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Bluetooth external controller on ios

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  • big-vernundefined Offline
    big-vernundefined Offline
    big-vern
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    https://youtu.be/ChkjdR2fLdI?si=0eaTYp_e7YUhRqfH Is what im looking to achieve on an iphone.

    Done 1300 miles last week around scotland, using mra on iphone mounted above motorbike dashboard. A couple of issues were the app crashing when taking a photo (recording route), no biggie as just restarted and it recovered fine, bar once which lost the entire day from ullapool to inverness ( i was taking last photo near end of route). All in all superb though,

    Back to post title, i really need an external bluetooth button controller to work with mra on ios. Is this achievable like the video above on android (custom mapping the buttons for example to open mra )

    Has anyone done this, seems simple on android, thanks

    Nick Carthewundefined 1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • big-vernundefined big-vern

      https://youtu.be/ChkjdR2fLdI?si=0eaTYp_e7YUhRqfH Is what im looking to achieve on an iphone.

      Done 1300 miles last week around scotland, using mra on iphone mounted above motorbike dashboard. A couple of issues were the app crashing when taking a photo (recording route), no biggie as just restarted and it recovered fine, bar once which lost the entire day from ullapool to inverness ( i was taking last photo near end of route). All in all superb though,

      Back to post title, i really need an external bluetooth button controller to work with mra on ios. Is this achievable like the video above on android (custom mapping the buttons for example to open mra )

      Has anyone done this, seems simple on android, thanks

      Nick Carthewundefined Offline
      Nick Carthewundefined Offline
      Nick Carthew
      RouteXperts Instructor
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      @big-vern I use the SilverFox Bluetooth Controller with my iPhone 11. I’m currently touring Scotland and it adds another level of enjoyment being able to control MRA Navigation Next. Incredibly well made and endorsed by MRA. Look them up in the MRA shop. https://shop.myrouteapp.com/en

      Always willing to help if I can.
      Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT called Tina.
      MRA Navigation Next and SilverFox B8J bar buttons.
      Quadlock wireless mount for IPhone 11.
      Cardo Scala Packtalk Bold.
      TomTom Rider 500. (In the cupboard now)

      big-vernundefined 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • Nick Carthewundefined Nick Carthew

        @big-vern I use the SilverFox Bluetooth Controller with my iPhone 11. I’m currently touring Scotland and it adds another level of enjoyment being able to control MRA Navigation Next. Incredibly well made and endorsed by MRA. Look them up in the MRA shop. https://shop.myrouteapp.com/en

        big-vernundefined Offline
        big-vernundefined Offline
        big-vern
        wrote on last edited by big-vern
        #3

        @Nick-Carthew hi Nick, thanks, yeah i saw that and looks great,, they mentioned it in a webinar,, but i couldn’t see a compatible ios app for it (just for android) does it not need one or have i missed it? Scotland is the best

        Nick Carthewundefined Con Hennekensundefined 2 Replies Last reply
        0
        • big-vernundefined big-vern

          @Nick-Carthew hi Nick, thanks, yeah i saw that and looks great,, they mentioned it in a webinar,, but i couldn’t see a compatible ios app for it (just for android) does it not need one or have i missed it? Scotland is the best

          Nick Carthewundefined Offline
          Nick Carthewundefined Offline
          Nick Carthew
          RouteXperts Instructor
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          @big-vern It doesn’t need an app, it’s plug and play.

          Always willing to help if I can.
          Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT called Tina.
          MRA Navigation Next and SilverFox B8J bar buttons.
          Quadlock wireless mount for IPhone 11.
          Cardo Scala Packtalk Bold.
          TomTom Rider 500. (In the cupboard now)

          cerfskysky.comundefined 1 Reply Last reply
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          • Nick Carthewundefined Nick Carthew

            @big-vern It doesn’t need an app, it’s plug and play.

            cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
            cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
            cerfskysky.com
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            @Nick-Carthew
            Nick hi, regarding the Silverfox controller for Navigation Next (NN) with their controller, do you get the same level of functionality if NN is being used in CarPlay?. Thanks Carl

            Nick Carthewundefined 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • cerfskysky.comundefined cerfskysky.com

              @Nick-Carthew
              Nick hi, regarding the Silverfox controller for Navigation Next (NN) with their controller, do you get the same level of functionality if NN is being used in CarPlay?. Thanks Carl

              Nick Carthewundefined Offline
              Nick Carthewundefined Offline
              Nick Carthew
              RouteXperts Instructor
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              @Carl-Flint A good question, sorry but I can’t answer as I don’t have CarPlay.

