Do users of Power FLARM need connection with flight computers like
Winpilot, XCSoar, LK8000, etc, to show FLARM traffic on the moving
map?

On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 1:07:48 PM UTC-7, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> Do users of Power FLARM need connection with flight computers like
> Winpilot, XCSoar, LK8000, etc, to show FLARM traffic on the moving
> map?

yes

On Mar 21, 9:37*am, Morgan > wrote:
> On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 1:07:48 PM UTC-7, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> > Do users of Power FLARM need connection with flight computers like
> > Winpilot, XCSoar, LK8000, etc, to show FLARM traffic on the moving
> > map?
>
> yes

Another Flarm question for US pilots:

If you can afford either a Power Flarm or a Transponder, which one
would you purchase?

Thanks,

Mike

FLARM.

On Mar 21, 1:21*pm, Mike C > wrote:
> On Mar 21, 9:37*am, Morgan > wrote:
>
> > On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 1:07:48 PM UTC-7, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> > > Do users of Power FLARM need connection with flight computers like
> > > Winpilot, XCSoar, LK8000, etc, to show FLARM traffic on the moving
> > > map?
>
> > yes
>
> Another Flarm question for US pilots:
>
> If you can afford either a Power Flarm or a Transponder, which one
> would you purchase?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mike

I'm confused, I already have a transponder!

I think that is highly dependent on where you are and what your greatest concern is.

If you were going to be flying in the Minden/Reno/Truckee areas or a similar congested airspace, then without a doubt I'd say buy the transponder as the airline traffic needs to see you on TCAS and ATC needs to know you're there.

If you're in a more remote location without much GA or Commercial Aviation and you're more concerned about glider/glider interaction, then Flarm is the clear winner.

Both is clearly optimal.

Morgan

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012 11:21:27 AM UTC-7, Mike C wrote:
> On Mar 21, 9:37*am, Morgan > wrote:
> > On Tuesday, March 20, 2012 1:07:48 PM UTC-7, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> > > Do users of Power FLARM need connection with flight computers like
> > > Winpilot, XCSoar, LK8000, etc, to show FLARM traffic on the moving
> > > map?
> >
> > yes
>
> Another Flarm question for US pilots:
>
> If you can afford either a Power Flarm or a Transponder, which one
> would you purchase?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mike

We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named it
SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM traffic
information into European version of FLARM units. It also allows
task declaration and log file download. It is connected into RJ45
connector, and it draws operating voltage (<40mA) from 3.3 V that
FLARM provides for external displays.

This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
information available in our club gliders. Since club members have
many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR + delivery
from Finland.

If you think that this unit is useful with Power FLARM please let me
know. We hope to get 30 orders to cover the cost. Enclosed couple
links showing how to connect and use SoarTronic. These videos
show XCSoar runnig in Android phone, but it should work with any
device with BT, and with any flight computer SW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7EkWwQhQzU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJPz65ePozo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WLD0td0pMo

Ill take one! 29 to go...

+1

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:41:47 PM UTC-4, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named it
> SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM traffic
> information into European version of FLARM units. It also allows
> task declaration and log file download. It is connected into RJ45
> connector, and it draws operating voltage (<40mA) from 3.3 V that
> FLARM provides for external displays.
>
> This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
> information available in our club gliders. Since club members have
> many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
> communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR + delivery
> from Finland.
>
> If you think that this unit is useful with Power FLARM please let me
> know. We hope to get 30 orders to cover the cost. Enclosed couple
> links showing how to connect and use SoarTronic. These videos
> show XCSoar runnig in Android phone, but it should work with any
> device with BT, and with any flight computer SW.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7EkWwQhQzU
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJPz65ePozo
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WLD0td0pMo

Sean,
We already have some orders. Couple clubs will install this in
their entire fleet with FLARMs.
Please e-mail me your plane call-sign, and select your 4 digit BT
password, and your details. We will name your SoarTronic unit
according to your call-sign, so that it is easy to pair with your
computer device. I will inform you about the payment and
delivery. Tomorrow we will test the prototype for VHF radio
disturbances, and if the result is acceptable we will order factory
made PCBs and other components.



