1. Update: Manual image capture;
2. Update: Automatic image capture when alignment detected;
3. Update: Save captured image on to SDCARD;
4. Update: Email captured image (also supports Flickr, FaceBook, etc - what ever phone can use to handle images);
1. Update: Visual alignment assistance by using arrows to denote alignment position;
1. Update: GPS Provider fix - informs user that GPS provider might not work properly;
1. Update: Minor fixes for Nexus One;
1. Update: Added custom point of interest;
2. Update: Automatically choose best (most accurate) location provider;
1. Update: Prevents phone from going to sleep when application is running;
1. Big fix: crash when GPS not enabled on some phones;
2. Motorola Cliq Fix: There is an issue with Cliq ROM that shows white text on white background.
1. Nexus One support;
2. Bug fix: improper computation for some satellites;
1. Added camera support - alignment using camera to inspect for obstacles;
2. Larger fonts used;
Initial release!
Definitions:
Usage
Satellite Finder assists in alignment of satellite dish antennas. The
system determines local position by using either GPS or Network (aka Skyhook)
provider; provider usage depends on availability. The accuracy of the
position does not have to be perfect as long as it is within 3-4 miles.
This is due to the fact that magnetic field variation is negligible within
couple of miles; hence the deviation change is negligible. Once the position
is established, the system performs calculations (based on the Satellite
selection) necessary to properly align the antenna.
Using calculated
values and built in orientation sensors, the application assists in alignment
of the antenna. Alignment is signaled by emitting a beeping noise provided
that alignment of the phone is within the threshold of computed values.
To align the phone, following must be considered:
If the alignment is within specified range, the value will turn GREEN;
If the alignment is within specified range, the value will turn GREEN;
Camera View
Satellite Finder provides option to use built-in camera for satellite alignment. By selecting
"Use Camera" menu item on the main screen, Satellite Finder shows following screen:
By pointing camera into the sky and aligning the "Sensor" values (Azimuth and Elevation) with "Target" values (Azimuth and Elevation), crosshair image that is centered on the screen will point to the target satellite. When alignment is correct the phone will beep (please make sure that the ringer volume is at 100%), crosshair image and Sensor values will turn green!
Once the alignment is finished and crosshair object is pointing at the satellite position so that it can be determined if line-of-sight is clear (avoid any objects including trees)!
Custom POI
Satellite Finder provides option to use add custom points of interest (POI). Following screen is used:
Using this screen, the user can either add the POI manually by typing latitude/longitude into text boxes or search for POI using built-in android search feature provided by Google. Custom POI will appear at the end of the satellite list! IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT GPS IS ENABLED WHEN USING CUSTOM POI DUE TO ACCURACY!
Settings
For suggestions, please email agerzic@gmail.com