# PiScan Client
This is the client program used to control the [PiScan software](https://github.com/ezratl/PiScan)
Currently, this repo contains only the cross-platform Python GUI client. Goals for the future include an Android client and an iOS client.
## Python GUI
This client is compatible with any system that has a desktop interface supported by Qt (Windows, macOS, Linux)
To use it, clone this repo in a directory of your choice, then navigate to the `py` directory.

First, install the prerequisites:

	pip3 install -r requirements.txt
Then you can run it from there:

	python3 ./client.py
For the time being, the script needs to be run from the `py` directory, otherwise it will not be able to locate its resource files and fail to run.

The following command options are available:
`-l`: Bypasses the connect dialog and connects to PiScan on localhost
`-a <host>`: Specify the address of the system where PiScan is running (e.g. localhost). Using this option bypasses the connection dialog.
`-p <port>`: Specify the port to use if it's other than the default (1234). Only necessary in conjunction with `-a`
`-w`: Starts client maximized with title bar hidden. Intended to be used on a Raspberry Pi with a 3.5inch display
### Interface
#### Connecting
The connect dialog will appear on opening, if an address wasn't already specified. Here you can specify an address and port, which by default are localhost and 1234. 
![Connection dialog](img/client-connect.png)

Once you hit the `Connect` button it will attempt to connect to PiScan. Once successful, you will be presented with the scanner screen.
#### Scanning
![Scanner screen](img/client-idle.png) ![Scanner hold](img/client-hold.png)

Buttons:
- `Scan`: resumes scanning from a paused state
- `Hold`: pauses scanning on the currently active channel or whatever channel the scanner is currently checking
- `Manual`: opens a dialog to manually tune to a frequency
- `Settings` is disabled; it's a placeholder for functionality that hasn't been implemented

Right sidebar:
- The squelch slider's range is set by the PiScan it's connected to. By default, the value will be in dBm
- The gain slider sets the tuner gain. The default it automatic gain, but can be set in a range of 0-50
- The grey button left of the sliders will collapse/open the sidebar, to hide the sliders when they are not needed
#### Manual Entry
The dialog gives a text field to enter a frequency in MHz, as well as a drop down containing the modulations supported by the connected PiScan instance. Clicking `Tune` will request PiScan to tune to the manual channel you specified. If all the parameters are valid, it will hold and monitor the manual channel.
![enter image description here](img/client-manentry.png)