No. This is a hack on iDroneCtrl to enable it connects to a simple Bluetooth serial module. This module can be found everywhere. If you need a device, just buy from http://www.fightingwalrus.com/, and you do not need my software/hack.
Well, I'm sure you made your purchase already, but I find that the best combo is to use both Tower and the Solo app at the same time. I use an iPad mini for the Solo app (live streaming FPV view and access to smart shots, etc), while simultaneously running Tower on an Android smart phone.
Another thing is that the Tower app doesn't scale well onto a Tablet screen. Meaning it doesn't take advantage of the additional screen real-estate. Its a little easier to run Tower on a tablet, because you don't fat finger as much stuff, but a phone is not bad for Tower.
Erik do you know if it's possible to run the solo app with a regular Pixhawk? As mentioned earlier in this tread I have that little wifi device I connect with I was wondering if I changed the name of that network to solo network perhaps it would work. Then again the firmware on a solo is probably not the same as on my quad so probably not a good idea?
Erik Graham > Richard KennedyJune 26, 2015 at 3:00pm
I doubt it. I'm sure the Solo app relies on, and is in constant communication with the "Linux computers" in the controller and on the quad.
I've been though the whole array of options and I find myself doing that very thing. Tower is REALLY nice and seems much more stable since 3dr officially adopted it and created 3dr services. One big advantage is being able to access [ and edit! ] all parameters including ch 6-8 options [ ch 6-9 in 3.3 I think ] so you can change what modes you can do in the field. I also REALLY like the way the params are explained. For instance 1 is this mode 2 is this mode etc. Or 1 = turns this on 0= turns this off. In other words there is some explanation, via a pop up, that explains what the options are in each param. Anyway I don't think you will be disappointed!! Good luck :]
Here was the response I got from the folks at Fighting Walrus:
"...will keep you updated, we are looking at the SOLO and how to be compatible with it. It is fundamentally different in that uses WIFI for the main datalink and video link instead of the low bandwidth radios in the IRIS+. It also ships with its own iOS app so it we will have to find a way to differentiate ourselves. Underlying the SOLO is the new Pixhawk2, which I suspect will be very similar to the Pixhawk we work with now."
I'm sure you are aware of APM Planner? The Mac based ground station.. http://ardupilot.com/downloads/?category=35 I have a MacBook Air I run that on there too. iDroneCtrl is nice but no way yo access parameters etc just yet.
Another option is this http://www.event38.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BTB which works with my MBA. You just have to pre-load the maps before you switch to that network. I actually built one myself so I could use a RFD900 which has better range. But.. this would not work on your mini aka iOS device.
Eric Sheehan > Richard KennedyJune 24, 2015 at 5:38am
What is the brand of the $60 droid device that successfully runs Tower?
Replies
Well, I'm sure you made your purchase already, but I find that the best combo is to use both Tower and the Solo app at the same time. I use an iPad mini for the Solo app (live streaming FPV view and access to smart shots, etc), while simultaneously running Tower on an Android smart phone.
The phone form factor works well because you can position it between your iPad mini and the controller. Kind of like so: https://api.ning.com/files/3QgTREgG9e99H-NSB9JOJMUFwzVDlXgQ2ln1XSrF1...
Another thing is that the Tower app doesn't scale well onto a Tablet screen. Meaning it doesn't take advantage of the additional screen real-estate. Its a little easier to run Tower on a tablet, because you don't fat finger as much stuff, but a phone is not bad for Tower.
Erik do you know if it's possible to run the solo app with a regular Pixhawk? As mentioned earlier in this tread I have that little wifi device I connect with I was wondering if I changed the name of that network to solo network perhaps it would work. Then again the firmware on a solo is probably not the same as on my quad so probably not a good idea?
Yes... I suspect your right. Thx
I've been though the whole array of options and I find myself doing that very thing. Tower is REALLY nice and seems much more stable since 3dr officially adopted it and created 3dr services. One big advantage is being able to access [ and edit! ] all parameters including ch 6-8 options [ ch 6-9 in 3.3 I think ] so you can change what modes you can do in the field. I also REALLY like the way the params are explained. For instance 1 is this mode 2 is this mode etc. Or 1 = turns this on 0= turns this off. In other words there is some explanation, via a pop up, that explains what the options are in each param. Anyway I don't think you will be disappointed!! Good luck :]
Here was the response I got from the folks at Fighting Walrus:
"...will keep you updated, we are looking at the SOLO and how to be compatible with it. It is fundamentally different in that uses WIFI for the main datalink and video link instead of the low bandwidth radios in the IRIS+. It also ships with its own iOS app so it we will have to find a way to differentiate ourselves. Underlying the SOLO is the new Pixhawk2, which I suspect will be very similar to the Pixhawk we work with now."
Yes it snaps in there pretty good but I wouldn't want to bump it! I don't love that either but it hasn't been a problem so far
I just bought a $60 7" droid tablet just for running Tower. Best thing about this is how cheap it is.
This guy makes some really nice mounting options http://evolution3d.com/default.asp
I'm sure you are aware of APM Planner? The Mac based ground station.. http://ardupilot.com/downloads/?category=35 I have a MacBook Air I run that on there too. iDroneCtrl is nice but no way yo access parameters etc just yet.
Another option is this http://www.event38.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BTB which works with my MBA. You just have to pre-load the maps before you switch to that network. I actually built one myself so I could use a RFD900 which has better range. But.. this would not work on your mini aka iOS device.
What is the brand of the $60 droid device that successfully runs Tower?
thanks.
I did get that droid tablet. It does run Tower however I am sending it back because it does not have gps like it said it did.