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
10 Aug 2023 8:28PM
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boardsurfr said..
GPSAR has VMG graphs. Outside of racing, I'm not sure what the point is. I often look at polar plots, though, which show quite well well what angles to the wind I'm getting (using the "Straight line" speeds, though, to eliminate speeds during jibes and tacks).

The wind direction is calculated by balancing the graph so it looks like a butterfly. Sometimes, it comes out wrong by 180 degrees, but since we usually know the difference between a N and S wind, that can be adjusted with the slider on top. If you go upwind a lot better or harder on one tack than the other, or only jibe on one side and tack on the other, the estimated wind direction can be off, too.


Correct, it is for racing only..

rp6conrad
364 posts
16 Aug 2023 4:25PM
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A new SW update is on Github : SW 5.78
Changes SW5.78
Sleeptime 21600s -> 1800s, only screen update if delta_bat_voltage> 0.01 V !!
Start_logging_speed configurable over webserver
Watchdog when downloading file now 600s
Added actual 0.5h and actual 1h in speed screen with "big Font"
Speed_screens can be choosen, analog to the stat_screens : setting 841 will toggle between three screens : 1,4 and 8. Only one digit : toggle from 0...9 Especially usefull if you have the sealed pushbutton instead of the reed-switch

Greetings, Jan.

svendk
4 posts
8 Sep 2023 3:49AM
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I got rid of this forum after reading the documentation of the how to build the Speedsurfing GPS tool.

After building the components together I almost got it working.. All is working with the latest 3 versions of the BIN files and GPS is recognised in some of the versions.

But did anyone run into the issue that after uploading the BIN file the system always gets in Setup mode? After seting up the details in the config web-page a reset of the esp is done. All times I do a reset (by button on device or by software) the system is booting into the OTA sketch...
From there I can upload a bin file again, but any reset is making the device in OTA mode.

I did not attach a lipo ( as it is still shipping) , the b74 board is powered by USB. Could that be the case?
Any suggestions would be great to get rid of this last issue!!

decrepit
WA, 12764 posts
8 Sep 2023 9:04AM
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If a wifi isn't discovered it stays in ONTG mode for about a minute, there's a count down number as it goes.
It's only after that it starts looking for sats, then goes into speed mode.

Rolz
QLD, 169 posts
8 Sep 2023 12:38PM
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svendk said..
I got rid of this forum after reading the documentation of the how to build the Speedsurfing GPS tool.

After building the components together I almost got it working.. All is working with the latest 3 versions of the BIN files and GPS is recognised in some of the versions.

But did anyone run into the issue that after uploading the BIN file the system always gets in Setup mode? After seting up the details in the config web-page a reset of the esp is done. All times I do a reset (by button on device or by software) the system is booting into the OTA sketch...
From there I can upload a bin file again, but any reset is making the device in OTA mode.

I did not attach a lipo ( as it is still shipping) , the b74 board is powered by USB. Could that be the case?
Any suggestions would be great to get rid of this last issue!!



do u have a sd card in there with the config file saved on it?

shannon19
QLD, 104 posts
8 Sep 2023 2:09PM
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svendk said..
I got rid of this forum after reading the documentation of the how to build the Speedsurfing GPS tool.

After building the components together I almost got it working.. All is working with the latest 3 versions of the BIN files and GPS is recognised in some of the versions.

But did anyone run into the issue that after uploading the BIN file the system always gets in Setup mode? After seting up the details in the config web-page a reset of the esp is done. All times I do a reset (by button on device or by software) the system is booting into the OTA sketch...
From there I can upload a bin file again, but any reset is making the device in OTA mode.

I did not attach a lipo ( as it is still shipping) , the b74 board is powered by USB. Could that be the case?
Any suggestions would be great to get rid of this last issue!!


I'm pretty sure I had this problem when flashing the board from Linux. It was like the OTA firmware was flashed to non volatile memory. You could then flash the speed reader firmware OTA but it goes to volatile memory so if the power is disconnected you had to reflash it OTA.