At 22:24 21 March 2012, Sean Fidler wrote:
>Ill take one! 29 to go...
>
>+1
>
>On Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:41:47 PM UTC-4, Kimmo
Hytoenen wrote:
>> We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named
it
>> SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM
traffic
>> information into European version of FLARM units. It also
allows
>> task declaration and log file download. It is connected into
RJ45
>> connector, and it draws operating voltage ( FLARM provides
for external
>displays.
>>
>> This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
>> information available in our club gliders. Since club members
have
>> many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
>> communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR +
delivery
>> from Finland.
>>
>> If you think that this unit is useful with Power FLARM please
let me
>> know. We hope to get 30 orders to cover the cost. Enclosed
couple
>> links showing how to connect and use SoarTronic. These
videos
>> show XCSoar runnig in Android phone, but it should work
with any
>> device with BT, and with any flight computer SW.
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7EkWwQhQzU
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJPz65ePozo
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WLD0td0pMo
>
>

Hello Kimmo,

Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named it
> SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM traffic
> information into European version of FLARM units. It also allows
> task declaration and log file download. It is connected into RJ45
> connector, and it draws operating voltage (<40mA) from 3.3 V that
> FLARM provides for external displays.
>
> This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
> information available in our club gliders. Since club members have
> many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
> communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR + delivery
> from Finland.

Just curious, are you using a module like this:
http://www.brunwinkel.de/elektronik/ics/btm400_6b/

I just build a device at my own design that meets your description. As I am
working nonprofit too, there is no competition. If interested, we can share
information. I have a dealer in Hong Kong who sells the modules for ~8,- ?
with free shipping. With a MAX3232 for the RS232, printed circuit board and
casing, I think your price is realistic.

Nice feature: as the module is programmable, I set it up with the
registration of the glider as Bluetooth name.

Regards
Chris

On Mar 21, 5:29*pm, Chris > wrote:
> Hello Kimmo,
>
> Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> > We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named it
> > SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM traffic
> > information into European version of FLARM units. It also allows
> > task declaration and log file download. It is connected into RJ45
> > connector, and it draws operating voltage (<40mA) from 3.3 V that
> > FLARM provides for external displays.
>
> > This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
> > information available in our club gliders. Since club members have
> > many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
> > communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR + delivery
> > from Finland.
>
> Just curious, are you using a module like this:http://www.brunwinkel.de/elektronik/ics/btm400_6b/
>
> I just build a device at my own design that meets your description. As I am
> working nonprofit too, there is no competition. If interested, we can share
> information. I have a dealer in Hong Kong who sells the modules for ~8,- ?
> with free shipping. With a MAX3232 for the RS232, printed circuit board and
> casing, I think your price is realistic.
>
> Nice feature: as the module is programmable, I set it up with the
> registration of the glider as Bluetooth name.
>
> Regards
> Chris

Will either one work with a VW1150 Canbus and transmit info two ways
between a Streak and Canbus that contains Powerflarm and smart vario
data?

Thanks,

Mike

Mike C wrote:

> On Mar 21, 5:29 pm, Chris > wrote:
>> I just build a device at my own design that meets your description. As I
>> am working nonprofit too, there is no competition. If interested, we can
>> share information. I have a dealer in Hong Kong who sells the modules for
>> ~8,- ? with free shipping. With a MAX3232 for the RS232, printed circuit
>> board and casing, I think your price is realistic.
>>
>> Nice feature: as the module is programmable, I set it up with the
>> registration of the glider as Bluetooth name.

> Will either one work with a VW1150 Canbus and transmit info two ways
> between a Streak and Canbus that contains Powerflarm and smart vario
> data?

I cannot speak for the device offered by Kimmo, but it seems it works
similar as my design. As Kimmo mentioned, it should work with any device
that supports Bluetooth and can communicate with Flarm via the RJ45. The
Bluetooth is just a wireless extension of the serial data channel via RJ45.
Regards
Chris

Kimo,

F2 and my email is smfidlerATgmailDOTcom

How is the SoarTronic different from the K6 bt? The only thing I can see is
that it uses the 3V connection of the FLARM RJ-45 jack instead of the jack's
12V connection.
http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/k6.htm

I have tested a K6 bt with my iPAQ hx 4700 running LK8000 and my Android
Atrix running XCSoar. It works great in both cases.

