{"id":1774,"date":"2014-05-26T12:59:17","date_gmt":"2014-05-26T10:59:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/?p=1774"},"modified":"2016-02-08T09:09:42","modified_gmt":"2016-02-08T08:09:42","slug":"kobo-mini-gps-mod","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/2014\/05\/kobo-mini-gps-mod\/","title":{"rendered":"Kobo mini GPS mod with 3D printed case"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1817\" title=\"IMG_20140527_111814-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/h1>\n<h1><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2019\" title=\"IMG_20150120_114314\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/h1>\n<h1>Introduction<\/h1>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.xcsoar.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">XCSoar<\/a> is an amazing software for sailplane, hang-glider and paraglider. But lack the proper hardware with the following features:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>sun readable ( eink)<\/li>\n<li>usable with gloves (anything but capacitive)<\/li>\n<li>long battery life<\/li>\n<li>running android\/linux<\/li>\n<li>GPS and\/or bluetooth<\/li>\n<li>dirt cheap (yes 50\u20ac\/\u00a3\/$ for this hardware is dirt cheap)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Kobo Mini is a very good eReader (unfortunately no more retailed) appears to be meeting all theses requirements except the GPS.<\/p>\n<h1>Hardware<\/h1>\n<h2>Component list<\/h2>\n<p>You will need for this mod:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Kobo Mini reader<\/li>\n<li>GPS module with serial output or a BlueFlyVarioTTL<\/li>\n<li>3D printed spacer<\/li>\n<li>extra battery<\/li>\n<li>iron solder (a good one, I use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_nkw=saike+898d&amp;rt=nc&amp;LH_PrefLoc=2\" target=\"_blank\">this<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>solder wire and a piece of flat ribbon cable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1787\" title=\"IMG_20140523_082216-resized\">( By the way, the way Kobo handles the first boot is just crap: no I don\u2019t want to register my device online or anything, just to drag and drop my own ePub books, thanks! )<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140523_082216-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1787\" title=\"IMG_20140523_082216-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140523_082216-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140523_082216-resized-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140523_082216-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140523_082216-resized-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140523_082216-resized.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>GPS module instructions<\/h1>\n<p>Solder the MTK3339 GPS breadboard (with a piece of flat ribbon cable such as IDE, Floppy, whatever..)<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-resized1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1791\" title=\"IMG_20140526_123123-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-resized1-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-resized1-169x300.jpg 169w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-resized1.jpg 541w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" \/><\/a>KOBO to GPS MTK3339 wiring<\/h2>\n<pre><strong>KOBO - MTK3339<\/strong>\r\nKVCC &lt;-&gt; VCC\r\nTP2 &lt;-&gt; BACKUP (TP2 is just below the battery connector)\r\nRX  &lt;-&gt; TX\r\nTX  &lt;-&gt; RX\r\nGND &lt;-&gt; GND<\/pre>\n<p>Don&#8217;t forget to cross RX&lt;-&gt;TX and TX&lt;-&gt;RX (the eternal embedded engineer question, RX TX&#8230;.)<\/p>\n<p>Just in case you wondered, yes the BACKUP <strong>does<\/strong> accept 4.2V (TP2 is battery test point, so not regulated), and not just 3.3V (have a look on the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.adafruit.com\/datasheets\/GlobalTop-FGPMMOPA6C-Datasheet-V0A-Preliminary.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">MTK3339 datasheet<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:183936\/#files\" target=\"_blank\">download the STL of the &#8220;Kobo mini Case Spacer II&#8221; on Thingiverse<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:183936\/#files\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1958 aligncenter\" title=\"Spacer_preview_featured\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Spacer_preview_featured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"328\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>And <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:183936\/#files\" target=\"_blank\">download the gps cover<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:183936\/#files\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-1959\" title=\"Cover_preview_featured\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cover_preview_featured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"436\" height=\"330\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The STL (in mm) file is then printed by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Shapeways<\/a> for just 22\u20ac incl P&amp;P, delivered in about a week: very cool!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_122924-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1784\" title=\"IMG_20140526_122924-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_122924-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_122924-resized-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_122924-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_122924-resized-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_122924-resized.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-copy-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1790\" title=\"IMG_20140526_123123 (copy)-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-copy-resized-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-copy-resized-300x300.