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SBrick Android App

  • Tamas Misik
    • 164 posts
     
    August 19, 2016 10:42 PM CEST
    Hi Guys,

    A new (4.0.3.9-r) test version is available:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2dAUNpc5UBXaURoanFQN1VhTGc/view?usp=sharing />
    Please test it and share with us your experiences.

    Thanks for your help.
  • Chris Pst
    • 3 posts
     
    August 14, 2016 10:33 PM CEST

    I've recently purchased a Sbrick. I had really high expectations because you have a potentially great product! unfortunatly it has not lived up to its expectations yet. I've runned into a few things.

    1)  The ipad links to the brick without a problem. I can turn on the led and use the ports of the Sbrick from the "My Sbrick" window without a problem. However, no information regarding the brick status is shown in the window.

    2) Using the Ipad, at maximum deflection of a slider the power of the motor will be set to 0 instead of 100%

    3) Both the S4 and the S7 see a Sbrick, however the address is different from that of the ipad.  I can not turn on the led nor use the ports of the Sbrick from the "My Sbrick" window. Niether any status information is shown. When a link is established with an android device the ipad can not acces the brick. when releasing the link the ipad can acces the brick again. So, it seems that some sort of connection is made. 

    In all three devices a different name can be assigned to the brick...

    In the Sbrcik simple app niether the s4 nor the s7 show a connection.

    I've added a picture of the menu's on the three devices. By the way, what do the T and the M in front of the address mean?

    How can these issues be fixed?

    Samsung galaxy S7 with android 6.0.1

    Samsung galaxy S4i mini with android 4.4.2

    ipad 2 ios 9.3.4

    Sbrick v4.0 update 1 on al devices

    Sbrick with newest firmware

     

    Some suggestions:

    1) Can you change the structure of the forum such that a answer of a question could be found without having to go through 45 pages of a single thread.

    2) Create a slider which enables mixing of two or more channels by means of a formula. This would be very handy for skid steering

     

              

  • Marc Jaouen
    • 99 posts
     
    August 1, 2016 10:21 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Karl Fensterstock said:

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    [blockquote]Karl Fensterstock said:

    PS: Can you give me an Android device name where the SBrick App 100% works?

    I would like to buy it.

    [/blockquote]

    Sorry for the late reply. As we see in our logs, on these devices the SBrick application works without any problem. 

    D6603 Sony Xperia Z3
    A0001 OnePlus One
    SM-J500FN Samsung Galaxy J5

    We will coming out with a longer list with more details soon.


    [/blockquote]

    Thank you Tamas!

    I now use V4.0.2 the problems but not, unfortunately, less.

    [/blockquote]

     

    The Sony Xperia Aqua M4 works fine too.

  • Karl Fensterstock
    • 62 posts
     
    August 1, 2016 2:26 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    [blockquote]Karl Fensterstock said:

    PS: Can you give me an Android device name where the SBrick App 100% works?

    I would like to buy it.

    [/blockquote]

    Sorry for the late reply. As we see in our logs, on these devices the SBrick application works without any problem. 

    D6603 Sony Xperia Z3
    A0001 OnePlus One
    SM-J500FN Samsung Galaxy J5

    We will coming out with a longer list with more details soon.


    [/blockquote]

    Thank you Tamas!

    I now use V4.0.2 the problems but not, unfortunately, less.

  • Tamas Misik
    • 164 posts
     
    August 1, 2016 1:25 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Karl Fensterstock said:

    PS: Can you give me an Android device name where the SBrick App 100% works?

    I would like to buy it.

    [/blockquote]

    Sorry for the late reply. As we see in our logs, on these devices the SBrick application works without any problem. 

    D6603 Sony Xperia Z3
    A0001 OnePlus One
    SM-J500FN Samsung Galaxy J5

    We will coming out with a longer list with more details soon.



    This post was edited by Tamas Misik at August 1, 2016 1:25 PM CEST
  • Balint Mezei
    • 310 posts
     
    July 25, 2016 6:59 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Vlad . said:

    Hi, with 11 and next 12 firmware my sbricks (2 parts) not work now always.

