There are several alternative ways to operate Science On a Sphere®. The primary option that comes supported by the NOAA SOS team is the Remote App app, designed for use by docents and other SOS presenters.
SOS Stream GUI
Permalink to SOS Stream GUIWhen SOS is running, the SOS Stream GUI appears on the SOS desktop. It has basic controls for SOS that may be convenient when setting up or troubleshooting SOS. The SOS Stream GUI is described in the SOS Display Software Manual.
SOS Remote App
Permalink to SOS Remote AppIn order to connect the iPad to the SOS system, it must either be on the same Wi-Fi network as the SOS system or be paired to the computer using Bluetooth. Refer to the Network section above for specifics of the network. The most recent SOS Remote App is freely available through the Apple App Store for download onto Apple devices.
To get started with the Wi-Fi connection, tap on the Settings app icon on the homepage of your device, and then tap on SOS Remote located under the Apps category. In the Name or IP field under SOS computer to control, enter the host name or IP address of your SOS computer. Now, check the Wi-Fi network and make sure the iPad is connected to the right SOS network. Return to the homepage and tap on the SOS Remote app icon to open the application. The iPad should automatically connect. If it can’t connect, an alert badge will be displayed on the Settings tab and there will be an error message within the Settings tab. The SOS Stream GUI must be running in order for the iPad to connect.
While visitors have access to the SOS Remote App through the Apple App Store, they won’t be able to take control of the SOS unless they have the Wi-Fi password and the IP address of the SOS computer. For more information, see the SOS Remote App Manual.
In SOS version 4.3 we added the ability to connect an iPad to the SOS server over a bluetooth connection. Until this time all iPad/SOS server connections were over Wi-Fi. The iPad Bluetooth connection replaced the Wii remotes in SOS version 5.0. For information, refer to the document Connecting the iPad to the SOS Server via Bluetooth.
SOS Public Kiosk
Permalink to SOS Public KioskAnother way to operate SOS is with the touch screen-based Public Kiosk. As its name suggests, the Public Kiosk is a controller that museum visitors or other public users can perform simple controls on SOS when there is no presenter available. See the SOS Public Kiosk Manual for information on how to set up, customize, and operate the Public Kiosk.
Automation Control Protocol
Permalink to Automation Control ProtocolThrough the Automation Control Protocol, it’s possible for sites to create their own interfaces to control SOS. See the Automation Control Protocol Guide for additional information.