Wayne
http://www.soaridaho.com/

"Kimmo Hytoenen" wrote in message
. com...

We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named it
SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM traffic
information into European version of FLARM units. It also allows
task declaration and log file download. It is connected into RJ45
connector, and it draws operating voltage (<40mA) from 3.3 V that
FLARM provides for external displays.

This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
information available in our club gliders. Since club members have
many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR + delivery
from Finland.

If you think that this unit is useful with Power FLARM please let me
know. We hope to get 30 orders to cover the cost. Enclosed couple
links showing how to connect and use SoarTronic. These videos
show XCSoar runnig in Android phone, but it should work with any
device with BT, and with any flight computer SW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7EkWwQhQzU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJPz65ePozo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WLD0td0pMo

At 23:53 21 March 2012, Chris wrote:
>Mike C wrote:
>
>> On Mar 21, 5:29 pm, Chris wrote:
>>> I just build a device at my own design that meets your
description. As I
>>> am working nonprofit too, there is no competition. If
interested, we can
>>> share information. I have a dealer in Hong Kong who sells
the modules
>for
>>> ~8,- ? with free shipping. With a MAX3232 for the RS232,
printed circuit
>>> board and casing, I think your price is realistic.
>>>
>>> Nice feature: as the module is programmable, I set it up
with the
>>> registration of the glider as Bluetooth name.
>
>> Will either one work with a VW1150 Canbus and transmit
info two ways
>> between a Streak and Canbus that contains Powerflarm and
smart vario
>> data?
>
>I cannot speak for the device offered by Kimmo, but it seems
it works
>similar as my design. As Kimmo mentioned, it should work with
any device
>that supports Bluetooth and can communicate with Flarm via
the RJ45. The
>Bluetooth is just a wireless extension of the serial data channel
via RJ45.
>Regards
>Chris
>

Chris,

You are right, in this device all components are well known, and
you can build a similar system out from Bluetooth module and
RS232/TTL level sifter. I actually did so, but the result did not
look like something that I would trust. Also other club members
told me that "nice, but who will maintain those if you are not
here?". So I decided to look for more professional solution. What
was on the market was quite expensive compared to technology
needed.

There is one technical improvement in this device compared
what has been on the market. If you have an external display
connected into your FLARM unit and you want to connect
SoarTronic type device into the same RS232 line with it, you
normally either disconnect the external display's TX line, or add
a switch to select if you what to declare tasks over Bluetooth
device (i.e. RS232 in not multidrop bus). With this "SoarTronic"
you do not need that switch, and these two animals can live
together in RS232 line - as long as they do not speak
simultaneously. This is idea of Simon. I also think that if you
have your FLARM connected to Variometer or VW1150, you can
add this device into the FLARM RS232/power cable. This device
does not have CanBus build in it, but you can connect any
RS232/bluetooth module in the RS232 connector of VW1150.

We have had many gliderpilots involved in this project. It
actually started as a spinn-off. We were (and still are)
developing an interface board to Sparkfun IOIO board, that
connects 4 RS232 lines to Android phone over USB, and
provides 12V/5V conversion for charging the Android device. But
that is an another story.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012 10:11:17 PM UTC-7, Wayne wrote:
> How is the SoarTronic different from the K6 bt? The only thing I can see is
> that it uses the 3V connection of the FLARM RJ-45 jack instead of the jack's
> 12V connection.
> http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/k6.htm
>
> I have tested a K6 bt with my iPAQ hx 4700 running LK8000 and my Android
> Atrix running XCSoar. It works great in both cases.
>
> Wayne
> http://www.soaridaho.com/
>
> "Kimmo Hytoenen" wrote in message
> . com...
>
> We are developing a simple and low cost device (we named it
> SoarTronic :) to add Bluetooth communication of FLARM traffic
> information into European version of FLARM units. It also allows
> task declaration and log file download. It is connected into RJ45
> connector, and it draws operating voltage (<40mA) from 3.3 V that
> FLARM provides for external displays.
>
> This is a nonprofit project we started to get FLARM traffic
> information available in our club gliders. Since club members have
> many types of flight computers, Bluetooth was chosen as
> communication method. Price for this device is 30 EUR + delivery
> from Finland.
>
> If you think that this unit is useful with Power FLARM please let me
> know. We hope to get 30 orders to cover the cost. Enclosed couple
> links showing how to connect and use SoarTronic. These videos
> show XCSoar runnig in Android phone, but it should work with any
> device with BT, and with any flight computer SW.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7EkWwQhQzU
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJPz65ePozo
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WLD0td0pMo

