I looked at the goTenna link. It's a VHF/UHF radio "dongle" you carry with you that connects to your phone (via Bluetooth WiFi?) using a goTenna app for texting. The radio dongle does the mesh networking app presumably does the mesh networking with any existing goTenna user within range, and the phone merely is for texting. There is very little technical information, so I am making some assumptions. Nice concept.
It's been a cool device slowing rolling out for a while. Now that Apple has publicly validated the concept, the race is on.
Someone's going to buy goTenna and integrate the service into their Android handset in 3...2...1...
TBH I would love for this to be an FCC mandated feature for ALL smartphones, at least in the case of a regional or national emergency. Hurricanes, state/region wide power outages, "other" national issue.
No need for that, each iPhone contains a frequency synthesizer, that can be tuned to the free and open walky-talky radio frequencies. This ‘project’ could be completed in a few days (including the app).
Is the frequency synthesizer accessible via an API? I imagine an app would already exist if it were. Guess I answered my own question.
No its embedded within the cell phone chip of Qualcomm or Infineon. When Apple develops its own RF chip it could make it part of the A soc (RF module) and support it with an API. But I think that will be hidden, because of problems with regulations. So for walky-talky functionality Qualcomm or Infineon must support the frequency range needed, that is basic radio send and receive functions. If not this is currently no option.
TBH I would love for this to be an FCC mandated feature for ALL smartphones, at least in the case of a regional or national emergency. Hurricanes, state/region wide power outages, "other" national issue.
No need for that, each iPhone contains a frequency synthesizer, that can be tuned to the free and open walky-talky radio frequencies. This ‘project’ could be completed in a few days (including the app).
Is the frequency synthesizer accessible via an API? I imagine an app would already exist if it were. Guess I answered my own question.
I highly doubt that there is an API allowing developers unfettered access to the frequencies and other RF parameters of the RF system (synth, receiver, transmitter, etc.). The phone's operation on the various frequency bands is regulated by country (it is the FCC in the US, I think it is CEPT in the EU).
There must be an API for access to WiFi, Bluetooth, 2G/3G/4G, etc., but that is just accessing high-level functions. You won't be able to select the particular 4G channel and modulation/codec type, for example (the 4G base station selects all that for the phone).
I looked at the goTenna link. It's a VHF/UHF radio "dongle" you carry with you that connects to your phone (via Bluetooth WiFi?) using a goTenna app for texting. The radio dongle does the mesh networking app presumably does the mesh networking with any existing goTenna user within range, and the phone merely is for texting. There is very little technical information, so I am making some assumptions. Nice concept.
It's been a cool device slowing rolling out for a while. Now that Apple has publicly validated the concept, the race is on.
Someone's going to buy goTenna and integrate the service into their Android handset in 3...2...1...
The goTenna device/dongle is a 5W radio operating at VHF/UHF. That will add a lot of bulk if integrated in a phone, even a big Galaxy Note 10+. And you would have to use an external antenna, as these low frequencies dictate a longer wavelength and therefore a larger/longer antenna (you can't get around physics).
For its use case (consumer/tactical communications), it's a neat device and concept. It encrypts all data, so no eavesdropping like normal consumer walkie-talkies. It's a modernized interpretation of simple peer-to-peer communication.
This shouldn’t be a difficult tweak for Apple. My guess, there’s security issues with enabling “walkie talkie” on a locked iOS device. The sender talks before the recipient approves the connection.
But if this is for emergencies, you should be able to hear and talk without unlocking the phone.
As far as I know, an unassisted peer-to-peer channel is already part of the 5G standard (release 14 or 15, I think). So, instead of implementing their own proprietary solution, Apple should promote this.
Can you give a specific link? I can't find anything about an unassisted 5G channel. For practical use, there would have to be several channels, and the frequency would have to be low (900 MHz or lower) to be usable for long range.
“Long range” is relative. At UHF frequencies, line of sight is your range. I’m thinking 900 MHz would be best, as it could use the phone’s existing internal antenna - any use of a lower frequency would require an external antenna.
For longer range, VHF is ideal, but it’s not practical for cell phone use. Enter Amateur Radio - the entry-level Technician license is easy to obtain, and you can use a small hand-held transceiver that’s typically 5 watts output, on both the 2-meter (144-148 MHz, of VHF) and 70cm (430-450 MHz, or lower UHF) bands. Some radios are also available in the higher VHF 222-225 MHz band.
Because I’m a licensed Amateur Radio operator, the idea of a PPT iPhone capability actually appeals to me. I hope they can implement it.
As far as I know, an unassisted peer-to-peer channel is already part of the 5G standard (release 14 or 15, I think). So, instead of implementing their own proprietary solution, Apple should promote this.
Can you give a specific link? I can't find anything about an unassisted 5G channel. For practical use, there would have to be several channels, and the frequency would have to be low (900 MHz or lower) to be usable for long range.
“Long range” is relative. At UHF frequencies, line of sight is your range. I’m thinking 900 MHz would be best, as it could use the phone’s existing internal antenna - any use of a lower frequency would require an external antenna.
For longer range, VHF is ideal, but it’s not practical for cell phone use. Enter Amateur Radio - the entry-level Technician license is easy to obtain, and you can use a small hand-held transceiver that’s typically 5 watts output, on both the 2-meter (144-148 MHz, of VHF) and 70cm (430-450 MHz, or lower UHF) bands. Some radios are also available in the higher VHF 222-225 MHz band.
Because I’m a licensed Amateur Radio operator, the idea of a PPT iPhone capability actually appeals to me. I hope they can implement it.
John, W9APX
See my posts above (#18, 25) on the goTenna device.
I would really like to know the 5G implementation of PPT, but I cannot find any technical details. Is it automatic? (If the phone doesn't detect a suitable roaming basestation, does it auotatically go into failsoft for PPT?) Or can it be manually engaged? Or is it always available? And what frequencies?
900 MHz is a good compromise, as it offers some in-building penetration. And, as you say, the phone most likely already has 900 MHz antennas already. UHF or VHF antennas may not be practical to fit (with acceptable performance) in a phone. And don't forget the multiple >6GHz 5G antennas that will soon be lining the perimeter of forthcoming 5G phones!
Comments
It's been a cool device slowing rolling out for a while. Now that Apple has publicly validated the concept, the race is on.
Someone's going to buy goTenna and integrate the service into their Android handset in 3...2...1...
When Apple develops its own RF chip it could make it part of the A soc (RF module) and support it with an API.
But I think that will be hidden, because of problems with regulations.
So for walky-talky functionality Qualcomm or Infineon must support the frequency range needed, that is basic radio send and receive functions.
If not this is currently no option.
But if this is for emergencies, you should be able to hear and talk without unlocking the phone.
For longer range, VHF is ideal, but it’s not practical for cell phone use. Enter Amateur Radio - the entry-level Technician license is easy to obtain, and you can use a small hand-held transceiver that’s typically 5 watts output, on both the 2-meter (144-148 MHz, of VHF) and 70cm (430-450 MHz, or lower UHF) bands. Some radios are also available in the higher VHF 222-225 MHz band.
Because I’m a licensed Amateur Radio operator, the idea of a PPT iPhone capability actually appeals to me. I hope they can implement it.
John, W9APX