USB OTG Android App for Boat Lift
Budget: $750 – $1,500 USD
I need an Android application designed for USB OTG connectivity. The purpose of this app is to serve as a comprehensive dealer/installer toolkit for a custom boat lift controller.
Project Overview
I have a custom Boat Lift Controller (Arduino/AVR-based) that communicates over USB-to-serial. I need an Android app (for phone/tablet with OTG) to serve as a Dealer/Installer Toolkit, providing:
Full configuration (all settings, e.g., limit switches, motors, etc.)
Setup Wizard (mandatory) with GUI screens guiding through each step of device setup.
Control (move the lift up/down, set presets, toggle AUX lines, etc.)
Monitoring (real-time serial terminal for manual commands, logs, etc.).
Firmware Updates over USB for both the main controller and a sidekick microcontroller board.
The final app must replace the need for a laptop + terminal software. A dealer can just plug in their Android device with an OTG cable, open this app, and do everything needed.
Detailed Requirements
1. USB OTG Connection
The boat lift controller appears as a USB-serial device (baud: 115200).
The app must detect the controller, request permission, open the serial port, and handle re-plugging.
You may use the Android USB Host API directly or a library like felHR85/UsbSerial.
2. App Layout / Tabs
A. Configure Tab
Show all configurable settings (auto mode, debug, beep, motor counts, limit switch type, etc.).
A prominent “Start Setup Wizard” button launches a guided workflow.
The workflow must replicate the existing wizard logic from the firmware (which prints multi-step prompts).
Instead of raw text prompts, the app should have a friendly GUI (next, back, instructions) that sends the correct serial commands (set limit up, C, etc.) in each step and reads the device’s responses.
B. Control Tab
Real-time status (motor positions, voltage, etc. if available).
Buttons for Up, Down, Stop, Move to Preset 1, Move to Preset 2, Toggle AUX1, Toggle AUX2.
Possibly show an indicator for debug mode, auto mode on/off, etc.
C. Monitor Tab
A serial terminal with scrolling text and an on-screen keyboard to manually send commands (e.g., debug Y, show config, help).
All incoming lines from the controller are displayed. The user can type any text command.
This is for advanced troubleshooting beyond the normal “Control” UI.
3. Firmware Updates
The controller and a second “sidekick” board both need the ability to flash firmware from within the app.
The app should:
Let the user pick a firmware file (e.g., .hex or .bin) from storage.
Handle the upload process via the device’s bootloader commands over the same USB-serial link.
Provide progress indication (e.g., a progress bar) and confirm success/failure.
If each board has a different bootloader protocol, the app must handle both. (Further details on the protocol can be shared.)
4. Full Serial Command Coverage
The firmware supports numerous commands: help, auto [Y/N], debug [Y/N], limits [Y/N], set P1, set P2, set limit up/down, show config, etc.
The app must be able to issue all of them (via either the GUI buttons or the wizard or the monitor tab).
The user should never have to connect a separate terminal program to do more advanced tasks.
5. Technical Stack
Android Studio project in Kotlin or Java is acceptable.
Minimum Android version: API 21 (Android 5.0).
The UI can use ViewPager + TabLayout, ViewPager2, or Navigation Components to manage the three tabs.
Clean architecture and at least minimal error handling.
6. Deliverables
A fully functional Android Studio project that:
Opens the serial port at 115200, robustly.
Implements the 3 tabs (Configure, Control, Monitor) with all required functionalities.
Guides the user through the Setup Wizard with a step-by-step GUI (no raw text prompts).
Supports firmware update procedures for both the main controller and sidekick.
Includes at least a minimal “getting started” or “user guide.”
7. Project Timeline & Budget
Timeline: Looking for a working proof-of-concept within 4-6 weeks (including firmware update features).
Budget: Negotiable. Please propose a fixed price or an hourly rate with an estimate of hours needed.
8. What I Will Provide
The firmware code for the main controller (and sidekick if needed), which shows:
The text-based commands, the wizard steps, and all possible responses.
Key functionalities:
- The app should facilitate diagnostics and troubleshooting processes.
- It should assist in the calibration, setup, and control of the boat lift.
- The app must allow for firmware updates.
User Access:
- The app should be accessible to both dealers/installers and end-users/customers.
Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Proficiency in Android app development is essential.
