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iPad 3

BitsBits Posts: 414
edited 2012-09-25 08:41 in General Discussion
Well I write to you on my new iPad. This thing is amazing but I need to get this to program my propellers! Lol

Anyone else have an iPad and if so what nerdy apps did you try. I already want to make an app and thinking about using the Bluetooth to somehow program my prop. The fun never stops, as they say...
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Comments

  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2012-09-20 07:51
    I have one - a little 16gb original. I don't have many nerdy apps, I mostly use it for browsing the web and as an incredible 1/2 inch thick library. Between my Kindle collection and the PDFs and such I have in GoodReader, it packs a lot of info in a small space. I do have telnet so I can use that if I need/want to. I'm trying to get into the habit of using Evernote to help my failing memory.
  • BitsBits Posts: 414
    edited 2012-09-20 07:58
    Yes I can see your point on storing reading material. Amazing screen too.
    What is telnet used for, I'll google it here after posting but please tell me how you would use it.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2012-09-20 08:20
    I have a couple headless servers on my home network (Linux box, Beagle Bone, Raspberry PI, Spinneret running PropForth, etc.) If I need to do something or want to try something, I'll use telnet to log into those and do what I was going to do. You soon get tired typing on the iPad but if it's something quick and a netbook isn't handy, you can do it without getting out of the comfy chair.

    Mine doesn't have the AMAZING screen but for the first generation, it's still pretty impressive. After a while, if you try typing much, you really start to miss a keyboard. Rather than upgrading my iPad, which is excellent for what I use it for, I'll be looking at a small MacBook.

    As for actually programming much on a Prop, I think the keyboard issues would frustrate me enough to go grab a netbook or laptop....but in a pinch, like my telnet usage, it would be nice to be able to do.

    If you're into photography, some of the photo apps are awesome. I've been out with my camera and iPad, taken some shots, loaded them to my iPad, editied and tweaked on the iPad and then found a WiFi hotspot and uploaded them to Flickr. With the right equipment, the workflow id very nice.
  • BitsBits Posts: 414
    edited 2012-09-20 09:12
    mindrobots wrote: »

    If you're into photography, some of the photo apps are awesome. I've been out with my camera and iPad, taken some shots, loaded them to my iPad, editied and tweaked on the iPad and then found a WiFi hotspot and uploaded them to Flickr. With the right equipment, the workflow id very nice.

    How can I use my camera, there is no USB port? Again going to google this. I have a cannon slr and also love to take photos.

    Telnet is understood now thanks :smile:
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2012-09-20 09:23
    1) You can get an Apple camera adapter which has a USB socket on it and plugs into the 30-pin dock connector. If you plug your camera into that, the iPad automatically downloads your photos from the camera to the iPad's camera app. You can then use the iPad version of iPhoto to edit them if you want. It turns out that you can also plug in a USB keyboard and it will be recognized by the iPad.

    2) I've mentioned Mocha Telnet and Mocha Telnet Lite before. There are other similar apps, but they all provide a serial connection between the iPad and a Telnet port via WiFi with a terminal-like display of received data and a keyboard to send data to the Telnet port. I use a Roving Networks RN-174-XV xBee-compatible WiFi module which provides a Telnet port for a microcontroller like the Propeller. I have a version of FemtoBasic that uses a serial port for its console, so I can write Basic programs on my Propeller using the iPad as a console.
  • dmagnusdmagnus Posts: 271
    edited 2012-09-20 09:52
    I bought an iPad 3 (16 gb, Verizon 4G LTE) for the specific purpose of using it for a navigation instrument on my boat. On a previous boat I had about $5000 wrapped up in nav equipment from Raymarine. This iPad, with a neat little navigation/charting app called iNavX is fantastic. The charting detail is better than I had on my purpose built equipment and the total cost, including an add-on GPS to supplement the built-in one was only $750, compared to equivalent Raymarine or Garmin units costing upwards of $4500-7000.

    Then I thought, well, I'm not using it all the time on the boat, so why not bring it home, to work, etc. Fantastic little device. I do my email, internet, etc. It has a fantastic camera (actually two) and if I have wifi nearby I'm not even using the data plan from Verizon. But, if i'm on the boat and want to look something up I've got that capability, too.

    Not to mention reading my Kindle books when I don't have my Fire handy.

    As a Windows guy, I'm a little put off by the user interface though - it's too easy, I guess.

