[aprssig] Android HUD Development

[Lynn W. Deffenbaugh (Mr)]

On 6/7/2011 8:58 AM, Tim N9PUZ wrote:
> I may be in the minority here but I would like to see an application 
> that works with a radio that is focused on good tactical messaging.

Please define exactly what you mean by "good tactical messaging".

>
> I don't need a new feature added every week. I don't want something 
> that isn't actively developed.

Wait, don't need new features, but want something that is actively 
developed?  If it's being developed, there's going to be new features.  
If there's no new features, what's the point of the development?

> I don't care if it can be an iGate. 

So, you're using something else to provide message gating for the area?  
Or you're restricting all participants to RF-only communications?

> I don't care if the application talks directly to the Internet or the 
> APRS servers. 

What's the difference between "Internet" and "APRS servers"?  Is there a 
difference?

> I'd like to be able to load all the maps I want ahead of time just by 
> specifying a State and County.

"all the maps" is quite a broad statement.  Can you clarify just what 
"all" means to you?  And if they're loaded ahead of time, how do you 
account for updates in the ever-changing mapping landscape?

> It'd be nice to have a series of messages logged to a file so you had 
> a "paper trail" of what transpired that was easily parse-able (XML?)

Personally, I believe that CSV or plain text is much more portable than 
XML, even though the latter is coming up quickly.  And in either case, a 
file is not "paper" unless you've got some good mobile printers to go 
with the application.  "audit trail" may be more what you're after?

>
> Personally I think a tablet or laptop/netbook version would be much 
> more useful than a smart phone version unless I can plug my TNC/radio 
> into the smart phone.

Actually, with a bluetooth to serial adapter on the TNC, you can connect 
your smart phone to the TNC/radio if you have a suitably capable APRS 
client on the phone.

Lynn (D) - KJ4ERJ - Author of APRSISCE for Windows Mobile and Win32

PS.  I'm asking for details as I AM actively developing an APRS client 
and would like to migrate it to meet as many people's needs as I can, 
but only if those needs are described to an adequate level of detail.

>
> Tim N9PUZ
>
> On 6/5/2011 7:24 PM, Rud Merriam wrote:
>> I am thinking of working on an Android based APRS HUD. Originally it
>> will be for phones but later be put on tablets. I know there are a
>> couple of other Android APRS's. I think a focus on messaging HUD is a
>> different approach. I haven't myself seen any HUDs or displays on APRS
>> capable radios so am asking for advice and suggestions. My approach is
>> to keep it simple and functional.
>>
>> I have looked at Bob's web page about messaging and HUD.
>>
>> My first thoughts are not to do a moving map display, at least not on
>> the cell phone version, since that is readily available with Google Maps
>> and GPS navigators. The question is whether having a map with nearby
>> APRS units is sufficiently important to include a map capability on a
>> tablet version.
>>
>> Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
>>
>> -- 
>>
>> - 73 -
>> *Rud Merriam K5RUD
>> Emergency Coordinator
>> /Montgomery County ARES® <http://www.wa5eoc.org/> /
>> * /Mystic Lake Software <http://mysticlakesoftware.com/>
>