Question for BlackBerry Users

kenargo · 10/07/2009, 11:21 AM

What type of BlackBerry support would you use?

I am leaning towards a mobile website that will proxy to the controller; you would log into the website and configure your connection information there but it will do screen appropriate layouts for the BlackBerry.

ciphros · 10/07/2009, 12:37 PM

Ken, would website based allow users to change settings and such like the iPhone app does?

mikesin · 10/07/2009, 12:46 PM

I'm not sure how to answer you poll. I think an app. would be best. Not sure how comfortable you are working with BB's OS. Web would be OK IF its secure. Bottom line, I (and am sure others) will appreciate anything you can do for us BB users. Thanks Ken.

kenargo · 10/07/2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciphros

Ken, would website based allow users to change settings and such like the iPhone app does?

Yes, my plan would be to have the configuration information secured per a user-login and you would be able to add/remove/edit controllers (AC3 and Apex) and control them. The web idea is more for speed to complete as I know PHP and can test it using a browser (or any WAP device) since the challenge is primarily about screen footprint and available options

kenargo · 10/07/2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesin

I'm not sure how to answer you poll. I think an app. would be best. Not sure how comfortable you are working with BB's OS. Web would be OK IF its secure. Bottom line, I (and am sure others) will appreciate anything you can do for us BB users. Thanks Ken.

I currently have a self-signed cert (so the connection would be https) but you would get warned that the cert isn't official, which you could ignore. A signed cert costs $$ but if there is sufficient interest then I might take donations to cover the certificate and get a real one. From a security perspective the real cert is more secure but only if someone would hack my self-signed cert and I don't think it's a big target

kenargo · 10/07/2009, 04:13 PM

You can kind of get an idea of what I am thinking by going to this URL:

http://www.kenargo.com/showTankStatusAsTable.php

This link already has the un/pw bypassed (for demo) but basically you would log onto the system and it would proxy to your own controller but (rather than teh BB app connecting directly). This should get anyone with a WAP browser enabled and give time for pre-device applications to be built afterwards.

Note: This is not the real page but the start of the status page. I envision some type of tank selector at the top and a method to control outlets so very minimal UI which should be perfect for WAP devices.

rbnice1 · 10/07/2009, 07:38 PM

We can do it by logging into our apex via the internet as it is. A Nice application with everything on it, so its always up would be best.

kenargo · 10/07/2009, 11:31 PM

Could someone please try the link above and tell me how it looks on the BB; this is preliminary but I want to see if I am generally going in the correct direction or not.

Yes, these are live tanks

Thanks.

mikesin · 10/08/2009, 06:00 AM

I can view the page, it looks like the AC3 status page without the buttons being non interactive, page looks centered and fits my screen. How far are you going to go with this? Will this page eventually show the program editing page & graphs?

ZachB · 10/08/2009, 06:55 AM

Either would work for me. My only concern with a web based application is having to enter a username / password each time which could get tedious, so the ability to store user and password would be important in my opinion. Heck if you do a web version, that should work on most mobile phones.

kenargo · 10/08/2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZachB

Either would work for me. My only concern with a web based application is having to enter a username / password each time which could get tedious, so the ability to store user and password would be important in my opinion. Heck if you do a web version, that should work on most mobile phones.

Yes, I would plan to have a "Remeber me" for those who want to remain logged in as well as session login that clears each time you close the browser.

ZachB · 10/08/2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

Yes, I would plan to have a "Remeber me" for those who want to remain logged in as well as session login that clears each time you close the browser.

Very cool. I just ordered my Apex - should be here early next week. I'd be glad to help beta test

kenargo · 10/08/2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesin

I can view the page, it looks like the AC3 status page without the buttons being non interactive, page looks centered and fits my screen. How far are you going to go with this? Will this page eventually show the program editing page & graphs?

My plan would be to proxy functionality:

* Multiple tank/controller configuration
* Display status with optional refresh
* Outlet reporting and control (display on/off state and ON/OFF/AUTO control from the page)
* Feed control
* Program edit (after initial release)
* Graph (after initial release)

Wrt stored information; I am not planning to host a DB of status, graphs and such would come from the controller with the page reformatting for devices. There would be a DB for users; username, password and tank connection information.

If you have priority of features or ideas that you would like to be on the list please feel free to send them!

kenargo · 10/08/2009, 04:31 PM

Sorry to ask so many questions but I don't own a WAP device and I don't want to go too far down a path and need to redo a bunch of stuff.

