OpenAPRS Mobile v2.1 Released! Web server Imrpovements.

I've released v2.1 of OpenAPRS mobile, the xL version for iPad is just around the corner (waiting for apple review).

I noticed that iPhone will go into a deep sleep mode when it's locked which disables GPS updates. I've researched and found a solution that plays a blank wav file every so often so the iPhone is forced to stay awake even though it is locked. Unfortunately, this appears to be the only way to prevent deep sleep since the SDK doesn't have any other options other than disabling the screen saver idle timer (which is already supported in OpenAPRS mobile). The next release will have a new option in Settings that allows you to prevent the iPhone deep sleep but the trade-off will be battery life.

I've changed the web servers and the production code to optimize things a bit which should help allow more users on at one time and improve slowdowns. You may notice now that the map no longer shows position tracks for stations on the main display. The query to display the tracks for 100+ stations at once was taking too much time so position tracks are now limited to track mode. Fortunately you can track multiple stations at one time so if you want to see the tracks for a group of stations for an event it should be pretty simple.

Also, to improve performance as a whole I have changed the web code to go into an idle mode when it detects the web browser has been left unattended. Typically the map data is refreshed every 15 seconds or on zoom change. Now, this behavior is the same as long as you have been moving the map within 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of inactivity map data refreshes are slowed down to once every 5 minutes. This means that when you return, you will still see active APRS data, it is just not updated as frequently. Once you move the map again the 15 second data refresh will resume until you are idle for 15 minutes again.

OpenAPRS for iPhone - 2.1 Is Just Around the Corner

OpenAPRS for iPhone 2.1 is in pre-release stages and will offer several user suggested feature improvements and additions.

Here is what is coming...

• 04/28/2010 - Change default Google map type from settings (street, satellite hybrid).
• 04/28/2010 - Ability to change Google map type from map console.
• 04/28/2010 - Increased console icon size.
• 04/28/2010 - Detailed information for stations on map.
• 04/28/2010 - Tracking mode will show previous stations breadcrums.
• 04/28/2010 - WX Stations show weather conditions in station detail view.
• 04/28/2010 - Object creation and deletion.

OpenAPRS iPhone Edition RELEASED!

Yesterday I received word back that Apple approved our APRS iPhone application. Search for "OpenAPRS" or "APRS" in the app store to find it.

OpenAPRS iPhone Edition Details:

OpenAPRS iPhone Edition brings the world of APRS right to your iPhone. Paired with iPhone’s built in map engine, Internet connection and GPS, OpenAPRS gives you access to check your APRS messages, beacon your position and view other Amateur Radio operators anywhere in the world.

Send your position with any model iPhone by assisted GPS, cell phone triangulation or manual coordinate entry. Share your trip with your friends as they view you on their iPhones, APRS software connected to APRS-IS or on the OpenAPRS website:

http://www.openaprs.net/

Posted positions can also be viewed at other APRS websites such as aprs.fi, findu.com and APRSWorld.

Check your APRS messages or send a message to a friend right from OpenAPRS iPhone Edition. Our servers are always on to receive and store your messages so you don’t have to keep a station running 24/7. Never miss a message again!

Non or aspiring Amateur Radio operators can also view APRS activity near them on OpenAPRS iPhone Edition but will not be able to send their position or messages. Not yet a HAM operator? There is still time, check out www.arrl.net for information on how to study and where to take your Technician class exam today; no morse code required!

A free account with OpenAPRS is required to send your position or send and receive messages. Signing up is easy, simply open up OpenAPRS iPhone Edition, click the signup tab, fill out the form and click Signup! The app will automatically contact our servers and set up your account. You will need to have a valid email account to receive our activation message to activate your account. The activation email should be received within about 15 minutes, click the activation link, start up OpenAPRS iPhone Edition and you’re all set.

Features:

• Callsign SSID support.
• Ability to change your APRS Icon.
• Auto beaconing on a user settable interval.
• Custom position comment.
• Breadcrumb creation to show your beaconed positions throughout your trip.
• Auto centering map on movement.
• Ability to disable the iPhone screen saver to use as a map during your travels
• Manual coordinate entry if desired for beacons instead of using automatic GPS coordinates.
• Supports sending and receiving APRS messages to your callsign + SSID. You don’t have to be online when a message is sent to you, our servers will store messages until you check them.
• Distance traveled indicator.
• Estimated speed based on time and position change between updates (not to be used as an actual speedometer).
• Built in compass that works on 3GS or higher iPhones.
  

OpenAPRS iPhone Edition will run on iPod touch but will need to have coordinates entered manually unless it is connected to a well-known WiFi location.