Iphone and Android App Ground Control Station with Mavlink is in Progress

I have successfully built an API that will work with Ipad/ Iphone and will be able to port it to Android. This app can create missions, follow live mavlink .9 (Still working on 1.0) data with telemetry data. Cool thing is that it is a cheap cable to make. I want to know how many people would be interested in this App and the cable. There will be two versions one for jail broke devices that will have a few extras and for regular IOS and Droid OS. If there enough buzz I will give a lucky few in couple weeks a free beta pass through iTunes to be able to test and use for flight. What the app does is that it send a mavlink message to the xbee or 3d radio back and forth so you be able to fly and track using your tablet or phone.

 

https://code.google.com/p/airmavgcs/ 

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Permalink Reply by Zachary Eldridge on July 2, 2012 at 7:22am

Right now direct connection to the radios with wire for testing, however works without wire. I made a cheap cable connector for IOS and using a standard mini usb for android Tablet. Also, testing using a ardunio uno connect to xbee or 3dr radios. Sending messages back and forth using mavlink. Bluetooth link to ardunio bluetooth dock for the xbee. I have many options that are being tested so the user can use whatever is available. The android ported app is much easier than the IOS but I don't want to release until both apps are running smoothly. Also, I use both IOS and android and like them both.


DistributorPermalink Reply by Dany Thivierge on June 28, 2012 at 7:08am

Count me in for sure! 

This is a great thing. 

Dany

Permalink Reply by John Wiseman on June 28, 2012 at 8:48am

Zachary, how are you connecting hardware to an un-jailbroken iPhone?  As far as I know there are only two practical ways to do that: License the tech through Apple's MFI program or plug into the headphone jack and encode your protocol in audio frequencies.  Android is definitely easier, you can get an IOIO board for $50.

BTW I've got the beginnings of a gcs that can run on an iphone, but it needs to be networked to a netbook or something running server software. Screenshot attached.

Permalink Reply by Zachary Eldridge on June 28, 2012 at 9:14am

Apple MFI program. Yes, android is much more open source. However, this app is more of a mavlink system that will work with APM1 or 2 and be able to send messages through the xbee or 3d radio since it is a serial link. People are begging for a IOS app for telemetry and attitude indicator flight instruments like useing Mission Planner. This will not replace Mission Planner at all just a tool that can be used in the field. The cable I made only uses the volt, grd, tx, rx. I will have demo out soon. Apple has alot of rules for devices but there is many devices that use bluetooth and wifi that might be a better option. I am trying to keep this project as DIY and not a production for money.

Permalink Reply by Andke on June 28, 2012 at 12:29pm

Android is the way to go, it has USB host capability for those sweet radios, and does not finance patent war to stop progress and competition. - And - CopterControl for Android works now  is a good start.

Permalink Reply by Zachary Eldridge on June 29, 2012 at 7:54am

Good news the Mavlink 1.0 seems to working send and receiving messages still working on other bugs but could be completed in couple of weeks sooner. Photo of test antenna

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Permalink Reply by Jake Tripp on June 29, 2012 at 9:54am
Looks good!
Permalink Reply by Andre Henrico on June 29, 2012 at 2:19pm
Zachary,

Will also be very interested, thx for the excellent work! I asume the grid function and geo fence will also work? What about the map Prefetch. Will you be able to create a Gpx file from the log?

My setup is for aerial images, Skywalker 1900, Apm2, Sony Nex5.
Need the Gpx file to create a model like this,
http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b419/AndreHenrico/8e57953b.mp4




Regards.
Permalink Reply by Zachary Eldridge on July 2, 2012 at 5:26am

Yes, I can add that feature. It will have the prefetch prefetch feature, however, would have to create a gpx converter or importer.

Permalink Reply by Chris Huitema on July 1, 2012 at 11:31pm

Its for android.. has lots of bugs (i tried an old version) and requires a bluetooth modem connected to an xbee. but has the right idea

http://code.google.com/p/copter-gcs/wiki/MissionPlanning

Permalink Reply by Zachary Eldridge on July 2, 2012 at 5:29am

The android port will be running on the latest android OS the .class code works fine with wired and unwired xbee connection. The 3DR radios are little different but working on the solution for them to work.

Permalink Reply by Zachary Eldridge on July 2, 2012 at 5:54am

I also have a Twitter @zaccom about this project and updates on progress. Since there is enought buzz I going to keep the updates rolling.

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