It is like one fifth of the cost of a K6Bt...
But wouldn't commercially available bluetooth adapter provide same functionality for similar low cost, such as http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=228

I am also looking for a low cost bluetooth adapter once my powerflarm arrives. I already have one K6Bt for my 302 (works perfect), and rather not spending the same amount on another K6Bt.

Ramy

Ramy wrote:

> It is like one fifth of the cost of a K6Bt...
> But wouldn't commercially available bluetooth adapter provide same
> functionality for similar low cost, such as
>
http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=228

That would work, but you need to provide some power source. It needs a 5V
power source either via USB cable or external battery. The Flarm provides a
3V output, I guess that would not be enough to power the device. Kimmos and
my device work with the 3V directly, that saves some hardware. I don't know
if the K6-BT works similar.
Chris

At 09:32 22 March 2012, Chris wrote:
>Ramy wrote:
>
>> It is like one fifth of the cost of a K6Bt...
>> But wouldn't commercially available bluetooth adapter provide
same
>> functionality for similar low cost, such as
>>
>http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?
main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=228
>
>That would work, but you need to provide some power source. It
needs a 5V
>power source either via USB cable or external battery. The Flarm
provides a
>
>3V output, I guess that would not be enough to power the device.
Kimmos and
>
>my device work with the 3V directly, that saves some hardware. I
don't know
>
>if the K6-BT works similar.
>Chris
>

Chris is right, that is the point.
Also, if you use external display, this works nicely with that.
-kimmo

From what I've understood so far, there is one important difference between SoarTronic and the K6BT, which is baudrate switching. The K6BT has a protocol to let the connected software change the baudrate of the adapter and I haven't seen any other devices yet, that are able to do that. XCSoar has recently implemented that protocol which makes it easy to change the baudrate for IGC file downloads for example. The Flarm does not need this feature since it doesn't have to change the baudrate, but my DX50 (similar to LX5000) sends GPS data at 4800 yet the transfer mode for upload/download works at 19200.

Turbo

On Mar 22, 1:09*am, Kimmo Hytoenen > wrote:
> At 23:53 21 March 2012, Chris wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >Mike C wrote:
>
> >> On Mar 21, 5:29 pm, Chris *wrote:
> >>> I just build a device at my own design that meets your
> description. As I
> >>> am working nonprofit too, there is no competition. If
> interested, we can
> >>> share information. I have a dealer in Hong Kong who sells
> the modules
> >for
> >>> ~8,- ? with free shipping. With a MAX3232 for the RS232,
> printed circuit
> >>> board and casing, I think your price is realistic.
>
> >>> Nice feature: as the module is programmable, I set it up
> with the
> >>> registration of the glider as Bluetooth name.
>
> >> Will either one work with a VW1150 Canbus and transmit
> info two ways
> >> between a Streak and Canbus that contains Powerflarm and
> smart vario
> >> data?
>
> >I cannot speak for the device offered by Kimmo, but it seems
> it works
> >similar as my design. As Kimmo mentioned, it should work with
> any device
> >that supports Bluetooth and can communicate with Flarm via
> the RJ45. The
> >Bluetooth is just a wireless extension of the serial data channel
> via RJ45.
> >Regards
> >Chris
>
> Chris,
>
> You are right, in this device all components are well known, and
> you can build a similar system out from Bluetooth module and
> RS232/TTL level sifter. I actually did so, but the result did not
> look like something that I would trust. Also other club members
> told me that "nice, but who will maintain those if you are not
> here?". So I decided to look for more professional solution. What
> was on the market was quite expensive compared to technology
> needed.
>
> There is one technical improvement in this device compared
> what has been on the market. If you have an external display
> connected into your FLARM unit and you want to connect
> SoarTronic type device into the same RS232 line with it, you
> normally either disconnect the external display's TX line, or add
> a switch to select if you what to declare tasks over Bluetooth
> device (i.e. RS232 in not multidrop bus). With this "SoarTronic"
> you do not need that switch, and these two animals can live
> together in RS232 line - as long as they do not speak
> simultaneously. This is idea of Simon. I also think that if you
> have your FLARM connected to Variometer or VW1150, you can
> add this device into the FLARM RS232/power cable. This device
> does not have CanBus build in it, but you can connect any
> RS232/bluetooth module in the RS232 connector of VW1150.
>
> We have had many gliderpilots involved in this project. It
> actually started as a spinn-off. We were (and still are)
> developing an interface board to Sparkfun IOIO board, that
> connects 4 RS232 lines to Android phone over USB, and
> provides 12V/5V conversion for charging the Android device. But
> that is an another story.

