Android Phone for NexRad and Navigation - Page 2

wingwing · 05-28-2012, 04:24 AM

This perfect storm has provided a good example for me to explain the difference between
BASE view vs COMPosite NexRad views.
.. I've never had good "side by side" examples, but now I do.

BASE is a single sweep at a single azimuth from the NexRad dish.
It's better for a long range view but can't paint a picture of the whole storm
and it can't "punch" through the storm. Basically, you can't "see" into the storm.

COMPosite is just that; a composite view taken over several sweeps and at different azimuths from the dish..
.. it's more like an x-ray of the storm allowing you to see through it.

In the next two pics.. I'm "viewing" from the bottom of the red push pin.
The BASE view "sees" farther but does not allow me to "see" how intense the storm really is up near JAX.
The COMPosite view "drills" right through and lets me see into the other side of the storm..
.. the hidden side from me.

On the other hand, look up near Perry (the "P" is missing; map shows "erry").. near the top left side.
The BASE does a better job of showing the outline of the cells up there,
the COMP shows something there but has it all fuzzy.
That's why they are the two predominant types of displays you see..
.. each has an advantage.
The good news is that the EMFB software let's me easily flip back and forth between the two views.

This is probably of more interest to flyers than riders but even as a rider it sure is nice to be able to see "through" the storms...
(i.e. do I stop for the day..or keep going for a few more hours.. )

I find this stuff fascinating...

Dennis

EMFB (easy map for bikers)

unclerichie · 05-28-2012, 04:44 AM

What are u guys using to mount your phones to your bikes. I'm finding that unless you buy an iPhone there aren't too many sturdy waterproof mounts out there.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

wingwing · 05-28-2012, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclerichie

What are u guys using to mount your phones to your bikes. I'm finding that unless you buy an iPhone there aren't too many sturdy waterproof mounts out there. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

I picked up a nice little mount at Best Buy.. around 25-30 bucks..
.. It's been on my touring bike for about 75,000 miles now.. works great.
I have a similar mount on my not so touring Ural with side car..but it still holds up well off road.

.. I posted a piece for the goldwing guys (Everything Android) and there is a picture of the mount there..
...here is the post if you're interested
CLICK HERE>>

Dennis
EMFB (easy map for bikers)

wingwing · 05-30-2012, 02:01 PM

just adding the last bit to the new package...

A safety item..
Either by button tap or just "asking" (talking) to the app,
you'll be able to set up an auto response when you are riding..
So if anyone sends you a text message while you are riding,
the app will automatically send one back to them with something like:
"hey, I'm out riding my motorcycle. I'll get back to you as soon I can."
You won't have to do anything.

it will do more .. but I'm still working on it..

Dennis

wingwing · 05-31-2012, 03:07 AM

Thanks all for your interest.
..I am humbled by the response..

..the trial copy should run for one month. .. it is the full program, not a dumbed down version. ..it will provide tap or voice control for weather, maps, navigation and "do not disturb" ..if your family or close friends know the "secret" text message to send you, EMFB will text back your current location.

EMFB does a lot but requires processor time to do it.
It should be powered when running on the bike to keep the battery charged.

PLEASE provide feedback and questions on the main thread I started here.
.. obviously, I'm doing this to try and generate exposer and interest for the app.

Thanks,
Dennis

wingwing · 06-02-2012, 05:52 AM

update...

The JUNE EMFB BETA test has been sent out..
.. if I missed you, send me a PM

Dennis

sailah · 06-02-2012, 06:09 AM

Bought this and still working on a mount. I'm thinking an aqua box from ram on a short arm to the bars.

Anyone else run this setup? I don't have a BT headset, any recommendations that def work?

I'd like to screw around with the new version. I don't have ICS on my phone, have it on a tablet. Don't even know how I would get it? The phone is a Samsung Charge 4G

wingwing · 06-02-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailah

Bought this and still working on a mount. I'm thinking an aqua box from ram on a short arm to the bars.
Anyone else run this setup? I don't have a BT headset, any recommendations that def work?
I'd like to screw around with the new version. I don't have ICS on my phone, have it on a tablet. Don't even know how I would get it? The phone is a Samsung Charge 4G

pic of my mount here (near the top of the post)
CLICK HERE>>

I'm using the SENA SMH10 BT headset with mine.. working good so far..