Jn1 pointed me in the direction of a command line command to get the job done.

python3 /home/jsno/.arduino15/packages/esp32/tools/esptool_py/3.0.0/esptool.py
--chip esp32 --port /dev/ttyACM0 --baud 921600 --before default_reset
--after hard_reset write_flash -z --flash_mode dio --flash_freq 80m
--flash_size detect 0xe000
/home/jsno/.arduino15/packages/esp32/hardware/esp32/1.0.6/tools/partitions/boot_app0.bin
0x1000 /home/jsno/.arduino15/packages/esp32/hardware/esp32/1.0.6/tools/sdk/bin/bootloader_qio_80m.bin
0x10000 ~/proj/esp_gps_logger/images/Rtos5.54aB74_satstat.esp32.bin

i am not sure if the code above works as by the time I understood it I had flashed the board on a friends window machine.

svendk
4 posts
8 Sep 2023 4:08PM
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Thanks for the reply. I did not use a linux machine. updating the Arduino Ide was something I tried also.
I will see if i can get something done with the commandline code you provided.

rp6conrad
364 posts
8 Sep 2023 4:18PM
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So the first time flashing the ESP was over usb with the Arduino IDE ? Then, when trying to upload the "Rtos5.78B74.bin" over the air, you have access to the configuration webpage. After "submit", the ESP will boot, en connect to your Wifi, and you can only connect to the OTA webpage ?
Important : you cannot flash the ESP with OTA if you are connected over the AP-mode ( Wifi network ESP32AP) ! OTA is only possible if you connect to your home wifi network !
What is on the ESP screen ? Can you make a screenshot ?
Greetings, Jan.

svendk
4 posts
9 Sep 2023 12:03AM
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Hi Jan,
Exactly as you have summarized. All ways of reboot did loose the program, and returned back to the OTA tooling.
I installed Phyton and runned the esptools from Espressive in PowerShell. Resetted the ESP to factory settings. (same issue)

Then tried to flash from the commandline in PowerShell as described by shannon19, which returned an error: 'Detected overlap at address: 0xe000'. Probably due referencing not tothe right files...

At last I tried to setup the alternative way of flashing by the Esprreive tooling from the installation-guide. and finally it seems to work! :)

I am still facing some strange behaviour, probably due a monday-morning board. Sometimes the board gets into AP-Mode after booting, it might detect a keypress? As there is not any connection (switch is not installed) it does ot make sense to me.

Really happy so far! waiting to add the lipo now, probably I try tomake an insert for a gopro-case for 3d-printing..
Many thnks for the help and the awesome development of this!

rp6conrad
364 posts
9 Sep 2023 12:57AM
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svendk said..
Hi Jan,
I am still facing some strange behaviour, probably due a monday-morning board. Sometimes the board gets into AP-Mode after booting, it might detect a keypress? As there is not any connection (switch is not installed) it does ot make sense to me.

Really happy so far! waiting to add the lipo now, probably I try tomake an insert for a gopro-case for 3d-printing..
Many thanks for the help and the awesome development of this!

If there is no config.txt file present , the AP-mode is directly active for at least 120 s ! This could be the reason for direct boot into AP-mode.
Greetings, Jan.

svendk
4 posts
9 Sep 2023 2:43AM
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That could be also the case, the sd card has probably slightly moved, it is on the opposit side off the reset button, so it is reasenable that you press the card when clicking the reset button..

decrepit
WA, 12764 posts
9 Sep 2023 9:24AM
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I'm trying to update old firmware and get the No serverindex problem.
I can't remember the fix, any clues anybody?

OK simple, double clicking the file doesn't work, you have to select and open

BigBoss
66 posts
13 Sep 2023 8:42PM
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Well I have some strange issues to, now with the new firmware (4.77 and 4.78). Last time surfing I used my esp32 which I build 1.5 years ago and always works flawless. Very reliable. It startup normal. While surfing it displayed the current speed (thats normal) but then it says something: "gps frames < 1 S". in big letters. At the gybe the messages is gone, that's why I don't know the message exactly. I had another gps that sessie (Gyro1). Compared the 2 and the esp32 did not reports al the runs. I noticed that the screen with the spikes to visually the runs goes even negative.
I build en new device with the new firmware and while testing the same message popped up shortly.
I tried to reproduce it, but after the reboot it functions normal. But strange that it happens on 2 devices
Both devices are now on 4.78. I want to access the configuration thru AP mode. It connects to the phone and it gives an ip adress but I can't connect with the browser. Both devices give the same result. Reboot and connect with the (home) WiFi router it works fine. I tried on a iPhone and a iPad, both same result. With older firmware there was no problem to access (browser) the esp32 in AP mode. Something changed?






rp6conrad
364 posts
14 Sep 2023 3:28AM
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BigBoss said.
Well I have some strange issues to, now with the new firmware (4.77 and 4.78). Last time surfing I used my esp32 which I build 1.5 years ago and always works flawless. Very reliable. It startup normal. While surfing it displayed the current speed (thats normal) but then it says something:.







