"In case you think "MP support" is tech support, it isnt. It's the Mission Planner. So the Mission Planner looks for the ID which is only available from 3DR. Most experienced folks around ere would agree that the ability to load code etc through…"
3DR manufactured APM boards have an ID identifier that provides specfic functionality with APM planner. Whats the difference between that ID number and a serial number for a closed source product? Without it therei…"
"I got a nice letter from Wikipedia today so I'll use their definition:
"In production and development, open source is a philosophy,[1][2] or pragmatic methodology[2] that promotes free redistribution and access to an end product's design and…"
"I still don't think that answers my question (sorry if I missed it) but:
If I offer an open source product to the world but the product they make from my open source information is limited in some way (even just a little bit) is it open source?
Assuming you are aware of the differences between DIYD and 3DR, the concern Ellison and I expressed was based on the above statement "Other people can make their own APM 2.0 boards, but the official MP will probably not support them). But if…"
Depending on where the ID is stored, actually selling chips with IDs preprogrammed may be one way. That way clone boards can enjoy full MP functionality, but the ID can identify it as an unsupported board. Ive seen similar done a few times."
I completely agree. Locking out clone hardware from software that isn't 3DR IPR is highly dubious. That's (supposedly) the point of open source. Anyone can make and use an equivalant board themselves. I remember reading "but the official…"