              Always willing to help if I can.
              Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT called Tina.
              MRA Navigation Next and SilverFox B8J bar buttons.
              Quadlock wireless mount for IPhone 11.
              Cardo Scala Packtalk Bold.
              TomTom Rider 500. (In the cupboard now)

              cerfskysky.comundefined 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • Nick Carthewundefined Nick Carthew

                @Carl-Flint A good question, sorry but I can’t answer as I don’t have CarPlay.

                cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                cerfskysky.com
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                @Nick-Carthew
                Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller. Thanks Carl

                Nick Carthewundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • big-vernundefined big-vern

                  @Nick-Carthew hi Nick, thanks, yeah i saw that and looks great,, they mentioned it in a webinar,, but i couldn’t see a compatible ios app for it (just for android) does it not need one or have i missed it? Scotland is the best

                  Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                  Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                  Con Hennekens
                  wrote on last edited by Con Hennekens
                  #8

                  @big-vern said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                  i couldn’t see a compatible ios app for it

                  It is connected like an external keyboard. The default keymappings are compatible with the MRA app, so there is no need for an extra app.

                  @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                  Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller.

                  I am sure one of the reading Silverfox users will comment on this.

                  Personally (without any experience in the matter though 😉 ) I don't think adding a keyboard to your phone does anything concerned to CP/AA. Of course if you start e.g a new route on your phone through the controller the CP/AA will show it, but you are still controlling your phone, not your CP/AA device. For such actions you need to be looking at your phone screen too.

                  I am just an enthusiastic MRA user, and hope you will be one too!

                  Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebar to the saddle.

                  Streetpilot 2610 / Zumo 660 / Zumo 395 / CAT S52 + MRA app

                  cerfskysky.comundefined big-vernundefined 2 Replies Last reply
                  0
                  • Con Hennekensundefined Con Hennekens

                    @big-vern said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                    i couldn’t see a compatible ios app for it

                    It is connected like an external keyboard. The default keymappings are compatible with the MRA app, so there is no need for an extra app.

                    @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                    Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller.

                    I am sure one of the reading Silverfox users will comment on this.

                    Personally (without any experience in the matter though 😉 ) I don't think adding a keyboard to your phone does anything concerned to CP/AA. Of course if you start e.g a new route on your phone through the controller the CP/AA will show it, but you are still controlling your phone, not your CP/AA device. For such actions you need to be looking at your phone screen too.

                    cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                    cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                    cerfskysky.com
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    @Con-Hennekens
                    Hi, thanks for making the time to reply to my question. From your answer it would seem that if I am using the Silverfox controller to zoom in and out of the map while riding a route, this would not be seen in CarPlay mode. This is a pity, for using a CarPlay/Android Auto device reduces the battery drain on the phone when using Navigation Next, since one can turn the screen off on the Smartphone and the other benefit is safety of the Smartphone, not having to mount it directly on the motorbike. It could be in your jacket pocket or in a tank bag for example.

                    Con Hennekensundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • Con Hennekensundefined Con Hennekens

                      @big-vern said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                      i couldn’t see a compatible ios app for it

                      It is connected like an external keyboard. The default keymappings are compatible with the MRA app, so there is no need for an extra app.

                      @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                      Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller.

                      I am sure one of the reading Silverfox users will comment on this.

                      Personally (without any experience in the matter though 😉 ) I don't think adding a keyboard to your phone does anything concerned to CP/AA. Of course if you start e.g a new route on your phone through the controller the CP/AA will show it, but you are still controlling your phone, not your CP/AA device. For such actions you need to be looking at your phone screen too.

                      big-vernundefined Offline
                      big-vernundefined Offline
                      big-vern
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      @Con-Hennekens @Nick-Carthew thanks guys, makes sense now, Ill save up ..

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • cerfskysky.comundefined cerfskysky.com

                        @Con-Hennekens
                        Hi, thanks for making the time to reply to my question. From your answer it would seem that if I am using the Silverfox controller to zoom in and out of the map while riding a route, this would not be seen in CarPlay mode. This is a pity, for using a CarPlay/Android Auto device reduces the battery drain on the phone when using Navigation Next, since one can turn the screen off on the Smartphone and the other benefit is safety of the Smartphone, not having to mount it directly on the motorbike. It could be in your jacket pocket or in a tank bag for example.

                        Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                        Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                        Con Hennekens
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                        From your answer it would seem that if I am using the Silverfox controller to zoom in and out of the map while riding a route, this would not be seen in CarPlay mode.

                        I really don't know if the zoomfactor of a CP/AA device is linked to the zoomfactor in the app itself. All I am saying is that the controller is still controlling your phone, not the carplay device. Someone who is using the combination of phone with BT controller and AA/CP device will have to answer your question 😉

                        I am just an enthusiastic MRA user, and hope you will be one too!