Still in for the IOIO board Kimmo.

Mike

At 14:00 22 March 2012, Tobias Bieniek wrote:
>From what I've understood so far, there is one important
difference
>between=
> SoarTronic and the K6BT, which is baudrate switching. The
K6BT has a
>proto=
>col to let the connected software change the baudrate of the
adapter and I
>=
>haven't seen any other devices yet, that are able to do that.
XCSoar has
>re=
>cently implemented that protocol which makes it easy to
change the
>baudrate=
> for IGC file downloads for example. The Flarm does not need
this feature
>s=
>ince it doesn't have to change the baudrate, but my DX50
(similar to
>LX5000=
>) sends GPS data at 4800 yet the transfer mode for
upload/download works
>at=
> 19200.
>
>Turbo
>

Hi Turbo

You are right, as usual. Changing the baud-rate is possible using
AT commands when the module is not paired, but cannot be
done over BT connection. Setting up environment for these
settings in not easy, otherwise we would have asked people to
do their own settings. We will program these to operate on
19200b speed, since I suppose that faster speed does not really
give any advantages, other than downloading logger files.

This is tailored for use with our club gliders with LX RedBox
FLARM units and external displays, but it works nicely with any
other FLARM unit as well, as long as they use the standard
RJ45/12 cabling.

I have added into youtube videos or testing of the Bluetooth
module and IOIO extension board for radio disturbances.
Results were good, and tomorrow we will place the order for
PCBs and components. If someone wants one, it's final call.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfWRzj7SNk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaMyLbV7xU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KmiUaDPVro

On Thursday, March 22, 2012 1:19:25 PM UTC-4, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:

> Setting up environment for these
> settings in not easy, otherwise we would have asked people to
> do their own settings.

I'm having that problem, too, with a similar if not the same BT module that takes TTL level UART data. Can't change the baud rate without setting up a level converter.

> We will program these to operate on
> 19200b speed, since I suppose that faster speed does not really
> give any advantages, other than downloading logger files.

Intelligent varios can be configured to supply NMEA data at different rates.. 19200 should be sufficient.

That said, without baud rate switching (as Tobias pointed out), you'll run into trouble when connecting this device to something older like the Volkslogger (4800bps normally, but a higher speed for bulk up/downloading). Because the device on the RS232 side is dumb, and the device on the BT end is smart, I'm not sure how one can make this work with the hardware you have.

On Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:19:25 -0700, Kimmo Hytoenen
> wrote:

