LED ring or SkyView

[Lovro Dužević]

Hello to all,

Thank you for accepting me into the group.

As a glider pilot and amateur radio operator, I really like this group and feel it’s close to my interests, especially since it helps make flying even safer.

Currently, I have 2x LilyGo T-Beams: the first one is an OGN receiver, and the second one is SoftRF-FLARM.

Right from the start, I have a question about which option is better to choose for SoftRF: the LED ring, like the one on FLARM, or SkyView?

And of course, a follow-up question: how do I connect the LED ring to the T-Beam?

Thanks for your answers!

Regards,

Lovro

[Moshe Braner]

Personally, I like a glide computer, such as XCsoar (or Tophat which I use), better than any type of "FLARMview".  I prefer to see everything on one screen.  But some other people have other preferences.

I have not used an LED ring device, but I assume they are designed to be connected directly to a FLARM, i.e., they take serial input in RS232 levels (several volts negative most of the time, alternating with a positive voltage that is higher than 3.3V).  To connect to a T-Beam, you have two choices:

(1) add a max3232 type chip to convert the TTL output (from the "tx" pin on the T-Beam) to the voltages that the other device is expecting.  See my "user guide" for some warnings about those chips being potentially unstable.

(2) or, try feeding the other device TTL level and see if it will work anyway.  But, it expects the ones and zeros in opposite polarity than the TTL serial standard (which is +3.3V most of the time, alternating with zero), so you need to use the "secondary" serial port, and the "invert the logic" option.  Both are available in my version of SoftRF.  If that does not work you can then go on to wiring a max3232 chip instead.

With the SkyView (or XCsoar) you also have the option of connecting via WiFi or Bluetooth.

[Mik Garwood]

Has anyone used the Skyview? I'm interested if the radar display flashes when it updates traffic. It's based on the Lilygo T5S I believe and their data says a "partial update" is N/A which implies that it only does a full refresh, which would flash. I've got a couple of e-paper displays but neither seems to support a partial udpate so are useless for a radar display and I don't want to buy yet another one that doesn't do what I want!

Regards

Mik

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[Moshe Braner]

Depends how much "flashing" you can tolerate.  Updating individual items on the screen certainly happens, but with an e-paper display there are some "ghosts" left behind, which you can clean up with an occasional total-screen rewrite.  I don't actually use a SkyView in flying, but use an e-reader (Nook or Kobo) with Tophat all the time, and find it vastly superior to any phone or tablet when in bright sunshine.

[Vlad Belayev]

Hi Mik,
I am coming from paragliding background , but looking at the SkyView as a potential device for traffic alerts. I am making some improvements to the code, namely implementing it on a AMOLED round 1.75" screen device.
AMOLED are amazingly bright and fast to respond to re-drawing. Therefore I think they are more suitable for alerts. Also in PG size and weight all maters, therefore I think its a good choise.
I was also thinking of an built in Radar screen alert , similar to LED ring. Here is the demo of my implementation.

I am still working on the code , there are a few things to tidy up. Later , I am realising that there are so many changes , that perhaps AMOLED version should a separate branch of the software and not try to combine EPD and TFT.
The second screen is the Traffic Text  page where you can se traffic details.
Perhaps, in Gliding you wouldn't necessarily use it as a traffic map, but purely as a an LED Ring it may work.

I would be interested to know any thoughts on this.
Thanks

[Mik Garwood]

Hi Vlad

I was looking at circular displays, especially it they'd fit in a standard 57mm instrument space, but wasn't sure how bright they'd be in sunlight. I would be interested to know what it's like with sun reflecting directly off it and also directly behind it. I have a small rectangular OLED that I use for an engine monitor that does seem to be good in sunlight though. 

I've been wanting to use a colour screen as I can then have different colours for height above/below/same, at the moment I use a "+" or "-" or dot to show this and draw a shape around it to show aircraft type, eg. square for power, circle for chopper, triangle for jet and no shape for a glider. This does mean that I can't then easily show the contacts track though. These symbols are reasonably large so I can see them, particularly in strong sunlight. Smaller symbols/text look good in the office but I've found somewhat unreadable  when flying in sunlight - at the moment I'm using a small 35x20mm b/w LCD, as used in the original Nokkia phones, as they were very cheap for development uses and are actually quite good in the glider.

Your alert method looks interesting and is very clear to draw attention to the display. It could maybe be narrower so other contacts could still be seen? I wouldn't personally use the traffic details as there's generally too much traffic round here so it would be time spent not looking at the radar screen.

I've now got the Skyview e-paper with Moshe's software and this looks very good after some ground tests. I will need to tweak it for landscape mode as it will go on top of the instrument panel so portrait will obscure my forward view.

Which AMOLED display are you using? If they're cheap enough I may get one to do some sunlight tests.

