Top Hat

[6PK]

I tried to connect to the Top Hat website via Chrome, Firefox and was unable to.
Is this website dead?

[Moshe Braner]

On 3/7/2021 2:41 PM, 6PK wrote:
> I tried to connect to the Top Hat website via Chrome, Firefox and was unable to.
> Is this website dead?
>

The security certificate seems to have been "revoked". I've managed to
connect to some of the pages via an older browser on an older operating
system.

There has been no Tophat development since late 2017, so there's nothing
new on the web site anyway. If you want the Tophat program file you can
ask here and somebody will send it to you - I have the Nook and PC and
Kobo-Mini versions. These 2017 versions are still quite useful.

Hopefully some people will pick up the Tophat development since it seems
that Robert Dunning has retired from that role.

[stephen...@sympatico.ca]

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:55:35 PM UTC-5, Moshe Braner wrote:
> On 3/7/2021 2:41 PM, 6PK wrote:
> > I tried to connect to the Top Hat website via Chrome, Firefox and was unable to.

I had the same problem from my iPad and a PC laptop. But my desktop which isn’t out of date worked.

It may seen heresy but it would be nice of the XCSoar folks welcomes the program back like the prodigal son and at least hosted the info on their website.

[soaringjac]

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 11:41:58 AM UTC-8, 6PK wrote:
> I tried to connect to the Top Hat website via Chrome, Firefox and was unable to.
> Is this website dead?

I was able to connect with Chrome on my PC.

[6PK]

Hmmm....still no joy on my end

[Dan Daly]

You might try the wayback machine at http://web.archive.org/ . Amazing.

[Soartech]

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:55:35 PM UTC-5, Moshe Braner wrote:

> Hopefully some people will pick up the Tophat development since it seems
> that Robert Dunning has retired from that role.

I heard that he has quit soaring and that is a loss to our sport.
Anyone know why he left?

[cpd...@gmail.com]

Does anyone have the Android version 2.2.c? I have the 2.2.b and have found it very good, but cannot find the 2.2.c or the release notes to see what the changes are.

[soaringjac]

this is the latest beta 2.2.2c (android apk file) https://www.dropbox.com/s/5sasapfb38hdlt6/Tophat_Beta_Android.apk?dl=0

[stephen...@sympatico.ca]

“There has been no Tophat development since late 2017 …”

“this is the latest beta 2.2.2c (android apk file) …

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5sasapfb38hdlt6/Tophat_Beta_Android.apk?dl=0”

Apparently someone has done some development because there is a 2.2.3 version of TopHat that was released in 2019. I found the file here. There are some release notes buried in the folder.

http://downloads.tophatsoaring.org/TopHat_Releases/

[soaringjac]

AWESOME! That is great news. I love TopHat, way better than XCSoar. I hope someone continues development of it. Or, if the guys at XCSoar would just implement the GREAT user interface changes that TopHat has made.

[stephen...@sympatico.ca]

So, this is what a retirement from gliding and Tophat development looks like. Rob Dunning just posted this video an hour ago. I think we broke him.

https://youtu.be/h2W79FUrbBc

[John B]

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 1:41:58 PM UTC-6, 6PK wrote:
> I tried to connect to the Top Hat website via Chrome, Firefox and was unable to.
> Is this website dead?

No. Rob Dunning is active and very helpful.

[6PK]

So...can we ask him nicely or if need be bribe him to update the program?

[mmc...@gmail.com]

What updating does it need?

[soaringjac]

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7:56:30 PM UTC-8, mmc...@gmail.com wrote:
> What updating does it need?

This update would be very useful https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/tophat/safety-maccready-t360.html

[6PK]

For example, I recently updated to a 7" Android tablet and was not able to connect TopHat (2.2 version) via a IOIO device utilizing CAI302 protocol to my ClearNav XC vario .
When connected with the latest XCsoar version it connected immediately, I think perhaps newer versions were configured to connect with the IOIO better.
I settled on XCsoar for now since it is working but to be honest, I too would prefer using TopHat.