> At 14:00 22 March 2012, Tobias Bieniek wrote:
>> From what I've understood so far, there is one important
> difference
>> between=
>> SoarTronic and the K6BT, which is baudrate switching. The
> K6BT has a
>> proto=
>> col to let the connected software change the baudrate of the
> adapter and I
>> =
>> haven't seen any other devices yet, that are able to do that.
> XCSoar has
>> re=
>> cently implemented that protocol which makes it easy to
> change the
>> baudrate=
>> for IGC file downloads for example. The Flarm does not need
> this feature
>> s=
>> ince it doesn't have to change the baudrate, but my DX50
> (similar to
>> LX5000=
>> ) sends GPS data at 4800 yet the transfer mode for
> upload/download works
>> at=
>> 19200.
>>
>> Turbo
>>
>
> Hi Turbo
>
> You are right, as usual. Changing the baud-rate is possible using
> AT commands when the module is not paired, but cannot be
> done over BT connection. Setting up environment for these
> settings in not easy, otherwise we would have asked people to
> do their own settings. We will program these to operate on
> 19200b speed, since I suppose that faster speed does not really
> give any advantages, other than downloading logger files.
>
> This is tailored for use with our club gliders with LX RedBox
> FLARM units and external displays, but it works nicely with any
> other FLARM unit as well, as long as they use the standard
> RJ45/12 cabling.
>
> I have added into youtube videos or testing of the Bluetooth
> module and IOIO extension board for radio disturbances.
> Results were good, and tomorrow we will place the order for
> PCBs and components. If someone wants one, it's final call.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfWRzj7SNk
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaMyLbV7xU
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KmiUaDPVro
>
>
>
>
Kimo,

It sounds like a great device. How much does it cost? Sorry if it's
already been posted, I've missed it somehow.

My personal email is

Thanks,
Craig Funston
7Q

--
Using Opera's revolutionary email client: http://www.opera.com/mail/

At 21:30 22 March 2012, David Reitter wrote:
>On Thursday, March 22, 2012 1:19:25 PM UTC-4, Kimmo
Hytoenen wrote:
>
>> Setting up environment for these=20
>> settings in not easy, otherwise we would have asked people
to=20
>> do their own settings.
>
>I'm having that problem, too, with a similar if not the same BT
module
>that=
> takes TTL level UART data. Can't change the baud rate
without setting up
>=
>a level converter.
>
>> We will program these to operate on=20
>> 19200b speed, since I suppose that faster speed does not
really=20
>> give any advantages, other than downloading logger files.
>
>Intelligent varios can be configured to supply NMEA data at
different
>rates=
>.. 19200 should be sufficient.=20
>
>That said, without baud rate switching (as Tobias pointed out),
you'll run
>=
>into trouble when connecting this device to something older
like the
>Volksl=
>ogger (4800bps normally, but a higher speed for bulk
up/downloading).
>Beca=
>use the device on the RS232 side is dumb, and the device on
the BT end is
>s=
>mart, I'm not sure how one can make this work with the
hardware you have.
>

David,

SoarTronic Bluetooth module is optimized for use with FLARM.
Important part of it is the use of IGC standard RJ45 connectors,
and possibility to connect Bluetooth and external display in
parallel - no need for switches for declaration and file download.

If you want to change the RS232 baudrate of SoarTronic
Bluetooth module, it is possible using AT commands. However it
cannot be done over Bluetooth, you must connect it to a
computer, and use terminal program.

For Volkslogger, GPS-NAV, and many variometers you can use
similar Bluetooth modules but with Sub-D9 connector. It should
be possible to also draw 5 volts from the serial port of these
devices. You can get one of these Bluetooth modules from
HongKong under 20 EUR, delivered.

