looking for stable open source software that simulates Barix instreamers and exstreamers in a simple to setup software that runs on either windows or linux.
i can't afford barix boxes but have a few old pc's kicking around that i would like to press into service as a internet audio link for a remote site.
The free Shoutcast Streaming Software can be confugured for "private stream" and at the other end free audio player Winamp will do the job very well.
the only problem is that the Shoutcast connection is not reliable. Barix will restart.
might be a project for one of the coder guru's here. a freeware software version of a Barix system that is easy to install and setup on either win or nix or even apple.
maybe even produce a open source hardware/software system geared toward part 15 and sell it cheaper than barix does.
in additon to instability shoutcast servers are not an easy setup. at least i haven't figured out how to set one up.
another idea is an open source barix box type unit utilizing a built in 900MHz 1 Watt FHSS RF data module to make a AIO wireless link solution
This is not a simple software project. I wouldn't hold my breath for a freeware solution. I know that if I put the time and effort into doing something like this, I would want to charge for it, perhaps a reduced price for Part 15 users, but still charge. There's a reason that Barix boxes and other proprietary remoting solutions are expensive.
By the way, what are the features of Barix boxes that you feel are necessary for your problem? Because it's relatively easy to set up a simple internet audio feed to a remote site with existing freeware software and/or internet radios. Edcast (audio stream encoding in a number of formats) and Icecast (serving that stream to an Intranet/Internet) in particular are relatively easy to set up.
stability and the ability of the link to automatically keep connecting if there is a temporary outage on the send side.
i want to approach the office eventually about setting up a remote site there to cover the pool area or to eventually get a resident near the pool to host a remote site so it needs to be reliable and not need me to be back and forth to it.
this is in the future plans if/when the station becomes popular and well known by the staff and residents and i have alot of listeners.
Shoutcast is very reliable for me these days, but that has not always been true.
There was a period I think in 2012 or 2011 when their software writers were rolling out SC Server Version 2, and their Forums discussed at length many bugs that lasted awhile.
Frankly, I could not figure out how to use Version 2, and after looking at its features, I didn't need any of those features, so I stuck with Version 1 and I hear that many others are doing the same thing.
The free softwares from Shoutcast are...
SC Server V 1.9.8
Nullsoft V 2.3.2 (Build 190) be sure to check "Shoutcast V1 Mode"
Also uncheck the "Make Public," which keeps your stream for only private use.
It is very easy to set up. Be sure to learn about "Port Forwarding" as needed.
If the stream is interupted for any reason, the encoder keeps trying to reconnect until it finds the path to the server, which is running on your own computer.
Here's something to consider that uses readily available pieces that are also relatively inexpensive and stable.
I once put a Decade MS-100 in a weatherproof box, along with an Internet Radio - a Roku 1001. The Roku automatically attempts to reconnect if it loses its connection. I just set up the Roku to take its feed from my Internet stream (although I used my Intranet), and it fed the audio of the Decade. I'm sure that there are other Internet radios that will automatically reconnect - the advantage of the Roku was its slim design, so it easily fit inside the box.
There was a power bar inside the box, and I fed it with a weatherproof cable to an available AC mains supply.
The Roku doesn't have the best wireless card/antenna inside of it, but I used a directional antenna from my wireless router to feed it. If the box is a significant distance from the router, you can always use a wireless bridge or repeater, again relatively inexpensive and using commonly available technology. Or put a 1 watt amplifier on your router, which is legal under Part 15 rules.
Any method using internet/intranet streaming will have time lags. If you're also transmitting directly from the audio source, you will have to use a different frequency on your remote site.
Anyway, just some thoughts and suggestions. The box with power supply is about $50, an Internet Radio $50-$100, a wireless bridge around $50, and, of course, your transmitter. A directional antenna, if you decide to use one (such as a Yagi), about $50. An amplifier, about $100. Those are new prices, so if you go used, you can save some money.
Last winter I talked about creating such on here.
Can someone tell me exactly what the Exstreamer does? I haven't snagged one since the price is too high for tinkering and proof of concept review.
My original idea was to use ARM based SoC boards like the Raspberry Pi, GuruPlug, CubieBoard, etc.
Problem is these while being low power are also low performance. So doing advanced stuff like AV pros do with Jack in Linux isn't really going to happen. But fully able to control audio level and play various file types and streams. And, able to be controlled from remote.
Upside to things like these ARM boards are USB powered (5V), low power draw, USB audio or in case of Pi 11-bit audio bundled on board. Not bad for a board that $40~ + SD Card + power supply.... $75~
Give me some more info and I'll see about theorizing something.