I added some neat features on DroidPlanner, so I'm posting an update. The new app (v0.7.5) is on Google Play.
The new version has the following updates ( v0.7.5 over v0.7.0):
- Notifications using Text To speech, which are very helpful since you don't have to look at the screen. There are notifications for things like: Battery discharge, flight modes changes, GPS lock, waypoints...
- Logging files are now compatible with Mission Planner, which means you have all the information from the telemetry for a post-flight analysis.
Improvements to the HUD layout, including new information like Battery capacity.
Fixed some bugs on the RC screen, and makes the virtual sticks work more similar to a real TX
Tablet Mount
As you may have noticed on the above picture I made a tablet mount on my TX. It was easy since I already had the tablet car/mount, so just a way to fix it to the radio was needed (done by an aluminum bar). A small modification to the TX was needed, but it was worth the effort. The 3DR telemetry dongle is held in the tablet using Velcro. Here is a picture from another angle.
This makes DroidPlanner a useful tool when flying with Ardupilot especially with the voice notifications. On the top picture you can see a rotatory switch a had added to the radio for the Mode channel, it was a pain to keep track of what position mapped to which mode.
And as always if you want to help consider donating for the project by buying this app, joining the development team, or reporting a issue/bug/improvement on GitHub. For more information I suggest the DroidPlanner Wiki page. Or older posts on DiyDrones.
Comments
I don't think it will be possible to port DroidPlanner to Google Glass, since is different platform. Sure the result would be awesome, but from what a read it only runs WEB apps (https://developers.google.com/glass/about).
But I will be implementing an FPV overlay on the HUD in the future, I just need to get some FPV gear.
My Chinese tablet doesn't have Bluetooth so it's really hard for me implement it (since I can't test it). If you want to develop it take a look in the following files:
TcpConnection.java
UsbConnection.java
I would happily include your source in Droidplanner.
It runs fine on my cheap tablet (which has Android 4.0.3, Cortex A5 1.2Ghz, 512MBs of RAM), if you want a recommendation I would suggest the Nexus 7 which seams to work nicely. Here is a list of compatible devices:
https://github.com/arthurbenemann/droidplanner/wiki/Compatible-Devices
Can you please add a Bluetooth interface. Saves a dongle on the Nexus7.
Earl
I should be more specific; you could strip out the "OSD" code from droidplanner, and make it a Glass app; with the normal planner functîons running on the tablet, but with the addition of being able to present planner/telemetry info onto the glass as need be.
Have you thought about how this might integrate with Google Glass?
Link is here
Google glass would allow you to do run some of the telemtry of Droidplanner, whilst still being able to watch the vehicle, thus overcoming some of the limitation of existing FPV solutions.
@ Rana
I'm working on the parameters screen.
And about the mAh I also thought that it would be a good indicator to the HUD. But I talked to Tridge and the only why to do that currently is to change the Ardupilot code. It's possible also to do a hack, by multiplying the battery_%_discharge with the parameter BATT_CAP. But I don't thinks it is worth it, since it could cause a lot of trouble. If you have your APM correctly setup there is no point in not using the % discharge.
It's a great release Arthur, Throtle stick is now behaving as desired. Can't see any option to read and write parameters. Would be nice to display consumed mAh display in the HUD.
That is great!!!
@Ruwan
Yes I have implemented it, is just not very user-friendly. To enable Offline tiles goto "Settings->Advanced->Use offline maps". I think you will need to re-start the app for it to work. I haven't tested it very much.
The tiles must be placed in the folder "/sdcard/DroidPlanner/Maps/" on your device (if you used the app the folder should already exist). Inside this folder you should place the tiles (in a path like this: "/sdcard/DroidPlanner/Maps/1/0/0.jpg"). You can use Mission Planner to download the files (just zooming the map, or with the prefetch option), The tiles folders will be at "C:\Program Files (x86)\APM Planner\gmapcache\TileDBv3\en\GoogleSatellite\" (at least on Win7 64bits).
I haven't used the system yet. Have you already implemented OR do you consider implementing satellite tile caching? Just considering places where internet is not available.
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