Android updates

[Nightbat2]

I want a 7-8 inch tablet for my EVO. My 12.9 inch iPad Pro is really too large. Apple prices are too high for me to invest in another iPad just to use for flying. So it seemed reasonable to look at Android devices. Never having owned one, but having read a bit, it worries me that Android software updates depend very much on the company whose device you buy, or in some cases, the carrier. That isn’t a problem with Apple: upgrades come from Apple no matter what carrier.

What is the minimum Android version required to successfully run with EVO? And how upgradeable are such devices? Was looking at a Samsung 8 inch with GPS and wfifi, 32gB and 1.4ghz processor.

 

[thomasr]

I want a 7-8 inch tablet for my EVO. My 12.9 inch iPad Pro is really too large. Apple prices are too high for me to invest in another iPad just to use for flying. So it seemed reasonable to look at Android devices. Never having owned one, but having read a bit, it worries me that Android software updates depend very much on the company whose device you buy, or in some cases, the carrier. That isn’t a problem with Apple: upgrades come from Apple no matter what carrier.

What is the minimum Android version required to successfully run with EVO? And how upgradeable are such devices? Was looking at a Samsung 8 inch with GPS and wfifi, 32gB and 1.4ghz processor.

Good luck with that -- many tablets are prior years models -- nothing really new out. Also the android software is said to be dependent on your devices screen resolution to function. So not many have fit that criteria.

That being said -- to be fair - I fly my evo with an Android 7 Huawei Elate 5.5 cheaper model phone. It has GPS and very capable. It will run the current v1.0.1.8 Explorer app fine -- but show's out in the v1.0.1.9 BETA, because of this resolution requirement.

I am lucky as I find out -- as some people run into this problem back in December when they last updated the app to the current v1.0.1.8.

As for what works and what doesn't. There really has been no clear wording not even from Autel as to what is supported in Android. They have not even has much as published what version of Android is minimum to support their app. I have read people using Android 5 and 6 running just like I am running on Android 7.

Everything does seem to point to Samsung products for the majority - just based on their screen resolution requirements they did divulge. But you will have to see what others are using -- then if they claim a certain model works -- hope an update doesn't change that. Unless they are using flagship devices, then you should be good. I read a lot of people using G7 G8 G9 Galaxy Phones, so maybe something from Samsungs Note line would work?

Autel Explorer v1.0.1.9 BETA - Autel - Have you lost your mind?

So in my video comments of my Evo BETA firmware test flight - I ended with this rant about the Explorer App v 1.0.1.9 BETA. Autel answered several of the concerns actually. One that really makes no sense, has to do with the requirements for the BETA app: P.S. I loaded the BETA...

autelpilots.com

Autel Explorer v1.0.1.9 BETA - Autel - Have you lost your mind?

So in my video comments of my Evo BETA firmware test flight - I ended with this rant about the Explorer App v 1.0.1.9 BETA. Autel answered several of the concerns actually. One that really makes no sense, has to do with the requirements for the BETA app: P.S. I loaded the BETA...

autelpilots.com

 

[Jagerbomb52]

If I was looking into a new Android tablet at a cheap price I think I would look into this one just for the mini HDMI out that it offers.

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[thomasr]

If I was looking into a new Android tablet at a cheap price I think I would look into this one just for the mini HDMI out that it offers.

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Most RCA 10" 11" 12" models depending on your location -- have these with hdmi out -- but still outdated Android versions. of Android 5 or 6 and, and still have the low 1 GB amounts of RAM. like the one Augustine suggested.

I have the one pictured below and is 5.0 Android. It does have HDMI out. Only bummer is that it does not have GPS, as most Wifi only tablets leave this part out.

To be fully usable with Autel Explorer in the event you want to change your landing location to you -- Autel docs/videos specify the device must be capable of GPS for this to function.

You may get lucky and find an off-brand like pictured though that meets and exceeds anyone's expectations.



These models are disappearing though, as they have been in retail for 2-4 years now. There is a newer model of this out now with Andoid 8 GO on it -- with NO HDMI. That feature has slowly and surely disappeared on most phones and tablets here in the US.

 

[Jagerbomb52]

I have the Android tablet called Lenovo Tab3 7"
They don't even make them anymore and will not take any future updates if you are lucky enough to find one.
The good news is has worked with every UAV that needs a phone\tablet and works perfectly with my Parrot Anafi. It has GPS and a Barometer which is needed for waypoint missions to go up and down hills so it does not crash into the ground. Draw back is the screen is not very bright and it can be slow to boot up but other then that it just works

 

[Ansia]

If anyone wants Agustine's tablet.

