Android Phone Vario with External Barometric Pressure Sensor - Hang Gliding Org - Worlds largest Hang Gliding community, discover Hang Gliding

Search

  • Sorry...You must register to activate searching









Post new topic   Reply to topic    Hang Gliding Org Forum Index -> Hang gliding general->Android Phone Vario with External Barometric Pressure Sensor
BURY this topic
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Residenthooligan
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 31 May 2008
Posts: 40
Location: Rochester, NY

PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 3:51 pm    Post subject: Nice Reply with quote #21   
Nice work!

thumbsup

I hadn't heard of this sensor board but it looks pretty nice and the sensor is high quality.

I've been working on a similar project for a while now. It's a USB HID device and can transmit real time altitude data over USB, but it also works as a standalone audio vario logger.

The idea is that if you want to go XC you'd hook it up to your phone, but if you want to fly locally then you could just mount it on your helmet as an audio vario. It's an Open Source project but it's going to be manufactured for sale. We're actually gearing up to do a beta test right now.

I'd love to collaborate on the Android software. I plan on getting the Microvario Pro working with LK-8000 and XC-Soar, but I wanted to build out a simple vario app.

Brian

_________________
Flyte Park
@flytepark
Send private message  Rate this post
Residenthooligan
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 31 May 2008
Posts: 40
Location: Rochester, NY

PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 5:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #22   
Here is a Picture of the Microvario. The Microvario Pro will be the same size as this:


_________________
Flyte Park
@flytepark
Send private message  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #23   
Would love to collaborate Smile
The sensor I found is good but expensive ($41) so if you have ANYTHING cheaper and as good as possible it would be great.
I'm working on the audio part now. Let me know if (how) you want to start - ideas of layout, etc

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
del.dipso



Joined: 13 Jan 2011
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 5:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #24   
Hi, we did a similare things using bluetooth.

You can check it on asinstrument.ch

Will be compatible with XCsoar 6.3 and iPhone version is in development.

Regards,
Send private message  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 8:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #25   
I thought it initially with a BT module but the price would have been way above my target of $100 Mr. Green
_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
del.dipso



Joined: 13 Jan 2011
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 11:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #26   
Ok,

Our product price counts the development time of the device and the android app.

And our goal were to made a product with performances as least as good as usual variometers. Our pressure sensor is real 0.1m accuracy and we can provide a very stable value with a fast delay. But these features has its price.

I'm agree that if you make your own, it will be more cheap.

Regards
Send private message  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #27   
That wasn't an attack, you don't have to defend your price.

Mine can't compare with yours surrender

My sensor resolution is 0.7m so yours is 7 times better! thumbsup

Also, I'm targeting a price 3 times less than yours (it should be 7 times - but then, I'll give the app for free since that would be only the price of the sensor)

I'm looking for my own niche. ahh

Mr. Green That's Awesome! good idea

Good Luck!

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
del.dipso



Joined: 13 Jan 2011
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 5:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #28   
Hi,

Thank you for your nice comment.

I just justifed it because I interpreted the previews answer like "this device could be only 100$". Please excuse my suseptibility ;)

In the past I also used this toradex USB sensor with the "openmoko" Linux phone. It was fun and working. I used the tangoGPS app sources and added the vario features on it. Unfortunately, they stop to produce this phone... So we restart from the beginning and made this bluetooth vario.

I also wish you to success with your system that seems already well functional thumbsup

Regards,
Send private message  Rate this post
TheNewGuy
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 22 Dec 2011
Posts: 52
Location: Ohio

PostPosted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 5:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #29   
del.dipso wrote:
Hi,

Thank you for your nice comment.

I just justifed it because I interpreted the previews answer like "this device could be only 100$". Please excuse my suseptibility ;)

In the past I also used this toradex USB sensor with the "openmoko" Linux phone. It was fun and working. I used the tangoGPS app sources and added the vario features on it. Unfortunately, they stop to produce this phone... So we restart from the beginning and made this bluetooth vario.

I also wish you to success with your system that seems already well functional thumbsup

Regards,


T have been looking at your system since the beggining of the year, before you actually had a sensor to sell. And I have been very interested in trying it out.... but I have to admit that the price also scared me away...
I want to be clear, The main reason for my hesitation to pay 300 USD is that I have never seen one in real life, I know I can buy an old flytec for 300 nearly identical to the one I use in training. So, I was not sure I wanted to be the guinie pig of my local flying club. Also at that time I don't think you had as much info on the specs of the instrument... So I questioned its accuracy. Now I know better. Also I didn't know it would be XCSoar compatible. This makes it more valuable.
However, I do think it would be cool to get in on the ground floor of this technology, even just to be the local fanboy, and try to show the other pilots what our phones can truely do!
Have you thought about a "pilot program" (pun intended) to offer the deveice for a discount now during the start up phase? I believe I would be a good person for this. In fact it was me who started a thread about your vario asking if anyone else had used it yet.. (remember I said you guys were from sweden instead of switzerland) lol (typical american) Smile
I am seriously thinking about buying your device to try in addition to these other system mentioned in this thread. If you had a sale it would probably push me over the edge and I would buy it...................................................................................... If you do, I promise Ill show it to every pilot I meet!
Send private message  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #30   
Had some time today and finished the sound module.
Now it's a matter of tweaking...

