Discussion: SI Droid - Potential, and accompanying hardware

My first post here (I think?).
I'm about to apply for grant funding - curious to hear from anyone with experience around using SI Droid a portable kit (Bluetooth printer and BSM8 SI Master).

Specficially which printer should I buy, and how much power does the BSM8 drain from an Android phone when connected?

Thanks in advance. SI Droid dev Johan Jacobsson seems to be helpful, and I'm interested to gather input from the experience of others. Links below:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.j...

http://sportident.us/BSM7-8-D-USB-Master-13030.htm...

No experience with SI-Droid *Event* (which seems to be what you are asking about here), but have used SI-Droid ROC and like it. So to clarify the difference and point you to a long list of compatible hardware, see http://www.joja.se/

Thanks jSh - SI-Droid ROC must be the Swedish language version of "Event" ???
Are you using a bluetooth printer with it ? Master unit? What kind of drain on your phone is the master unit?

Uhm, no.

ROC is a radio control hardware (see http://roc.olresultat.se/ver6.5/roc.asp?ActiveMenu... )

SI-Droid ROC simulates a hardware-ROC on an Android phone. It is totally different from SI-Droid Event. Therefore I cannot answer your questions, sorry.

Just maybe one thing. I think the BS7-USB has its own battery, so should not drain your phone. BS8-USB, also known as "Mini-Reader" does not have a battery.

OK jSh thanks, I'm starting to think the BS7 is a safer bet in terms of its versatility (master unit - to reset other units etc, which the BS8 would perhaps not be capable of.

From your OP link
http://sportident.us/BSM7-8-D-USB-Master-13030.htm
Both are master units that can program the other units.
-The tradeoff: No battery backup in loss of power / if unplugged
-The BSM7 can continue to download when not plugged in
Which is really minor. Our club hasn't upgraded because there has been no need, BSM7 is still probably the right choice.

Think I will check SI-Droid out too out of curiosity, I don't really follow the desire to not have a laptop at events with all the other SI equipment you bring anyways. But would be neat to run event on a cheap Chromebook as I believe they can run android apps now, and be able to have easy option to output live results.

Delyn, you've drawn me back to that URL - I now note "The BSM7 as primary unit is still recommended" - that clinches the choice for me. BSM8 is clearly a nice to have addon. If enough people start to support SI Droid, we'll build expertise and justification for improvements.

I run events at schools, sometimes by myself. I don't want to leave a laptop sitting around, but carry my mobile phone always. So with a USBOTG adaptor I'm good to go.

Now, WHICH PRINTER? That's the outstanding question!

We've been using the Epson TM-88V with MeOS. It works great. Unfortunately, it doesn't support Bluetooth. However, the TM-88VI does. I would look at that. It does require AC power, though. It's too bad SI-Droid doesn't support USB printers.

Origamiguy I'm looking at a compact, lightweight field option, so for my purposes BT is great because it means less wires.

Once I'm home, I'd be looking to download to a laptop (should test this) to do any more significant report printing etc.

So I'm looking for any feedback about this type of printer... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/58mm-Portable-Bluetooth...

We have ditched the PC 2 years ago and have been using the wired printer with download station. We switched fully to the SI-Droid with Bluetooth printer in July and this works flawlessly. No more having to wait to get home on a PC to get results.
Instant Results!

I've looked at SI-Droid, but I don't have a Bluetooth printer. What I'd really like is an Android program to read control units, so you could take a tablet and BSM-7 out to a control and see if a lost runner has punched it. Faster than sending someone out to bring it back.

If we lose a runner, they seem to be really lost and probably in the next county ;)
The Bluetooth printer we purchased was about $60
https://www.amazon.com/LESHP-Portable-Bluetooth-Co...