                        Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebar to the saddle.

                        Streetpilot 2610 / Zumo 660 / Zumo 395 / CAT S52 + MRA app

                        cerfskysky.comundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • Con Hennekensundefined Con Hennekens

                          @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                          From your answer it would seem that if I am using the Silverfox controller to zoom in and out of the map while riding a route, this would not be seen in CarPlay mode.

                          I really don't know if the zoomfactor of a CP/AA device is linked to the zoomfactor in the app itself. All I am saying is that the controller is still controlling your phone, not the carplay device. Someone who is using the combination of phone with BT controller and AA/CP device will have to answer your question 😉

                          cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                          cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                          cerfskysky.com
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          @Con-Hennekens

                          Hi, I was being a bit dull, I have just turned on my Carpuride display started to navigate a route in Navigation Next on my iPhone, the route has loaded in CarPlay and using the on screen zoom buttons on the iPhone, zooming in and out, this does come through to the route in CarPlay, which is nice!

                          Con Hennekensundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • cerfskysky.comundefined cerfskysky.com

                            @Con-Hennekens

                            Hi, I was being a bit dull, I have just turned on my Carpuride display started to navigate a route in Navigation Next on my iPhone, the route has loaded in CarPlay and using the on screen zoom buttons on the iPhone, zooming in and out, this does come through to the route in CarPlay, which is nice!

                            Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                            Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                            Con Hennekens
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            @Carl-Flint, That's great! Now it would be good to know if external controllers still work if you have your phone screen off inside your pocket 😉

                            I am just an enthusiastic MRA user, and hope you will be one too!

                            Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebar to the saddle.

                            Streetpilot 2610 / Zumo 660 / Zumo 395 / CAT S52 + MRA app

                            cerfskysky.comundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                            1
                            • Con Hennekensundefined Con Hennekens

                              @Carl-Flint, That's great! Now it would be good to know if external controllers still work if you have your phone screen off inside your pocket 😉

                              cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                              cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                              cerfskysky.com
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              @Con-Hennekens
                              I will have to buy a Silverfox and then I will let you know😊 There must be someone out there already who has tried it and knows the answer!👍

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • cerfskysky.comundefined cerfskysky.com

                                @Nick-Carthew
                                Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller. Thanks Carl

                                Nick Carthewundefined Offline
                                Nick Carthewundefined Offline
                                Nick Carthew
                                RouteXperts Instructor
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                                @Nick-Carthew
                                Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller. Thanks Carl

                                The SilverFox or any other Bluetooth controller will have little effect on the CarPlay or AndroidAuto screen. You may be able to skip a route point but most of the other functions that can be used to control your phone screen like accessing the menu or zooming will not work.

                                Always willing to help if I can.
                                Triumph Tiger 1200 XRT called Tina.
                                MRA Navigation Next and SilverFox B8J bar buttons.
                                Quadlock wireless mount for IPhone 11.
                                Cardo Scala Packtalk Bold.
                                TomTom Rider 500. (In the cupboard now)

                                cerfskysky.comundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • Nick Carthewundefined Nick Carthew

                                  @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                                  @Nick-Carthew
                                  Hi Nick, please could you pose the question to one of the other guys of the MyRouteApp team who have the Silverfox controller. Thanks Carl

                                  The SilverFox or any other Bluetooth controller will have little effect on the CarPlay or AndroidAuto screen. You may be able to skip a route point but most of the other functions that can be used to control your phone screen like accessing the menu or zooming will not work.

                                  cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                                  cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                                  cerfskysky.com
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  @Nick-Carthew

                                  Nick thanks for your reply. I think you may have missed a post I made to @Con-Hennekens, where I mentioned that with my iPhone, I had tried in Navigation Next, using the zoom buttons, to zoom in and out on a route, to see if it came through to NN in CarPlay on my Carpuride display, and it does. This is just one function of course, but nevertheless a very useful one.

                                  Con Hennekensundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • cerfskysky.comundefined cerfskysky.com

                                    @Nick-Carthew

                                    Nick thanks for your reply. I think you may have missed a post I made to @Con-Hennekens, where I mentioned that with my iPhone, I had tried in Navigation Next, using the zoom buttons, to zoom in and out on a route, to see if it came through to NN in CarPlay on my Carpuride display, and it does. This is just one function of course, but nevertheless a very useful one.

                                    Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                                    Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                                    Con Hennekens
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                                    I think you may have missed a post I made to @Con-Hennekens, where I mentioned that with my iPhone, I had tried in Navigation Next, using the zoom buttons, to zoom in and out on a route, to see if it came through to NN in CarPlay on my Carpuride display, and it does.