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-copy-resized-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123123-copy-resized.jpg 961w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You will need 5screws, size M1.6 and 8mm (my 10mm were too long, I had to cut them with a pair of pliers)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1782\" title=\"IMG_20140526_123847-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123220-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1781\" title=\"IMG_20140526_123220-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123220-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123220-resized-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123220-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123220-resized-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123220-resized.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124131-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1783\" title=\"IMG_20140526_124131-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124131-resized-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124131-resized-168x300.jpg 168w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124131-resized.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>All fit snugly, even the original back cover.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1780\" title=\"IMG_20140526_124426-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124426-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124426-resized-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124426-resized-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124426-resized-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_124426-resized.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Add ON\/OFF button to switch the GPS power (a simple SMD switch to the GPS&#8217;s VCC)<\/p>\n<p>So I can still use it as a regular eBook without draining the battery and without the blue led blinking in the dark.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_184102-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-1799\" title=\"IMG_20140526_184102-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_184102-resized-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_184102-resized-168x300.jpg 168w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_184102-resized.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The switch is accessible by nails as it&#8217;s quite recessed.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_124744.resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1821\" title=\"IMG_20140527_124744.resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_124744.resized-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_124744.resized-168x300.jpg 168w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_124744.resized.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/a>Add a label for even more clarity.<\/p>\n<h2>BlueFlyVarioTTL instructions<\/h2>\n<p>Or this set for the BlueFlyVarioTTL, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:386193\" target=\"_blank\">download the cover:<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2026\" title=\"BFV_TTL_GPS_V10_Mini_preview_featured\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFV_TTL_GPS_V10_Mini_preview_featured-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFV_TTL_GPS_V10_Mini_preview_featured-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFV_TTL_GPS_V10_Mini_preview_featured-399x300.jpg 399w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFV_TTL_GPS_V10_Mini_preview_featured.jpg 628w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a> And <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:163778\" target=\"_blank\">download the spacer for the battery:<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thingiverse.com\/thing:163778\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2027\" title=\"SpacerFinal_preview_featured\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/SpacerFinal_preview_featured-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/SpacerFinal_preview_featured-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/SpacerFinal_preview_featured-399x300.jpg 399w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/SpacerFinal_preview_featured.jpg 628w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The file STL (in mm) is then printed by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Shapeways<\/a> for just 19\u20ac.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104806.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"IMG_20150120_104806\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104806-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a>You will need 5screws, size M1.6 and 8mm (my 10mm were too long, I had to cut them with a pair of pliers)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"IMG_20140526_123847-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140526_123847-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Solder 0.1&#8243; header<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105417.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2021\" title=\"IMG_20150120_105417\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105417-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105417-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105417-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105417-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105417.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>And remove the black plastic from the header<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105457.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"IMG_20150120_105457\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105457-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" \/><\/a>Drill 5 holes with a 1mm bit, using the module as guide<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104732.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2022\" title=\"IMG_20150120_104732\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104732-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104732-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104732-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104732-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_104732.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Insert it<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105540.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2023\" title=\"IMG_20150120_105540\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105540-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105540-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105540-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105540-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_105540.