One of my interests is writing Phone Apps. This enables software programs to be self-molded and advert free (apart from my logo). Here are some example Android Apps that I’m often asked to share:
| Name | Description | Images |
| Pumping Test Flow Calcs. | This App comprises two separate flow calculators, commonly used during pumping-tests. These are: (1) a V-notch Weir Calculator, which can calculate flow over a weir with angles of between 20 to 100o. Most pumping-tests use a 90o weir, but often a fabricator will get the angle wrong by a couple of degrees – so one of the uses of this software is to compensate for fabrication errors. (2) An Orifice-Plate Calculator. This calculates flow using the discharge pipe and plate diameters, and the manometer height. Great for field use. Results are saved to Flash Memory, and so the last calculations will be retained in memory even if the App is closed. Memory can be erased (reset) as required. I’m not aware of any similar App that has all these features. All measurements and flows are only available in metric formats. |   |
| Find my car or starting point | This App allows you to find your car or return to another starting point. It’s a simple, 2-button App, built for speed. For this App to work you need: – An internet connection. – Your GPS to be connected to some satellites. – Google Maps installed on your phone. Your Starting Point will be remembered, even after the App has been closed (saved in Flash memory). There are plenty of similar Apps on Google Play Store. However this one is unique because it’s simple, contains no adverts, and is very fast. |   |
| Where Am I | This App allows you to share your position with someone. For this App to work you need: – Your GPS to be connected to some satellites. – An internet connection, to share your location via any coms app installed on your phone (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Signal or email). Alternatively, a cell phone connection if you want to share this via an SMS text messenger. – No internet connection is necessary if you want to save/ share your location with an installed text editor. The 1st image shows what this App displays on your phone: Latitude, Longitude, Address and Accuracy of the data (some data redacted). Accuracy information, which similar apps often lack, can be essential for emergency or scientific use. The speed of getting an accurate fix depends on the number of satellites overhead and the number of nearby objects blocking their view. In this example, in a built-up area with degraded satellite signals, it shows that when I started the App inside a building (at 12:31 hrs.) no satellites were picked up so there was no fix. When I went outside (12:45 hrs.), I initially got 1000 m accuracy on my location, and then 2 minutes later 73 m accuracy. Another 3 minutes (not shown) increased my location accuracy to 25 m. In open areas, with no signal blockage, an accuracy of 5 m can be expected from 4 or more satellites. The 2nd image shows the data shared after hitting the Share Location button, with 73 m accuracy shown on the screen. |   |
Program source files need to be downloaded from the links and the APK files extracted from the zip files, which then need to be installed on your phone. Some phones don’t have APK file-installers in which case you can use an on-line installer such as online-archive-extractor.com (this site also extracts zip files).
If you find these Apps useful you might think of buying me a cup of coffee….
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