    When i run "Creation", appliaction can not connnect to sbrick.

    Explay Vega android 4.4.2

     

     

    [/blockquote]

    Hello! 

    After the FW update please restart your device. 
    If it is still won't work, please fill out this, to help our developers solve the issue, 

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIneJxqxmZMRasFSklMBO20-yOJGxY6zBCTnz-10eb1xoyIg/viewform

    Thanks, 
    Balint Mezei 
    SBrick Team 

  • Frederic Ayrault
    • 95 posts
     
    July 24, 2016 11:38 AM CEST

    I still have connection problems with 4.0.2.4-d Can you please send me the app to downgrade my sbricks ?

     

    Thank you

     

    I have noticed one strange thing with 4.0.2.4-d

    Simple Control reports v12 for the 3 sbricks I am using now while there is still one in 4.1 for SBrick...

  • Vlad .
    • 7 posts
     
    July 23, 2016 11:12 PM CEST

    Hi, with 11 and next 12 firmware my sbricks (2 parts) not work now always.

    When i run "Creation", appliaction can not connnect to sbrick.

    Explay Vega android 4.4.2

     

     

  • Marc Jaouen
    • 99 posts
     
    July 23, 2016 10:38 PM CEST

    Hi guys,

    I have just tested the latest version of the app, with the most difficult configuration : a fast racer with 2 RC Buggy motors. I you have built this type of cars that have a peak speed of 15km/h, you know how hard it is to control them without crashes.

    One word to say it all : PERFECT !!!!

    The first critical point is the ability to limit the steering range. We can do that with the new generation of the Android app (it was not possible before version 2.0). +0.3 / -0.3 worked great in my case and the car was a pleasure to drive.

    Same comfort as a physical remote control. If some of you have watched my last video built with the 2003 Lego RC Unit, my next video will show that the SBrick can provide the same driveability with a similar chassis.

    The second critical point is, of course, the random disconnection problem we had with the previous app versions. With my Sony Xperia, this problem is over now : the only disconnections occured when the car went out of range, like 25m away from the phone.

    Fine. It doesn't help much those who still experience this kind of trouble, but I can testify that the SBrck is not the cause : the cause is the extrem variety of Android devices, some being close to the standards, some being not.

    I will soon post a video showing this car in action, and believe me, I will clearly highlight the fact that the SBrick is now fully operational even if you run Android!


    This post was edited by Marc Jaouen at July 23, 2016 10:39 PM CEST
  • Balint Mezei
    • 310 posts
     
    July 23, 2016 3:23 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Trevor Lien said:

    I have been trying to figure out how to use Profile Designer and Sbrick app (I think they are supposed to work together, each doing half of the job).  I have studied the guide at 
    and searched for answers and how-to guides elsewhere but am not finding answers for novices.
    A few critical confusions:
     
    In Profile Designer::
    What do the "Channel" fields do?
     
    The first Field says "You can define the control Channels here.  The channels can be selected in the sbrick app" ...
    - Do channels refer to the physical ports on the sbrick?
    - Obviously "Defining" and "Selecting" are 2 different things because one is done in the Profile Designer and the other is done in the Sbrick App.  Which is which?  What to the 2 words mean in this context?
    - What are valid entries for this field?
    - How does this field map to a specific Sbrick and a specific port that a device is plugged into?
     
    ​The second "Channel" field says the exact same thing in the tool tip!
    - ​This is a longer field - maybe it is a description?...
    - If it is a description - then how does it differ from "Name"... in other words, Where does this label show up?
    - If it is not a Description, then what are valid entries for this field?
     
    What are ​Points?​
    The description tool tip simply says that you can define them.
    - is this related to the Pulse Width Modulation of the port being controlled?
    - What are the units of measurement?
    - How do the Points influence a Motor?  a Light?  a Servo?
     
    ​Can I save Profiles ?
    Is there such a thing as a Profile "file"?
    How do I get a Profile onto my Sbrick controlling device/phone?
     