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Then solder the 5 wires<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112127.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2024\" title=\"IMG_20150120_112127\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112127-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"168\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112127-168x300.jpg 168w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112127-576x1024.jpg 576w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112127.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/a>Use 2 parker 3mm screws<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_113954.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2025\" title=\"IMG_20150120_113954\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_113954-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_113954-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_113954-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_113954-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_113954.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>That&#8217;s it<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112502.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2028\" title=\"IMG_20150120_112502\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112502-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112502-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112502-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112502-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_112502.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Battery for GPS module or BlueFlyVarioTTL<\/h2>\n<p>The original battery of 1000mAh gives from 4 to 6h, which can be quite a limitation.<\/p>\n<p>The original 1000mAh beside the new 3800mAh battery<a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140710_203054.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"IMG_20140710_203054\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140710_203054-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"406\" height=\"232\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The new battery li-ion from AliExpress measure 4x75x86mm, with 3.7V and 3800mAh. Warning, you need the 3D printed spacer to use this battery.<\/p>\n<p>I removed the original one and harvested it&#8217;s connector for the new one.<\/p>\n<p>To remove the original double side taped battery, use an air dryer or so (warning not a hot air gun, it would be too hot)<\/p>\n<p>The new battery is held firmly with double sided tape and now it last about 20hours of flight: perfect. (but the drawback: it is quite heavy to read in the bed now&#8230;.)<\/p>\n<h1>Software<\/h1>\n<p>They are tons of tutorials on the web, I wont describe it any further, but simply put, it works this way:<\/p>\n<p>Download XCSoar KoboRoot.tgz: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.xcsoar.org\/download\/data.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.xcsoar.org\/download\/data.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>And place it on the kobo root file system using any file browser, restart and you are done.<\/p>\n<h1>GPS configuration<\/h1>\n<h2>GPS module<\/h2>\n<p>For the GPS module, set the device to \/dev\/ttymxc0 at 9600bauds, generic drivers.<\/p>\n<h2>BlueFlyVarioTTL<\/h2>\n<p>For the the BlueFlyVarioTTL, set the device to \/dev\/ttymxc0 at 57900bauds, blueflyvario drivers.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;GPS waiting for fix&#8221; should appear, note that the first fix can take up to 15min (30s later on, thanks to BACKUP power supply to keep the RTC and ephemeris)<\/p>\n<p>You can change the sink alarm and volume:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enable Wifi, and Telnet,<\/li>\n<li>Connect to with telnet to the Kobo,<\/li>\n<li>send the following commands:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>stty ospeed 57600 ispeed 57600 -F \/dev\/ttymxc0 #configure baudrate<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>stty -F \/dev\/ttymxc0 raw #set device as raw<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>echo &#8216;$BFS 2500*&#8217;&gt;\/dev\/ttymxc0 # sink alarm to -2500cm\/s<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em>echo &#8216;$BVL 70*&#8217;&gt;\/dev\/ttymxc0 # volume to 70%<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Maps<\/h2>\n<p>Then download the map: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.xcsoar.org\/download\/data.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.xcsoar.org\/download\/data.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Download hotspot (probable thermal) as way-points (wpt format), and set the file in way-points configuration): <a href=\"http:\/\/thermal.kk7.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/thermal.kk7.ch\/<\/a>, save all this map file to the correct XCSoar folder.<\/p>\n<p>I created custom map content to have <a href=\"http:\/\/thermal.kk7.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\">paragliding skyways<\/a> displayed on XCS:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sent211440.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sent211440.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"466\" height=\"374\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sent211440sd.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sent211440sd.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"465\" height=\"269\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>More detail here: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/2014\/07\/xcsoar-generate-custom-maps\/\">http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/2014\/07\/xcsoar-generate-custom-maps\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>And here you are, you have a comp GPS for less than 100\u20ac\/$\/\u00a3 for paragliding\/sailplane, in about an hour of work.