VEMS Community Forum

VEMS => Modifications and Repairs => Topic started by: BiSiE on July 08, 2015, 12:14:06 am

Title: Bluetooth straight to FBUS, bypassing MAX232
Post by: BiSiE on July 08, 2015, 12:14:06 am

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has any input on my mod.

Goal: Add bluetooth module to use with Android VEMS app (possibly internal, with external antennae?)

Details:
VEMS 3.3
Bluetooth module: 1132-SPF by sparkfun
(http://www.canadarobotix.com/bluetooth/12576-sparkfun-bluetooth-mate-silver)
Module Voltage range: 3-6v

Problem: the module does not speak RS232, rather TLT

I'm planning tapping directly into the FBUS using method described in this writeup:
http://www.vems.hu/wiki/index.php?page=GenBoard%2FManual%2FCommHardware

I was thinking of using the 5volt power from VEMS to drive the module, but I can't find any documentation that indicates if AVR (pin2 and 3?) can take the 5volts coming out of the bluetooth module?

According to the spec of the bluetooth module, it will output what ever voltage is supplied to it (between 3-6v).

Any suggestions/comments very much appreciated!

p.s. the reason why i don't just get an rs232-bluetooth adapter and call it a day is because i already bought the 1132-spf, plus I like a challenge ;)

Title: Re: Bluetooth straight to FBUS, bypassing MAX232
Post by: paul_f on July 08, 2015, 07:19:11 am

I used a similar device, but used a MAX232 to interface into the RS232

Title: Re: Bluetooth straight to FBUS, bypassing MAX232
Post by: mads b (dk) on July 08, 2015, 01:20:44 pm

http://www.vemssupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,1740.165.html

Title: Re: Bluetooth straight to FBUS, bypassing MAX232
Post by: BiSiE on July 08, 2015, 04:48:18 pm

Quote from: mads b (dk) on July 08, 2015, 01:20:44 pm

http://www.vemssupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,1740.165.html

Nice! thank you.

So just to clarify, you were able to have both options available together (one at-a-time):
-Serial RS232 for logging/tuning
-Bluetooth adapter, tapped before the MAX232 chip in TX only mode, for Android app (using 5v power tapped from the main board)

Questions:
Did you ever endup having success using bluetooth for tuning (with RX connected)?

Thanks again

Title: Re: Bluetooth straight to FBUS, bypassing MAX232
Post by: BiSiE on July 08, 2015, 04:52:11 pm

Quote from: paul_f on July 08, 2015, 07:19:11 am

I used a similar device, but used a MAX232 to interface into the RS232

Thank you!

I have considered this option, it would be easy to implement as a swappable plug, using something like:
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/449
and then the bluetooth module.

However it just doesn't seem "clean" to me having the max232 chip on both ends. plus I would have to order and wait for more hardware :)

It is a usable solution nevertheless.

Title: Re: Bluetooth straight to FBUS, bypassing MAX232
Post by: mads b (dk) on July 08, 2015, 05:29:06 pm

I use bluetooth for both android og pc tuning software .... works pefectly