I've updated the page on the link, adding probe and outlet status:

http://www.kenargo.com/showTankStatusAsTable.php

A few questions if you don't mind...

* Does it fit the screen acceptably? I'm not so concerned about colors but if it doesn't fit that would be a problem.

* Does 1 page with probe and outlet work or would it be better to have 2 pages (1 for each)?

* Wrt change an outlet setting; I could use buttons on each row (auto, on, off) or a drop-down control. Would one be more usable than the other (e.g., is it easier to use on or the other on a BB)?

mikesin · 10/08/2009, 06:18 PM

Ken,
* It fits my screen just fine. 8330 curve - verizonwireless

* I personally like 1 page for probes and outlets - that prevents bouncing back and forth between pages.

* I'm thinking a drop down would be better, only because the names of the outlets will get smaller on the screen if there are 3 "buttons" taking up space.

Pics are worth a thousand words.........

kenargo · 10/08/2009, 06:31 PM

Wow, that doesn't look half bad (even if I do say so myself).

There would only be 2 buttons if that makes any difference; no sense in taking up space for the 'current' state.

Thanks for the pics; it's hard to tell what it might look like with only my imagination.

kenargo · 10/08/2009, 07:22 PM

A version with 2 buttons: http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/

A version with drop down: http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index1.php

A version with radio button: http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index2.php

I could also go with a link (e.g., images representing on/off/auto; not sure what auto would be, hmm...)

ZachB · 10/08/2009, 07:51 PM

I like the version with 2 buttons. It looks good on my storm and the buttons are easier, but for those with the trackball they may prefer the other versions. Maybe make the choice user selectable?

mikesin · 10/08/2009, 09:16 PM

Nice work, Personally I like the drop down - looks better to me on my screen. two buttons looses functionality, just my opinion. Here is what I'm seeing

kenargo · 10/08/2009, 10:36 PM

One more idea...

http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index1a.php

BTW; thanks for the images, they help a bunch!

RussM · 10/08/2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

I could also go with a link (e.g., images representing on/off/auto; not sure what auto would be, hmm...)

A few possibilities...

kenargo · 10/09/2009, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenargo

One more idea...

http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index1a.php

BTW; thanks for the images, they help a bunch!

I'm leaning towards this and I nearly have the update operations completed, if you click a button you will see a piece of text indicating what will be changed. Last part is making this real and I'll let folks play with my test Apex while I work on the login stuff.

Let me know what you think...

ycrazyy · 10/09/2009, 06:03 AM

This last one looks great on my BB Bold. This would be fantastic to have when my Apex arrives next week!

mikesin · 10/09/2009, 06:40 AM

So on my screen each outlet has 2 lines. Is that what everyone is seeing? If so is there any chance of getting 1 line per outlet? Sorry, can't do any photos till this evening.

kenargo · 10/09/2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesin

So on my screen each outlet has 2 lines. Is that what everyone is seeing? If so is there any chance of getting 1 line per outlet? Sorry, can't do any photos till this evening.

Mike, are you referring to the one with the colored button to indicate current state? I could make the buttons smaller; I suspect it is very close, maybe removing the border would do it for you.

Oh, the problems of having no BB here

View Poll Results: What type of BlackBerry support would you use:
Local Application - local application or nothing	12	36.36%
Web based - If it works, I'll use it	6	18.18%
I don't care - give me anything	14	42.42%
Other	1	3.03%
Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll

10/07/2009, 11:21 AM	#1
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	Question for BlackBerry Users What type of BlackBerry support would you use? I am leaning towards a mobile website that will proxy to the controller; you would log into the website and configure your connection information there but it will do screen appropriate layouts for the BlackBerry. __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/07/2009, 04:13 PM	#6
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	You can kind of get an idea of what I am thinking by going to this URL: http://www.kenargo.com/showTankStatusAsTable.php This link already has the un/pw bypassed (for demo) but basically you would log onto the system and it would proxy to your own controller but (rather than teh BB app connecting directly). This should get anyone with a WAP browser enabled and give time for pre-device applications to be built afterwards. Note: This is not the real page but the start of the status page. I envision some type of tank selector at the top and a method to control outlets so very minimal UI which should be perfect for WAP devices. __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/07/2009, 11:31 PM	#8
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	Could someone please try the link above and tell me how it looks on the BB; this is preliminary but I want to see if I am generally going in the correct direction or not. Yes, these are live tanks Thanks. __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/08/2009, 06:55 AM	#10
ZachB iPhone. Rule the Air. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: I hear dueling banjos Posts: 1,307	Either would work for me. My only concern with a web based application is having to enter a username / password each time which could get tedious, so the ability to store user and password would be important in my opinion. Heck if you do a web version, that should work on most mobile phones. __________________ I'm an F-18, bro! The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.