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Result with GPS module<\/strong><\/p>\n<h1><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"IMG_20140527_111814-resized\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20140527_111814-resized-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" \/><\/a><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Result with BlueFlyVarioTTL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2019\" title=\"IMG_20150120_114314\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-300x168.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314-500x281.jpg 500w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_20150120_114314.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">(note the green led flashing when lifting)<\/p>\n<h2>leGPSBip: solar vocal GPS alti vario<\/h2>\n<p>This device is ready to use with the Kobo or any smartphone, simply connect it and voila! You have a fully GPS\/altimeter enabled smartphone.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/legpsbip-solar-vocal-gps-alti-vario\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2153\" title=\"IMG_5715-1024x683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5715-1024x683-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5715-1024x683-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5715-1024x683-449x300.jpg 449w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5715-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/legpsbip-solar-vocal-gps-alti-vario\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2151\" title=\"IMG_5708-1024x683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5708-1024x683-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5708-1024x683-300x200.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5708-1024x683-449x300.jpg 449w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_5708-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It also act as a standalone vocal GPS variometer when not connected, pretty convenient:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/legpsbip-solar-vocal-gps-alti-vario\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2152\" title=\"GPSBip_notice_step1-1024x719\" src=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/GPSBip_notice_step1-1024x719-300x210.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/GPSBip_notice_step1-1024x719-300x210.png 300w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/GPSBip_notice_step1-1024x719-427x300.png 427w, http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/GPSBip_notice_step1-1024x719.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>More info here:<a href=\"http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/legpsbip-solar-vocal-gps-alti-vario\/\"> http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/legpsbip-solar-vocal-gps-alti-vario\/<\/a><\/p>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h1>Links and references<\/h1>\n<p>XCSoar forum: <a href=\"http:\/\/forum.xcsoar.org\/viewtopic.php?f=3&amp;t=1242\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/forum.xcsoar.org\/viewtopic.php?f=3&amp;t=1242<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kobo GPS mod on another blog: <a href=\" http:\/\/www.extreme-nature.de\/?p=9114\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.extreme-nature.de\/?p=9114<\/a><\/p>\n<p>M1.6&#215;8 screws: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ebay.co.uk\/itm\/1-6mm-M1-6-A2-STAINLESS-STEEL-POSI-PAN-HEAD-MACHINE-SCREW-POZI-POZIDRIVE-DIN7985-\/321168183114?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:FR:3160\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.ebay.co.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Commercial Kobo mod: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.goflyinstruments.com\/gofly-project-v4\/\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.goflyinstruments.com\/gofly-project-v4\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>XCSoar forum about this mod: <a href=\"http:\/\/forum.xcsoar.org\/viewtopic.php?f=3&amp;t=1404&amp;start=10\">http:\/\/forum.xcsoar.org\/viewtopic.php?f=3&amp;t=1404&amp;start=10<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Li-ion battery on AliExpress: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/L002-3-7V-3800mAH-457992-PLIB-polymer-lithium-ion-battery-Li-ion-battery-for-tablet\/1477811584.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.aliexpress.com\/item\/L002-3-7V-3800mAH-457992-PLIB-polymer-lithium-ion-battery-Li-ion-battery-for-tablet\/1477811584.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>BlueFlyVarioTTL<a href=\"http:\/\/blueflyvario.blogspot.com.au\/2014\/11\/blueflyvariottlgpsv10-released.html\" target=\"_blank\"> http:\/\/blueflyvario.blogspot.com.au\/2014\/11\/blueflyvariottlgpsv10-released.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>BlueFlyVarioTTL case: <a href=\"http:\/\/blueflyvario.blogspot.com.au\/2014\/07\/blueflyvariottlgps-simple-case.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/blueflyvario.blogspot.com.au\/2014\/07\/blueflyvariottlgps-simple-case.html<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mini Solar vario: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/ \" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.lebipbip.com\/ <\/a><\/p>\n<p>STL archive: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kobo_Mini_case.zip\">Kobo_Mini_case<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction XCSoar is an amazing software for sailplane, hang-glider and paraglider. But lack the proper hardware with the following features: sun readable ( eink) usable with gloves (anything but capacitive) long battery life running android\/linux GPS and\/or bluetooth dirt cheap &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/2014\/05\/kobo-mini-gps-mod\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1817,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,20,25,28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arduino","category-electronics","category-embedded","category-parapente"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1774","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1774"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1774\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2154,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1774\/revisions\/2154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1774"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1774"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.dotmana.com\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}