Vbar BTHV adapter

[Danny_Swe]

Got these bluetooth adaptors for the vbar, really cool if you have android phone and can now change things and see live stuff from there. Only problem I have a HV-setup.

So, I made this one from a step down regulator, was quite easy and the result good. Installation could be better but that will do for a while

[ZuvieleTeile]

Anything like this for iPhones available?

[Danny_Swe]

no, I am sorry to say that currently there is not! That depends on the protocol, Apple will not allow rs232 over BT (because that will open up a wide opportunity for other brands to make stuff for the Apple-devices and they don't like that). So... your best choice is to buy a cheap Android device and go with that. Maybe a HTC Wildfire or something like that.

ps, it's really great, I added a screenshot from my phone.

[ZuvieleTeile]

Looked up the price for the HTC wildfire. Cheap? Hmm. $ 180 without contract.

What do I have to look for? Do all Android phones work?

[CyprusFlyer]

Good stuff, I recently bought a samsung Galaxy phone for £100 stg off Ebay (new), works perfectly. The cheepo Ebay BT adaptors work fine but range is only about 10 meters, prob OK for most things, even vib analysis in the hover.
However, recently bought the Spartan unit, upto 100m range and came with the Vbar connection fitted as an option.
The Vbar app only works with Android so far.

[Danny_Swe]

Originally Posted by CyprusFlyer

The cheepo Ebay BT adaptors work fine but range is only about 10 meters

I tried it and got around 25m range! but I don't know just when I should need more than that. Maybe for a vibe analyze during a speed run or something like that.

[CyprusFlyer]

Yeh you are probably right, more gizmo mania guilty indeed lol.
The Spartan unit does work with the higher voltages too and someone on a thread put me off having the cheap versions hanging off the supply whilst in flight but they are great for field changes.

[Danny_Swe]

Originally Posted by CyprusFlyer

someone on a thread put me off having the cheap versions hanging off the supply whilst in flight but they are great for field changes.

I've heard of that. Is there a common problem having these cheap ones connected permanently?

[CyprusFlyer]

Not able to comment due to lack of experience with them but I would certainly not want a permanent uneccessary connection. Also an outside chance here, I changed the pin on mine in case someone tried to pair with it (accident maybe) but not good to have an open channel into your settings.

[Danny_Swe]

I changed my pin code. I certainly hope it's safe because I'm running with this now well, guess I'll have to read a little about the subject.

(could have a switch on the VCC wire otherwise maybe)

[Costas]

Originally Posted by Danny_Swe

I've heard of that. Is there a common problem having these cheap ones connected permanently?

There is absolutely no problem having the ebay type modules connected permanently. In fact I have them connected permanently on all my machines.

There is an issue which Mr Mel identified with some non Mikado BT modules where if you perform a reset type function in the VBAR software [eg GOV reset etc] then on some occasions the module may spit out some incorrect data to the VBAR. So probably not a good idea to perform these type of reset commands with these modules - Note that it is rare that you would need to perform these type of resets on the VBAR so you can limit this function to when connected via your USB cable etc. Otherwise these modules work fine.

As far as the HV issue is concerned. Some of these modules utilise a regulator which cannot handle much over 6v. If you are handy with electronics you can actually replace the SMD regulator with another that can handle higher input voltages.

[Danny_Swe]

thanks for great answer!

yes I've read that if you order one without back plane you can use 3,3 volt. That is the same voltage as from the RX inputs. Or you could use some 3,3 volt regulator. Well. That's a little too much for me This was simple enough. Just a little more expensive.

[Costas]

It is pretty easy to swap out the regulator if you have some SMD soldering skills - otherwise a friend of yours that is into electronics may be able to assist you.

The regulator to replace is the small 3 terminal device located adjacent the header strip/pins - marked with a red arrow in the pic attached.

I ended up using a Microchip MCP1703-3302E/CB regulator. This IC can safely handle up to 16v input so no issues running with HV setups etc. The IC is very cheap [< $1 in the US - Digikey/Mouser etc]. For those in Europe/Aus etc - Farnell and RS Components also carry this reg.

[Danny_Swe]

cool! Will try that next time for sure!

[Danny_Swe]

that one should work on the YGE Prog Card II as well!?