    In the SBrick App:
    - How do I assign a Profile to an Sbrick?
    (...or do I assign Sbricks to a profile?)
    - What is a "Creation"? (MOC?, Profile? )
    ​- On the Creation tab, it can show multiple profiles, but it doesn't show any Sbricks...Does that mean that I've missed a step?
    - Also, Sbricks and Creations are on different tabs in the application: does this mean they alternative approaches to doing the same thing?​
    - can you assign a "Creation" to an Sbrick?  or Sbricks to a creation?
    - The Creations have "Channel" selections; are these mapped to a Profile or an Sbrick?  (Or something else?)
    - Creations have media files, just like Profiles: Is there a layout Editor for the Creations?  What are these media files used for?
    - When I assign a second Profile to a Creation, only the first profile is displayed when I run the Creation;  am I missing a step?
    - When configuring a Creation, it requires tests with a connected Sbrick; will the Creation only work with that specific Sbrick in the future?
    - Is it intended that you build a new "Creation" for each MOC you make in order to use a given "Profile"?
     
    ​Using both Profile Designer and Sbrick App:
    - Is there an app to create or edit profiles locally, on my phone or tablet so that you only set up the controls in one app?
    - Are there any "How to" videos that walk you through the process - showing how it is supposed to work?
    - Is there a Wiki or other location where people can discuss back and forth about SBrick issues?
    (Considering that users can't reply to individual comments here, or search for answers)
     
    Any help would be greatly appreciated - I see that many people are using the Sbrick successfully - I'd like to be one of them!
    ​Thanks!

    [/blockquote]

    Hello!

     
    I try to answer all your questions, if i missed something please contact us again. :)
     
    What do the "Channel" fields do?
    The first Field says "You can define the control Channels here.  The channels can be selected in the sbrick app" ...
    - Do channels refer to the physical ports on the sbrick?
    - Obviously "Defining" and "Selecting" are 2 different things because one is done in the Profile Designer and the other is done in the Sbrick App.  Which is which?  What to the 2 words mean in this context?
    - What are valid entries for this field?
    - How does this field map to a specific Sbrick and a specific port that a device is plugged into?
    ​The second "Channel" field says the exact same thing in the tool tip!
    - ​This is a longer field - maybe it is a description?...
    - If it is a description - then how does it differ from "Name"... in other words, Where does this label show up?
    - If it is not a Description, then what are valid entries for this field?
     
    The "Name" field is for the profile designer. If you set for example 3 sliders, it is easier if you set here that which slider is for what. If you want a steering slider, Set "Steering" in the name, and it will be obvious for you. If you want an other one for acceleration name this one, and you will know which one is the one you need. 
     
    The "Channels" field is for the application. When you add SBricks port to the profile you downloaded this descriptions will be there. If you want to set a servo motor (for steering for example) to the A port, you need to select in the application the A port and the "Steering" channel you set in the profile designer. And this way it is easier to find what function you are looking for. 
     
    What are ​Points?​
    The description tool tip simply says that you can define them.
    - is this related to the Pulse Width Modulation of the port being controlled?
    - What are the units of measurement?
    - How do the Points influence a Motor?  a Light?  a Servo?
     
    The points refer to, set motors or LEDs in a specific time to start or stop. If you set "start" for 1, the slider start on the top. (In the case of acceleration, you won't control your creation forward, only backward.) 
    If you set "zero" to 1, your creation stops when you reached the top of the slider.
    Maybe it is the easiest way to try it out. Create a profile, and add 3-4 sliders to it (in the profile designer) and set different values. And you will understand this faster. :) 
     
    Can I save Profiles ?
    Is there such a thing as a Profile "file"?
    How do I get a Profile onto my Sbrick controlling device/phone?
     
    If you are signed in, in our social site, when you open the profile designer you are automatically signed in to it also. 
    If you save a profile you created, when you start the application on your device, that profile will be there in the application too, in "My profiles" menu. 
    Actually you only have to create the profile in the PD (profile designer) and save it. 
     
