Developer

Android Ground Controller, alpha release

IMG_20130119_221016.jpg

Hi ya'll,

So I started off by writing some software to have an arduplane fly in formation with a human piloted hang-glider.   I still plan to finish this project, but I noticed there was a lack of an Android ground controller for Mavlink/Arduplane.  Since much of the code I was writing for my formation flying project was in Scala, it was pretty easy for me to make it into a ground controller for Android.  Most of the work was in getting USB host mode to work talking to the FTDI part in the 3dr telemetry module.

I've just completed a very early alpha release.  The code is up on github.  You'll need a phone/tablet running Android 3.1 or later with USB host mode support - most 'high end' phones have this feature.  

You'll also need one of these (or similar):

The initial release just provides a basic map,mode display/control, and mavlink log capture.  This early version is up on the Google Play Store as a free application.  If you have success running it, please post here.  If you find failure and tragedy, please post a bug on github (and mention it here if you wish). 

For the latest updates on this fast changing project or to comment, please see the following thread. (No blog moderation delay)

Comments/Questions?

Above is a (crummy photo) of it talking to my Bixler in my living room...

And a screenshot...

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Comments

  • Developer

    @Rana.  Alas no.  USB host mode support (required) was not added to the OS until android 3.1.

  • Kevin, I tried to install the latest app ver 1.30 but mine is ZTE V9C Tab with android 2.34 and due to some limitation, I am unable to migrate to android 3.1 or higher. Is it possible, if you could do something ?

    Thanks in advance, Best Regards

    Rana

  • Hey I just bought the Hobbyking clone 3DR radio telemetry as I only had X-bees to hook up to my phone (samsung galaxy s2) so When the telem set arrives I hope I can contribute in any way to furthering this awesome gs

  • Developer

    yes - I bet it would - see our discussion thread (link included in blog post)

  • BTW, by "this", I'm thinking of using RN-XV WiFly Module with an  XBee Explorer Regulated.

    All the best.

  • Fantastic start.

    Definitely would like to try this.

    Wonder if this would work with WIFI.

    All the best.

  • Developer

    Hi Guillaume,

    I bet it will be fine (or ftdi cable).  In either case the magic info I need is the USB vendor and product code (on linux this is from the lsusb tool).  On Windows it will be in device properties.  Two hex numbers.  

  • Hello Kevin,

    the XBee is plug on an XBee Explorer Dongle (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9819) but i don't know where a can find informations about the "IsUsb" ...

    I can plug too a FTDI cable directly on the XBee...

    In fact i must wait to receive the micro USB adapter cable for testing your code...

  • Developer

    Hi Gillamue,

    Yep your generator worked awesome!  Thanks.  For XBee - if it shows up as a USB device it is probably fine, though it's device IDs would need to be added to the app.  Can you send me the "lsusb" output for that device (to see USB vendor/product code)?   Does it show up as an FTDI device?

  • Hello Kevin,

    do you think i can use a XBee with your code?

    It seems my Java Mavlink generator works fine... :-)

     

    Guillaume

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