Dennis

wingwing · 06-05-2012, 04:15 AM

quick update..
I'm just about finished with some modifications based on suggestions from all the feedback.
In a day or two, look for an email with "EMFB June Trial v2"

If you can think of anything else in the meantime, let me know.

Thanks again,
Dennis

wingwing · 06-06-2012, 12:52 PM

on a related note...

and /but.. the biggest complaint against Google Maps is always (was always)?
.. "but it's not a real GPS unless you have a signal"..
(even though it's already been caching what you need for almost a year)

in today's news is:

"Google today at a small event in San Francisco announced that it's taking Google Maps offline.
That's right, no more will you be beholden to your data connection.
Or if traveling abroad (or on a subway, for instance), you'll be able to kill data altogether and still find your way around. This, ladies and germs, is a big deal.
What's more is that it's not just macro-level mapping. You'll be able to zoom all the way down into street view, sans data. ... Google says it's coming soon enough."

neat...!
Dennis

wingwing · 06-07-2012, 03:26 AM

Tip: (unexpected ways some people are using EMFB)
The EMFB main green screen ALWAYS shows your current location automatically using all available location sensors..
..so, if you turn off both Wifi and the GPS, then the address displayed will always be the only location device remaining.. ..and that would be the nearest cell tower to you..

Kind of fun to be able to see and know how far the nearest tower is..
..especially if you only have one bar and you're wondering why.

Dennis

wingwing · 06-08-2012, 04:21 PM

Thank you for all the feed back..

There are many changes in this "final" trial update...
I won't bore you with all the details..
.. suffice.. if there something you did not like before, it's probably fixed now.
If you find anything else, please let me know...
If you have signed up for the "trial" you should have an email with the June release.

This free "Trial" should run until about June 21..
.. after that, this free version of the app will no longer work (hopefully).
If you already have purchased "EMFB III", the "EMFB IV" upgrade is free.

No one figured out the hidden commands.
They are for voice controlling many of the EMFB functions.
EMFB has always done Navigation and MAPS by voice command.
Now, it does WEATHER and other functions by voice command too.
i.e. Just ask for the animated NexRad display near you and it will display.
i.e. ..ask for the 48 hour forecast and it will pop up..
... and if you like, EMFB will read it back to you.

The idea is many functions that take more than one "tap" can now be accomplished with just one tap (DESTINATION) and then saying:
My Computer Commands
.. a list of what can be done will then display.
There are currently 11 voice commands it can recognize; I'm sure I'll add more.
Speak plainly and slowly.. most Android phones get better at recognizing what you say as you use it more.

Many thanks to those of you that really dug into this and gave me some great feedback.

I really need one more thing from all of you.
If you tap and hold (long tap really) the CLOSE EMFB button, it will show you the "internals".
Please scroll to the bottom of that page and EMFB should properly show what state you are in.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THAT IS CORRECT.
I'm already working on "EMFB V" and knowing what state you are in without fail is important..
.. it is going to pop up important alerts as you cross state lines.

hope you enjoy..
Dennis

wingwing · 06-15-2012, 06:51 AM

!! HEADS UP !!

EMFB v4 is on the PLAY store but until I get the bugs worked out
PLEASE do not download it
It will overwrite your paid v3 version.
But the bad part is then it won't load.
Then you won't have either v3 or v4.

I'm still trying to get it all figured out.

Basically, the problem is that the same "trial" version that works for everyone here does NOT work after it gets uploaded to the Google PLAY store.
thanks for your patience,

Dennis

ww73 · 06-17-2012, 10:32 AM

Let us know when it's available on the Google Play store. Thanks.

wingwing · 06-17-2012, 02:12 PM

OK.. Happy Fathers Day !

re EMFB:
I'm 99% I've got the download bug fixed.
Make sure it says v 4.17
(in some locations it takes a few hours for Google PLAY to catch up,
it might still say v 4.16 and STOP)

If you have already purchased it, go to Google PLAY and just select update.
You may have to uninstall your old version first, but that is just on some phones.
You DO NOT have to purchase it again, just "Update" (Upgrade).