    - Don

    Oh, and one thing I'm contemplating is how I can use the Prop to create an NMEA Multiplexer to send sensor data to the iPad via wifi. The multiplexers available are very expensive!
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2012-09-20 10:24
    The camera adapter is what you need. It has the USB adapter and the SD card adapter. I would pop the SD card out of my camera and put it into the SD adapter (with the first iPad, I don't think the tether through the USB cable to a camera was working reliably). I'm not good at having camera cables around when I usually want them, so I just took it off the card. Enough of my cameras have SD cards so I usually just popped the cards out. If you have a CF card, then you want the cable or can try a USB multi-card adapter, some work iwth the iPad, some don't. If I'm dragging an SLR around, I'm usually shooting RAW images and won't be editing them on the iPad....or it's loaded with film!!

    Once you get the images to your iPad, the editing options are unlimited. Here are 8 pictures on my Flickr stream that I edited on the iPad - there may be others but I'm not real good at tagging things - nobody is perfect! :lol: I haven't photographed for a while - I'll have to check and see what apps I was using on my iPad.
  • JordanCClarkJordanCClark Posts: 198
    edited 2012-09-20 10:39
    A few apps I can suggest:

    1) Dropbox-- Free cloud staorage. Installed on my desktop/laptop and iDevices, I can take a pic with my iPhone out on the plant floor and have it ready to edit at my desk by the time I get back. I also keep current project files there.
    2) DocumentsToGo-- since I can't cut the M$ cord yet at work, this will let you edit and create Office documents.
    3) Evernote-- Note taker, but has some nice Rich Text stuff.
    4) Screens-- If you're familiar with RealVNC/TightVNC/UltraVNC etc. This is a VNC client. Claims to work with Win.Mac.linux, but haven't tried all three.
    5) FileApp-- Lets you use unused space on your iDevice as generic file storage. I usually favor Dropbox over this as far as straight storage goes, but it still has its uses.

    Honorable mentions:
    A) Skyfire-- Let's you browse sites that are flash-enabled. Works by going through a proxy connection that handles the flash content and converts to html5. Not 100 percent but an okay
    B) Netflix-- So I can set my kids down watching Doctor Who and Warehouse 13 quietly-- because them being quiet is a really good thing!
    C) GoSkyWatch-- planetarium program. Before digging out the telescope.
    D) Bluefire Reader-- ebooks, 'nuff said!
  • LtechLtech Posts: 380
    edited 2012-09-20 11:12
    top app: Star Walk
  • Roger LeeRoger Lee Posts: 339
    edited 2012-09-20 11:30
    Second Star Walk.
    Add NASA TV
  • frank freedmanfrank freedman Posts: 1,983
    edited 2012-09-20 21:56
    Bits wrote: »
    Well I write to you on my new iPad. This thing is amazing but I need to get this to program my propellers! Lol

    Anyone else have an iPad and if so what nerdy apps did you try. I already want to make an app and thinking about using the Bluetooth to somehow program my prop. The fun never stops, as they say...

    Son got his first, used it primarily for Utube, mostly non-verbal, but he finds pretty much what he wants. Proloque2 is being explored more on his own and in school. Lots of puzzles etc. Wife got hers next so that she could preview stuff for his and replace her laptop w/ tablet and cloud.

    Cool Apps? Water (more fun than angry birds), Slingo, Jelly wars (or whatever it is called)

    I am holding out for the ASUS transformer Infinity. Will be hoping its USB port will allow use of devices such *** USB to serial because many of the devices I maintain and repair still rely on serial port for comms and diagnostics. Plus programming the prop would be cool as well. And of course all the rest of the impressive specs on this device.

    FF
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2012-09-21 02:44
    I am also leaning toward an ASUS Transformer Infinity. My Toshiba NB250 has recently developed battery issues, so maybe there will be a purchase soon.

    I suspect that I will feel a bit shut out from some neat Apple apps, but I've been ignoring Apple forever. Kids absolutely love the iPad and if you let them have yours to use you will never get it back.

    I am a bit curious if Telnet is secure. In Linux, it is considered out-dated, but a classic utility. Everyone prefers SSH for new apps.

    http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/internet/difference-between-telnet-and-ssh/

    http://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/issh-ssh-vnc-console/id287765826?l=zh&mt=8
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2012-09-21 03:11
    Telnet is not secure. Don't go using it over the internet for anything important. I use it sometimes to get from machine to machine in my local network. Also it can be usefull for checking out some protocols, you can send HTTP requests to your web server manually, for example, and see what comes back. SSH might be a bit big to put into some systems, say a micro running the uIP stack.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2012-09-21 03:40
    I don't Telnet outside my local network. Nothing on my network is exposed permanently to the Internet except for my Pogo and it contains nothing of a sensitive nature.

    There is also Mocha VNC which allows you to get into the GUI side of any PC (Windows/Mac/Linux) on your network. This is very usable on an iPad.
  • RS_JimRS_Jim Posts: 1,768
    edited 2012-09-21 06:03
    Hi bits,
    glad to see you on, hope your recovery is going well. I use my Ipad one as a surfing machine and PFD file reader. Saves a lot of printer ink and paper. My wife uses the video chat with a business associate in California to colaberate on projects. Her business is highly visual.
    I use an Ihome bluetooth keyboard with mine. Makes for a thicker transport package, but not quite as frustrating to type. I do have a tendency to drag across the space bar and inser t spaces in odd places. I have seen people try the USB adapter fo read photos off a memory stick, but it comes back with not enough power error and a powered hub won't help. I am using it through my local area network to control an enc2862? that I got from Propeller Powered Nd am working on a project to power my printer on/off remotely. The remote on/off commands work well and I get a status report anytime I log into the server. Just have to build the relay interface for the power supply. I am thinking of putting the relay inside an electrical box along with a duplex outlet. I will be watching to see if someone comes up with an app to program the Prop.
    Jim
  • BitsBits Posts: 414
    edited 2012-09-21 07:01
    Some of the apps that are listed above are amazing. The star app is my fav so far.

    I so wish there was an app that Allowed you to make Apps on the ipad
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2012-09-21 07:53
    Bits wrote: »
    I so wish there was an app that Allowed you to make Apps on the ipad

    There is, it just happens that you need to be a registered developer and have a Mac to run XCode on! :lol: I love my iPad and iPhone and Mac except for that little detail about developing Apps on the iDevices.

    Web based apps with HTML5 are probably the closest "open" app environment for the iPad.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2012-09-21 13:00
    dmagnus wrote: »
    I bought an iPad 3 (16 gb, Verizon 4G LTE) for the specific purpose of using it for a navigation instrument on my boat. On a previous boat I had about $5000 wrapped up in nav equipment from Raymarine. This iPad, with a neat little navigation/charting app called iNavX is fantastic. The charting detail is better than I had on my purpose built equipment and the total cost, including an add-on GPS to supplement the built-in one was only $750, compared to equivalent Raymarine or Garmin units costing upwards of $4500-7000.

    Then I thought, well, I'm not using it all the time on the boat, so why not bring it home, to work, etc. Fantastic little device. I do my email, internet, etc. It has a fantastic camera (actually two) and if I have wifi nearby I'm not even using the data plan from Verizon. But, if i'm on the boat and want to look something up I've got that capability, too.

    Not to mention reading my Kindle books when I don't have my Fire handy.

    As a Windows guy, I'm a little put off by the user interface though - it's too easy, I guess.

    - Don

    Oh, and one thing I'm contemplating is how I can use the Prop to create an NMEA Multiplexer to send sensor data to the iPad via wifi. The multiplexers available are very expensive!
    The Prop can do multiplexing quite easy. Use the 4port FDX object (maybe x2). Just output each sentence into a buffer and send out. Now for wifi, there are a number of serial interfaces.

    Did you know that C-Map is also available for iPads.

    The MK802 II is another nifty solution that is quite cheap and has inbuilt wifi - somewhat similar to a RaspberryPi but with wifi instead of ethernet, and faster.
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2012-09-21 13:55
    minrobots,
    I love my iPad and iPhone and Mac except for that little detail about developing Apps on the iDevices.

    That "little detail" is a huge deal killer for me. Why would I buy a computer I cannot program? I am not prepared to accept those restrictions.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2012-09-21 17:02
    Heater. wrote: »
    minrobots,



    That "little detail" is a huge deal killer for me. Why would I buy a computer I cannot program? I am not prepared to accept those restrictions.

