README

HAB Chase App

Intended for use on phones, this is an Android app that performs the most important functions needed when chasing a balloon:

• Receives GPS location from phone and uploads to Habitat server
• Receives tracker telemetry and uploads to Habitat server
• Shows distance and direction to balloon
• Shows balloon and phone on a map
• Provides driving directions to the balloon
• Uploads received image data (SSDV)
• Support for up to 3 payloads

Currently, the software can receive telemetry from these sources:

• LoRa receiver connected via USB (requires USB OTG support)
• Habitat (requires internet connection)

Future versions will include support for these sources:

• LoRa receiver connected via Bluetooth
• Various sources (auto_rx for Sondes, HABDEC for RTTY) connected via WiFi

Other possible future enhancements:

• Support for ad-hoc LoRa settings
• Support for LoRa calling mode
• Support for HABPack format
• LoRa AFC

LoRa Receiver

For this you will need to a suitable LoRa receiver with USB serial connection, for example:

• Uputronics USB LoRa receiver (TBA)
• Adafruit Feather LoRa
• Arduino Mini Pro plus LoRa module plus USB programmer (with FTDI or Prolific chip)

and a USB OTG cable to connect to your phone.

Whichever you choose, it will need to be programmed with this firmware << LINK

Installation

Install from the Google Play store or a supplied .APK file.

When you connect the USB receiver, Android will prompt for which app to associate the device with; choose this app so that Android starts it automatically when you connect the receiver.

Configuration

Start the app, then touch the Settings button. You will then see ....

General Settings

GPS Settings

LoRa Settings

Frequency: This sets the frequency for LoRa module.

Mode: Sets the "mode" for the LoRa module, which is one of:

0 = (normal for telemetry)	Explicit mode, Error coding 4:8, Bandwidth 20.8kHz, SF 11, Low data rate optimize on
1 = (normal for SSDV) 		Implicit mode, Error coding 4:5, Bandwidth 20.8kHz,  SF 6, Low data rate optimize off
2 = (normal for repeater)	Explicit mode, Error coding 4:8, Bandwidth 62.5kHz,  SF 8, Low data rate optimize off
3 = (normal for fast SSDV)	Explicit mode, Error coding 4:6, Bandwidth 250kHz,   SF 7, Low data rate optimize off
4 = Test mode not for normal use.
5 = (normal for calling mode)	Explicit mode, Error coding 4:8, Bandwidth 41.7kHz, SF 11, Low data rate optimize off.  Calling mode not currently supported.
6 =
7 = (normal for Telnet mode)

Payloads Screen

Direction Screen

Map Screen

Sources Screen

Change History

126/03/2019 - V1.0.1

First Public Release