BrandManager/README_APP.md

BrandManager

A Flutter application for managing DMR devices and talkgroups through the BrandMeister network API, based on the PyroMeister Manager iOS app.

Features

• Secure Authentication: Token-based authentication with secure keychain storage
• Device Management: View and manage all your BrandMeister devices
• Talkgroup Management: Link and unlink static talkgroups to/from devices
• Material Design: Clean, modern UI with light/dark theme support
• Pull-to-Refresh: Easy data refresh on all screens
• Error Handling: Comprehensive error handling with user-friendly messages

Project Structure

lib/
├── main.dart                           # App entry point with Provider setup
├── models/                             # Data models
│   ├── device.dart                     # Device model
│   ├── user_info.dart                  # User information model
│   ├── static_talkgroup.dart           # Talkgroup model
│   ├── device_profile.dart             # Device profile model
│   └── cluster.dart                    # Cluster model
├── services/                           # Business logic and API
│   ├── brandmeister_client.dart        # API client for BrandMeister
│   └── authentication_manager.dart     # Auth and state management
└── views/                              # UI screens
    ├── content_view.dart               # Root routing view
    ├── welcome_view.dart               # Authentication screen
    ├── main_view.dart                  # Device list screen
    ├── device_detail_view.dart         # Device details & talkgroups
    └── link_talkgroup_view.dart        # Add talkgroup modal

API Integration

The app integrates with the BrandMeister API v2:

Base URL: https://api.brandmeister.network/v2

Key Endpoints Used

• POST /user/whoAmI - Verify authentication and get user info
• GET /device/byCall?callsign={callsign} - Get devices by callsign
• GET /device/{id} - Get device details
• GET /device/{id}/talkgroup - Get device talkgroups
• POST /device/{id}/talkgroup - Link talkgroup to device
• DELETE /device/{id}/talkgroup/{slot}/{talkgroup} - Unlink talkgroup
• GET /talkgroup - Get all available talkgroups

Dependencies

• flutter: SDK
• http: HTTP client for API calls
• flutter_secure_storage: Secure keychain/keystore storage for API token
• provider: State management solution

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Flutter SDK (3.10.7+)
• BrandMeister API token (get from https://brandmeister.network)

Installation

1. Clone the repository

2. Install dependencies:

   fvm flutter pub get
   

3. Run the app:

   fvm flutter run
   

First Launch

1. The app will show the Welcome screen
2. Enter your BrandMeister API token
3. Tap "Sign In" to authenticate
4. Your token is securely stored for future sessions

Usage

Viewing Devices

• After authentication, you'll see a list of all your BrandMeister devices
• Pull down to refresh the device list
• Tap any device to view details

Managing Talkgroups

• In the device detail screen, view all linked static talkgroups
• Tap the "+" button to link a new talkgroup
• Enter the talkgroup ID and select timeslot (TS1 or TS2)
• Tap the delete icon to unlink a talkgroup

Logout

• Tap the logout icon in the app bar on the main screen
• Your token will be securely removed

Architecture

State Management

The app uses Provider for state management with a ChangeNotifier:

• AuthenticationManager - Central service managing:
  • Authentication state
  • Secure token storage
  • API operations
  • User information

Data Flow

1. View requests data from AuthenticationManager
2. AuthenticationManager calls BrandmeisterClient
3. BrandmeisterClient makes HTTP requests to BrandMeister API
4. Responses are parsed into model objects
5. Views update UI with new data

Security

• API tokens stored in platform-specific secure storage:
  • iOS: Keychain
  • Android: Encrypted SharedPreferences
  • macOS: Keychain
  • Windows: Windows Credential Store
  • Linux: Secret Service API

Error Handling

The app includes comprehensive error handling:

• Network errors with retry options
• API errors with clear messages
• Form validation
• Loading states with progress indicators
• Success/failure feedback with SnackBars

Platform Support

• ✅ iOS
• ✅ Android
• ✅ macOS
• ✅ Windows
• ✅ Linux
• ✅ Web

Differences from iOS Version

While maintaining feature parity with PyroMeister Manager, this Flutter version:

• Uses Provider instead of SwiftUI's Observable
• Uses flutter_secure_storage instead of native Keychain
• Implements Material Design instead of iOS native design
• Supports multiple platforms (not just iOS)
• Uses Modal Bottom Sheet for "Link Talkgroup" instead of a separate view

License

This is a personal project for managing BrandMeister devices. Please ensure you have appropriate authorization to access the BrandMeister API.

Credits

Based on PyroMeister Manager iOS app structure and functionality.