Regards

Mik

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/softrf_community/01be25dd-a647-49c9-a053-0ebe66aa8e37n%40googlegroups.com.

[Vlad Belayev]

Hi Mik,

Agree, there is so much more info can be relayed with colour.

So far I had one flight with AMOLED display in a slightly overcast day, it was OK, 

, both radar and Text info was visible. There is something about AMOLED that make them more visible in sunlight, especially in Dark scheme, I.e black background. 

So far I have tried lilyGo T-display 1.75 round AMOLED from LilyGo directly. https://lilygo.cc/products/t-display-s3-amoled-1-64

They are $27 plus delivery, not particularly going to break the bank.

The total external diameter is 50mm, so it should fit in your instrument board.

Also rried the 2.41 " rectangular version. Which is more expensive, but I wouldn't say its worth it.

Attached is the picture of it with gliding club field in the background. 

I am now changing flying object shapes to actual 64x64 images, converted to .h files. They fit on the screen ok and much easier to see..

There is the glider next to the tow plane, (yellow circle) the old representation. Also changed now.

I ll tidy up the repository tomorrow,  so may be it will be useful to get going with new AMOLED and do some tests.https://github.com/slash-bit/SkyView-AMOLED

[FrankT]

I build the round  AMOLED  Skyview and I love it. I will print the watch case and drawing  a custom case for my use.

Op dinsdag 1 april 2025 om 01:00:15 UTC+2 schreef Vlad Belayev:

[Lovro Dužević]

Is there option to put vario info on this display? If SoftRf give this info?

Regards, Lovro

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[FrankT]

Vlad Belayev is the designer of this great OLED ring, you need to ask him.

Op vrijdag 18 april 2025 om 16:36:11 UTC+2 schreef Lovro Dužević:

[Vlad Belayev]

  Hey Lovro, 

in theory yes, should be possible with some modification of the code, I assume you are asking about own vario display? 
That would have to come from SoftRF as $LK8EX1 sentence which sends Baro reading. Currently , $LK8EX1 is not processed by SkyView, but I was also thinking adding it 

to display SoftRF Battery voltage.
On the other hand, SkyView is designed to display  information about Other Aircrafts and there is already a info card showing other aircraft's vario ( on the right-handside of the screenshot).
Through observation I figured that other aircraft equipped with Barometer send that information through FLARM , so its visible to us in $PFLAA sentence.

 But some aircrafts with only GPS based trackers do not sent it.
By the way the SkyView code is not mine, I just did the Graphic interface and adopted it for AMOLED TFT ( still quite a lot of work) . Also, Other Aircarft's Climbrate was not originally processed by SkyView,

 so that needed some code modifications. 

I am also planning to add thermal markers to the radar screen, based on the climb rate received from other traffic.
The battery icon is fixed , by the way :-)

[Lovro Dužević]

Thanks Vlad for the explanation! I asked because this AMOLED display looks really cool and would be interesting for paragliders. A colleague has SoftRF for his better half and he mentioned: it's a shame it doesn't have vario.

Since you can have this AMOLED display on your wrist and see what you need.

In any case: all credit for this programming. I really appreciate it!

Regards,
Lovro

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[FrankT]

Yesterday I went flying with the Round AMOLED display. What I can tell is that it worked as expected.

I used the Traffic Info Page more than I thought because if it shows nothing than there is 'no' traffic' (so you can focus on other things) but the other pages are to nice so I kept scrolling :-)

Frank

Op maandag 21 april 2025 om 16:18:38 UTC+2 schreef Lovro Dužević:

[Vlad Belayev]

Thanks Frank and Lovro for nice comments appreciate that.
I also find myself using Traffic Info page more, as it has dimming effect when "no traffic " and  when aircrafts in view it comes on nice and bright.
In the new release, there is also a small lock icon , when clicked it will lock on specific aircraft id. So if aircraft comes and goes it will always go to that aircraft's page. This can be used if you are following a buddy.

Indeed ,  Lovro,  SoftRF doesn't really have a vario, which is a shame. Some devices like T-Echo have barometer, so the rough climb/sink indicator can be added to a page. ( probably Compass page?)
I 'll look into it.

[Moshe Braner]

Some T-Echos have a baro sensor, some don't.  You can add a baro sensor to a T-Beam easily.  SoftRF, like FLARM, does not transmit (in the radio messages) the baro altitude, only the GPS altitude.  But it does transmit its climb rate, which is based on the baro sensor if available, but if not then it computes a (rough) climb rate from the changes in GPS altitude.

[Lovro Dužević]

OK! Got Lilygo AMOLED display and now I got stuck...

Please help!

First I need github link to AMOLED SkyView. Found one and installed on it but no go...

Tnx!

