Software updates

Frank Aebly
So I just drove two hours to a site to do a repeat mapping mission in a place where I have no cell service. No cell service is not a problem since the mission is stored locally on the app. However this time I could not use the app because it wasn’t updated. I just wasted 4 hours of my day. I ask that the app will allow at least a “one and done.” So in those situations I can use the app that one time with a warning that I have to update before using it again. I don’t know where y’all usually fly but I’m in rural north California and most places don’t have cell service where I fly. Again not a problem for missions that are already loaded from previous flights but to drive 2 hours out for a repeat misssion only to be refused because I don’t update is really unrealistic and inconvenient. Please..At least a one and done. Thanks
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Comments

10 comments

  • Comment author
    Jim McAndrew Dronelink Staff

    Sorry about that. Dronelink is definitely a network-first app, and I would recommend checking that your app is up to date and all your missions are downloaded each time before you go offline. We typically try to not force updates, or when we do, only after warning that a new version is available for several weeks. When we do force updates, it means we have made a backwards incompatible change, or a safety fix that means allowing a one and done is not possible.

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  • Comment author
    Frank Aebly

    Thanks Jim. I understand. I have a dedicated iPad for flying so I don’t get notifications since it sits in my flt case, but in the future I will check before I leave.
    Happy fourth everyone!

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  • Comment author
    Jim McAndrew Dronelink Staff

    If the iPad was offline the whole time until the mission, how did the app connect to the network to know it needed an update?

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  • Comment author
    Frank Aebly

    Oh it was only asleep in its case the whole time connected to my home wifi but I knew it was charged so didn’t pull it out of the case to check software updates. I will next time :)

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  • Comment author
    Barry Houldsworth Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

    You couldn't find a McDonald's, Starbucks or a local library that didn't have wifi closer than 2 hours from the site? 

    That's seriously rural! 

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  • Comment author
    Mike (Arizona Wyldwest) Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert
    • Edited

    I’m guessing Beta is different for obvious reasons. I’ve used previous versions due to serious issues with a new release and it would work. It’s always allowed me to fly. As long as my plans are downloaded for off-line use and I have no service. So I’m assuming the production version is different when it comes to the app not functioning without the newest update. Interesting… 

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  • Comment author
    Emmanuel Otchere

    Do a mission checklist before leaving home and before starting a flight and include in there the need to update Apps or at least start the Apps to confirm they are working first. It can save you big time.

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  • Comment author
    Martin Reading Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

     include in there the need to update Apps or at least start the Apps to confirm they are working first. It can save you big time. 

    Very good advise, I regularly check all 3 of the devices I might use with Dronelink for app updates, I think some of this comes from my cycling, as at times I've had my cycling computer decide to update its firmware during a ride

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  • Comment author
    Mike (Arizona Wyldwest) Dronelink Expert Dronelink Expert

    If you create any new mission in the Web app and don’t open DL Native afterwards while you have service, they won’t even be in your Repo list so there is no way to fly those. Also If you make any changes to a previously flown mission and want to re-run it with the changes you must do the same thing and open DL. If you don’t it will run but with the old settings, not the changes which means more time to correct and run. This allows for the plans to be downloaded from the Cloud to the app. Always open the DL app while you have service so none of this happens and if any updates you will know. I always open the app, load each plan I may want to run just incase I don’t have service. It takes time to charge the batteries anyway so a couple minutes to make sure it’s ready to use is a good idea. If all of this is done then no service will be needed at all and should have no issues. Just some suggestion for anyone that wants to ensure everything will work, especially if not sure if you will have any service. Enjoy everyone.

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  • Comment author
    Frank Aebly

    All solid advice and best practices for sure. Sometime you have to grab your fly case and go through 😂

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