Lenovo Tab3 7, TB3-730F 16GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black and Blue Android Tablet | eBay

<p dir="ltr">Lenovo Tab3 7, TB3-730F 16GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black and Blue Android Tablet. Condition is used only once. Zero scratches. Comes with new screen protector.</p>

www.ebay.com

Lenovo Tab3 7, TB3-730F 16GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black and Blue Android Tablet | eBay

Lenovo Tab3 7, TB3-730F 16GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black and Blue Android Tablet Condition is New.

www.ebay.com

Lenovo Tab 3 7 TB3-730F 16GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black Android Tablet 8LNV | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lenovo Tab 3 7 TB3-730F 16GB, Wi-Fi, 7in - Black Android Tablet 8LNV at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[thomasr]

I have the Android tablet called Lenovo Tab3 7"
They don't even make them anymore and will not take any future updates if you are lucky enough to find one.
The good news is has worked with every UAV that needs a phone\tablet and works perfectly with my Parrot Anafi. It has GPS and a Barometer which is needed for waypoint missions to go up and down hills so it does not crash into the ground. Draw back is the screen is not very bright and it can be slow to boot up but other then that it just works

Do not make me pull out my 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwhich - Lenovo Tablet -- that was one of their first few (iirc). ?

As for connectivity - it had the works! Wifi - N - Bluetooth - HDMI - and "real" GPS with accelerometer (which makes me worry now - as that device is pushing 7 years old.)

IdeaTab S2109 It's only a 1 GHz dual core, 1 GB RAM and a 9.7" IPS - 4:3 screen aspect - with a resolution of 1024 x 768

Of course I would side load the updates needed for Google Maps and such - as well as the Autel Explorer -- if it does not update or function with Google Play any longer... .

I am not saying it would not do it -- but I would be surprised if it did. It has a weird processor in it known at the time as Tegra3 ... it was a little finicky.

It also had two speakers, front camera only (no rear), FM Stereo( RDS), FM Transmiter, ambient light sensor and microSD slot.

You do not find many loaded like this anymore.

 

[Ansia]

Do not make me pull out my 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwhich - Lenovo Tablet -- that was one of their first few (iirc). ?

As for connectivity - it had the works! Wifi - N - Bluetooth - HDMI - and "real" GPS with accelerometer (which makes me worry now - as that device is pushing 7 years old.)

IdeaTab S2109 It's only a 1 GHz dual core, 1 GB RAM and a 9.7" IPS - 4:3 screen aspect - with a resolution of 1024 x 768

Of course I would side load the updates needed for Google Maps and such - as well as the Autel Explorer -- if it does not update or function with Google Play any longer... .

I am not saying it would not do it -- but I would be surprised if it did. It has a weird processor in it known at the time as Tegra3 ... it was a little finicky.

It also had two speakers, front camera only (no rear), FM Stereo( RDS), FM Transmiter, ambient light sensor and microSD slot.

You do not find many loaded like this anymore.

I had one of those Tegra 3 tablets. For the love of me, I don't remember what happened to it. It was a great tablet.

You, my friend, have a LOT of patience. If it can't run the apps needed from stock, then I won't bother with it.

 

[thomasr]

I had one of those Tegra 3 tablets. For the love of me, I don't remember what happened to it. It was a great tablet.

You, my friend, have a LOT of patience. If it can't run the apps needed from stock, then I won't bother with it.

Lenovo never fixed any flaws or sent updates EVER for this model.

It was great but had it's flaws.

But ultimately, if I remember correctly -- it was something stupid like the Tegra3 used at the time was not future proof.

Not sure if that was the only holdout -- but this was one reason I remember reading Lollipop would not run on this device. The hardware failed to meet the minimum criteria for Lollipop.

Seems like the RAM was also a holdout - as being so young of Android, memory management was not what it is today. It had 1GB ram, but rarely 384MB free -- when everything stock was up and running. It did come with a lot of bloat/widgets/etc.

I used it as a Garmin like device for several years before Google Maps or such were so popular. So funny how things have leap frogged since.

 

[thomasr]

I had one of those Tegra 3 tablets. For the love of me, I don't remember what happened to it. It was a great tablet.

You, my friend, have a LOT of patience. If it can't run the apps needed from stock, then I won't bother with it.

I did pull that Lenovo s2109 tablet out, it has been closer to 2 years since it has been charged/booted.

Charged up and functioned. Connected to the net, re-synced with my Google, and it updated Google Play Services, Play Store,updated the app as well as the Google Apps. ? Even my CoPilotGPS updated and downloaded revised maps. ?

Autel Explorer App from Play Store laughed -- did not even offer up an "install" button. ? My first attempt of side-loading the app failed -- I am trying to remember the differences in apks from then and now.