Regards, Lovro

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[Lovro Dužević]

When I connect via WiFi to AMOLED display, there is intresting status...

No display???

Regards, Lovro

On Tue, 29 Apr 2025, 14:17 Frank Toorenburg, <frank.to...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am not the software maker but I download the zip file from the link I gave, then open in platformIO the platformio.ini and that is it.

No modification needed!

\

Op di 29 apr 2025 om 13:52 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

I have VSC and PlatformIO and all is going OK with compiling and then installing on ESP32-S3 but nothing on the screen. And after opening settings in browser I have only ePaper options

Regards, Lovro

On Tue, 29 Apr 2025, 13:46 Frank Toorenburg, <frank.to...@gmail.com> wrote:

Program it with the use of  Visual Studio Code and  PlatformIO.

See youtube how to install if you don't have it

Op di 29 apr 2025 om 13:41 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

Hi Frenk!

Thank you! 

But now how to go next step?

After boot and SkyView powered by SoftRF just black screen. If I connect to SkyView WiFi and open settings no luck to change from ePaper.?

Regards, Lovro

On Tue, 29 Apr 2025 at 12:59, Frank Toorenburg <frank.to...@gmail.com> wrote:

https://github.com/slash-bit/SkyView-AMOLED-round-1.75-TFT_eSPI

Use VS-Code with PlatformIO to upload the code.

Op di 29 apr 2025 om 09:26 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

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[Frank Toorenburg]

no, just as it is downloaded !!

Op di 29 apr 2025 om 15:33 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

[Vlad Belayev]

Hey Lovro,

So it seems installation went fine, if you see SkyView splashscreen

The screen must be working.

Yeah, don't worry about Display NONE, that's a cosmetic thing,  I need to correct it.

When you go to setting you will need to setup Data connection,  as Bluetooth  LE.

Serial also ok if that's what you use. But Bluetooth SP is not supported by ESP32-S3 boards.

Even if there is no connection to SoftRF device you should see NO DATA slowly fading and appearing in the middle of the screen.

Strange, that you don't see it.

If you click Monitor in PlatformIO what serial output do you get?

In a meantime I will work on the webpage server, that was at the bottom of my list :')

[Lovro Dužević]

Vlad and Frank BIG BIG Thank you!

Looks like there was a problem with.... no drum rolls... safety "paper" over screen... shame on me...

I plugged it in and after splash screen just piled a bit screen protector off and there I saw: NO DATA! flashing + 100% battery + Settings wheels...

I owe both of you and whole SW SoftRF community a drink!



Best regards, Lovro

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[Lovro Dužević]

But...

Why is there always some but involved...

2 things:

1.) not powering up after saving settings from web interface or is there some trick?

2.) units... setting is for metric, but then you have feet on screen

Regards, Lovro

[Vlad Belayev]

Ha, ha, great news screen is working.

Indeed, there is a good work from source code developers.

As for the issue 1, I haven't had that . Normally it reboots after saving settings from the web.

There is thing to be aware though. When changing setting from the screen , it doesn't save settings right away. It will save only when device put to Sleep ( from on screen menu).

The button underneath the screen (BOOT button) is a Wake up from sleep button.

The issue 2, good point , I should use "Mixed" mode for Feet altitude and km distance. The Metric should be meters and kilometers. I will change that.

Thanks.

[Lovro Dužević]

Both screens work great with SoftRF and look really cool. 

Next for screen case and then test in the plane. Hopefully soon. 

Thanks again to the community!

Regards, Lovro 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/softrf_community/fc258f98-3932-46f2-bbd6-c7406c3496f4n%40googlegroups.com.

[Vlad Belayev]

Great!
I have uploaded a new version to the github.
In this version: Metric and Mixed Units are now showing respective altitude values in meter or feet. (Select Units in Web configuration).

Other additions, Swiping Up and Down on Radar Screen shows Zoom levels briefly ( i.e the maximum Radar distance)
Swiping Up and Down on Traffic Info page shows Page number. (Number of pages depends on aircrafts received, up to 10 . That's the original code limit , not sure if  good idea to  increase it. 

[Lovro Dužević]

Just to be shore...

This is your github link or you have other: https://github.com/slash-bit/SkyView-AMOLED-round-1.75-TFT_eSPI

And new one: it's a feature not a feature, I noticed that during sweaping battery indicator change %

Douring flight you don't see this, but during ground testing you can see such details

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/softrf_community/bfedf919-a92c-4f10-a5ab-adbe6d3931b0n%40googlegroups.com.

[Vlad Belayev]

Hey Frank, 
I have just made changes in the case design .
Its called "T-Display-AMOLED-1.75-Case_v6-tab_one-body"
I will print and see if all fits ok.