    In the SBrick App:
    - How do I assign a Profile to an Sbrick?
    (...or do I assign Sbricks to a profile?)
    - What is a "Creation"? (MOC?, Profile? )
    ​- On the Creation tab, it can show multiple profiles, but it doesn't show any Sbricks...Does that mean that I've missed a step?
    - Also, Sbricks and Creations are on different tabs in the application: does this mean they alternative approaches to doing the same thing?​
    - can you assign a "Creation" to an Sbrick?  or Sbricks to a creation?
    - The Creations have "Channel" selections; are these mapped to a Profile or an Sbrick?  (Or something else?)
    - Creations have media files, just like Profiles: Is there a layout Editor for the Creations?  What are these media files used for?
    - When I assign a second Profile to a Creation, only the first profile is displayed when I run the Creation;  am I missing a step?
    - When configuring a Creation, it requires tests with a connected Sbrick; will the Creation only work with that specific Sbrick in the future?
    - Is it intended that you build a new "Creation" for each MOC you make in order to use a given "Profile"?
     
    The method is the next. You add a creation with the "+" sign. You set the name of the creation and a description if you want to. It is not necessary. Just basic information for yourself. 
    Media is for upload a picture to make more beatiful the interface. You can set a downloaded picture or you can take a photo.

    Then you add a profile. There will be public profiles and your profiles you created in the profile designer previously. You have to download the one you want, and set. 
    You will see that the application set the profile you chosen. There will be an "x" and a star and a gear. With the X you can delete it, the star doesen't matter actually, and the gear is what more important. 
    With the help of this, you can add the SBricks port to the buttons/sliders, so to the functions. Here you will find the names of the "Channels" you set in the profile designer. 

    You need to check on your SBrick which motor is refered to which port. If you set a servo motor, to the A port, here you need to set it. And you set all the ports to the functions. Than you go back and just click on thepicture of the profile, and you can enjoy it. :)
     
     
    ​Using both Profile Designer and Sbrick App:
    - Is there an app to create or edit profiles locally, on my phone or tablet so that you only set up the controls in one app?
    - Are there any "How to" videos that walk you through the process - showing how it is supposed to work?
     
    We haven't got an application to edit or create it on your device, the profile designer is only available on PC-s. 
    Soon we will release our tutorial videos for the PD, maybe it will be easier. But it takes us some time to finish them. 
     
    I hope i could helped to you, if you have further questions feel free to ask. 
     
    Best wishes, 
    Balint Mezei
    SBrick Team 
  • Trevor Lien
    • 6 posts
     
    July 23, 2016 2:22 AM CEST
    I have been trying to figure out how to use Profile Designer and Sbrick app (I think they are supposed to work together, each doing half of the job).  I have studied the guide at 
    and searched for answers and how-to guides elsewhere but am not finding answers for novices.
    A few critical confusions:
     
    In Profile Designer::
    What do the "Channel" fields do?
     
    The first Field says "You can define the control Channels here.  The channels can be selected in the sbrick app" ...
    - Do channels refer to the physical ports on the sbrick?
    - Obviously "Defining" and "Selecting" are 2 different things because one is done in the Profile Designer and the other is done in the Sbrick App.  Which is which?  What to the 2 words mean in this context?
    - What are valid entries for this field?
    - How does this field map to a specific Sbrick and a specific port that a device is plugged into?
     
    ​The second "Channel" field says the exact same thing in the tool tip!
    - ​This is a longer field - maybe it is a description?...
    - If it is a description - then how does it differ from "Name"... in other words, Where does this label show up?
    - If it is not a Description, then what are valid entries for this field?
     
    What are ​Points?​
    The description tool tip simply says that you can define them.
    - is this related to the Pulse Width Modulation of the port being controlled?
    - What are the units of measurement?
    - How do the Points influence a Motor?  a Light?  a Servo?
     
    ​Can I save Profiles ?
    Is there such a thing as a Profile "file"?
    How do I get a Profile onto my Sbrick controlling device/phone?
     