Thanks for all your patience.
I'm heading up to Bryson City in a bit.
I'll check my "info" email account.
The trial copy will continue to work until the end of the month.

Thanks ALL for your help with this project. I hope it helps you ride safely and more aware.

Dennis

05-28-2012, 04:44 AM	#17
unclerichie Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2007 Location: The Steel City Oddometer: 182	What are u guys using to mount your phones to your bikes. I'm finding that unless you buy an iPhone there aren't too many sturdy waterproof mounts out there. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2 __________________ 02 Leben Fiddy GS

05-31-2012, 03:07 AM	#20
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	Thanks all for your interest. ..I am humbled by the response.. ..the trial copy should run for one month. .. it is the full program, not a dumbed down version. ..it will provide tap or voice control for weather, maps, navigation and "do not disturb" ..if your family or close friends know the "secret" text message to send you, EMFB will text back your current location. EMFB does a lot but requires processor time to do it. It should be powered when running on the bike to keep the battery charged. PLEASE provide feedback and questions on the main thread I started here. .. obviously, I'm doing this to try and generate exposer and interest for the app. Thanks, Dennis wingwing screwed with this post 05-31-2012 at 05:32 AM Reason: img

06-02-2012, 06:09 AM	#22
sailah Lampin' it Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Turning expensive metal into scrap Oddometer: 4,137	Bought this and still working on a mount. I'm thinking an aqua box from ram on a short arm to the bars. Anyone else run this setup? I don't have a BT headset, any recommendations that def work? I'd like to screw around with the new version. I don't have ICS on my phone, have it on a tablet. Don't even know how I would get it? The phone is a Samsung Charge 4G __________________ We're not out here to rough it. We're here to smooth it . Things are rough enough in town. Nessmuk

06-05-2012, 04:15 AM	#24
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	quick update.. I'm just about finished with some modifications based on suggestions from all the feedback. In a day or two, look for an email with "EMFB June Trial v2" If you can think of anything else in the meantime, let me know. Thanks again, Dennis wingwing screwed with this post 06-05-2012 at 04:25 AM

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05-28-2012, 04:24 AM	#16
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	This perfect storm has provided a good example for me to explain the difference between BASE view vs COMPosite NexRad views. .. I've never had good "side by side" examples, but now I do. BASE is a single sweep at a single azimuth from the NexRad dish. It's better for a long range view but can't paint a picture of the whole storm and it can't "punch" through the storm. Basically, you can't "see" into the storm. COMPosite is just that; a composite view taken over several sweeps and at different azimuths from the dish.. .. it's more like an x-ray of the storm allowing you to see through it. In the next two pics.. I'm "viewing" from the bottom of the red push pin. The BASE view "sees" farther but does not allow me to "see" how intense the storm really is up near JAX. The COMPosite view "drills" right through and lets me see into the other side of the storm.. .. the hidden side from me. On the other hand, look up near Perry (the "P" is missing; map shows "erry").. near the top left side. The BASE does a better job of showing the outline of the cells up there, the COMP shows something there but has it all fuzzy. That's why they are the two predominant types of displays you see.. .. each has an advantage. The good news is that the EMFB software let's me easily flip back and forth between the two views. This is probably of more interest to flyers than riders but even as a rider it sure is nice to be able to see "through" the storms... (i.e. do I stop for the day..or keep going for a few more hours.. ) I find this stuff fascinating... Dennis EMFB (easy map for bikers)

05-30-2012, 02:01 PM	#19
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	just adding the last bit to the new package... A safety item.. Either by button tap or just "asking" (talking) to the app, you'll be able to set up an auto response when you are riding.. So if anyone sends you a text message while you are riding, the app will automatically send one back to them with something like: "hey, I'm out riding my motorcycle. I'll get back to you as soon I can." You won't have to do anything. it will do more .. but I'm still working on it.. Dennis

