THE OPEN SMART-BOAT BUILDING KIT
The shared foundation connects data, services and control positions. Its strength: an extension can build on existing work rather than replace the whole system.
HELM, MAP and today’s audio controls are native Android interfaces. Charts render on the device with GPU support. This enables device-specific presentation and controls. Performance still depends on data volume, app version and hardware.
Pi services handle tasks including music playback and sonar processing. Signal K exposes boat data; the gateway conveys supported capabilities, data and commands through HTTP and WebSocket. Confirmed service state provides a common foundation for clients.
THREE WAYS TO BUILD FURTHER
For example, another tank or temperature sensor.
First establish range, power and connections. Suitable acquisition translates the measurement into a described data path, for example in Signal K. Units, timestamps and failure state belong to it. An existing display can use the value if it supports that path.
Explore the existing approachA second display or a dedicated volume control.
A client connects to existing services and reads their state. Commands need permission and acknowledgement. A wireless button additionally needs radio hardware, loss-of-connection handling and power. The foundation exists; the specific control still needs connecting and testing.
Explore the existing approachAnother media source or a new analysis service.
Give the service a clear responsibility, data and responses. An adapter can expose its capabilities through the gateway. Interface and service develop separately. Television, radio integration or multiple boats each need their own interfaces and an appropriate security and operating model.
Explore the existing approachEXISTS TODAY
Native Android apps, shared services, chart work, real sonar trials and published sources. A new build can use just one component. Trials of the complete system aboard remain open.
The nine case studiesPOSSIBLE EXTENSIONS
iOS as another client, Home Assistant as the system base, extra wireless controls, television or radio integration: possible as their own integration projects. Existing plotters need suitable formats or supported interfaces. Multiple boats additionally need identities, secure networking and operation through disconnections.
Tell us about your device, your boat and the function you want. We can identify a suitable existing interface and what still needs developing or building.
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