Forums > Windsurfing   Gps and Speed talk

Another DIY GPS logger approach

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Created by rp6conrad > 9 months ago, 2 May 2021
Freezer
111 posts
7 Dec 2022 11:25PM
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Many discussions, requests and ideas are now mixed within a single post. Is there a possibility to split or have a derivative topic? I can think of a few:
* Software bugs (things that should work, but have minor issues)
* Functionality enhancements (new requests, like auto-upload into GPSspeedsurfing, App development, Web interface, file formats, ...)
* Display enhancements (Configurable screens, font-size adjustments, graphical output, logo's, maps/tracks, ...)
* Hardware enhancements (M10, LoRa, GSM, buzzer, battery, charging, ...)
* Casing & 3D housing (3D design, 3D printing, Pooring, ...)

Of course it is great to have a common forum where people can share some of their experiences, ask questions and show their results.
At this moment there is no additional category beyond /forums/Windsurfing/Gps. But some clustering would help I think.

rp6conrad
364 posts
8 Dec 2022 6:24PM
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Freezer said..
Many discussions, requests and ideas are now mixed within a single post. Is there a possibility to split or have a derivative topic? I can think of a few:
* Software bugs (things that should work, but have minor issues)
* Functionality enhancements (new requests, like auto-upload into GPSspeedsurfing, App development, Web interface, file formats, ...)
* Display enhancements (Configurable screens, font-size adjustments, graphical output, logo's, maps/tracks, ...)
* Hardware enhancements (M10, LoRa, GSM, buzzer, battery, charging, ...)
* Casing & 3D housing (3D design, 3D printing, Pooring, ...)

Of course it is great to have a common forum where people can share some of their experiences, ask questions and show their results.
At this moment there is no additional category beyond /forums/Windsurfing/Gps. But some clustering would help I think.


I added a document on my Github repo to keep track of all the SW proposals, this is visible for everyone. What does make sense is that we have a separate "site" for al the casing and 3D printing that is going on. It is really hard to search for a 3D design which is in this long thread, or to find information "how to". Even a simple Google doc (as now the manuals on my Google drive) can be sufficient. So, a shoutout the the 3D gurus !




Greatings, Jan.

remery
WA, 3709 posts
9 Dec 2022 5:21PM
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I added a suggestion to the doc but probably put it in the wrong spot.

rp6conrad
364 posts
9 Dec 2022 7:03PM
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remery said..
I added a suggestion to the doc but probably put it in the wrong spot.


Message is received, and indeed there is a bug. Will be fixed with the next update.

remery
WA, 3709 posts
9 Dec 2022 10:17PM
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rp6conrad said..

remery said..
I added a suggestion to the doc but probably put it in the wrong spot.



Message is received, and indeed there is a bug. Will be fixed with the next update.



A bug... or a feature? :)

decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
10 Dec 2022 7:45PM
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Just tried the large Font.
Makes a huge difference for me. Not just for Alphas, the other info on the top line is also now accessible. It also doesn't have a negative effect on the main screen, that's still easily readable.

Freezer
111 posts
11 Dec 2022 2:50AM
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Freezer said..

K888 said..


Freezer said..
I received my M10 yesterday. Will hook it up next week and see if it works and is better on accuracy and power compared to BN220 and BN280.





Cool, I presume it is the Mateksys M10-5883?

www.mateksys.com/?portfolio=M10-5883

I guess it can't be anything else based on the photos. :D



Correct, it should be plug and pray ;)


Hooked it up today, but only partially success. I should use the 5V (4.8V) rather than the VCC+ (3.9V) since the M10 requires 4-9V. It boots up and also gets a gps lock. I got up to 43 satellites. But the ublox communication is not working properly. Baudrate or string different... some more puzzling to do (and praying ??)


decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
11 Dec 2022 8:24AM
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I don't want to insult your intelligence, by pointing out, the obvious BIG trap. Rx and TX need to cross over

decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
11 Dec 2022 1:58PM
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Just a small query regarding the new speed screens, now that I can actually see them while sailing.
What does dr, Al, .5A, .5B, 1HA and 1HB stand for?




rp6conrad
364 posts
11 Dec 2022 4:18PM
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decrepit said..
Just a small query regarding the new speed screens, now that I can actually see them while sailing.
What does dr, Al, .5A, .5B, 1HA and 1HB stand for?

0.5A = Average speed last 30 minutes, 1HA = Average speed last 60 minutes
0.5B = Best average speed 30 minutes from session, 1HB = Best average speed 60 minutes from session.

remery
WA, 3709 posts
11 Dec 2022 9:38PM
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Is there room to put H with all of them? Like 0.5HA.

rp6conrad
364 posts
12 Dec 2022 5:07AM
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remery said..
Is there room to put H with all of them? Like 0.5HA.

With a smaller font probably well, I give it a try....

boardsurfr
WA, 2454 posts
12 Dec 2022 6:54AM
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I have released a new version of GPS Speedreader that adds reading and writing a new "minimal" file format that uses the ".gpy" file extension. This is based on the discussions here and on Mike's (K888) Github site. The .gpy files are 80% smaller than .ubx files, and 60% smaller than .oao files, so file transfers will be a bit faster. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussion.

Another new feature in this version of Speedreader is support for .gpx files, and for calculating speeds even if no "doppler" speeds are present. That may be of interest to some watch users. Whenever possible, the use of .fit files is preferable, since many watch manufacturers do not include some important information in the .gpx files.

Downloads of GPS Speedreader are at ecwindfest.org/GPS/GPSSpeedreader.html

The .gpy format specification is at github.com/prichterich/compactgnss/issues/2, with example code in Java at github.com/prichterich/compactgnss
The file format definition is released to the public domain, and the example code is released under the MIT license, which allows for any use, including commercial, as long as the typical "No warranties" clauses are included.

decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
12 Dec 2022 8:40AM
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Nice one Peter and Mike, that's a huge drop in file size!
So I guess the next version of Jan's software will include it?
Will it replace .sbp, at least until it gets wider support.

rp6conrad
364 posts
12 Dec 2022 3:01PM
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decrepit said..
Nice one Peter and Mike, that's a huge drop in file size!
So I guess the next version of Jan's software will include it?
Will it replace .sbp, at least until it gets wider support.


I am working on it, so the next release will include the new format. I will also include the gpx format (@1Hz), this format can be used for video overlay. All formats can be used simultanous and can be choosen over the webserver.
Greetings Jan.

decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
12 Dec 2022 4:42PM
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Thanks Jan!
Where will it end?
Things just keep getting better and better!!!!

Aus501 Boz
WA, 115 posts
12 Dec 2022 7:26PM
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Quick couple photos and I'll put a doc on GitHub for anyone that want to make a custom housing out of Divinycell. The basics, 3mm Divinycell, super glue to glue the cut components, some glass and epoxy and off course all the internal bits, internal bits held in place with a little hot glue.

I decided not to epoxy fill for a couple reasons. 1.) easy to cut open and replace parts if required not hard to do, I actually had to was straight forward and a quick reglue 2.) wanted something that was light and could float, probably not the best colour I did this one in but, it was a spare can of wrap on paint I had, similar to the wrap on you place on cars.






decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
12 Dec 2022 8:38PM
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Great job Boz!!

BigBoss
66 posts
13 Dec 2022 8:15PM
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boardsurfr said..

John340 said..
...I don't look at the screen in runs.


Interesting. We had a few sessions in small chop (maybe 20 cm), and never looked at the screen when going for top speed. I thought that perfectly flat water might be a different story, since you have to worry less about hitting chop wrong and catapulting. That's not an issue with sound feedback.
I have used the ESP screen during nauti runs even in chop, though. I guess you get more time to look so you can pick safe spots, and I'm usually going a bit slower, too. But I'll bring the phones and head phones on our trip to WA.


To the discussion if you will watch the speed in een speedrun. First I think you don't want (can) do that because you need al your concentration on the run (not to crash). So we didn't give that much attention. but when we tested the different configurations (bn220 vs bn280) I used waterproof bags on both upperarms around the elbow. Visibility of the new bags was top. The esp screen is bright. And the place on your arm (upperarm /elbow) is in line where you look. So I noticed that I did look on the screen so I can see my real-time speed. I had to change my opinion. You wil and can see the real-time speed if the housing and location on your arm, is as I mentioned. It doesn't matter if it was choppy or flat. If it's in the line where you look, you wil see it.

rp6conrad
364 posts
14 Dec 2022 4:26PM
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For those who want even a bigger screen, there is a T5 board with a 2.66" e-paper. The actual sw can be used, but needs some tweaking : other e-paper lib, and more important : the spi connection uses apparently other pins.
The actual screens do not use the complete screen, so there is still some work to do with bigger fonts and layout.
The board is bigger, it wont fit in the actual cases !
You need also the T-U2T usb serial converter, as there is no serial chip on the board.
Resolution 2.13 screen : 244 * 122 pixels
Resolution 2.66 screen : 296*152 pixels
nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005002474854718.html

Freezer
111 posts
14 Dec 2022 7:58PM
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rp6conrad said..
For those who want even a bigger screen, there is a T5 board with a 2.66" e-paper. The actual sw can be used, but needs some tweaking : other e-paper lib, and more important : the spi connection uses apparently other pins.
The actual screens do not use the complete screen, so there is still some work to do with bigger fonts and layout.
The board is bigger, it wont fit in the actual cases !
You need also the T-U2T usb serial converter, as there is no serial chip on the board.
Resolution 2.13 screen : 244 * 122 pixels
Resolution 2.66 screen : 296*152 pixels
nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005002474854718.html


Interesting, so the refresh rates are the same? I believe the epaper is not glued to the board, so could it be bend in a curve? Then I would rotate it into the upper-arm design...
The additional pixels can be used rather quickly by larger fonts or more data.

Rolz
QLD, 169 posts
15 Dec 2022 12:39PM
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Freezer said..

rp6conrad said..
For those who want even a bigger screen, there is a T5 board with a 2.66" e-paper. The actual sw can be used, but needs some tweaking : other e-paper lib, and more important : the spi connection uses apparently other pins.
The actual screens do not use the complete screen, so there is still some work to do with bigger fonts and layout.
The board is bigger, it wont fit in the actual cases !
You need also the T-U2T usb serial converter, as there is no serial chip on the board.
Resolution 2.13 screen : 244 * 122 pixels
Resolution 2.66 screen : 296*152 pixels
nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005002474854718.html



Interesting, so the refresh rates are the same? I believe the epaper is not glued to the board, so could it be bend in a curve? Then I would rotate it into the upper-arm design...
The additional pixels can be used rather quickly by larger fonts or more data.


no bend... very rigid

Rolz
QLD, 169 posts
15 Dec 2022 12:46PM
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Sorry if this has been brought up before, but are these devices approved by the GPSTC Admin team to be used?
I'm really enjoying learning and building this device, as the knowledge is transferable to other projects I'm interested in.

Just would be good to know in case others spend time, effort, and $$$ building these all for naught...

shannon19
QLD, 104 posts
15 Dec 2022 1:24PM
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Rolz said..
Sorry if this has been brought up before, but are these devices approved by the GPSTC Admin team to be used?
I'm really enjoying learning and building this device, as the knowledge is transferable to other projects I'm interested in.

Just would be good to know in case others spend time, effort, and $$$ building these all for naught...


Yeah they can be approved for GPSTC. You have to send in tracks from an approved device for comparison. I had 2 units approved a couple of weeks ago.

decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
15 Dec 2022 1:04PM
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Yes, as Shannon says they can certainly Be approved. But we have to careful that they are built to Jan's spec. The biggest trap is to use a cheap BN220, The Bietian look a likes don't use multi GNNS, don't get as many sats and aren't as accurate.

I've been doing some tests with my boom units, and when averaged, their accuracy compares with the unit I wear on my head.

Rolz
QLD, 169 posts
15 Dec 2022 5:09PM
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decrepit said..
Yes, as Shannon says they can certainly Be approved. But we have to careful that they are built to Jan's spec. The biggest trap is to use a cheap BN220, The Bietian look a likes don't use multi GNNS, don't get as many sats and aren't as accurate.

I've been doing some tests with my boom units, and when averaged, their accuracy compares with the unit I wear on my head.


awesome! yeah I have got the Beitian BN-220 gps... I'm still a little off putting it all together, but thats great news

mikey100
QLD, 1097 posts
16 Dec 2022 7:04AM
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Sooooo. each separate unit has to get its own separate approval! Would this not become a big workload for the committee?

decrepit
WA, 12765 posts
16 Dec 2022 8:18AM
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mikey100 said..
Sooooo. each separate unit has to get its own separate approval! Would this not become a big workload for the committee?


It's not starting from scratch with an unknown device. So extensive testing shouldn't be necessary.

We know what files from them should look like, up against any other approved device. Although it's more relevant to use another 10hz device like the motion to compare with.
My advice is to do some car runs before potting, and let us have a look. If they are fine then go ahead and pot them.

sailquik
VIC, 6165 posts
16 Dec 2022 2:35PM
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decrepit said..

mikey100 said..
Sooooo. each separate unit has to get its own separate approval! Would this not become a big workload for the committee?



It's not starting from scratch with an unknown device. So extensive testing shouldn't be necessary.

We know what files from them should look like, up against any other approved device. Although it's more relevant to use another 10hz device like the motion to compare with.
My advice is to do some car runs before potting, and let us have a look. If they are fine then go ahead and pot them.


exactly what Mike said.

Freezer
111 posts
17 Dec 2022 1:54AM
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Rolz said..

Freezer said..


rp6conrad said..
For those who want even a bigger screen, there is a T5 board with a 2.66" e-paper. The actual sw can be used, but needs some tweaking : other e-paper lib, and more important : the spi connection uses apparently other pins.
The actual screens do not use the complete screen, so there is still some work to do with bigger fonts and layout.
The board is bigger, it wont fit in the actual cases !
You need also the T-U2T usb serial converter, as there is no serial chip on the board.
Resolution 2.13 screen : 244 * 122 pixels
Resolution 2.66 screen : 296*152 pixels
nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005002474854718.html




Interesting, so the refresh rates are the same? I believe the epaper is not glued to the board, so could it be bend in a curve? Then I would rotate it into the upper-arm design...
The additional pixels can be used rather quickly by larger fonts or more data.



no bend... very rigid


I have a few (water) damaged displays. Might try swapping them for flexible ones: www.good-display.com/product/230.html



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Forums > Windsurfing   Gps and Speed talk


"Another DIY GPS logger approach" started by rp6conrad