Prototype Bluetooth to telescope wireless serial interface
Updated Aug 25, 2009
Updated Aug 18, 2009
Updated Aug 12, 2009
Updated Aug 8, 2009
Created Aug 1, 2009
Updated Aug 25, 2009
The completed board
Accepts 4.1V to 15V input via 5.5x2.5 center positive coax power connector or Meade AuxBus powering.
Bluetooth class 2 device, 10M range
I have successfully flashed my 497 with this unit.
The scope/unit were on a different floor of the house than the machine I ran Starpatch on, linear distance was about 25 feet through the floor.
The time it took was no longer than hardwired (about 22min) at 9600 baud.
Availability should be 3'rd/4'th week of September, somewhere around $60, 5.5x2.5 coax $ TBD, Aux cable: $4.50, all plus shipping
If interested, email me astrogene1000_stuff AT yahoo.com
Updated Aug 18, 2009
BT board out for PCB, 1x3.7 inches
Updated Aug 12, 2009
Draft PCB layout, Bluetooth only, 1x3.7 inches
Update Aug 8, first draft PCB layout, 2.1 x 2.5 inches
Mutualy exclusive for:
- bluetooth to rs232 either AuxBus or external powered
- usb to rs232 (usb powered) and external power provides usb/rs232/497 standalone flaher
Using a 3.3V SMT bluetooth to ttl serial module to wirelessly connect to your scopes serial interface
Picture here of the prototype.
The bluetooth module provides for RX/TX/3.3V/GND input and 9600/8/N/1 Serial Port profile
I need to add the 5V regulator because the TTL to RS232 chip (ADM202) I had available would not run off 3.3V
The TTL to rs232 board is one I use for general purpose conversion so just wired up for the prototype
An ADM 3202 is on order so only a single 3.3V regulator will be required.
The 3.3V regulator shown is an variable LM317, a fixed 3.3V regulator is on order
Figured a good test would be to update my Autostar across the link
Worked fine except using the built in XP bluetooth serial profile sets up and
tears down the connection every time something opens/closes the serial port and
some programs seem to not give it enough time before complaining.
I could not get Autostar updater to attach because of this but Starpatch offered
'retries' so it took a few to get the download going and a few to reset the
scope after completion but all went well after 20+ minutes at 9600 baud.
I'll give it a try through Bluesoleil which opens and keeps the connection open
if commanded. SKyMap pro could not connect through XP stack but did fine through
Bluesoleil.