INDI for Java - General Information

INDI for Java is a set of libraries (written in the Java programming language) to implement Clients (graphical and not graphical ones), Drivers and Servers that follow the INDI distributed control protocol, a protocol designed to operate astronomical instrumentation.

Note: The INDI for Java library is currently ready to be used in Android devices (version 8 and higher).

  Latest News

• April 10, 2012: Version 1.3 of the libraries has been released. The main addition is the new generic Android UI for clients. Although it is not very nice, it is working fine. Thus, creating a graphical INDI Client in Android is now quite easy!. Check the Downloads!

• April 4, 2012: Version 1.21 of the libraries has been released. Some new functionality added to the Server Library. Some general refactoring to prepare the libraries to be used in Android devices. The Client library divided in two different ones: the proper Client one and the Client UI. Check the Downloads!

• April 2, 2012: Version 1.2 of the libraries has been released. The main change is the addition of the Server library. At this point it is possible to create INDI Clients, Drivers and Servers with Java!. Check the Downloads!

  Intended Audience

The provided libraries are focused on the development of Drivers, Clients and Servers using the INDI protocol in the Java programming language. If you are a regular software user or if you are looking for a simple program to control your astronomical devices and you don't know anything about drivers, programming and Java probably this page is not for you. Try looking at INDI Clients for a list of programs that may be useful for your purposes.

However, if you are a programmer and you want to start your own astronomical control program or you want to program a driver for a particular astronomical device, this might be your starting point.

Please note that this libraries do not pretend to substitute or even replace the original INDI libraries which are still used and actively developed. Moreover, this project does not pretend to mimic every single option that the original libraries offer and, in fact, the programming ideas behind this library differ in some points to the original ones: particularly, INDI for Java tries to provide a truly object oriented approach in the development of INDI compatible software.

  Where do I start?

If you are interested in the project, you might want to check the Downloads available for the project. In those downloads you have all the necessary tools to begin developing you're own INDI Clients and Drivers: You'll find the source code for the library, the compiled libraries (in .jar format), all the Java Docs for the libraries and even some example files to start experimenting.

It is also recommended that you check the original INDI Library web page in which you will find lots of information about the INDI protocol, the original INDI libraries (written in C and C++) and many more resources (including a developers mailing list) that might help you start developing your own INDI related projects.

  INDI for Java APIs

In the Downloads section you can find all the Java Docs for the INDI for Java libraries along with the source code. However, you can also check it only in the following links:

• INDI for Java Base API
• INDI for Java Client API
• INDI for Java Client UI API
• INDI for Java Android UI API
• INDI for Java Driver API
• INDI for Java Server API

  Android

The INDI for Java library is currently ready to be used in Android devices (version 8 and higher).

• To create a working Android INDI Server is just a matter of a few lines of code: just define the port to listen and add the Drivers to launch.
• An Android INDI Driver is created in the exact same way as usual INDI for Java Drivers. You will just have to deal with communicating with your controlled device.
• An Android INDI Client can be constructed in the same way as a usual Java one. However, with the addition of the INDI for Java Android UI library, creating working Android interfaces for devices, properties and elements is quite easy. However, the Java Android UI Library can be greatly improved as at this moment no user friendly / aesthetic concerns have been taken into account. By the way, if you are an expert Android UI designer / programmer, any help with this issue would be greatly appreciated.

  Tools

The INDI for Java Server library implements a basic but completely functional INDI Server. This server is able to load INDI Java Drivers, Native Drivers and connect to other INDI Servers. If you want to use it, you can check the Basic INDI Server Manual.

  Example Tutorials

Some simple tutorials on the basic usage of these libraries are provided in the following links:

• Creating a simple INDI Driver
• Minimal INDI Driver: Random Number Generator
• Creating a very simple INDI Server

  Screen Shots

Some screen shots of applications developed with the INDI for Java Libraries:

Astronomy Control Center

A generic application to Control Astronomical devices

Astronomy Control Center Interface

Android Basic Client + Server (with Drivers)

A snapshot of an Android device running a basic INDI Client, a basic INDI Server executing a Driver to control a telescope connected to the device via Bluetooth. Courtesy of Alexander Tuschen. You can check his project in [Android INDI Server].

Android Server and Client

  Who is who?

The INDI for Java libraries are being developed mainly by Zerjillo (zerjio AT zerjio DOT com). However, some other people is collaborating:

• Antonio Román: Testing. Check his Astronomy web page La Azotea (in collaboration with Zerjillo).
• Alexander Tuschen: Testing and bug reporting. He is also developing some INDI Drivers to control some telescopes directly from any Android device with bluetooth.

• Next >