BleControlsPi vs PCBmaker
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
BleControlsPi
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The BLEControlsPi App allows to create various iOS controls such as Button,Toggle, Sliders, Steppers, Pickers (color, date, options) to Control a Raspberry Pi. Manipulating these controls sends their value to the Raspberry Pi (or linux device) in real time over Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE). You can also define Display controls such as Gauges and Text Displays, to create a Dashboard, where the Raspberry Pi sends info to the iPhone/iPad also in real time over Bluetooth. You can create, edit, size, and positions the controls in the app without being connected to a Raspberry Pi. However, before you can connect to, and control the Raspberry Pi you must instal the Python code (see below). IMPORTANT: You must install the free companion Python Software on the Raspberry Pi - where you define your own handlers (callback) functions that take actions on the Raspberry Pi, or fetch data on the Raspberry Pi to send to the iPhone/iPad. The code is provided with an automated installer for the Raspberry Pi. See https://github.com/bluepieapps/blecontrolspi-python and the README. The app provides 2 free controls. These can be created , deleted and re-created as often as you wish, allowing you to test any configuration, or run a simple control scheme. If you need more controls, you can use In-App Purchases to buy Control Packs (in quantity 1,3,5 or 9) for a small fee. This is not a subscription. Once you own the pack - it is yours to use. Packs allow the creation of any controls offered in the app, and any such controls can be edited, deleted and re-created at will. You can install the app on multiple iPhones/iPads that all use the same Apple ID. Controls Packs, and Controls you define on one device are synchronized to the other devices on app restart. Add a new control on your iPhone, and it will show up on your iPad. delete a controls from your iPad, and it will be deleted from your iPhone. See a video of the app at: https://youtu.be/8y3t2luLw3k See the documentation at: https://bluepieapps.com/Control-Pi-over-bluetooth/ - There is docs on how the controls, working which type of controls are available. - There is also an explanation of how you create handlers in the Python Code on the Raspberry Pi to have the RPi react to the controls you have defined.
PCBmaker
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PCBmaker lets you design printed circuit boards on your iPhone ā from schematic to files ready to order at JLCPCB. Add modules, connect them and see how your circuit looks on a real board. The app routes the tracks for you, checks the board and prepares manufacturing files. SCHEMATIC ⢠Library of ready-made modules: ESP32, Arduino Nano, Raspberry Pi Pico, motor drivers (TB6600, A4988), power converters, sensors, displays, relays and more ⢠Auto-connect ā the app suggests the wiring between modules ⢠Labelled pins and microcontroller pin roles PCB ⢠Board view in millimetres with real through-hole footprints ⢠Autorouter ā routes all connections in seconds ⢠Manual tracks on the top and bottom layer, vias ⢠Ground (GND) fill ⢠Circuit inspector (DRC) ā checks clearances and connections before you order READY-MADE PROJECTS 10 examples to start with, each with an explanation, parts list and Arduino sketch: Wi-Fi controlled lamp, DS18B20 thermostat, weather station with an OLED display, motion sensor alarm, WS2812B LED strip with Raspberry Pi Pico, potentiometer-controlled servo, stepper motor with A4988, CNC length stop (CYD + TB6600), ultrasonic range finder with LCD and RFID card lock. FREE Schematic design, board view, autorouter, ground fill, DRC and ready-made projects. PCBmaker PRO File exports: ⢠Gerber and drill files in one ZIP ā ready to upload to jlcpcb.com ⢠KiCad netlist (.net) for further work in KiCad ⢠Parts list (BOM) in JLCPCB format Monthly and yearly plans available. The subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account. Manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: [https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/]
Screenshots
Verdict
BleControlsPi and PCBmaker are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters ā price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them ā neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. BleControlsPi sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and PCBmaker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | BleControlsPi | PCBmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | ā | Every 4 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Normand Frenette | BARTOSZ TERLECKI |
In-app purchases
BleControlsPi
- Controls Pack 1$0.99
- Controls Pack 3$2.69
- Controls Pack 5$3.99
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- Controls Pack 9$6.99
PCBmaker
- PCBmaker PRO Monthly$6.991 Month
- PCBmaker PRO Yearly$49.991 Year
Questions
Is BleControlsPi free?
Is PCBmaker free?
Do BleControlsPi or PCBmaker have ads?
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