[Moshe Braner]

Since Tophat is based on a version of XCsoar that is some 5 years out of
date, what is needed is to re-create Tophat's superior user-interface on
top of a current version of XCsoar. That is a daunting project. (In
the Tophat source code there are about 140 files modified from the
analogous XCsoar files in that old version.) There are some people
(myself included) willing to work on this, but it is more likely
feasible if more people pitch in. And in particular we need people who
are familiar with setting up software build environments for
cross-compiling, especially for Android. IOW, we need somebody who is
well versed in compiling XCsoar, but is not happy with its UI - an
unlikely combination? (One must actually use Tophat to appreciate what
Robert Dunning has gifted us with. I suggest calling the new creation
"Tiphat".)

Regarding "safety Mc", John Cochrane has written years ago that the
glide computer and the speed director should be de-linked. I.e., use
separate Mc settings. My simple-minded solution is to set an Mc (plus
reserve altitude) that I consider safe for the final glide (or glide to
alternates), and not use a "speed directory". I thought by now nobody
follows the STF, rather, uses about 3 set speeds, depending on situation
(desperate / cautious / tigerish)?

[stephen...@sympatico.ca]

What version of Android is the new tablet running?

[stephen...@sympatico.ca]

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10:56:30 PM UTC-5, mmc...@gmail.com wrote:
> What updating does it need?

I think the primary concern is support for newer devices. For example, TopHat on Kobos never got past the Glo. The newer version of TopHat (2.2.3) that I found that was compiled in 2019 was primarily an upgrade to work with the Android 8 system. Never mind feature improvements … we first need to make sure that it works on newer devices.

[Moshe Braner]

And also to work better with connected devices. E.g., any more recent
work done in XCsoar to make use of the communication protocols of
various varios and their integrated glide computers. I can send the
Tophat task into my FLARM (which serves as the IGC certified logger, and
is connected by serial cable to Tophat). And I can download the flight
log from the FLARM into Tophat after the flight is over. Can you do
that with Tophat connected to an LX7007IGC? Can you do that with XCsoar?

[6PK]

Android 9/10

[cschra...@gmail.com]

I would really love to see some developers work on TopHat and update it for use on modern devices. I prefer TopHat over XC Soar and find its menu system to be a lot friendlier from a user interface/experience perspective. I think the same is true when compared to an Oudie too.

I am seriously contemplating having a small run of 7" tablets manufactured with 1,000 nit screens and other barometric sensors, gyros, and accelerometers to run TopHat like the LX products have built into them. It would be great if there was a $500 alternative to the 3 Brand names.

I am curious to know what others think. Ultimately, I'd like to see a product that clubs can readily use as navigational aids.

- Chris Schrader (mostly flying CN)

[6PK]

I recently purchased just as you described above ($329 first time ever from Alibaba).
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/T70L-2021-Drop-Resistance-PC-industrial_1600305804795.html?spm=a2700.themePage.5238101001221.72.7068233dPWLHTL
It is connected to XCSoar but will not connect to TopHat as previously described in this thread; via a IOIO device and a ClearNav Xc vario.
It looks extremely promising; however, I did not yet fly with it, so I am reluctant to report on it but I am very optimistic.
It is very much sunlight readable although a little on the large and heavy size at least for my taste

[6PK]

On Friday, February 4, 2022 at 8:23:59 PM UTC-8, stephen...@sympatico.ca wrote:

Just for smiles I downloaded and installed this beta 2.2.2c apk file into the XCSoar data folder.
Today I tried it; lo-behold TopHat came alive with the IOIO connection.
What's even more amazing; now the old stable version connects as well,... one has something to do with the other?

[stephen...@sympatico.ca]

Try the 2.2.3 (2019) version too. It was updated for a newer version of Android (8) which I understand was causing problems not inly with TopHat. I’m also told by a co-developer of TopHat that there is an even newer beta version out there. It seems that someone (Rob?) is still quietly tinkering away.

[6PK]

Stephan, I need to correct myself; the version I downloaded was the 2.2.3 (2019) as previously suggested, thank you for pointing it out!

[Michael Bamberg]

> I am seriously contemplating having a small run of 7" tablets manufactured with 1,000 nit screens and other barometric sensors, gyros, and accelerometers to run TopHat like the LX products have built into them. It would be great if there was a $500 alternative to the 3 Brand names.

> - Chris Schrader (mostly flying CN)

There is the OpenVario, which can run TopHat as well as XCSoar. Sefan Langer sells a kit. https://www.stefly.aero/

I know that CAZ Yokoyama has done a bit of work with TotHat.

Mike