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How easy are iPhone, iPad apps to make for simple signals to the Prop via wifi? — Parallax Forums

How easy are iPhone, iPad apps to make for simple signals to the Prop via wifi?

T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
edited 2014-07-17 08:49 in General Discussion
I need to find out how to send a simple signal to a Propeller with these devices. The need is minimal. Say there are 5 buttons(graphics areas) on the screen, press one button and transmit a packet with packet header, opcode, data byte, checksum for example. No need for ACK from the Prop to the device. I have used Roving Networks RN134 devices and found that rather easy to setup, but it is pricey. Any other suggestions for the receiver would be great.

Comments

  • DmashekDmashek Posts: 49
    edited 2014-07-16 13:03
    How about a spinneret?

    http://www.parallax.com/product/32203
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-07-16 13:18
    Yes I have the Spinneret, that is an option for a wired version, but likely the Prop side will require wifi, there are lots of wifi to serial gadgets to find on the market. The real question is to find out how easy it is to make an app for the iPhone and iPad.
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,392
    edited 2014-07-16 13:36
    Hey T Chap,

    There's been a ton of work around this topic. Heck, we're programming Propellers over WiFi from an iPad so we should be able to get you the help you need.

    Tell ya what - I'll summon the experts. . .putting you on standby while I seek some people who know the best way to go about this....

    Ken Gracey
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2014-07-16 20:10
    T Chap,
    Loopy and I are playing with a cheap ~$20 router repurposing it as WiFi for the prop (amongst other things).
    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/156414-WiFi-amp-IOT-for-home-controllers-monitors-using-WR703N-20-routers-and-xx-WRT/page2
    Hopefully when we get this working the way it should (the WiFi just sits on a network) it should be able to interface with any wifi device.
    So an iPhone or iPad or Android device should be able to interface with it.

    I did see an older thread where Ken and others were working on various iPhone/iPad software to control Parallax gear. I think this is what Ken is fetching for you.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-07-16 21:01
    Thanks guys, looking forward to seeing the ideas. I have used Xojo(Real Basic) for years and love it, they have a ios version coming soon and I will definitely get it. In the mean time I am looking for a simple easy low cost software to generate a graphic with touch areas that send data out.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-07-17 07:29
    Hi, I am working with Cluso for a wifi wireless to Propeller link on the WR703 or MR3020 portable router by TD-Link. For $20USD, this seems a very promising solution with maybe an actual Propeller hookup withing a week or so. I am wanting Tachyon commuications via wifi, Cluso wants to download Propeller binaries and then have serial comm.
  • MikeW50MikeW50 Posts: 15
    edited 2014-07-17 08:14
    Hi T Chap,

    I've been working with the XBee S6B WiFi module. It's really pretty easy to use with a Propeller board from the iPhone and iPad.

    Hardware: The easiest way to use it is the serial port. Just hood the TX and RX lines together.

    Software from the Mac: There are a number of documents from Apple that show how to read and write using TCP/IP. Check out CFStreamCreatePairWithSocketToHost.

    Software from iPad/iPhone: You can actually communicate with the XBee without using a Mac. techBASIC runs on an iPad or iPhone. There is a very stripped down sample app called WiFly Terminal that will work as soon as you change the IP address and port.

    XBee API: The XBee supports AT commands that you can find in this document.

    UDP: You can also use UDP to communicate with the XBee. It's a bit more involved, but has some advantages and disadvantages.

    I don't know which (if any) of these technologies appeal to you. Let me know if you want to follow up on any of them.

    Mike Westerfield
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2014-07-17 08:31
    Thanks for the info guys. I think the hardware options will be easy to sort out. The first thing to sort out is what software will allow me to generate a graphic of the app along with the touch areas, then to send the packets by some method. I like that option you guys are working on already.

    As mentioned, at some point Xojo will allow the creation of IOS apps and I love their platform already so it will be a quick transition, but they are still not ready.
  • Mag748Mag748 Posts: 266
    edited 2014-07-17 08:49
    If you can get your Prop to parse Open Sound Control (OSC) via UDP, then I recommend the touchOSC app on the iPhone, iPad. Link: http://hexler.net/docs/touchosc
    It gives you much customization as far as buttons/sliders and whatnot.


    touchosc-screens-01.png
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