Tell datatables to show processing indicator. Also perhaps use GIF.

Hi
I am using DataTables with large datasets but using my own code to retrieve and sort the data before rendering in a page of DataTables. The main reason for this is that the data retrieval has to use multiple SOAP calls. So once I have the data I present to DataTables. For the same reason I am using my own pager. This is all working fine but I would like to display a paging indicator while the data is being retrieved/sorted.

So the code when refreshing after a paging change looks like this:

    oTable.fnClearTable();
    ShowBusy();
    GetDataset(sSortField, oSortColumn, bSortDescending, pageNo, pageSize);
    oTable.fnAddData(aDataSet);
    StopBusy();

I've been trying to use some external code with an animated gif which I show then hide. However I note that the scroller has a built in processing indicator which could work here if I could make ti get shown. Is there a way that I can tell DataTables to show it even though DataTables does not think it is busy?

Also is there a way to use an animated gif instead. This is an add-on for a Microsoft CRM which uses an animated gif so it would be good to use this same one. This is not essential.

Thanks and sorry I cannot post a working example - just too complex.

Paul