Castle Link/iPhone
 

My question to Castle is would it be possible to create an iPhone app that would let one run Castlelink on an iPhone? That would be a really nice way to tune an ESC at the track.

Thanks.

What about just getting a netbook. They can be had for less than 250 and are more versatile. I doubt CC will be doing an iphone app seeing as they don't even have mac support at this point.

great idea :D

Any online settings app would be great for any wireless device like a phone or itouch.. I would love it.

The only problem is, the esc has to be plugged into something, so a seperate device would have to be created, probably costing quite a bit.

I wonder if something like a palm life drive could be used? I just traded for one and that would be a cool use for it!

The big problem would be hooking it up to some kind of wifi, 3g, or cell phone network to transfer information to it. That would requre some kind of decice that plugs into the esc, or possibly a small component on the esc itself. It would probably have to have a screen/buttons so you could connect to a network. If you go that far you might as well just have a programming card..:neutral:

However, the Idea is still badass. Maybe a wire could connect the esc to a iphone/itouch?:mdr:

There's no USB port on the iphone though. Maybe someone could make an adapter to the charge port on the iphone?

issue is the iphone is a USB rx of sorts not a usb tx...

Thats true. However, the iphone has, what, a 30 pin connector? I have not seen or heard of an accesory that can't be used on the iphone. People also do crazy stuff with the software. If you haven't heard about jailbreaking iphones, google it. I have done it. Not only can you change all the themes, but you can download emulators, widgets, extra apps that apple doesn't approve of, and much more. People have run a version of linux on an iphone. Along with Wolfenstein 3d, I have a gameboy advance emulator. You can also have tons more - NES, Mame, Genesis, GBC, and even a playstation 1 emulator. :surprised:

As long as it also works on an ipo I'm good...

I would argue this point since my iphone served as my computer for 6 weeks last summer! I don't see how a netbook can be more versatile unless your going to write papers, even then I can write them as an e-mail and send it to someone with a printer if I needed to, and it's a phone, calculator, calendar, has it's own internet connection, can play games, music, movies, serve as a gps, a map, give me weather and stock updates, get my e-mail, etc, etc, etc......

I would love to have an iphone CastleLink App!!! I would settle for a mac version of Castle Link though, as soon as I can I'm getting a macbook, I'm sick of this damn HP laptop that keeps dying! I'm sure with all the computer geniuses in the world it wouldn't be to hard of an app to make. As far as the adapter goes I don't think that would be to difficult, just need an adapter that is female on both sides since the cord for the iphone is already a usb.

Found this- http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3480211
Plug in iphone to its 30pin side and plug the other end of the adapter into the usb cable for castle link to the castle link unit itself. Adaption taken care of- software is a different story.

Or... Just make a program box like that found on Speed pasison escs and others.

A female/female usb adapter would work. No need to fork out $30 bucks...

WHy make the castle link proprietary when you can have a program box that would work for all of them

A netbook can do all of the same and more.

Phone via Skype
GPS with a small add on and software

The others are kind of obvious.

I have done all that you are talking about with my XPS many times. Yeah it's bigger but I really want my phone to be a phone. Plus apple still doesn't have it when it comes to email. Blackberry has them beat hands down. I have several people I do business with that tried using the iphone and went back to the BBerry because the email works so much better and more seamless.

Not too mention that I hate typing on touch screen anything.

I have skype phone on my iphone too, great program.


It would just be software on the iphone. It has usb host capabilities, so the normal castle link dongle would work just fine. I got a developer kit for the iphone but cant do much since I don't have a mac.

The big question that hasn't been answered yet is will the iphone transmit and receive via the USB port? I don't claim to be an expert on high end phones, (heck all I have is a freebie Verizon phone) but if they can't send and receive on the USB port it's not possible to connect a Castle product.

Because the Castle link has to read the controllers settings when you first connect it, the USB port has to be capable of receiving. To update the settings to the controller the USB port has to be capable of transmitting. So if it can't do both, unfortunately it's an impossible feat. If it can, then there is a chance and I'd love to see someone try! :yes:

Thomas Porfert
Castle Tech Support

I can send information to my computer and receive it so I would say it can

i wish they would come out with mac support first...so i dont have to boot virtual windows for my castle link.

THEN id like to see a program card with basic setups.
selecting preprogrammed settings
maybe a way to increase and decrease each setting (punch etc.)
Little digital screen to show your current value (0-100)


just a few thoughts.

i think technically it needs to be a host capable usb device, if you can attach usb perpherals which tend to be slave devices like keyboards, mice, usb flash drives etc etc to the iphone then it would probably be possible to make software the iphone to program the speed controllers like castlelink.

I know my Nokia n800 internet tablet can turn its usb port into master mode so you can use external usb slave devices like usb wifi adapters etc.

This question has been asked numerous times guys.

Wont work, end of- the iphone or any other palm top type device isnt capable of hosting a usb device like the castle link, and a magic wireless version would still need a transmitter connected to the phone in order to transmit settigns to the esc; again cant happen.

Castle ARE working on a programming card like the HobbyWing escs have, it just isnt high on the priority list right now, but it is coming...

Amen to that :yes:

A bluetooth connection on the end of castle link could send info back and forth from the IPhone.

The MMM isnt bluetooth enabled though is it- it would require reworking that would push up the price, as would an infra red wireless programmer. Then theres the new software to go on the iphone- cant use the same stuff as is used on PCs, so that would need re-doing too. End result = $$$ onto the price.

Je repet, Patrick has stated before that they are working on a handheld programmer that plugs into the esc, very much like the hobbywing escs.

