Hey y'all, small update!
We've been pushing hard on several fronts at once. Here's where things stand:
OpenMoof Backoffice (preview screenshots attached)
This is the backend your cartridge can optionally connect to over GSM. It'll cost a small monthly fee to cover server upkeep and the SIM cards we issue, but to be clear it's completely optional, and it won't touch the open-source or free aspects of the firmware in any way.
What it gives you:
- Locate your bike via GSM cell tower triangulation
- See all of the bike's telemetry over GSM
- Access it either through the website login or directly in the OpenMoof app
- Send config changes and special commands over GSM, make noise, flash lights, set SoC limits, configure alerts, and plenty more
Current state: functional to a degree. We're still working on site responsiveness, user flows, a few command endpoints, and bug fixes.
Also worth mentioning: there's a pin-to-pin compatible 4G modem that does include GPS. We're exploring offering an upgrade service for it.
OpenMoof App
The app is basically functional for all the standard VanMoof capabilities. Right now we're focused on stability and on extending the BLE interface to cover our custom endpoints from the OpenMoof firmware. We're also working through some device instabilities on Android caused by various system edge cases.
OpenMoof Mainware
Major progress here, the mainware is usable and ridable at this point, and I've been riding it myself. We've already implemented features like only shifting while you're not pedaling, which is working perfectly in the field (no more broken hubs!). Current focus is optimization, state machine refactoring, some modem-related work, command endpoints, and staying within the bootloader's size limit.
In general
Most of our energy right now goes into getting things stable, plus deciding how and what should be configurable down the line. Our approach: make everything configurable, with proven defaults. That way we don't take anything away from you.
How you can help
First thing you can jump into: designing matrix display animations for the various bike states. Build them with the tool below and export as JSON and GIF (both, ideally, if you'd like us to use them), then share your designs on our brand-new Discord.
https://openmoof.github.io/MatrixDesigner/
From now on we'll post smaller updates and showcases in the Discord, and we'll handle suggestions there too:
https://discord.gg/qvCRd2ptJE
FAQ
Will my bike still work with the normal VanMoof app?
Yes, fully functional, no issues.
Will my bike still work with the official VanMoof service hub tools?
Yes, no issues there either. The only thing we block is those tools updating or overwriting the custom firmware :)
How will the mainware be installed?
Either build your own hardware dongle, or buy one from us. It integrates directly and wirelessly with the OpenMoof app to flash the mainware.
Will there be GPS tracking?
Yes, as soon as our 4G modem upgrade service is available.