PDA Freescan update

[jollyroger]

Hello gentlemen,

I thought to give out some updates on how the project Freescan PDA is going.

I started porting the code to PDA and a few problems emerged:

- The serial port communication routines need rewriting as they are not compatible with the way they work on PDAs.

- The GUI is way too big, so a rework is required to fit everything.

- The main initialization code fails badly because of the differences the PocketPC operating system has compared with Windows.

- I currently don't have

1) a PDA

2) a serial cable for the PDA

3) an ALDL cable

4) an Esprit (I have one, but not here)

This to say that I will need people to test the program and tell me what works and what doesn't...

What I have done so far:

- Rewritten serial port communications routines

- Partial port of the Engine Data screen

- Ported Esprit communication protocol

- Rewritten initialization code

More updates soon!

Jollyroger

P.S. if a moderator decides to put this as a sticky thread or to create a new one for updates and support for the project, that would be nice...

[Jonathan]

As I said - more than happy to test this for you - done loads of testing on alpha and beta programs in the past.

I'd forget the GUI at the moment, perhaps the ability to 'blow up' a particualr readng full screen would work though.

[M Blur]

What sort of pda should I look at to ensure it'll run the coding..?

[jollyroger]

Any PDA that uses PocketPC 2003 SE operating system or newer should run the application no problem.

Cheers,

Jollyroger

[russellbosier]

Hi,

What development kit are you using?

There are various procesors used in PDA's, Intel Xscale (PXA), Samsung etc, and the source needs to be targeted at a processor type. Until the last say 12 months, most modern modern CE based PDA's (say up to 3 years old ) were Intel based, but a few are now Samsung based (HP Rx range for instance, Hx range is intel based).

Just makeing the point in case anybody is thinking of purchasing a PDA that is not compatible with what you can build.

Also, it may be of interest for some that not all PDA's have a built in RS232 port. Most new PDA's do, but those such as older HP2210's dont, and would require a compact flash RS232 interface card (if compact flash slot is available) - or RS232 to Bluetooth adaptor on the interface cable. (e.g. there were 2 versions of HP h2210, the originals had no RS232 port, later stock (still called h2210 did but could not provide any power on the port). In all cases, an RS232 adaptor cable will be required to plug into the bottom of the PDA unless Bluetooth is used.

Sorry for being so boring but I have been having these sorts of issues with PDA's constantly changeing for the past few years.

Russell.

[jollyroger]

Hello Russell,

at the moment I am using Visul Studio 2005 with the native PocketPC 2003 SE ARMV4 configuration, so ARMV4 (Intel PXA and Samsung S3C2410) for now, then we'll see.

As for the serial port, yes the PDA needs to either have one or use a CF adaptor, or the cradle cable to serial adaptor, as long as there is a serial port.

The code *should* run on any PXA and Samsung S3C2xxx based device with a real or emulated serial port on board, in theory including Bluetooth/RS232 adapters, as long as it has power on the port.

Cheers,

Jollyroger

[M Blur]

Wont the ALDL to USB adaptor that comes with the Freescan package not work - don't pdas have USB..?

So if there wer a recommended list of PDAs to look at for this..?

Also - does anyone know of any GPS based data logger systems for PDAs - to incorporate both track data logger and Freescan would be a real advantage.

[Jonathan]

Don't think PDAs have USB...mine dont.

I've just bought a sync cable for mine into 9pin serial port....USB is different and you'll need to have a software converter for it etc.

On a SatNav note, how cool would it be to tine freescan replays ontop of a satnav replay so you can see exactly what revs / boost / throttle you were at a particular point on the route / circuit !

[M Blur]

Don't think PDAs have USB...mine dont.

I've just bought a sync cable for mine into 9pin serial port....USB is different and you'll need to have a software converter for it etc.

On a SatNav note, how cool would it be to tine freescan replays ontop of a satnav replay so you can see exactly what revs / boost / throttle you were at a particular point on the route / circuit !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This sort of thing is already happening trhough stand a lone data loggers - real time speed, gps track position etc merged with actual track footage.

see: Track Vision

Perhaps we could sell the pda kit through LEW

So - when I'm in PC World - what sort of PDA am I looking for..? PocketPC 2003 SE using an Intel PXA.. I'll then be more than happy to test for you.

Be great if we could figure how to convert the aldl cable if not through USB (which is a shame as the kit D and Kato supplied works a treat).

Edited April 20, 2006 by M Blur

[jollyroger]

Would it be possible to make a sticky post or a forum topic for this?

It would group all the information and support in one place...

[Jonathan]

This sort of thing is already happening trhough stand a lone data loggers - real time speed, gps track position etc merged with actual track footage.

see: Track Vision

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

COOL I like the Elise race.

[M Blur]

COOL I like the Elise race.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I see they're into adding compatibility to various data loggers - I wonder if they could do anything for us.?

[M Blur]

Any of the pdas here any good..? I'm only buying for Freescan and GPS so not overly bothered about additonal features...?

http://computers.listings.ebay.co.uk/_PDAs...istQQsofocusZbs

P.S: Trying to find cheapest solution as I juggle this project....

Edited April 24, 2006 by M Blur

[Jonathan]

When it was released the IPAQ 2210 was by far the best equipped / cost PDA imo.

Haven't got a clue what fits the bill now but I really like mine, runs the latest tomtom without issue but stuggles with large files because its memory is only 64mb iirc.

[M Blur]

what about sth like this..?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dell-Axim-X3-PDA-Exc...1QQcmdZViewItem

or if someone is looking to upgrade and their old pda will fit the bill then I'm open to offers.. as long as it's cheap but will work reliably and not crash half way down paddock...

[Bibs]

Did anything further ever happen with this? With my SE I can see the benefit of having Freescan permanently on a PDA in the car.

If this project died, have we got any C++ programmers willing to give this a go?

[Vulcan Grey]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind having this with my Windows Mobile 6.0 phone!

[russellbosier]

Hi Bibs,

I ported the code some time ago and it's working on my PDA (Intel based). It needs a little tidying up but is 99% there. The baud rate problem still remains however. PDA's will not do the required 8192 baud. To overcome this I used an RS232 Compact Flash card, about

[Dermot]

Ian Hancock has invested some time in a new PC version. I have been helping him on the ECU side, I now have a full definition of the ALDL data stream and correct calibration functions for al the sensors. Several of the transfer functions for the sensors were coded incorrectly by the great Andy Whittaker and several other bits of the ALDL stream have not been coded.

[Bibs]

Russell, is this the sort of thing? It even has a small battery pack for an extra

[russellbosier]

That's the sort of thing, but that particular one seems to have a fixed list of baud rates, not including 8192.

To be honest having multiple 'remote' people developing code on a project like this doesnt really work, it isnt big enough. If Ian has coded it using standard microsoft tools, it should be easy for him to produce a PDA version and keep the development in line with the PC version. It should just be a case of creating a new front end for the PDA, and all the comms and processing code in the background can be common. I am always happy to help if required, but it is best the code remains under one persons control.

[ramjet]

I was wondering actually if Freescan was ported to OS X on Macs? Is it a simple matter of getting the code and running it through a Mac compiler? I can't imagine so, otherwise you'd think Andy Whittaker would have done it.

[gt3_ian]

Hi, Ian Hancock here with an update on what I have done so far.....(please read the bit at the end!)

Some months ago I pulled the code from Source Forge and stated to look at what we could do based the changes that Dermot identified, the improvements that I wanted and have a look at what other platforms could be used. So the first phase is to correct the errors and make some basic changes. This has been completed although it needs a little more testing because I have seen some other problems which need sorting before issuing it.

The next phase would be to re-write parts of the program and make some more serious updates to improve it overall; Dermot and I have lots of ideas here.

The third phase would be to recompile the program onto another platform. Although I have a HP 2210 PDA (which I use to set the cambelt tension, but that's another story!) the problems of screen size, serial port problems, general obsolecence etc., meant I didn't think it worth pursuing. The idea of having a real time dashboard display though is spot on, and you may as well combine it with SatNav, which is all getting a bit fancy. The best platform is the Nokia 810 Internet Tablet - touch screen display, comes with a car cradle & 12v supply, built in GPS, USB, costs around