                                    Yes, but the question was about the Silverfox controller. I am a curious guy, so I went for it... 😉

                                    I am running the "Headunit Reloaded" app on my tablet, mimicking an AA device. I connected the BarButtons to my phone, and my phone to AA. The Silverfox and most other controllers are not much more than an external keyboard. Specific keypresses lead to an action in the App. Now what I see is the following:

                                    • like you mentioned, zooming in and out in the app reflects to the same action in AA.
                                    • Also pressing the zoom keys on the BarButton reflects to AA
                                    • Also pressing the skip WP button works reflects to AA
                                    • The problem arises when I bring another app in focus. The MRA app is no longer catching the keys, since the app is not in focus.
                                    • therefore the keys do not activate anything in the app anymore, and therefor no actions will reflect to AA
                                    • The same is happening when I put the phone into standby, screen off, to put it in my pocket. No action on the BarButton will reflect to AA.

                                    I think it is pretty safe to conclude that the Silverfox will show the same problem. As long as the MRA app is in focus on your phone, zooming and skipping through any controller will work. But it stops when you put your phone in your pocket.

                                    I am just an enthusiastic MRA user, and hope you will be one too!

                                    Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebar to the saddle.

                                    Streetpilot 2610 / Zumo 660 / Zumo 395 / CAT S52 + MRA app

                                    cerfskysky.comundefined 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • Corjan Meijerinkundefined Offline
                                      Corjan Meijerinkundefined Offline
                                      Corjan Meijerink
                                      administrator
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Correct - we won’t support bluetooth controllers for external CarPlay / Android Auto devices.

                                      Things working on your phone can indeed be reflected on those devices but that is more of a side effect rather than intended purpose 😉

                                      Why won’t we? Official CP / AA devices will have their own dedicated (bluetooth) controller attached to the car / bike itself.

                                      Additional bluetooth controllers connected to your phone are linked to the app and will stop working when phone is locked / another app is open.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
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                                      • Con Hennekensundefined Con Hennekens

                                        @Carl-Flint said in Bluetooth external controller on ios:

                                        I think you may have missed a post I made to @Con-Hennekens, where I mentioned that with my iPhone, I had tried in Navigation Next, using the zoom buttons, to zoom in and out on a route, to see if it came through to NN in CarPlay on my Carpuride display, and it does.

                                        Yes, but the question was about the Silverfox controller. I am a curious guy, so I went for it... 😉

                                        I am running the "Headunit Reloaded" app on my tablet, mimicking an AA device. I connected the BarButtons to my phone, and my phone to AA. The Silverfox and most other controllers are not much more than an external keyboard. Specific keypresses lead to an action in the App. Now what I see is the following:

                                        • like you mentioned, zooming in and out in the app reflects to the same action in AA.
                                        • Also pressing the zoom keys on the BarButton reflects to AA
                                        • Also pressing the skip WP button works reflects to AA
                                        • The problem arises when I bring another app in focus. The MRA app is no longer catching the keys, since the app is not in focus.
                                        • therefore the keys do not activate anything in the app anymore, and therefor no actions will reflect to AA
                                        • The same is happening when I put the phone into standby, screen off, to put it in my pocket. No action on the BarButton will reflect to AA.

                                        I think it is pretty safe to conclude that the Silverfox will show the same problem. As long as the MRA app is in focus on your phone, zooming and skipping through any controller will work. But it stops when you put your phone in your pocket.

                                        cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                                        cerfskysky.comundefined Offline
                                        cerfskysky.com
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        @Con-Hennekens

                                        Hi @Con-Hennekens, what you have done is very interesting. This is disappointing regarding the focus, for obviously having the screen off is a good way to reduce battery drain. So the implication when using a controller such as the Silverfox, is that the smartphone might need to be connected to a powerbank on long journeys to maintain app focus.

                                        Con Hennekensundefined 1 Reply Last reply
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                                        • cerfskysky.comundefined cerfskysky.com

                                          @Con-Hennekens

                                          Hi @Con-Hennekens, what you have done is very interesting. This is disappointing regarding the focus, for obviously having the screen off is a good way to reduce battery drain. So the implication when using a controller such as the Silverfox, is that the smartphone might need to be connected to a powerbank on long journeys to maintain app focus.

                                          Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                                          Con Hennekensundefined Offline
                                          Con Hennekens
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          @Carl-Flint, In my view it is better to stop exploring the possibility to use a controller in combination with CP/AA devices. It will only lead to frustration and dangerous situations when things stop working. It is clear that it controls your phone, and not your CP/AA device.

                                          I am just an enthusiastic MRA user, and hope you will be one too!

                                          Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebar to the saddle.

                                          Streetpilot 2610 / Zumo 660 / Zumo 395 / CAT S52 + MRA app

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