Just a bit of background. This all started with the original post with the 7" embedded ARM (I think it was) processor remote control. HAT TIP TO THAT GUY WHO IS AMAZING. I thought it was a neat project but had no idea where to start. I started with the Nextion brand of human machine interface (HMI) screens connected to a Teensy microprocessor. That worked well until I found they radiate unreal amounts of interference. I decided to try a pi but had zero Python experience. I just tried to learn as I went and tried different things until each portion worked.
I never intended for it to be anything to sell but the interest was higher than I expected. With that said it has its advantages but also its flaws so I want to be upfront with what it does and what it doesn't and what to expect.
Advantages:
Full display of all SDS series display information (unless I missed something)
Almost all buttons and control available in a touch format (no push down SDS100 knob but works without it)
Capacitive touch screen (like a cell phone, very accurate and sensitive)
Integrated GPS (no need for separate cable to a GPS port on either the 200 or 100)
Bright and clear display with good color
Relatively compact size 4.3" (size of about an older GPS)
Runs off a cigarette lighter 5v USB-C
Disadvantages:
Pi operating system - needs to boot like a computer and shutdown gracefully to prevent memory corruption
PLA printed housing - this is a low temp material and WILL warp on a hot dash especially with clamp pressure
(I've tried some PETG which is better but still trying to work this out)
GPS can be flaky at times but works well enough in a mobile environment (need to rewrite the GPS function)
436/536 support needs work, it was an afterthough and needs applicable icons created (few correct icons for them currently)
(my own programming limitations and bugs)
The last year has been very busy with work and family and I have very little time to just sit and experiment and work on things. I get on here and read posts here and there but to be able to have a few hours to really drag things out, hook them all up and get my mind back into it all is very difficult. I'm going to do my best to continue to work on bugs and features and whatever else needed though.
Being in a non mass production space makes obtaining supplies at a reasonable cost difficult if not impossible. Paying retail for each part then taking the time to assemble and test costs quite a bit when you add it all up. That is being worked on but is still a major hurdle.
ra7850 and I began talking about it all and he has offered to take on much of the support side of things. I have never sold much of anything I created before so it's a learning experience and to be honest it's worrysome. You know all the hell Uniden gets from people here for their shorcomings, so imagine how this is. I don't want peple to be frustrated or disappointed with what they receive and for the longest time would rather they receive nothing instead. When you build something after a while all you see is your own flaws.
