Hi guys. Just a note of happiness.

I have been trying Andropilot the last 4 to 5 weeks, and had experience with different hardware. After some frustration, which I will explain, I decided to get a Nexus 7, as it's what I think Kevin uses to develop.

WOW, what a difference. Here are my notes and the hardware I try to use in (all tests with 1.2.13):

Galaxy Note 2 4.1.2 - Parameter download too slow (2:34 minutes on first param update) Slow update of HUD (The reason is the version of android, as only 4.2 has the fast USB fix). I would not use it as a primary GCS as I don't trust the updates are fast enough to get the feedback needed for flying.

Original Kindle fire with 4.2.2 hack - I almost made this work!!!!! Super cheap and nice outside display. The problem is that I haven't found a 4.2 hack that includes the FTDI driver... so no luck making Andropilot communicate with the APM... But it might work when a new kernel with the driver arrives!

Maxwest Telecom TAB 7150 - Super cheap crappy tablet, but small and very good looking. Sadly it does not have the FTDI driver, and the only Android firmware that I found was 4.0.4, so even if it works would have the same Galaxy Note 2 problem with parameters and HUD

Nexus 10 - 4.2.2 gorgeous display, acceptable Parameter reading speed (58 seconds to fill the parameter list form first connection), fast HUD. Just too big to get it to the field.

Nexus 7 - 4.2.2 Now, here is the winner. Not only is a great display size, solid construction and I got the 3G version which gives me access to maps anywhere, but THE PARAMETER READING is only 28 seconds. That is the same as my i7 Mission Planner computer! I really believe that this could be a formal implementation of a ground control system for good. There are still a couple of things in the app that might need to completely replace mission planner, like a flying parameter editing panel, or log downloads, but it is getting there!!! 

Now, for the small tablets that do not have a FTDI port, or do not have the 4.2 Android OS, the UDP option is great! I am planning to do a video or a step by step instruction on the wiki. Kevin, if you read this, let me know what do you prefer, video or instructions. Also, I built a Zbox Nano Linux box to bring to the field that serves as a router and MavProxy server. Works like a charm even in the crappy Maxwest tablet... That was my first option before gettin the Nexus 7.

So, for everyone having problems with slow HUD displays or parameter reading, and serious about using Kevin's software, really consider the Nexus 7 as their telemetry system. Now, is someone interested in a couple of tablets that I am selling? ;)