Firmware and Mobile App for Extreme Sport Watercraft
About the Client
Company’s Request
The client requested the development of firmware and a mobile app for effortless and precise settings, control, and statistical analysis for the wakeboard.
Technology Set
XBee 802.15.4 | A high-level communication protocol used to create personal area networks with low-power digital radios. Enabled wireless hand control communication with the surfboard, allowing users to manage settings and operation remotely. |
Bluetooth SMART 4.1 | Also known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), is designed for very low-power operation and short-range communication. The mobile app connects to the surfboard using BLE, for operational control, data acquisition, and storage directly from users' smartphones. |
Firebase | A platform developed by Google for creating mobile and web applications. It provides tools for tracking analytics, reporting and fixing app crashes, and creating marketing and product experimentations. Used for data storage within the mobile app, enabling users to record and store statistical data such as speed, distance, and journey routes. |
CANopen | The communication protocol and device profile specification for embedded systems used in automation. Used for communication between the surfboard’s main controller and power boards. |
STM32L Series | Energy-efficient microcontrollers that manage the core operations of the surfboard effectively while conserving battery life. |
Ublox GPS | A precision GPS module that ensures accurate location tracking, vital for mapping routes and implementing safety features. |
SPI, UART, I2C, PWM, 1-Wire | Interfaces that handle the internal communication between various components on the printed circuit board (PCB), enabling the exchange of data and control commands. |
Solution
Firmware
Our team created firmware for the wakeboard, from scratch. The board is set up by a mobile app and has three power levels (Eco/Sport/Awake) and throttles (Easy/Normal/Aggressive).
The wakeboard is equipped with sound and LED smart indicators and sensors: GPS, temperature, gyroscope, accelerometer, and humidity. The battery is outfitted with active balancing and an intelligent charging process.
Also, the wakeboard has a hall sensor which is mounted with a magnet that stops the board’s engine if the user should fall off the wakeboard in active mode.
The wakeboard is controlled by a Wireless Hand Control (HC), which communicates with the object through the ZigBee module (protocol xbee 802.15.4).
The HC displays the following features:
• Product battery level.
• HC battery level.
• Product speed km/h/mp/h.
• Power/throttle mode.
• Error mode (if errors occur in HC, wakeboard, or if there is a communication issue).
Sirin Software worked together with the hardware designer. We performed the review and tested the hardware used in the wakeboard and offered advisement.
MOBILE APP
We developed the functionality of the mobile app based on the design provided.
The mobile app connects with the wakeboard via Bluetooth SMART 4.1 and enables operational control, data acquisition, and storage.
Main features:
• User settings for the engine’s power and throttle mode based on requirements.
• Stats (max speed, g-force, distance length and path (recorded on a map).
• All data is recorded and stored in firebase and can be exported to MS Excel.
• Firmware update.
• Control HC and board battery level and health.
• Geo-fence service: user can set playground and forbidden areas for the wakeboard on the map.
• Entering a custom device name.
The app was created both for IOS and Android OS.
Value Delivered