"no gps frames >1s" was added some time ago. If for whatever reason the gps messages are not received, you get this message. Before this change , there was just a freeze of the last accepted speed. I will set the time-out longer, to prevent unneeded warnings. Best is too check the gpy file with gps-speedreader for "lost points". This will tell you if it was just a bug, or there is really a problem.
The bar graph does not report negative speeds, but the scale is not started at zero speed ! In your picture, it started on 10, max 50. I f there is a run lower then 10, it appears to be negative.
Too access the webpages over AP-mode, you have too switch off "Mobile data" on your phone / Ipad. If mobile internet access is present (mobile data), the phone will always try to search the internet instead directly the IP-adress "192.168.4.1"

Greetings, Jan

Flex2
WA, 366 posts
14 Sep 2023 8:22PM
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Made this mast mount version of Jan's GPS about 3 months ago but due to injury and almost no wind haven't been able to test it till today. Not my idea. It's Boz's idea combined with Al's integrated strap concept. Idea is during big chop, fully committed speed run etc there is no way you gonna glance at the boom mount. The shoulder mount is optimal but you need to change focus to read during a run so this concept to get the display more in peripheral vision.

Took it for a quick spin today. Seemed best position was bottom of sail cutout. I made this initially for Starboard tack as almost all speed runs in Southern hemisphere are weirdly Starboard.

Initially I thought would have to make a Port tack version if required. However, just from today low wind session it appears one could make this into a flip system to cover both tacks (possibly even automatic using sail camber/cams to flip the display). Worst case just manumatic flip.

This print is designed for the BE-180 (M10) chip and is plug and play (as much as possible), meaning you can plug in any
Universal Qi Wireless Charger Receiver.

can down load this design and others at www.printables.com/@Flex/collections/474942





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boardsurfr
WA, 2454 posts
14 Sep 2023 9:57PM
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Love the simplicity of the design, Jim!

decrepit
WA, 12764 posts
15 Sep 2023 8:21AM
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It looks great in the hand as well, Jim's normal excellent work

Aus501 Boz
WA, 115 posts
15 Sep 2023 8:32AM
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Brilliant Jim, streamlined compared to my Bunnings parts job. I found the bottom of boom is best as well. It's not only handy to see the speed but also for viewing NM and especially the Alphas and the gate distance without having to be distracted.

sailquik
VIC, 6165 posts
15 Sep 2023 12:18PM
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A great alternative for instant feedback on a speed run is to use a cheap android phone with GPS-Logit installed.

Put it in a waterproof arm bag, wear it on your bicep. listen to you speed every second with the speed-talk function. No need to look at anything.

An even better solution that Mark Jordan uses, is to strap the phone bag to the side of his helmet to make the speed-talk very easy to hear under all circumstances.

Cheap Andriod phones are very convenient and powerful little computers with a lot of features that would be much more difficult and expensive to build into a EPS type of device. There are some great possibilities for combining the two.

Many years ago (2015) Manfred Fuchs made me a small Bluetooth GPS logger with a Ublox M8 that transmits its data output to a cheap android phone running GPS-Logit. The phone does all the processing, recording and gives me running results in the GPS windsurfing categories AND talks my current speed in real time.

?si=IIKuF80dYCyiWhRi

The downside is that the phones are not waterproof and need to be protected in a good waterproof arm bag, and you are now dealing with two parts for the system, the BT logger (I always wear it in my helmet) and the phone (on my arm). It is more convenient to use a single ESP or LCD Motion, but neither can do the speed talk.

Nowadays, I use the Motion for the results and use the phone for the audio feedback from its own internal GPS. The phone (using its internal GPS) is not always very accurate (some times it is way off!! ) but is usually 'close enough' for useful audio feedback.

So, what I am suggesting is that it would be interesting to include a speaker and speed talk in an ESP type device for Audio feedback.


BSN101
WA, 2372 posts
16 Sep 2023 10:06AM
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Flex2 said..
Made this mast mount version of Jan's GPS about 3 months ago but due to injury and almost no wind haven't been able to test it till today. Not my idea. It's Boz's idea combined with Al's integrated strap concept. Idea is during big chop, fully committed speed run etc there is no way you gonna glance at the boom mount. The shoulder mount is optimal but you need to change focus to read during a run so this concept to get the display more in peripheral vision.

Took it for a quick spin today. Seemed best position was bottom of sail cutout. I made this initially for Starboard tack as almost all speed runs in Southern hemisphere are weirdly Starboard.

Initially I thought would have to make a Port tack version if required. However, just from today low wind session it appears one could make this into a flip system to cover both tacks (possibly even automatic using sail camber/cams to flip the display). Worst case just manumatic flip.

