.com

That will work. Once you register your HDHR with Rabbitears you will get link to the instructions for Windows.

 

[comfortably_numb]

This is what I ended up buying. 10% discount for a total of $99. I decided a cooling fan was essential.

Windows 11 Pro Mini PC Intel N4000 8GB RAM DDR4 128GB SSD Desktop 4K UHD Wifi | eBay

[Expandable Storage Support] The LETSUNG NUC11 with 6GB LPDDR4 ram. [Technical support] LETSUNG mini computer has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 10 Pro, and Linux.

www.ebay.com

 

[Trip]

This is what I ended up buying. 10% discount for a total of $99. I decided a cooling fan was essential.

Windows 11 Pro Mini PC Intel N4000 8GB RAM DDR4 128GB SSD Desktop 4K UHD Wifi | eBay

[Expandable Storage Support] The LETSUNG NUC11 with 6GB LPDDR4 ram. [Technical support] LETSUNG mini computer has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 10 Pro, and Linux.

www.ebay.com

I've been using the Minisforum Z83F in various places. I blow away the Windows install for Linux myself, but I've been very happy with them generally. One problem I've had is that some of them had older BIOS that wouldn't boot headless. Bricked a few trying to do BIOS updates that failed, so I now just use HDMI stubs.

- Trip

 

[Pepper]

This is what I ended up buying. 10% discount for a total of $99. I decided a cooling fan was essential.

Windows 11 Pro Mini PC Intel N4000 8GB RAM DDR4 128GB SSD Desktop 4K UHD Wifi | eBay

[Expandable Storage Support] The LETSUNG NUC11 with 6GB LPDDR4 ram. [Technical support] LETSUNG mini computer has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 10 Pro, and Linux.

www.ebay.com

Dang, that's a nice one for the price. Last time I checked, a Windows Pro license cost more than that entire machine.

 

[Lone Gunman]

This is what I ended up buying. 10% discount for a total of $99. I decided a cooling fan was essential.

Windows 11 Pro Mini PC Intel N4000 8GB RAM DDR4 128GB SSD Desktop 4K UHD Wifi | eBay

[Expandable Storage Support] The LETSUNG NUC11 with 6GB LPDDR4 ram. [Technical support] LETSUNG mini computer has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 10 Pro, and Linux.

www.ebay.com

On my watch list now!

On this system I'm on now I'm running 2009 hardware running Linux Mint Mate v22 and various versions of Windowz XP thru Win 11. In fact, of the 15 or so working computers I have here all but 3 of them are multi-boot with Linux and or Windowz XP thru 11.

Just saying.................

 

[Lone Gunman]

This is what I ended up buying. 10% discount for a total of $99. I decided a cooling fan was essential.

Windows 11 Pro Mini PC Intel N4000 8GB RAM DDR4 128GB SSD Desktop 4K UHD Wifi | eBay

[Expandable Storage Support] The LETSUNG NUC11 with 6GB LPDDR4 ram. [Technical support] LETSUNG mini computer has already pre-installed Windows 11 Pro system and supports changing the OS to Windows 10 Pro, and Linux.

www.ebay.com

Hey numb, I looked at several ads for that PC you got but NONE of them say or show anything related to electric power to it? No power cord, no external power supply........nothing!

Can you tell me what powers yours?

Thanks,

Lone

 

[comfortably_numb]

Can you tell me what powers yours?

Sure thing, as soon as I receive it

 

[Pepper]

Can you tell me what powers yours?

I have not seen that exact model before, but typically little computers like that come with a standard 12 volt external transformer "wall-wart".

You can see the input for it in the photos and the description says it comes with a power supply.

 

[Lone Gunman]

I have not seen that exact model before, but typically little computers like that come with a standard 12 volt external transformer "wall-wart".

You can see the input for it in the photos and the description says it comes with a power supply.

Hummm, must have missed that in the description write up?? Also sent the vendor a PM asking about it.

Ennywho, you guys will have to forgive me cuz @ 79 years old my mind isn't working like it once did.

Just saying....................