    In the SBrick App:
    - How do I assign a Profile to an Sbrick?
    (...or do I assign Sbricks to a profile?)
    - What is a "Creation"? (MOC?, Profile? )
    ​- On the Creation tab, it can show multiple profiles, but it doesn't show any Sbricks...Does that mean that I've missed a step?
    - Also, Sbricks and Creations are on different tabs in the application: does this mean they alternative approaches to doing the same thing?​
    - can you assign a "Creation" to an Sbrick?  or Sbricks to a creation?
    - The Creations have "Channel" selections; are these mapped to a Profile or an Sbrick?  (Or something else?)
    - Creations have media files, just like Profiles: Is there a layout Editor for the Creations?  What are these media files used for?
    - When I assign a second Profile to a Creation, only the first profile is displayed when I run the Creation;  am I missing a step?
    - When configuring a Creation, it requires tests with a connected Sbrick; will the Creation only work with that specific Sbrick in the future?
    - Is it intended that you build a new "Creation" for each MOC you make in order to use a given "Profile"?
     
    ​Using both Profile Designer and Sbrick App:
    - Is there an app to create or edit profiles locally, on my phone or tablet so that you only set up the controls in one app?
    - Are there any "How to" videos that walk you through the process - showing how it is supposed to work?
    - Is there a Wiki or other location where people can discuss back and forth about SBrick issues?
    (Considering that users can't reply to individual comments here, or search for answers)
     
    Any help would be greatly appreciated - I see that many people are using the Sbrick successfully - I'd like to be one of them!
    ​Thanks!
  • Karl Fensterstock
    • 62 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 9:51 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    Hi Guys,

    A new version, with some minor changes (improved driver logs and some fixed bugs about the connections) 
    Android apk (4.0.2.4-d) -> https://goo.gl/MKsyRQ

    Don't     forget, this is just a test version! 
    Please test it if the previous version did'nt work properly on your device.

    If you find any bugs, or if you have any problems with this version, please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/NFSLTT


    Thanks     for your help.
    Tamas 

    [/blockquote]

    Hi Tamas,

    i have installed Android apk (4.0.2.4-d).
    Sorry, no change in the problems.

  • Trevor Lien
    • 6 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 7:00 PM CEST

    How do I update or reset an Sbrick?

    I bought 4 on the kickstarter.  

    One of mine has been updated a few months ago and Reports Hardware v4.0, Firmware 4.12 (it said Firmware v4.11 when I connected it a couple days ago.)   I think it works, but I've not figured out how the tool chain is supposed to work - that's a separate question.

     

    While thinking maybe something was wrong with it, I tried the other ones which were not updated as recently.  

    - They show a MAC address in the Sbrick app, but do not report any Hardware or Firmware values.  

    - They also do not respond to any of the test controls.  

    - If i touch the "Update firmware" button and wait about 30 seconds, the app reports that  "This SBrick has got the newest version of the firmware."

    - They also will not show up at all in the Sbrick Simple Control.

     

    Is there any way to un-brick these Sbricks?

  • Adrian Wigg
    • 3 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 2:11 PM CEST

    @Tamas I have been able to get 7 x SBricks(4.12) to connect to a Samsung SM-T530/Android version 5.0.2 in the one profile :-)

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    Hi Guys,

    A new version, with some minor changes (improved driver logs and some fixed bugs about the connections) 
    Android apk (4.0.2.4-d) -> https://goo.gl/MKsyRQ

    Don't     forget, this is just a test version! 
    Please test it if the previous version did'nt work properly on your device.

    If you find any bugs, or if you have any problems with this version, please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/NFSLTT


    Thanks     for your help.
    Tamas 

    [/blockquote]

  • Tamas Misik
    • 164 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 1:57 PM CEST

    [blockquote]Adrian Wigg said:

    The SBRick Simple Control App available on android can revert v12 firmware -> v11??

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    @Jeremy

    After you downloaded the APK to your phone, you can instal it :) 
    About the downgrade to 11 firmware we will contact you soon.

