External accessory framework test hardware

Question

I need to write an app for a client the uses the ExternalAccessory framework to communicate with some hardware, I read in 'External Accessory Programming Exercises' by Norman McEntire that the Simulator includes 2 test accessories, however when I run the EADemo sample app from Apple on the Simulator it says there are no accessories connected. Does anyone know how I can simulate an accessory so I can learn the framework, or is there an inexpensive piece of hardware I can use to learn with. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

true, but the redpark serial cable is an accessory itself, it comes with its own sdk but you can use the eaframework and write your own code.

But its debatable how useful it is for learning the framework,

A lot of developers including me experiment with it using the arduino micro computer, which is a really cheap little microprocessor that is used for all kinds of hobbyist experiments.

there are two books you should look at.

Building iPhone OS Accessories: Use the iPhone Accessories API to Control and Monitor Devices By: Ken Maskrey Publisher: Apress Pub. Date: June 7, 2010 Print ISBN: 978-1-4302-2931-5 Web ISBN: 1-4302-2931-4

iOS Sensor Apps with Arduino By: Alasdair Allan Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Pub. Date: September 19, 2011 Print ISBN-13: 978-1-4493-0848-3

You can also look at this recent blog we authored.

http://sol3.typepad.com/tagalong_developer_journa/accessories/

Answer 2

Redpark makes a serial cable that uses the iOS Accessory framework. Might be useful for experimentation.

Answer 3

Just a quick note to your last remark.

Yes the Redpark api does all the work. But there is absolutely nothing that stops you from using the ea framework, think of the redpark sdk as a wrapper around the apple api.