10/07/2009, 12:37 PM	#2
ciphros Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Richland WA Posts: 542	Ken, would website based allow users to change settings and such like the iPhone app does?

10/07/2009, 12:46 PM	#3
mikesin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Valencia, PA Posts: 380	I'm not sure how to answer you poll. I think an app. would be best. Not sure how comfortable you are working with BB's OS. Web would be OK IF its secure. Bottom line, I (and am sure others) will appreciate anything you can do for us BB users. Thanks Ken.

10/07/2009, 07:38 PM	#7
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,917	We can do it by logging into our apex via the internet as it is. A Nice application with everything on it, so its always up would be best.

10/08/2009, 06:00 AM	#9
mikesin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Valencia, PA Posts: 380	I can view the page, it looks like the AC3 status page without the buttons being non interactive, page looks centered and fits my screen. How far are you going to go with this? Will this page eventually show the program editing page & graphs?

10/08/2009, 04:31 PM	#14
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	Sorry to ask so many questions but I don't own a WAP device and I don't want to go too far down a path and need to redo a bunch of stuff. I've updated the page on the link, adding probe and outlet status: http://www.kenargo.com/showTankStatusAsTable.php A few questions if you don't mind... * Does it fit the screen acceptably? I'm not so concerned about colors but if it doesn't fit that would be a problem. * Does 1 page with probe and outlet work or would it be better to have 2 pages (1 for each)? * Wrt change an outlet setting; I could use buttons on each row (auto, on, off) or a drop-down control. Would one be more usable than the other (e.g., is it easier to use on or the other on a BB)? __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/08/2009, 06:18 PM	#15
mikesin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Valencia, PA Posts: 380	Ken, * It fits my screen just fine. 8330 curve - verizonwireless * I personally like 1 page for probes and outlets - that prevents bouncing back and forth between pages. * I'm thinking a drop down would be better, only because the names of the outlets will get smaller on the screen if there are 3 "buttons" taking up space. Pics are worth a thousand words.........

10/08/2009, 06:31 PM	#16
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	Wow, that doesn't look half bad (even if I do say so myself). There would only be 2 buttons if that makes any difference; no sense in taking up space for the 'current' state. Thanks for the pics; it's hard to tell what it might look like with only my imagination. __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/08/2009, 07:22 PM	#17
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	A version with 2 buttons: http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/ A version with drop down: http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index1.php A version with radio button: http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index2.php I could also go with a link (e.g., images representing on/off/auto; not sure what auto would be, hmm...) __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/08/2009, 07:51 PM	#18
ZachB iPhone. Rule the Air. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: I hear dueling banjos Posts: 1,307	I like the version with 2 buttons. It looks good on my storm and the buttons are easier, but for those with the trackball they may prefer the other versions. Maybe make the choice user selectable? __________________ I'm an F-18, bro! The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.

10/08/2009, 09:16 PM	#19
mikesin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Valencia, PA Posts: 380	Nice work, Personally I like the drop down - looks better to me on my screen. two buttons looses functionality, just my opinion. Here is what I'm seeing

10/08/2009, 10:36 PM	#20
kenargo Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 8,207	One more idea... http://www.kenargo.com/WAP/index1a.php BTW; thanks for the images, they help a bunch! __________________ Click on my name to visit my homepage and access a collection of AquaController and Apex software, tips, trick and other Q&A including a link to the 'unofficial Apex new users guide' with loads of helpful information and don't forget to put a pin in my location map. Current Tank Info: 225G, BK 300 Deluxe, Deltec PF601, Precision Marine Kalkreactor, 2-LMIII+6 pumps, SpectraPure UHE, Apex, LunarSim, Tunze 6305s. Mixed reef, clam, fish, etc.

10/09/2009, 06:03 AM	#23
ycrazyy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New York Posts: 329	This last one looks great on my BB Bold. This would be fantastic to have when my Apex arrives next week!

10/09/2009, 06:40 AM	#24
mikesin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Valencia, PA Posts: 380	So on my screen each outlet has 2 lines. Is that what everyone is seeing? If so is there any chance of getting 1 line per outlet? Sorry, can't do any photos till this evening.