06-02-2012, 05:52 AM	#21
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	update... The JUNE EMFB BETA test has been sent out.. .. if I missed you, send me a PM Dennis

06-06-2012, 12:52 PM	#25
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	on a related note... and /but.. the biggest complaint against Google Maps is always (was always)? .. "but it's not a real GPS unless you have a signal".. (even though it's already been caching what you need for almost a year) in today's news is: "Google today at a small event in San Francisco announced that it's taking Google Maps offline. That's right, no more will you be beholden to your data connection. Or if traveling abroad (or on a subway, for instance), you'll be able to kill data altogether and still find your way around. This, ladies and germs, is a big deal. What's more is that it's not just macro-level mapping. You'll be able to zoom all the way down into street view, sans data. ... Google says it's coming soon enough." neat...! Dennis

06-07-2012, 03:26 AM	#26
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	Tip: (unexpected ways some people are using EMFB) The EMFB main green screen ALWAYS shows your current location automatically using all available location sensors.. ..so, if you turn off both Wifi and the GPS, then the address displayed will always be the only location device remaining.. ..and that would be the nearest cell tower to you.. Kind of fun to be able to see and know how far the nearest tower is.. ..especially if you only have one bar and you're wondering why. Dennis

06-08-2012, 04:21 PM	#27
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	Thank you for all the feed back.. There are many changes in this "final" trial update... I won't bore you with all the details.. .. suffice.. if there something you did not like before, it's probably fixed now. If you find anything else, please let me know... If you have signed up for the "trial" you should have an email with the June release. This free "Trial" should run until about June 21.. .. after that, this free version of the app will no longer work (hopefully). If you already have purchased "EMFB III", the "EMFB IV" upgrade is free. No one figured out the hidden commands. They are for voice controlling many of the EMFB functions. EMFB has always done Navigation and MAPS by voice command. Now, it does WEATHER and other functions by voice command too. i.e. Just ask for the animated NexRad display near you and it will display. i.e. ..ask for the 48 hour forecast and it will pop up.. ... and if you like, EMFB will read it back to you. The idea is many functions that take more than one "tap" can now be accomplished with just one tap (DESTINATION) and then saying: My Computer Commands .. a list of what can be done will then display. There are currently 11 voice commands it can recognize; I'm sure I'll add more. Speak plainly and slowly.. most Android phones get better at recognizing what you say as you use it more. Many thanks to those of you that really dug into this and gave me some great feedback. I really need one more thing from all of you. If you tap and hold (long tap really) the CLOSE EMFB button, it will show you the "internals". Please scroll to the bottom of that page and EMFB should properly show what state you are in. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THAT IS CORRECT. I'm already working on "EMFB V" and knowing what state you are in without fail is important.. .. it is going to pop up important alerts as you cross state lines. hope you enjoy.. Dennis

06-15-2012, 06:51 AM	#28
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	!! HEADS UP !! EMFB v4 is on the PLAY store but until I get the bugs worked out PLEASE do not download it It will overwrite your paid v3 version. But the bad part is then it won't load. Then you won't have either v3 or v4. I'm still trying to get it all figured out. Basically, the problem is that the same "trial" version that works for everyone here does NOT work after it gets uploaded to the Google PLAY store. thanks for your patience, Dennis

06-17-2012, 10:32 AM	#29
ww73 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Sammamish, WA Oddometer: 131	Let us know when it's available on the Google Play store. Thanks.

06-17-2012, 02:12 PM	#30
wingwing ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2012 Oddometer: 116	OK.. Happy Fathers Day ! re EMFB: I'm 99% I've got the download bug fixed. Make sure it says v 4.17 (in some locations it takes a few hours for Google PLAY to catch up, it might still say v 4.16 and STOP) If you have already purchased it, go to Google PLAY and just select update. You may have to uninstall your old version first, but that is just on some phones. You DO NOT have to purchase it again, just "Update" (Upgrade). Thanks for all your patience. I'm heading up to Bryson City in a bit. I'll check my "info" email account. The trial copy will continue to work until the end of the month. Thanks ALL for your help with this project. I hope it helps you ride safely and more aware. Dennis