Patience is a virtue. :yes:

What about the new 3.0 software for the iPhone? http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/sdk/

This is exactly what you are looking to do: http://developer.apple.com/iphone/pr...cessories.html

or a version of this: http://developer.apple.com/iphone/pr...eertopeer.html

I love my iPhone and it would be so awesome to have a Castle Link app. I really dont think that it would be that hard to do. Just comeup with a usb accessory and make the software free. I would have to bet the accessory could sell for $20.

By the way. We use exchange on our server and looked into blackberrys, windows moblie, and iPhone. iPhone works the best. Blackberry wants thousands of $$$ to work correctly with exchange. iPhone works right out of the box. :lol:

That's because the Apple software doesn't truly integrate with the server, it works outside of it. Blackberry exchange costs money for a reason, it works. The Blackberry Exchange Server works in sync with MS Exchange to make everything seamless and coordinate.

I have several friends that specialize in specifically the email/exchange server section of IT. Two of them die hard apple/mac fans. None of them use or support the iphone, they all have BBerry. One even waited in line over night for his iphone which he promptly exchanged back for a BBerry after two weeks.

iphone has lots of cute gadgets, but a true business class email machine it is not.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/enterprise/integration.html

Which version of the iPhone did they have mine works great. I have access to everything that I would in outlook, and its quick. Even better than my windows mobile phone. Why does blackberry want money for something that exchange already does. The inbetween server crap is lame. :lol:

The iphone does have alot of bells and whistles, but that is what we want. iPhone Castle Link.

How many people are there that are actually going to get an iPhone to program their RCs? Sounds like a serious waste of time to me, frankly. I'd much rather have a $20 handheld programming card than a $500 phone that doesn't work on my network and would still need parts to make it work with my ESC. Either that or I just bring along my laptop and a USB cord, that's easy enough.

iphone 3g latest.

The iphone software does not work the same as BBerry enterprise. For business use BB Enterprise is superior, and for individual use when you purchase a BBerry you get a one user version of enterprise server for free. It only charges when you add multiple users to the same server. There is more to email and the enteprise servers than connecting with outlook. Outlook is only one part of the equation. Not too mention that a BBerry can be had for less than 1/4 the price of the iphone. When you add up the costs for 20 or more employees, the BBerry Exchange server price is cheap in comparison to buying iphones at 400+ per unit. Apple offers no discount on iphones period.

That's an excellent point as well. It would be cheaper and more advantageous to go the netbook route.

I am all for the programming card.

I think this thread is intended for all the people who do have a iPhone and castle products. There is no doubt that the iphone has a awesome interface and it would be killer to have castle link on it.

Reasons that I would like castle link on my iPhone:
1 device not several
Small and light (can be used trackside)
Can recieve updates over the air
I store PDF's of setup sheets and manuals on it (I dont have to carry around alot of papers, and viewing PDF files works great on the iPhone)

PS: I dont know what iPhone software you are talking about. It works out of the box with exchange, something the blackberrys cant do. Be fair with comparisons, like the storm vs iphone ($200 each). Our company is a small business and cell providers dont give dick for discounts. They usually charge much more.

All BBerry's I have owned work right out of the box without loading software as well. I enter my email info and it works. The BBerry also syncs with my outlook via bluetooth. There was an initial setup like anything else and that was it. The BBerry Enteprise server is only for companies wanting to fully integrate the BBerry Enterpise with their exchange server and is not necessary to use. You do not need the BBerry enteprise software unless you are hosting your own email on your own server.

BTW, the Storm is only available on Verizon and the iphone on ATT so neither of those is a comparison in reality. The BBerry curve can be had for less than $50.00 for small businesses and practically free for large companies with ATT. I can't speak for verizon or others as I have not dealt with them.

You kept referring to iphone software, I was only responding.

I have a few friends that have the curve (i have used it. features dont compair). They told me I was stupid for getting the iphone. Funny thing is that they both have the iPod touch now. For email, just try the iPhone and get back to me. :lol: If my grandpa can figure out the iPhone... come on....

Tried my friends iphone, no thanks. Don't like the touch screen or how it works and the email was sluggish and did not sync well unlike my BBerry. 99% of the time my BBErry get my email before outlook does.

Besides, I don't need my phone and email machine to play golf, find me dinner, play music, be a level, etc, etc. I need it to serve two functions, send/receive email and make/receive calls.

Oh well. I hear what you are saying, I just dont agree. Anyways, the bigger thing is that we need something to program, that is mobile and NOT a computer.:lol:

Like the hand held programmer CC is working on, which could be used by everyone, regardless of what phone you use. :intello:

Indeed, much better option than having to use an iPhone. I highly doubt there are enough people with iPhones that would use the iLink or whatever they'd call it. There may be a few dozen, but does that justify all the time it would take to develop it? If so, why not make an interface that'll work with my Motorola W385, it's a more popular phone because it's usually a freebie so more people could take advantage of the features and it would work on more than just the 1 phone. I'll take the handheld programmer any day, it's just so much simpler and everyone can use it rather than a minority.

i think if they do make an app it would be compatible with ANY phone....at least any phone that is capable enough and has the right system requirements....

Currently, with the 2.2.x software, Apple has restricted many things including the use of the USB port, bluetooth, and background running.

However, in the coming 3.0 software, Apple is pretty much unlocking the phone's potential completely. I have seen a demo where the iPhone functions as part of a heart pressure monitoring system by using an adapter that hooks up to the special "iPod" port on the bottom.

I beleive that with the 3.0 update, it WOULD be possible to create a Castle Link through the iPhone.

And remember that 99% of things that work with the iPhone work with the iPod Touch, so many people without iPhones will still be in the mix. I know many people who have an iTouch even if they have a basic free phone.