The cover now snaps in into the groove.
The battery is lower to allow space for the battery connector and pin headers to remain un-removed.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/softrf_community/3f9dd5f7-fd2c-4b02-96ae-f95e6907c294n%40googlegroups.com.

--

Best regards
Vlad Belayev

[Frank Toorenburg]

Great, I will print it tomorrow morning. I have some pins for the 20mm band so I have to thicken the sides with 1mm, which is a quick fix for me.

I send pictures when done.

Frank

Op vr 2 mei 2025 om 14:53 schreef Vlad Belayev <vlad.b...@gmail.com>:

[Lovro Dužević]

Vlad... I can't find link to case...

Plus a question about case... Are there screws to hold display in case?

Thank you!

Regards, Lovro

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[Frank Toorenburg]

Here is the file for Fusion and yes there are mounting holes.

Frank

Op vr 2 mei 2025 om 18:25 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

[Frank Toorenburg]

Vlad,

Can you give more access to the file, now we can't print or edit it,

Or can you mail the Fusion file.

Thanks,

Frank

Op vr 2 mei 2025 om 18:36 schreef Frank Toorenburg <frank.to...@gmail.com>:

[Lovro Dužević]

Fran,

I can open it and export as STL or 3mf no problem...

Regards, Lovro

[Frank Toorenburg]

I need to edit it so that it accepts a 20mm watch band.

Have a nice print :-)

Op vr 2 mei 2025 om 18:52 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

[Frank Toorenburg]

Ok I can edit it now, open it as STP

Op vr 2 mei 2025 om 18:52 schreef Lovro Dužević <lov...@gmail.com>:

Fran,

[Lovro Dužević]

I opened it in Fusion360 without problem.

I just have to learn Fusion more, now I am on before beginer stage 🤣🤣

[Vlad Belayev]

May be try also this case. This doesn't need screws. i have only just finished designed an printed top part.

It seems OK and there is enough space for the battery.

[Vlad Belayev]

[Lovro Dužević]

Vlad, it is great!

About screws I meant that hold displaj in case, not for bottom 😁

Can I get all three parts?

Top, bottom and button or are they on your github?

Regards, Lovro

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/softrf_community/ffbf0196-e0d2-4acb-88ac-5e272bac616bn%40googlegroups.com.

[FrankT]

Op vrijdag 2 mei 2025 om 22:36:18 UTC+2 schreef Lovro Dužević:

[Vlad Belayev]

Hi all, I have uploaded new version of SkyView and also the firmware.bin in the binaries folder on my repository. (https://github.com/slash-bit/SkyView-AMOLED-round-1.75-TFT_eSPI)
The new version has  resized   partitions to allow future firmware updates via Web page. It will probably be needed to flash one more time through PlatformIO to resize the partitions. Then it should be OK via the web page by uploading firmware.bin file.

[Moshe Braner]

Great work Vlad.  Ideally, you'd set up the needed files and instructions so others can use just the ESP32 flashing tool for the initial flashing, without having to install PlatformIO.  See how it's offered for SoftRF for example:

    https://github.com/moshe-braner/SoftRF/tree/master/software/app/Flashing

[Vlad Belayev]

Great idea, thanks. Moshe. I am working on this.

[Vlad Belayev]

Hi guys, finally got around to test and document firmware flashing process using ESP32 Flashing tool. ( Which would typically be needed when flashing brand new board). See below link)
You can also use the same process for subsequent firmware updates, but it is much easier to update via SkyView from own Webpage. ( The board is already partitioned for OTA updates)
https://github.com/slash-bit/SkyView-AMOLED-round-1.75-TFT_eSPI/blob/main/Documentation/Get_Started_and_Flashing_Instructions.MD

The repository is updated with the latest firmware files. There are some changes since last update.

1. Documentation added for Quick Start Flashing Instructions
2. Display refresh timer has changed to 1100ms ( extra 100ms to catch late arriving NMEA).
3. Max tracked objects increased to 20. ( still in test)
4. Paragliding aircraft icons are color coded - Red within 500ft (150m) from your height. Blue - above . Green - below.
5. Introducing Labels and Buddy List.
6. Buddy Labels can be enabled from on-screen settings page.
7. Buddies are shown as icons with circle around it. Also next to the aircraft icon are shown Buddy's Initials , this is on  Radar screen.
8.  Added a buttons to upload/download  a coma separated BuddyList (hex, Name) this will be used for PG buddy identification.

1. PS. This AMOLED Display is intended for paragliding use. Therefore loading a OGN database is not of much use. I was also thinking of loading Puretrack labels database. But that also seemed as an overkill.
   So I settled for a Custom Buddy list .
   
   

[FrankT]

Working here, thank you 

Op donderdag 5 juni 2025 om 12:01:05 UTC+2 schreef Vlad Belayev: