Radarspotting

Mode-S Receivers => DVB-T Dongles and Self-Assembly Receivers => Topic started by: IanH on October 04, 2014, 10:38:42 AM

Title: Dongles on Android
Post by: IanH on October 04, 2014, 10:38:42 AM
Doing a search for RTL2832U info and I stumbled across this:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=marto.rtl_tcp_andro&hl=en

So the interface is working - just need software cross-compiling. And looks like someone already has:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wilsonae.android.usbserial&hl=en
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on October 29, 2014, 11:42:24 AM
Ian,

Have you tried this yet?

I have a spare DVB-T Dongle at home I bought wondered if using that plus 'ADS-B on USB SDR RTL' and OTG cable is worth a go.

Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: EGTE24 on October 29, 2014, 01:39:47 PM
I've tried it - in fact, I have it running now - on an Arcos 80 G9 tablet.

It works well in 'text view', outputting in a format similar to that from dump1090, however in 'map view' it's rather unstable.

I would say it's worth paying the 91 pence for though, if only to encourage the developer to progress with it, as it has potential.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on October 29, 2014, 01:53:03 PM
Which OTG cable did you go for? I would want one that charges the phone at the same time.

I have send the developer an email asking if there is a logging facility or whether that cane be made on it i.e. tap a place to record the reg/Hex in a log/txt/word file.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: EGTE24 on October 29, 2014, 02:03:35 PM
Quote from: LX-LGN on October 29, 2014, 01:53:03 PM
Which OTG cable did you go for ?

This one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0064GZAIQ/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0064GZAIQ/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on October 29, 2014, 02:17:17 PM
Thanks Terry,

I would want one that charges the phone at the same time.

I am looking on amazon for one.

When you're using the dongle does it drain power much?
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: EGTE24 on October 29, 2014, 03:16:59 PM
Quote from: LX-LGN on October 29, 2014, 02:17:17 PM
When you're using the dongle does it drain power much?

Not significantly on the Arcos, but having said that, I've only used it for relatively short periods - 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on October 29, 2014, 06:20:12 PM
Thanks Terry.

I have ordered the cable and downloaded the free version and will upgrade if it all works.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: IanH on October 30, 2014, 04:51:24 PM
Looks like something else to try  ;D

Thanks for the feedback.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on November 03, 2014, 01:17:17 PM
Hi all,

Cable turned tup today.

Connected to a DVB-t dongle and the android software and bingo. It works with the test app. Will d/l the.91p version next
It gives a map and a data list but in hex only. Still not bad. If the weather improves I can give It a full once over
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: IanH on November 09, 2014, 04:50:25 PM
Looks like the free version of that isn't available any more to try - pity since I want to check it works on my tablet.

Found another free item which runs for 2000 packets before stopping - at least it showed it worked on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.3.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bs.Avare.ADSB&hl=en_GB

Paid version is £1-56 - not tempted yet.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bs.Avare.ADSB.Pro&hl=en_GB

Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: IanH on November 09, 2014, 11:20:56 PM
And I reckon that these apps on Android will have limited appeal given the arrival of full Win8.1 on 7 and 8 inch tablets for £80 and £100 so you can run the apps you already know and love  ;D.

Limited RAM and disk space but depends what you want them for.
http://www.uk.insight.com/en-gb/productinfo/tablets-pdas-and-smartphones/0003814100-00000001

Apparently just the beginning of a wave of "cheap" Win8.1 tablets.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Triple7 on November 10, 2014, 01:18:36 PM
Quote from: LX-LGN on November 03, 2014, 01:17:17 PM
Cable turned up today.

Is the cable one that will charge the phone as well as run the dongle as I'm looking for one to use with my tablet.

Thanks

Tim
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: IanH on November 10, 2014, 03:46:50 PM
Tim

I don't know and even after a quick look on the web, I'm none the wiser.

The OTG cable has some simple wiring changes compared to a standard cable but whether it affects the charging capability I don't know.

Ian
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: shakysen on November 10, 2014, 04:21:14 PM
I have a Belkin charges Kindles' ipod. Scanners.IPhone at 2amps
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on November 10, 2014, 06:08:59 PM
No it doesn't charge and reading through a couple of things from reviewers oin amazon there aren't many ones that do charge and read etc.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: shakysen on November 10, 2014, 06:35:27 PM
Mine charges any USB mini device's including.Sat Nav, Raspberry pi. hamup converter
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Anmer on November 12, 2014, 08:54:10 AM
Do these help?

http://shop.valarm.net/blogs/news/9042179-micro-usb-host-otg-y-cable-with-micro-usb-power-charge-for-android-phones

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Port-Micro-USB-Power-Charging-OTG-Hub-Adapter-Cable-for-Samsung-Galaxy-S5-S4-/271641277647?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesories_MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item3f3f14f4cf

Looks like OTG phone/tablet "charging" cables are device specific for now.

Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Triple7 on November 12, 2014, 11:29:02 AM
I've ordered the one from eBay and will post my findings when it arrives. I'm not holding out too much hope as I want to use it with a Hudl2. I took the view that power is power and the micro USB connection is the same, so we'll see what happens.

Tim
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on November 21, 2014, 10:45:47 AM
Well then folks.

I plugged the dongle into the cable attached antenna and plugged them into my Sony Xperia SP.

As I already had the app installed on the phone it comes to life straight away. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bs.Avare.ADSB.Pro&hl=en_GB

I was on the station at Selhurst in South London and my eyes did widen a bit when the dongle picked up aircraft from just west of Reading, Stansted, almost to Gatwick (there are a few large building in the way in central Croydon) and as far wast as Colchester.

The app does what is says on the tin: It received ADS-B data!

The aircraft are plotted on an inbuilt map (although you have to always zoom in to your location which is a bit frustrating)

Other than the map is a data button. This shows lots of info but NOT the aircraft reg. just the HEX.

The aircraft are not "logged" anywhere on the phone which to me is a bit of a disappointment. I suggested on the apps Google Play page that a way of logging OR if you select an aircraft it logs to a text/log file would be a very useful enhancement. Especially as the identification is the HEX you at least could check the aircraft later.

There are a few other things I'd like to see included in the app but for the price of £1.56 what you get is a nice little bit of kit. It's not something I would always be using (I have FR24 Premium app on the phone too) but it is a nice little bit of kit to have as a back up and also for the time my premium lapses :( .

Ease of use 7/10
Value for money 8/10
Features 7/10

Can I recommend it?  Yes - Nice little bit of kit to use as a back up or if you happen to be at an airport :)
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Breitling on November 21, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
Did you need to root the phone?  I've read somewhere it was necessary.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Anmer on November 21, 2014, 11:08:39 AM
Thanks for the review, very interesting.

But can it compete with an FR24 or Planefinder app which give us registrations etc?
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on November 21, 2014, 11:08:55 AM
Nope it was downloaded ... then plug and play. Worked just fine for me. :)
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: LX-LGN on November 21, 2014, 11:12:02 AM
Quote from: Anmer on November 21, 2014, 11:08:39 AM
Thanks for the review, very interesting.

But can it compete with an FR24 or Planefinder app which give us registrations etc?

Thanks.

tbh no that is not to detract from it. I don't like planefinder (got the free version) and I really like FR24 Premium. But there have been times I have no 4G connection (even places where 3G is an issue) so this would be an advantage to someone in a poor 4G area.
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Breitling on November 21, 2014, 11:48:40 AM
Does it show non ADS-B traffic (just Mode-S)?
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Triple7 on December 01, 2014, 08:51:43 AM
Quote from: Triple7 on November 12, 2014, 11:29:02 AM
I've ordered the one from eBay and will post my findings when it arrives.

Well the OTG cable has arrived and as I suspected, it doesn't charge the Hudl - the charge light comes on for about half a second and then goes out again. Oh well.....

Here's the one I bought:

EDIT Shaky reported the link upset his security software so here's a better one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Port-Micro-USB-Power-Charging-OTG-Hub-Adapter-Cable-for-Samsung-HTC-Galaxy-Tab-/261632310201?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhoneAccesories_MobilePhoneDataCables_JN&hash=item3cea803bb9

Tim
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: IanH on December 01, 2014, 10:36:15 AM
You are using the charging connector I hope, not one of the 3 x USB?  ;)
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Triple7 on December 01, 2014, 10:38:44 AM
Yes Ian, I am  :)

Tim
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Breitling on January 05, 2015, 10:56:41 PM
During this Christmas holidays I tried the Android app on my phone with a chinese dongle and a simple  OTG cable. Located at the northern spanish shore in a place between Oviedo and Santander, on a hill top (380m ASL), with a huge mountain range to the south but clear 180º view to the north. Standard whip antenna trimmed to 68 mm (1/4 wavelength).

I'm impressed with the results. Max distance: 282 nm. Received frame counter reached 4 figure numbers in just a few seconds. I leave proof of the event with some pictures and screenshots.

(http://ramonferreiro.dyndns.org/foros/radarspotting/20150103_120612.jpg)

(http://ramonferreiro.dyndns.org/foros/radarspotting/20150103_120628.jpg)

(http://ramonferreiro.dyndns.org/foros/radarspotting/20150103_120706.jpg)

(http://ramonferreiro.dyndns.org/foros/radarspotting/Screenshot_2015-01-03-12-19-29.png)

(http://ramonferreiro.dyndns.org/foros/radarspotting/Screenshot_2015-01-03-12-19-48.png)

(http://ramonferreiro.dyndns.org/foros/radarspotting/Screenshot_2015-01-03-12-20-27.png)
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Anmer on January 06, 2015, 08:45:32 AM
Thanks for sharing that experience.

Good to see your grandson made it out to visit you this Christmas.  ;)
Title: Re: Dongles on Android
Post by: Breitling on January 06, 2015, 09:19:20 AM
Quote from: Anmer on January 06, 2015, 08:45:32 AM
Good to see your grandson made it out to visit you this Christmas.  ;)

No no, people in picture are just my father and me  :)