IceNav

Description

This is a personal project that started a long time ago. The idea is to have a device for recreational use where you can view maps of the current GPS position, record routes, navigate to waypoints, and more.

Currently based on an ESP32, it is still in the development phase. The limited available time and certain "programming skills" are causing this project to remain in development.

Details

History:

This project began more than 10 years ago when I decided to try out a GPS module along with an Atmega328, to understand how it works and to start learning about the world of GPS.

The first setup was very simple, consisting of a GPS, an Atmega328, and a small graphical display.

Step by step, I gained more knowledge in both hardware and programming, and I started adding features such as a graphical display, waypoint navigation, offline maps, and more.

I replaced the Atmega328 with an Atmega644, added an SD card, a compass, and a few other things, and everything was programmed from scratch. The initial project was evolving.

Time went by, but one year this project was left in a drawer and forgotten.

Currently

About a year ago, while talking with some friends, the topic of this project came up, which had been abandoned.

It was the moment to decide to return to it. I had gained more knowledge, and the hardware had evolved significantly over the past 10 years. The emergence of other microcontrollers, like the ESP32 (which I was already using in other projects), presented a new challenge for me.

With this, I rewrote all the code from scratch, and feeling motivated, I decided to publish the progress on GitHub.

The result today is what you can see on GitHub and on the current screenshots.

Currently, IceNav has the following hardware specifications:

ESP32 / ESP32S3 (better with PSRAM)
320x480 or 320x240 TFT Colour with touch support (SPI / 16Bit Mode)
Compass
SD Card

There is still much to develop and features to add, as everything had to be programmed from scratch and the previous work was not usable.

This project is in constant development, with new features being added gradually. The new platform, ESP, allows for many new capabilities, being both efficient and practical.

The project, being in constant development, may have some bugs, etc., which are resolved as they are detected.

This project is sponsored by PCBWay that is always your great choice.

Please , visit GitHub Repository for updates

Components

1 × ESP32S3 N16R8

1 × Compass Module (HMC5883L , QMC5883, ...)

1 × ILI9488 320x480 TFT with touch (I2C or SPI)

1 × Any GPS Module (For example AT6558D)

1 × BME280

Project Logs

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Navigation feature
Jordi Gauchía • 11 hours ago • 0 comments

In the development branch, a simple navigation functionality to a waypoint stored on the SD card is implemented.
You can see screenshots etc on Github
Elecrow ESP32 Terminal 3.5" full support
Jordi Gauchía • 3 days ago • 0 comments

Finally, Elecrow ESP32 Terminal is full supported by IceNav.
https://github.com/jgauchia/IceNav-v3/tree/devel
For the moment it's implemented at devel branch.
Supporting boards
Jordi Gauchía • 5 days ago • 0 comments

Although it is true that IceNav has its own board, etc... the firmware can be used on existing models.

In this case, support will soon be given to the Elecrow ESP32 3.5" Terminal board.

The idea is to give the maximum possible support to existing boards and not limit people's possible knowledge of electronics, etc.
Step by step I will try, if necessary, to give support to these boards... that is, as long as I can test them myself or someone offers help with it.
Testing Navigation Screen
Jordi Gauchía • 6 days ago • 0 comments

While waiting to continue with the hardware part and support for other boards, I have prepared a new simple navigation screen.
Basically, once a previously stored waypoint has been selected, a screen appears indicating the distance as well as the course towards the destination.
It still needs to be finished properly, but it is already a start and a sign that the project is moving forward quite quickly.
(the branch on the project's GitHub will be updated shortly)
Here you can see a short video of how it works, although it is true that there is still a long way to go.
More project updates coming soon, stay tuned!
Provide support for existing boards
Jordi Gauchía • 09/02/2024 at 06:46 • 0 comments

If you find this project interesting and want me to try to support any of the existing boards on the market, feel free to mention it or even create an issue on the project's GitHub, and I'll do my best to make it happen.
Thank you!
PCB Prototype testing and workaround
Jordi Gauchía • 08/29/2024 at 09:51 • 0 comments
Finally the prototype was assembled but I've some issues that I'll fix before publish in GitHub schematic, gerbers, etc.
There are:
- Add pull-up resistors to SPI bus
- Route Vbus from USB connector to battery charge module
- Review thermal pad for LDO's (AMS1117-5 and AMS1117-33)
Prototype Assembled
Jordi Gauchía • 08/28/2024 at 20:31 • 0 comments

After a little fix, The prototype is assembled. Now it's time to test it!

Thank you @PCBWay for the excellent PCB
Little Mistake
Jordi Gauchía • 08/28/2024 at 16:23 • 0 comments

Well i've found a little mistake in my PCB design, there are a track that isn't connected. It isn't serious, in next PCB revision I'll fix it
The PCBs have arrived!
Jordi Gauchía • 08/28/2024 at 13:59 • 0 comments

Finally, I have the first batch of PCB prototypes thanks to @PCBWay.
High-Quality PCBs and Excellent Service.
I'm thrilled to share my experience with the recent batch of PCB prototypes I received from @PCBWay..
From start to finish, the process was smooth and professional. The order, as always, was handled with great attention to detail, and the communication was exceptional.
The PCBs arrived on time and with high manufacturing quality. The etching, silkscreen, and overall finish were perfect.
Any questions I had were answered promptly and thoroughly, ensuring a seamless manufacturing process.
Overall, I highly recommend @PCBWay. for anyone in need of reliable, high-quality PCB manufacturing.I definitely trust their services for this project and future ones.

So far, everything seems to be correct, and it even has an appropriate size for both the screen and the project overall.
Once the PCB is assembled and tested, both the schematic and the Gerber files will be available on GitHub. Stay tuned!
IceNav Telegram channel
Jordi Gauchía • 08/28/2024 at 10:12 • 0 comments

Since I've been receiving quite a few requests and inquiries about the project , I've created a Telegram channel where you can ask any type of question, doubts, etc, allowing us to centralize all the feedback being requested.
I will try to answer as quickly as possible, thank you!
this is the link: https://t.me/+RmEJCg0PkCg4Njdk