- Previous experience with USB OTG connectivity is a plus.
- Knowledge in developing diagnostic tools and firmware update interfaces would be highly beneficial.
Project Overview
I have a custom Boat Lift Controller (Arduino/AVR-based) that communicates over USB-to-serial. I need an Android app (for phone/tablet with OTG) to serve as a Dealer/Installer Toolkit, providing:
Full configuration (all settings, e.g., limit switches, motors, etc.)
Setup Wizard (mandatory) with GUI screens guiding through each step of device setup.
Control (move the lift up/down, set presets, toggle AUX lines, etc.)
Monitoring (real-time serial terminal for manual commands, logs, etc.).
Firmware Updates over USB for both the main controller and a sidekick microcontroller board.
The final app must replace the need for a laptop + terminal software. A dealer can just plug in their Android device with an OTG cable, open this app, and do everything needed.
Detailed Requirements
1. USB OTG Connection
The boat lift controller appears as a USB-serial device (baud: 115200).
The app must detect the controller, request permission, open the serial port, and handle re-plugging.
You may use the Android USB Host API directly or a library like felHR85/UsbSerial.
2. App Layout / Tabs
A. Configure Tab
Show all configurable settings (auto mode, debug, beep, motor counts, limit switch type, etc.).
A prominent “Start Setup Wizard” button launches a guided workflow.
The workflow must replicate the existing wizard logic from the firmware (which prints multi-step prompts).
Instead of raw text prompts, the app should have a friendly GUI (next, back, instructions) that sends the correct serial commands (set limit up, C, etc.) in each step and reads the device’s responses.
B. Control Tab
Real-time status (motor positions, voltage, etc. if available).
Buttons for Up, Down, Stop, Move to Preset 1, Move to Preset 2, Toggle AUX1, Toggle AUX2.
Possibly show an indicator for debug mode, auto mode on/off, etc.
C. Monitor Tab
A serial terminal with scrolling text and an on-screen keyboard to manually send commands (e.g., debug Y, show config, help).
All incoming lines from the controller are displayed. The user can type any text command.
This is for advanced troubleshooting beyond the normal “Control” UI.
3. Firmware Updates
The controller and a second “sidekick” board both need the ability to flash firmware from within the app.
The app should:
Let the user pick a firmware file (e.g., .hex or .bin) from storage.
Handle the upload process via the device’s bootloader commands over the same USB-serial link.
Provide progress indication (e.g., a progress bar) and confirm success/failure.
If each board has a different bootloader protocol, the app must handle both. (Further details on the protocol can be shared.)
4. Full Serial Command Coverage
The firmware supports numerous commands: help, auto [Y/N], debug [Y/N], limits [Y/N], set P1, set P2, set limit up/down, show config, etc.
The app must be able to issue all of them (via either the GUI buttons or the wizard or the monitor tab).
The user should never have to connect a separate terminal program to do more advanced tasks.
5. Technical Stack
Android Studio project in Kotlin or Java is acceptable.
Minimum Android version: API 21 (Android 5.0).
The UI can use ViewPager + TabLayout, ViewPager2, or Navigation Components to manage the three tabs.
Clean architecture and at least minimal error handling.
6. Deliverables
A fully functional Android Studio project that:
Opens the serial port at 115200, robustly.
Implements the 3 tabs (Configure, Control, Monitor) with all required functionalities.
Guides the user through the Setup Wizard with a step-by-step GUI (no raw text prompts).
Supports firmware update procedures for both the main controller and sidekick.
Includes at least a minimal “getting started” or “user guide.”
7. Project Timeline & Budget
Timeline: Looking for a working proof-of-concept within 4-6 weeks (including firmware update features).
Budget: Negotiable. Please propose a fixed price or an hourly rate with an estimate of hours needed.
8. What I Will Provide
The firmware code for the main controller (and sidekick if needed), which shows:
The text-based commands, the wizard steps, and all possible responses.
Key functionalities:
- The app should facilitate diagnostics and troubleshooting processes.
- It should assist in the calibration, setup, and control of the boat lift.
- The app must allow for firmware updates.
User Access:
- The app should be accessible to both dealers/installers and end-users/customers.
Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Proficiency in Android app development is essential.
- Previous experience with USB OTG connectivity is a plus.
- Knowledge in developing diagnostic tools and firmware update interfaces would be highly beneficial.