    [/blockquote]

    [/blockquote]

    No, it doesn't work with the Simple Control.
    We have a special APK for the downgrade. I sent it to you in e-mail. Check your inbox! :)

  • Adrian Wigg
    • 3 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 1:41 PM CEST

    @Tamas I tryed the new app tonight and could not get any SBricks to connect. I will try the new APK and see how that goes :-)

  • Adrian Wigg
    • 3 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 1:38 PM CEST

    The SBRick Simple Control App available on android can revert v12 firmware -> v11??

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    @Jeremy

    After you downloaded the APK to your phone, you can instal it :) 
    About the downgrade to 11 firmware we will contact you soon.

    [/blockquote]

  • Tamas Misik
    • 164 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 1:20 PM CEST

    @Jeremy

    After you downloaded the APK to your phone, you can instal it :) 
    About the downgrade to 11 firmware we will contact you soon.

    update: check your inbox. I sent the APK to you in e-mail :)


    This post was edited by Tamas Misik at July 22, 2016 1:58 PM CEST
  • Tamas Misik
    • 164 posts
     
    July 22, 2016 1:14 PM CEST
    Hi Guys,

    A new version, with some minor changes (improved driver logs and some fixed bugs about the connections) 
    Android apk (4.0.2.4-d) -> https://goo.gl/MKsyRQ

    Don't     forget, this is just a test version! 
    Please test it if the previous version did'nt work properly on your device.

    If you find any bugs, or if you have any problems with this version, please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/NFSLTT


    Thanks     for your help.
    Tamas 
  • Jeremy McCreary
    • 6 posts
     
    July 21, 2016 2:45 AM CEST

    [blockquote]Tamas Misik said:

    Hi Guys,

    We will contact you about the reported bugs and connection problems very soon.

    I uploaded the APK, so you can download  the current and previous versions.
    APK for 2.0.2. verison: https://goo.gl/OnyM4x
    APK for 4.0.1. version: https://goo.gl/fMbds0


    Thanks,
    Tamas 

    [/blockquote]

     

    How does one use these APKs? Also, I need to roll back my firmware from 4.12 to 4.11 ASAP. How do I do that?

  • Ignacio Zamora
    • 2 posts
     
    July 20, 2016 7:16 PM CEST

    Hello
    I have connection problems after updating to v4.0 update 1 android application.
    The sbricks are disconnected, even with new creations and new profiles.
    I use a Samsung J2 with Android 5.1.1
    I hope you can solve quickly!
    Thanks in advance


    This post was edited by Ignacio Zamora at July 20, 2016 7:16 PM CEST
  • Tommy Styrvoky
    • 5 posts
     
    July 20, 2016 6:05 PM CEST

    Thanks, the old verson works fine with both Sbricks, and there are very little connectivity issuse... too bad I can't use the sequences, but atleast it works.

  • Karl Fensterstock
    • 62 posts
     
    July 20, 2016 2:40 PM CEST

    Thank you Tamas.

    Karl

  • Tamas Misik
    • 164 posts
     
    July 20, 2016 1:42 PM CEST

    Hi Guys,

    We will contact you about the reported bugs and connection problems very soon.

    I uploaded the APK, so you can download  the current and previous versions.
    APK for 2.0.2. verison: https://goo.gl/OnyM4x
    APK for 4.0.1. version: https://goo.gl/fMbds0


    Thanks,
    Tamas 

  • Tommy Styrvoky
    • 5 posts
     
    July 20, 2016 4:00 AM CEST

    I tried downgrading the app, though the old version of the app didn't recognize the Sbricks with the new firmware, I wish there was a way to downgrade the firmware, as I didn't have the connectivity issues with the previous firmware. As sometimes it will connect, but most of the time it has issues connecting. My device is a LG ultimate 2, it's sort of a potato, and it costs roughly the price of the Sbrick, but it meets the requirements for the app. It has Android 4.4.2 and bluetooth 4. I hope this can be fixed, as I have a model that uses the sequence function, but will disconnect in the middle of the sequence. 

     

    I have 2 Sbircks one with 4.12 and 5.12 firmware both seem to have issues.


    This post was edited by Tommy Styrvoky at July 20, 2016 4:11 AM CEST