We're going to be standardizing on built-in Bluetooth for all 3DR vehicles and autopilots in the future, but you don't have to wait for that -- you can use Bluetooth right now with this nifty Bluetooth add-on kit ($24.99). It's pre-set for 3DR gear and sends MAVlink at 57k to any mobile device or laptop running DroidPlanner, AndroPilot, Mission Planner or APM Planner. I posted a DIY tutorial on how to roll your own BT link a while ago, but for those who don't want the hassle of making cables and configuring radios, we've now done it all for you.
Leave your telemetry radio and OTG cable at home, and make a direct Bluetooth connection to your phone, tablet or laptop for pre-flight mission planning and vehicle setup. It has a range of 30m, which is fine for setup, mission planning and even close FollowMe mode -- all without bulky long-range radios.
Just plug it into your telemetry port and pair with your device. It's the easiest way to make a telemetry link -- no extra gear required!
Comments
Hi Chris, you said you could use both Bluetooth and 3DR radios with Pixhawk. How do you hand control from one to the other? It would be great if you could use the telemetry link to to fly the multirotor to within 30 metres of the bluetooth link and then have it go into "follow the Bluetooth mode" to chase the person with the phone and then take control again to bring it home. i.e. to photograph/video surfing, snowboarding, etc. If you have both connected and go into follow me...which one does it chase?
Have ordered two to upgrade our fleet (new Iris and 2014 X8).
They will compliment our Event38 bridge and Nexus 7 combo.
BTW, ...do I smell Apple pie...?
(The boys in Ensenada...)
@Matthieu
Wiki has the exact 2.4 freq, but if i recall its near to that. Cant remember if its a clash.
Here in Europe you would have to use 433 MHz telemetry which is conflicting with (for instance) EzUHF system.
One option is to go with 868 MHz telemetry.
But if you don't need telemetry all along the flight, Bluetooth is the way to go!!!
BTW, Bluetooth is using 2.4 GHz, right?
How does it go when used with 2.4 GHz radio control system?
Nice!
I've been using the same module from a different (chinese) suplier for more than a year now!
Range is about 100M but when using 2.4 ghz gear, range will be reduced to 10~30 meter or so.
Nice to see that it comes preconfigured because by default the settings need to be changed to work properly, and that can be quite a challenge if you are inexperienced with serial terminal software and AT commands.
Yes, its a great add on for setup, just because one is able to use cheapo smartphones, which don´t allow 3DR radio connect due to the lack of capable USB.
Thanks Chris.
My comment was more related to the people that previously were discussing 30m or 30ft :).
Sometimes when I forget the key in the ignition of my car I do have problems at more than 50m away with the Bluetooth HFT and the phone :)....
The Bluetooth in this case I consider more as a convenience factor. Andoid platform already had the possibility using the the 3DR Radios, now every mobile platform gets that possibility.
Luis, we're getting almost 100m in practice, but that's outside in open air. Probably 30-50m is a safe bet in most situations. Again, this is meant for setup and mission planning, not control.
Forgot a little detail
The range on the product page is stated as 50m....
Hi Chris, Apologies in advance, I was unsure where to place this comment but any ideas why a hold has been placed on the shipment of pixhawk to countries outside Canada/America? I would like to purchase a pixhawk and it is quite frustrating.
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