Thread: Remote Control apps for iPads

The device being controlled holds the key to what is needed. It has to have software running that will accept network connections so that some form of interface is available. I can control server computers with my ipad using itap rdp. For this to happen the server must allow the connection and have the correct port open on any firewall. I then get the server desktop on the ipad as if I was sitting at its keyboard and screen...it's a bit like looking through a key hole though..

Thanks Mike but I’m looking for something that does not require the need for connection to another computer.

I want to try to control non computer type devices, similar to the way an iPad controls mode railway set ups.

Any ideas?

I’ve looked at things like X10 systems and similar but these also need some for of computer interface.

As I said, the device you want to control determines what ipad app you need. My example was for an app that controls another computer, but if the device you need to control has internal software that uses the same port then the same app will probably control the non computer device. You have to consult the docs for the device being controlled for more information. Cheers

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Thanks Mike but I’m looking for something that does not require the need for connection to another computer.

I want to try to control non computer type devices, similar to the way an iPad controls mode railway set ups.

Any ideas?

I’ve looked at things like X10 systems and similar but these also need some for of computer interface.

Yopu'd need some sort of wirless B\G\N or bluetooth device server on the device you wish to control. Im pretty sure Apples bluetooth is faily restrictive so I'm pretty sure most comms would be via wifi. Theres not going to be any product that works with an apple that isnt via wifi or bluetooth. Wont need a computer attached but some form of embedded wifi access point or bluetooth.

A very brief article talking about the iphone as a controller:
The iPhone as controller?

IMO if you start designing products to suite one particular product only you are severly limiting your market (especially seeing all the android competitors coming to the market). My take on it would be to develop an open interface that could be communicated with via a web browser or customised Android or iPad app to make it look a bit flashier - most will be over TCP/IP protocol anway so its just customizing the app to suite.

Also with android being far more open I dont think it would be long before theres an Arduino shield to talk directly with an Android platform via wifi or bluetooth if there isnt one already. There's already wifi shields, so its just a matter of sorting out your communications protocol if you go it alone.

If you want to go down the full DIY path for a internet based option:
Web Control Board with a wifi access point attached.

Otherwise a serial device controller attached to a wireless device server would probably be easy to wire up and program.

edit* re-read the original post. I highly doubt there will be any out of the box apps that suite your requirements. You will most likely have to develop your own. Also scuse my spelling as my web browser spell check isnt working atm.

Hi stuee, I’ve already settled on a bluetooth set up.

There are a large number of bluetooth interface devices available and all I need is a basic serial I/O interface and there are some that have a range of up to 2km, I only need 100 to 200 metres at most.

The problem I have is finding an off the shelf app that will allow me to do some form of graphical display interface and then have the ability to then receive data and transmit commands in serial form.

From what I can gather at this time, while this can be done, it’s only with dedicated specialised programming and not off the shelf stuff. This is way over my head as I have not attempted programming any Apple computer at this level.

So if I can find an app that does the job, I’m up and running.

I still think you will struggle with bluetooth on the apple. From all accounts the driver is locked down and it would take a considerable amount of effort to write your own driver for it. One of the many issues with apples tight controls - benefits the device in some ways but severely limits it in others. I may be wrong but this is what I'm led to believe.

Question about development of bluetooth app.

Is there an API for Bluetooth? - iPhone Dev SDK Forum

Ill push android once more as you may have luck finding pre-developed stuff. Just be weary that android is fully open so doesn't have the same quality controls as apple. Again both a benefit and a disadvantage.

Bluetooth | Android Developers
GetBlue for Android: Data Acquisition with Bluetooth SPP, TCP, HTTP

I'm sure if you can program micros or get the bluetooth serial comms working you should be able to wrap your head around writing a small app for ipad or android.