This print is designed for the BE-180 (M10) chip and is plug and play (as much as possible), meaning you can plug in any
Universal Qi Wireless Charger Receiver.

can down load this design and others at www.printables.com/@Flex/collections/474942





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wa

ys


Can you make the device with 2 screens. 1 each side so the info is there when you need it regardless of which direction you are going.

Windxtasy
WA, 4017 posts
17 Sep 2023 9:11AM
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Flex2 said..
Made this mast mount version of Jan's GPS about 3 months ago but due to injury and almost no wind haven't been able to test it till today. Not my idea. It's Boz's idea combined with Al's integrated strap concept. Idea is during big chop, fully committed speed run etc there is no way you gonna glance at the boom mount. The shoulder mount is optimal but you need to change focus to read during a run so this concept to get the display more in peripheral vision.

Took it for a quick spin today. Seemed best position was bottom of sail cutout. I made this initially for Starboard tack as almost all speed runs in Southern hemisphere are weirdly Starboard.

Initially I thought would have to make a Port tack version if required. However, just from today low wind session it appears one could make this into a flip system to cover both tacks (possibly even automatic using sail camber/cams to flip the display). Worst case just manumatic flip.

This print is designed for the BE-180 (M10) chip and is plug and play (as much as possible), meaning you can plug in any
Universal Qi Wireless Charger Receiver.

can down load this design and others at www.printables.com/@Flex/collections/474942





A

s

al

wa

ys


Hi Jim, I didn't get to see the actual version up close on Tuesday, was keen to get sailing. Glad to hear it worked well.
I may need to make some more...
I can't quite picture how it could rotate and still be seen unless you had a screen on both sides...
and would it get in the way while tacking?

I notice there are some filling defects (of the potting epoxy) in yours as there are in mine.
I am sure that doesn't worry you but I would prefer a more faultless look, and a slightly thicker layer over the screen would waterproof it better. I have one of my older units where the GPS still works but the screen doesn't.
After I made my last units I was thinking there needs to be just a bit more space between the black screen surround and the polycarbonate cover, which would mean making the sides of the box just a teensy bit higher.

Flex2
WA, 366 posts
17 Sep 2023 9:33PM
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Yes Anita, the interface between the surround and polycarbonate should be non zero in order to eliminate these cosmetic artefacts. Could super glue some thin cardboard/paper around the outside (cheap way) on top of the inside trim cover before glueing on the polycarbonate to add this small gap to let the air out/epoxy in. Else another 3D print to do same.For the mast mount, yes, two screens/units is nice but adds cost and more complex to fit the charging receiver.

The basic concept of the flipper idea is per very rough sketches below. One unit spins on pivots with index stops for each tack. Easy enough to flip it manually but with more complexity could add a geared flipper to use the sail camber to flip the display. Would make it so it can only spin 270deg or so so no way to twist the safety leash to breaking point.






decrepit
WA, 12764 posts
18 Sep 2023 8:10AM
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Oh Flex that is soooo smart!!!

Flex2
WA, 366 posts
18 Sep 2023 9:26PM
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Here is first pass draft of how an auto flip mech might work using the sail pocket to activate. Angles aren't quite right and the gear ratio needs to be tweaked in real world (here is 1:2.1)but you hopefully get the idea of concept.






Rolz
QLD, 169 posts
20 Sep 2023 4:23PM
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as cool as that is, my confidence to send that into the board and through the other side on a decent crash is very high

decrepit
WA, 12764 posts
20 Sep 2023 5:36PM
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It's just below the boom, with any luck that will hit first

Flex2
WA, 366 posts
23 Sep 2023 9:28PM
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Rolz said..
as cool as that is, my confidence to send that into the board and through the other side on a decent crash is very high


Hmmm, You made me worried so I checked all my sails and boards (currently iSonics). Zero chance can put this thing through my boards. All my sails are roughly 120cm from bottom of sail to bottom of cutout, once rigged with extension they were closer to 130cm. With the mast track fully back my 3 boards were no longer than 105cm from mast track to nose of board so worse case I have at least 20cm clearance from nose so zero chance of gps impacting board. Only chance for mast mount GPS to hit board is at the rear of board and would think this type of impact will usually be low or so brutal I will unlikely care. Maybe I am just lucky with my setup?





segler
WA, 1656 posts
23 Sep 2023 11:35PM
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So why not just move it above the boom?

decrepit
WA, 12764 posts
24 Sep 2023 9:22AM
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line of sight not as good

Flex2
WA, 366 posts
24 Sep 2023 6:19PM
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ya, if above boom definitely got to look up which is almost worse than a glance at boom mount. In addition also interfere's with gybe/tack



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Forums > Windsurfing   Gps and Speed talk


"Another DIY GPS logger approach" started by rp6conrad