Scan vs SHO
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Scan
Easily manage Whelen flash patterns for compatible lightheads using your phone. Browse, test, and assign patterns wirelessly via Bluetooth with a required programmer.
- Browse and assign flash patterns
- Test patterns up to 20 seconds
- Access steady pattern option
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Supports compatible Whelen lightheads
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Scan-Lock+ is the simplest way to change Whelen flash patterns. Designed for optimal convenience, Scan-Lock+ features an easy to use interface and utilizes a Bluetooth connection. Download the Scan-Lock+ app and browse, test, and assign Whelen flash patterns right from your phone. Key Features Scroll and Update Flash Patterns Using a Scan-Lock+ Programmer, pair any compatible Whelen lighthead with the Scan-Lock+ app and easily browse, test, and assign flash patterns. Test Flash Patterns Preview any flash pattern for up to 20 seconds. Easily Access the Steady Pattern Enable the steady option right from the top of the flash pattern list. Bluetooth Connectivity The Scan-Lock+ app communicates to a Scan-Lock+ Programmer via Bluetooth connection. Supported Whelen Lightheads Compatible with any Whelen lighthead that supports Scan-Lock+ or the original Scan-Lock. A Scan-Lock+ Programmer is required to use this app. See more at www.whelen.com/scanlockplus
SHO
This app assists firefighters in calculating water flow rates, pump discharge pressures, and nozzle reactions. It can be used with a Bluetooth flow meter or as a standalone calculator with established fire flow formulas. Educational videos on water flow are also included.
- Calculate fire hose flow rates
- Determine pump discharge pressures
- Calculate nozzle reaction
- Perform NFPA 1962 nozzle flow tests
- Standalone water flow calculator
- Water flow education videos
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The SHO-FLOW app is a dual featured application that can be used with or without a TFT SHO-FLOW® Bluetooth® flow meter. When used in conjunction with a SHO-FLOW, users can determine actual flow rates for fire hose lines and nozzles as well as calculate true Pump Discharge Pressures (PDP), Nozzle Reaction, and Hose Friction. In addition an NFPA 1962 nozzle flow test can be performed. As a stand-alone water flow calculator, many of these functions can be performed using established fire flow formulas. The app also includes water flow education videos and recommendations for target fire flows when using water or foam. The TFT SHO-FLOW flow meter is designed to quickly determine flow rates present in a fire hose line and wirelessly transmit the rate to a nearby smart device. Any firefighting, training, or testing operation that utilizes hose lines or nozzles is a potential application. Please read the manual before operation. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Task Force Tips, LLC is under license.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Scan at 5.0 against SHO's 4.2. Scan also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.2). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Scan holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 12 respectively.
Scan ships an update every 3 weeks, SHO every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Scan | SHO |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | 4.2 (12 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 12 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 14.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 41 MB | 145 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Whelen Engineering Co. | Task Force Tips |
Customer experience
Scan
SHO
In-app purchases
Scan
No in-app purchases
SHO
No in-app purchases