At 22:38 22 March 2012, Craig Funston wrote:
>On Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:19:25 -0700, Kimmo Hytoenen
> wrote:
>
>> At 14:00 22 March 2012, Tobias Bieniek wrote:
>>> From what I've understood so far, there is one important
>> difference
>>> between=
>>> SoarTronic and the K6BT, which is baudrate switching. The
>> K6BT has a
>>> proto=
>>> col to let the connected software change the baudrate of
the
>> adapter and I
>>> =
>>> haven't seen any other devices yet, that are able to do
that.
>> XCSoar has
>>> re=
>>> cently implemented that protocol which makes it easy to
>> change the
>>> baudrate=
>>> for IGC file downloads for example. The Flarm does not
need
>> this feature
>>> s=
>>> ince it doesn't have to change the baudrate, but my DX50
>> (similar to
>>> LX5000=
>>> ) sends GPS data at 4800 yet the transfer mode for
>> upload/download works
>>> at=
>>> 19200.
>>>
>>> Turbo
>>>
>>
>> Hi Turbo
>>
>> You are right, as usual. Changing the baud-rate is possible
using
>> AT commands when the module is not paired, but cannot be
>> done over BT connection. Setting up environment for these
>> settings in not easy, otherwise we would have asked people
to
>> do their own settings. We will program these to operate on
>> 19200b speed, since I suppose that faster speed does not
really
>> give any advantages, other than downloading logger files.
>>
>> This is tailored for use with our club gliders with LX RedBox
>> FLARM units and external displays, but it works nicely with
any
>> other FLARM unit as well, as long as they use the standard
>> RJ45/12 cabling.
>>
>> I have added into youtube videos or testing of the Bluetooth
>> module and IOIO extension board for radio disturbances.
>> Results were good, and tomorrow we will place the order for
>> PCBs and components. If someone wants one, it's final call.
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfWRzj7SNk
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaMyLbV7xU
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KmiUaDPVro
>>
>>
>>
>>
>Kimo,
>
>It sounds like a great device. How much does it cost? Sorry if
it's
>already been posted, I've missed it somehow.
>
>My personal email is
>
>Thanks,
>Craig Funston
>7Q

SoarTronic Bluetooth costs 30 EUR + posting from Finland, and
we are just placing PCB and component orders after successful
EMI tests.

On Thursday, March 22, 2012 4:01:35 PM UTC-7, Kimmo Hytoenen wrote:
> At 22:38 22 March 2012, Craig Funston wrote:
> >On Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:19:25 -0700, Kimmo Hytoenen
> > wrote:
> >
> >> At 14:00 22 March 2012, Tobias Bieniek wrote:
> >>> From what I've understood so far, there is one important
> >> difference
> >>> between=
> >>> SoarTronic and the K6BT, which is baudrate switching. The
> >> K6BT has a
> >>> proto=
> >>> col to let the connected software change the baudrate of
> the
> >> adapter and I
> >>> =
> >>> haven't seen any other devices yet, that are able to do
> that.
> >> XCSoar has
> >>> re=
> >>> cently implemented that protocol which makes it easy to
> >> change the
> >>> baudrate=
> >>> for IGC file downloads for example. The Flarm does not
> need
> >> this feature
> >>> s=
> >>> ince it doesn't have to change the baudrate, but my DX50
> >> (similar to
> >>> LX5000=
> >>> ) sends GPS data at 4800 yet the transfer mode for
> >> upload/download works
> >>> at=
> >>> 19200.
> >>>
> >>> Turbo
> >>>
> >>
> >> Hi Turbo
> >>
> >> You are right, as usual. Changing the baud-rate is possible
> using
> >> AT commands when the module is not paired, but cannot be
> >> done over BT connection. Setting up environment for these
> >> settings in not easy, otherwise we would have asked people
> to
> >> do their own settings. We will program these to operate on
> >> 19200b speed, since I suppose that faster speed does not
> really
> >> give any advantages, other than downloading logger files.
> >>
> >> This is tailored for use with our club gliders with LX RedBox
> >> FLARM units and external displays, but it works nicely with
> any
> >> other FLARM unit as well, as long as they use the standard
> >> RJ45/12 cabling.
> >>
> >> I have added into youtube videos or testing of the Bluetooth
> >> module and IOIO extension board for radio disturbances.
> >> Results were good, and tomorrow we will place the order for
> >> PCBs and components. If someone wants one, it's final call.
> >>
> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfWRzj7SNk
> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaMyLbV7xU
> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KmiUaDPVro
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >Kimo,
> >
> >It sounds like a great device. How much does it cost? Sorry if
> it's
> >already been posted, I've missed it somehow.
> >
> >My personal email is
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Craig Funston
> >7Q
>
> SoarTronic Bluetooth costs 30 EUR + posting from Finland, and
> we are just placing PCB and component orders after successful
> EMI tests.

I would expect that a modern device like Powerflarm will already come with a builtin bluetooth. Go figure.
I am interested in one unit.

Ramy Yanetz (TG)

Please add one more to your order list.
Thanks,
Craig Funston
7Q