I am not going to do anymore on this "whim" -- as it may never bear fruit. ? ...so it is actually great that this Lenovo runs -- as the project I was looking into before this "whim" -- doesn't need too much of anything powerful to run on -- just capable.

before actually pulling this tablet out just for Autel Explorer (not!) -- I was pondering it's use for the following:


This would be used for situation awareness while flying -- which I doubt many here even care.

But if anyone has tried this, I would be interested in starting a conversation about what works and best practices. The main link presented works -- but others may be dead - so it is just meant for explaining the concept I am asking about...





The concept is very much do-able I think? I haven't found anything newer saying otherwise as of yet -- but the Internet is larger than I have time to scour. I do find that it can be done with Android as opposed to RaspPi's and found where I can get hardware from possibly.









and there seems to be plenty of other apps to try or not -- love or hate -- or whatever here...






Links that I followed to get to all of this:

Listening To Aircraft Transponders With A Raspberry Pi

Last year’s big hack was software-defined radio; a small USB TV tuner that could listen in on radio broadcasts anywhere between 64 and 1200 MHz. This year, it’s all about the Raspberry …

hackaday.com

ADS-B Sniffing with the Raspberry Pi and the NooElec 820T Dongle

Chris Smolinski Of HFUnderground.com and Black Cat Systems wrote up a great How To on his RadioHobbyist blog about getting the R820T USB RTL-SDR DVB-T Dongle working for ADS-B, and listening for da…

corq.co

Nooelec - Nooelec NESDR Nano 3 USB OTG Bundle - Tiny RTL-SDR USB On-The-Go Bundle for MicroUSB Devices - DVB-T Receivers - USB OTA Receivers

And searching SDR ADS-B in Google Play.



Aside from really understanding what's going on here... it seems actually pretty simple and straight forward assuming you have all of the hardware and software in order. IMO, this is not as complicated as understanding/explaining the GPS apocalypse that is rooted in too much jargon.

.... so again, sorry if this just ZOOOMED over your heads...

Thank you.

 

[Ansia]

I did pull that Lenovo s2109 tablet out, it has been closer to 2 years since it has been charged/booted.

Charged up and functioned. Connected to the net, re-synced with my Google, and it updated Google Play Services, Play Store,updated the app as well as the Google Apps. ? Even my CoPilotGPS updated and downloaded revised maps. ?

Autel Explorer App from Play Store laughed -- did not even offer up an "install" button. ? My first attempt of side-loading the app failed -- I am trying to remember the differences in apks from then and now.

I am not going to do anymore on this "whim" -- as it may never bear fruit. ? ...so it is actually great that this Lenovo runs -- as the project I was looking into before this "whim" -- doesn't need too much of anything powerful to run on -- just capable.

before actually pulling this tablet out just for Autel Explorer (not!) -- I was pondering it's use for the following:


This would be used for situation awareness while flying -- which I doubt many here even care.

But if anyone has tried this, I would be interested in starting a conversation about what works and best practices. The main link presented works -- but others may be dead - so it is just meant for explaining the concept I am asking about...


View attachment 3924


The concept is very much do-able I think? I haven't found anything newer saying otherwise as of yet -- but the Internet is larger than I have time to scour. I do find that it can be done with Android as opposed to RaspPi's and found where I can get hardware from possibly.


View attachment 3925

View attachment 3926

View attachment 3927


and there seems to be plenty of other apps to try or not -- love or hate -- or whatever here...

View attachment 3928




Links that I followed to get to all of this:

Listening To Aircraft Transponders With A Raspberry Pi

Last year’s big hack was software-defined radio; a small USB TV tuner that could listen in on radio broadcasts anywhere between 64 and 1200 MHz. This year, it’s all about the Raspberry …

hackaday.com

ADS-B Sniffing with the Raspberry Pi and the NooElec 820T Dongle

Chris Smolinski Of HFUnderground.com and Black Cat Systems wrote up a great How To on his RadioHobbyist blog about getting the R820T USB RTL-SDR DVB-T Dongle working for ADS-B, and listening for da…

corq.co

Nooelec - Nooelec NESDR Nano 3 USB OTG Bundle - Tiny RTL-SDR USB On-The-Go Bundle for MicroUSB Devices - DVB-T Receivers - USB OTA Receivers

View attachment 3929 And searching SDR ADS-B in Google Play.



Aside from really understanding what's going on here... it seems actually pretty simple and straight forward assuming you have all of the hardware and software in order. IMO, this is not as complicated as understanding/explaining the GPS apocalypse that is rooted in too much jargon.

.... so again, sorry if this just ZOOOMED over your heads...

Thank you.

That's a really nice project. Hope you get the radio working. If not, you always have this option...