12 replies to this topic

[avendlerdp]

Hello there-

I am a new user of the Open Pilot Copter Board and its working well for me.  My issue is that I tore the mini USB port off the board in a crash and now I can't program the board.  It's still working fine but I can't make any changes to my setup.  Is there a way to connect my computer to the board using the serial ports?  I am using a Mac laptop.

It looks like it could be repaired by someone who knows how but I don't know who to ask.  I am in Los Angeles, Ca. so if you know of anyone who can repair such a problem I would be excited to meet them.

Thanks!

[SargeNZ]

Wow... I'd like to see a photo of that.

[D-OCHO]

avendlerdp, on 02 February 2012 - 06:44 AM, said:

Is there a way to connect my computer to the board using the serial ports?

Get the bluetooth module
http://store.openpil...oth-module.html

But I think you need the Openpilot one as described in the link above, because it is already configured to work with the board.

Because I'am not sure if an unconfigured one will work immediately.

And yes a photo would be nice not only to see how it looks but also for people more skilled then me to see if it is fixable or that you need a new board.

And afterwaards I think a protection case for the board is a good new and cheap investment.

Edited by D-OCHO, 02 February 2012 - 09:12 AM.

[avendlerdp]

Thanks for the help.  I'll post a pic soon.

Unfortunately the bluetooth module is out of stock.  Any other ideas?  I guess there is no way to make an adaptor from a USB cable to the serial port?

[AlPackin]

you could use the BT module from BlueSky RC.  You would have to cut one connector off the serial cable that came with the CC board and either solder the cable to the pins on the board directly or to the ribbon cable that comes with the board.  The only difference is that the OP module is setup for 57600 baud and the BlueSky is setup for 115200 baud.  You just have to setup your GCS telemetry speed to the correct baud rate.

http://www.blueskyrc...&products_id=13

the only thing that I had a problem with using BT instead of USB was "Leveling" ... I'll have to try it again

[D-OCHO]

Again wrong

Edited by D-OCHO, 02 February 2012 - 01:17 PM.

[avendlerdp]

So that blue tooth module will not work then?  Is there any way to make a setup that allows a conversion from USB to the serial port?

Thanks!

[AlPackin]

avendlerdp, on 02 February 2012 - 07:02 PM, said:

So that blue tooth module will not work then?  

Thanks!

no, that BT module works just fine.  It is the same module you would get from the OP store just set to a different baud rate and you have to make up the cable yourself.  

here is everything you need to know about BT and CC
http://wiki.openpilo...tooth Telemetry

[avendlerdp]

OK.  So it's looking like, with your generous help, I can solve this.  Let me just go over what I think I need to do and please tell me if I am correct.

I will buy a bluetooth module but since I don't have a USB on my copter board any more I will need a breakout box like the one made by Sparkfun in order to change the baud rate of the blutooth module.  All I have to do is make a custom cable.  Sounds possible.

Here is my next question, would it be possible to just use the breakout box without going bluetooth?  In other words, could I just hook up the Sparkfun directly to the serial port on the CC board?  This would be pretty handy!

Please let me know what you think of this idea so I can decide if I need to go bluetooth or not.

Thanks!!

[AlPackin]

There are users here who have no problem with the 115,200 baud rate but yes, a USB to serial converter is what you need to change the baud rate.  If you are going that route just buy the cheaper BT module from China that comes with the default 9600 baud setting.  Just make sure you get the 5v version not 3.3v.
http://www.goodluckb...tate-pin-1.html

I'm not sure if you could just use the Sparkfun directly but it seems logical to me.

[avendlerdp]

Hey There-

OK I spent a bit of time with a soldering iron and re-attached the port to the board and it's working again.  I had to add a jumper wire to bridge a torn trace on the board but that's all fine now (see picture below).  I'll still go ahead and get a B.T. module as it's so much easier to not have to fiddle with plugging in to change the program.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.  It's nice to know there are a lot of people out there who are willing to help.  By the way, the reason I broke the port off in the first place was I was using a USB extension plug and that forced the breakage during a crash.  Dumb error.

 CC Board Pix.jpg   757.02K   13 downloads

[c2po]

To be able to use Bluetooth module the Main port needs to be configured to Telemetry setting first... which would not be possible without working USB connection...

http://wiki.openpilo...rol+HW+Settings

UPD: OK, you good then.

[AlPackin]

c2po, on 02 February 2012 - 10:27 PM, said:

To be able to use Bluetooth module the Main port needs to be configured to Telemetry setting first... which would not be possible without working USB connection...

http://wiki.openpilo...rol+HW+Settings

UPD: OK, you good then.

haha ... good point C2Po