For the sound i have the following variables that one can set from the preferences screen. I defined those by reading the 6030 manual.

For the more experienced pilots out there (more for the ones who actually fly with a REAL VARIO) please comment for the items below:


    - what (vertical speed) should be considered LIFT (and would ignore the bumps)
    - what (vertical speed) would mean SINK (I'm actually thinking of setting this from the polar data but until then... Cool )
    - I chose the high/low frequencies based on what sounds as musically 'good' for myself. I know the range the human being can hear but I was wondering if there are any 'established' ranges for the sounds.
    - STALL is currently alternating SINK_LOW_FEQUENCY/LIFT_LOW_FEQUENCY sounds. Suggestions?
    - SINK is continuous sound
    - LIFT is alternative SOUND/SILENCE starting from MIN_BEEPS_PER_SECOND for the LIFT_TRESHOLD_SPEED up to MAX_BEEPS_PER_SECOND for the LIFT_MAX_SPEED. Suggestions?


Code:


// speeds are in m/s  (I can't think in imperial)

MAX_BEEPS_PER_SECOND = 5;
MIN_BEEPS_PER_SECOND = 2;

//start sink speed that would be considered a STALL
//1929 ft/min
STALL_TRESHOLD_SPEED = -9.8;

// that's 137.8 ft/min
SINK_TRESHOLD_SPEED = -.7;

// in Hz
SINK_LOW_FEQUENCY = 400;
SINK_HIGH_FEQUENCY = 700;

// 98.4 ft/min
LIFT_TRESHOLD_SPEED = .5;
// 3937 ft/min
LIFT_MAX_SPEED = 20.;

LIFT_LOW_FEQUENCY = 1000;
LIFT_HIGH_FEQUENCY = 5000;


'In Action' (to be read 'in elevator') video will come soon.

Thanks!
ahh

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:11 pm    Post subject: As promised Reply with quote #31   
Sound module in action.

I wasn't alone in the elevator when I descended so I kept the volume down so that they won't freak out ahh

On my way back to work I was alone - and you can hear the sound more clear.


Link



Thanks for watching Shocked

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 7:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #32   
ahh

Got some time for the analog view of the Vario part...

To color, or not to color, that is the question...

Preferences?

Pls ignore the blue slider - that's for testing only.

Thanks for the feedback



Media BLOCKED

Please REGISTER
and log in to see this content

Media BLOCKED

Please REGISTER
and log in to see this content

Media BLOCKED

Please REGISTER
and log in to see this content

Media BLOCKED

Please REGISTER
and log in to see this content

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
TheNewGuy
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 22 Dec 2011
Posts: 52
Location: Ohio

PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 11:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #33   
Sorry for the long delay in responding,
I think you should try to make as much as possible to be configured by the user.
So the sounds,colors and layout of the whole app should be as customizable as possible. I believe that this is what really gives android based flight instrument the potential to be great! I have heard many pilots make a comment simmiliar to " I really like the layout of my new vario, but I prefer the tones of my old vario"

So, my 2 cents worth would be to make it the users choice....if you can.

Also, great job so far!
Send private message  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 11:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #34   
Thanks - will do - only I don't want to spend too much time on these features...
Sound ranges are configurable - colors are not (so far Twisted Evil )

Now I'll have some time to work on the 'other' device GUI as well...
Mr. Green thumbsup

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 6:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #35   

Link

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:49 pm    Post subject: Preferences Reply with quote #36   
playing with the sound settings


Media BLOCKED

Please REGISTER
and log in to see this content

Media BLOCKED

Please REGISTER
and log in to see this content

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 3:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #37   
Done.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peltech.avionics

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
Bobfly
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 13 Nov 2009
Posts: 3699
Location: San Diego, Ca.

PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 5:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote #38   
Cool! thumbsup
_________________
Freedom 170 FR
Send private message  Rate this post
old newbie
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 02 Dec 2008
Posts: 811

PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 5:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #39   
And then I land and go to call my flying buddies to let them know where I am, oops no battery left!

Steve
Send private message  Rate this post
st1lgar
3 thumbs up
3 thumbs up


Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Posts: 341
Location: Oak Ridges, ON

PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 6:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote #40   
old newbie wrote:
And then I land and go to call my flying buddies to let them know where I am, oops no battery left!

Steve


This is not a replacement for the real thing.
It could be used on the first solo flights. It's for the weekend pilots, like me. You can take it as a gadget. And if you land and can't use the phone because the battery is dead, use your radio.
Thanks for the positive attitude mosh

_________________
"Men were not meant to leave the Earth. Spend too much time in the clouds and you never want to come back down again. I know skinchangers who've tried hawks, owls, ravens. Even in their own skins, they sit moony, staring up at the bloody blue" -- Hoggon
George R.R. Martin
Send private message Blog  Rate this post
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Hang Gliding Org Forum Index -> Hang gliding general
 
All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next
Page 2 of 4


 
Jump to:  


(c) HangGliding.org All rights reserved. Based on PhpBB