LibrePilot Forum

General Category => LibrePilot2Go => Topic started by: RayRegan on December 30, 2016, 07:22:10 pm

Title: iOS App
Post by: RayRegan on December 30, 2016, 07:22:10 pm
I have been wondering, why no ios app?
Is it because of apples restrictions? Is it about expense? Does the ios platform offer less options?
There are more ios based phones in the world than Andriod based phones and the ios based phones/devices seem to be more stable. Not that I am an advocate for apple or android, just wondering.
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: mr_w on December 30, 2016, 08:07:57 pm
I guess because nobody has time to make one ;)
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: @marc on December 30, 2016, 09:26:40 pm
Someone needs to make one, that's all. Anyone volunteering is very welcome!
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: Mateusz on December 31, 2016, 09:57:56 am
Not so sure about iOS market share/relative number of devices (Google fact checking) nor about stability whatever it means. But someone would need to have iOS device and be passionate in developing iOS app the same time. Project gathers enthusiasts its nonprofit so everyone contribute in a way he/she is interested. If you know iOS developer who is passionate about rc.models and would enjoy developing app that would be great. It's pretty large undertaking needs lots of time and dedication I think, also means maintaining app in future and not abandoning it.
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: RayRegan on December 31, 2016, 08:29:23 pm
It was just a curiosity. I would guess that more than half of the LP software users have an iPhone in their pocket. Maybe the creator of the Android app is a fan of that OS and was willing to put in the time. I am not a code writer or an App developer, just a regular practical guy. The GUI for the Android app looks great, wish I had an Android phone so I could use it.
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: @marc on December 31, 2016, 08:53:20 pm
Quote
Maybe the creator of the Android app is a fan of that OS and was willing to put in the time.

That's me  ;).

I think it's fun to write the app, and I like Android more than iOS. I started the app
because I wanted an Android app that I could use.

Now more than 1000 people use it on a regular basis, several thousand people have
it installed.

So, anyone who can code on iOS and thinks it's fun to do so is invited to start an iOS
app and get touch with the developers. They'll provide a lot of help (at least they
helped me a lot!).
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: RayRegan on December 31, 2016, 09:58:51 pm
Thanks @marc, for putting in the time to make that app. I'm sure it is great. I know that this is an open source project and there is no paycheck in the donation of your time for helping out. I ment no disrespect by asking my question.
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: @marc on December 31, 2016, 10:20:38 pm
I don't feel offended at all. Valid question, all fine ;).
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: Brian on December 31, 2016, 11:34:39 pm
One issue that always comes up when someone starts discussing iOS apps for connecting to FCs is that the type of connections allowed by Apple are fairly limited.  I don't think OPLink works on iOS, and I think even bluetooth is limited by Apple and does not work with generic serial bluetooth devices.  From what I've seen, the only viable option is WiFi, and there hasn't been many WiFi to serial devices available in the past, although that's becoming a better option with all the IoT options that we have today.
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: RayRegan on January 01, 2017, 12:10:11 am
I thought that there may be some obstacles with iOS. That is why I asked. I thought maybe an iOS app had already been attempted. I have connected via Bluetooth to my CC3D thru my windows tablet with no trouble. Wifi is used on iOS with reasonable success for video downlink with DJI aircraft and as control with many other toy grade aircraft. It is also used to control many action cams including GoPro. seems like a good workaround for iOS. also has better range than Bluetooth. 
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: kennyevo on January 02, 2018, 07:56:53 pm
Back in the day I started making the iOS app, it has a limitation to BLE capable BT modules, but other than that it should be fine.
I didn't have time to make a working app because of the huge amount of work I had, but maybe I'll start working on it again and start a thread about it in the forums :)
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: Mateusz on January 03, 2018, 09:05:36 am
Keep in mind that most RC radio systems work on 2.4Ghz frequency (i.e FrSky). WiFi is usually 2.4Ghz as well on devices such as mobile phones and mobile cameras.
I learned hard way by turning on WiFi on camera on a copter, which occasionally triggered fail-safe and dropped out of the sky. Even if you don't have WiFi module enabled on aircraft, it may cause problems for your radio receiver, reducing your effective range.

That's why Bluetooth is a better option, but afaik iOS has a proprietary BT stack, not compatible with anything else.
Title: Re: iOS App
Post by: TheOtherCliff on January 03, 2018, 04:41:57 pm
Bluetooth is also on 2.4g.  It is lower power and lower data rate and managed better than wifi, so it causes less problem, but I would range test the RC in low power mode, with Bluetooth on/connected, with Bluetooth on/disconnected, and with Bluetooth powered off to see if there is a difference in range.  This is especially true with older / less expensive RC rigs and maybe more an issue with the newer more powerful Bluetooth.

When Bluetooth is disconnected due to range, I suspect that it's data rate drops even further, making it even less of an issue.