    I've gone from programmer/hacker through appliance user and now circling back to programmer/hacker in some areas. Now some things I want to be appliances (iPad/iPhone) other things I want to program....I'm old, cranky and complicated.
  • photomankcphotomankc Posts: 943
    edited 2012-09-24 07:13
    mindrobots wrote: »
    I've gone from programmer/hacker through appliance user and now circling back to programmer/hacker in some areas. Now some things I want to be appliances (iPad/iPhone) other things I want to program....I'm old, cranky and complicated.


    I agree. I get a little aggravated that I can't write an app for the iPad2 at times but generally I tend to just like it for what it is. It generally just works, and I generally just use it to view content and I'm ok with that.
  • BitsBits Posts: 414
    edited 2012-09-24 11:43
    I am loving this little thing. My next complaint is that you need a mac to make apps. I should have known.

    I guess I will have to wait on making the propeller app till I can buy a mac.
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2012-09-24 12:00
    There are some programming tools you can run on the iPad and iPhone. They're limited in what they can do in terms of I/O though. In particular, they can't do serial I/O nor can they do network I/O. Have a look at techBasic and there's a Scheme (Lisp) app as well. The techBasic implementation can do slow serial I/O over the headphone jack using a soft modem and it can use Bluetooth LE, both for reading sensors (see here, here and here).
  • msrobotsmsrobots Posts: 3,709
    edited 2012-09-24 12:41
    Bits,
    I guess I will have to wait on making the propeller app till I can buy a mac.

    You also need a developers-licence for $90 per year. Plus you can just install from Mac-Store. So if you want to SELL your app, You will have to pay 30% to apple (or will just receive 70% of your sales-price).

    Furthermore - at least as I read the Terms Of Use the last time - You are NOT allowed to program a programming-language/compiler/etc to allow you or anybody else to run/install a APP on the Iphone WITHOUT using the APP-Store and giving Apple 30% of your Sale-Price.

    So a Mac alone will not help you to archive the goal.

    The ONLY legal way besides the APP-Store is using a Web-Application running on a Web-Server and delivering HTML5 using Apples-Webkit-Javascript-Library. Then you do not need to give Apple 30% of your income.

    But this is not a real APP - you can not acces all functions of the iphone- Its just a Website shown in the Browser of the Iphone.

    This stopped me from developing for the iphone.

    Enjoy!

    Mike
  • CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
    edited 2012-09-24 12:44
    Bits wrote: »
    I would love to change the world, but they won't give me the source code!
    Then why did you buy an Apple device?
  • JasonDorieJasonDorie Posts: 1,930
    edited 2012-09-24 13:48
    Other notable apps:

    FlipBoard - Handy reader for news, magazines, blogs, & other feeds. I read Make, a bunch of news feeds, BoingBoing, Dwell, Science, etc...
    NetFlix - It's a gorgeous screen. Use it. :)
    Media Browser or LMPlayer - Allows me to play content from the NAS drive I have in my living room for audio & video.
    IThoughtsHD - Graph-linked notes application. Good for storing "clouds" of thoughts and relating them to each other.
    DJay - Scratch, mix, crossfade, etc. I was a DJ in a past life, and this app is really cool.
    AutoStitch - I have this one on my phone, but it's on the iPad too. It will assemble a single panorama from many source images.
  • BitsBits Posts: 414
    edited 2012-09-24 16:44
    Circuitsoft wrote: »
    Then why did you buy an Apple device?
    I am seriously starting to wonder now. Okay I am going to jailbreak this iPad.

    These apps you guys are mentioning are impressive.
  • CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
    edited 2012-09-24 17:00
    I remember hearing that Android had been ported to the iPhone (at least original, and I think 3gs); maybe that's an option.
  • dgatelydgately Posts: 1,633
    edited 2012-09-24 17:04
    Bits wrote: »
    I am loving this little thing. My next complaint is that you need a mac to make apps. I should have known.

    I guess I will have to wait on making the propeller app till I can buy a mac.

    Yep, unfortunate... But if you would like to "play" with programming languages on your iPad, Dmitry Kovba has some really cool apps that let you program in C, C++, ObjectiveC, Python, etc... on iPad & iPhones. http://www.dmitry-kovba.com/ Can't build an app, but it is kinda fun.

    dgately
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2012-09-24 18:12
    Bits,
    Okay I am going to jailbreak this iPad.

    That's the spirit!

    Certainly be interested to hear how you get on with that and if it results in any nice Prop related uses.

    We have an iPad in the office that's been gathering dust for a while that needs something interesting to do.
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