Programming for external accessories

[aldcorn@live.com]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone out there has had the opportunity to program an app that communicates with an external accessory?

The documentation says:
The External Accessory framework (ExternalAccessory.framework) provides a conduit for communicating with accessories attached to any iOS-based device. Application developers can use this conduit to integrate accessory-level features into their applications.

This covers a number of areas potentially. I am interested in looking into the possibility of creating an app for a device that currently exists but would have to be modified by the manufacturer in order to work with iOS devices. Is this a crazy money pit type venture?

Has anybody had to work with a manufacturer of an external device in an attempt to write an app that specifically communicates with that device?

I want the external device to send data to the iOS device to be used in the application.

If anyone has any experience or advice in this area your feedback or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time,
Rob

[dcool]

You must have MFi license to do it. For example, if you want to have an accessory with Microchip processor, then Microchip will ask your lincese number to verify, if it's valid then they will send you sample code and hardware to test with.

Apple will validate your application when you apply MFi license.

Good luck,
D

[aldcorn@live.com]

Hi thanks for your input. I never got notification that there was a post on this thread none the less I appreciate the reply

I tried to apply fpr the MFi program and they said they could not accommodate my request...

What is the order of things in this process? Are manufacturers members of the MFi program?

I guess what I am wondering about is whether there is a way for me to do this without being a manufacturer?
Thanks,
Rob

[dcool]

of course...and they still have apply for the licence. You can build an accessorie without manufacturer? build 1 or 10 pieces....or by hand?