I have just started to build the DF robot V2 and bluetooth module V3.
Rover works fine using serial lead but i cannot get the Bluetooth module to communicate.
Its plugged in to the 7 pin header in the middle of the PCB. overhanging the Xbee slots. But when powered only flashes the state LED. No bluetooth devices appear on my phone or PC.
Have i got some switch settings wrong.
Xbee switch is on Xbee2.
Bluetooth module has sw1 On and Sw2 off
example code is programmed into Arduino
Running with 4 AA batteries
I assume the bluetooth module just waits to be connected to and then lights the Link LED
Can you provide a few photos of your setup? Note that you cannot upload code with the module in place.
You also need to have the code operating at the same baud rate as the module.
Basically when the bluetooth module is plugged into the DFRobot the state lamp just flashes continuously, and no new devices appear on my PC or phone bluetooth list. ie. i dont think it is transmitting.
It should just plug and work?
Or am i missing a vital step somewhere?
Do i need to run any code on the robot Arduino to set it up?
So i am taking up the challenge that my 16 yr old son gave up on 2 years ago.
Bought the dfrobot rover with df-bluetoothv3 for him as an xmas present years ago.
He had fun assembling and working it, but gave up as he was frustrated getting the bluetooth to work.
Forward 2 years and I am now looking at the problem.
I am good with uploading the basic WASD sketch and it works just fine over usb.
Now to get the bluetooth working. The problem is that it is not visible with any device that I try it with.
iphone, galaxy J4, samsung tab s, nexus 7, samsung galaxy tab a
Yes we are a household with 3 kids and lots of cell phones and tablets.
I cant see the module in any of the devices that I stated above.
So, any clue why it wont be seen in any device?
I searched the forums, and most people claim that it pairs right away. Or at least they can see it.
I cant see it.
The module blinks green quickly in the state LED.
I understand i cant upload new code if BT module is connected.
We’re here to help you get it working. We re-tested the two together (brand new stock) to see if anything may have changed, and indeed it does appear to work correctly on many phones. We simply plugged in the DFRobot Bluetooth module (oriented as you did) powered the DFRobotShop Rover PCB via USB (which also provides power to the Bluetooth module), and it appears on the smart phone as an available device. If that doesn’t work, is there any possibility that the onboard configurations were changed in such a way that it cannot be detected by Bluetooth devices? https://wiki.dfrobot.com/DF-BluetoothV3_Bluetooth_module__SKU_TEL0026_
If there’s any suspicion that any of the settings of the Bluetooth module were changed (when there was no real need to do so), you would either need to follow the guide above to reset to factory default, or opt for a new Bluetooth module.
It’s assumed the Bluetooth module and the rover are powered from the USB - if not, do tell us.
Thanks cbenson.
Quick response and thanks for checking.
I did not change the bluetooth module other than uploading the WASD sketch with it plugged in.
That gave error. Then I learned to remove the module before uploading sketch. That worked for uploading.
I have never been able to detect the bluetooth model.
Would that have messed it up?
I don’t even know how to change the settings. I think you need the USB to TTL converter which i don’t have but you linked in your message.
I have the 4X battery pack powering the rover.
I’ve tried it both ways, with and without the battery (USB) and in both cases does not show up in the phones.
You at least confirmed my thinking that it should show up. I was running in circles wondering why it was not working.
Advice? USB to TTL or new bluetooth?
Is there a way of knowing if the bluetooth was defective? The state light is on, which is a good sign.
Q1) I have never been able to detect the bluetooth model. Would that have messed it up?
A1) Doubtful
Q2) I have the 4X battery pack powering the rover. I’ve tried it both ways, with and without the battery (USB) and in both cases does not show up in the phones.
A2) USB is reliable when troubleshooting just the Bluetooth module.
Q3) You at least confirmed my thinking that it should show up. I was running in circles wondering why it was not working.
A3) Correct - no programming, no power - just plug the BT into the board, connect USB cable and done.
Q4) Advice? USB to TTL or new bluetooth?
A4) If the step in (A3) doesn’t work, then something’s up. Hopefully we have not missed some step which would otherwise be evident. Can you provide a closer photo of the Bluetooth module so we can check the DIP switches? Double check they have not been moved to “intermediate” positions.
Q5) Is there a way of knowing if the bluetooth was defective? The state light is on, which is a good sign.
A5) Indeed. The only factor we didn’t really consider are the phones themselves - ensuring the Bluetooth is ON and has enough time to locate the Bluetooth device.
If you have this board, the Bluetooth module is plug and play (be sure to set the switch and jumper correctly):
If you have another shield-compatible Arduino board and can try that with the Blueooth, that will tell you if it’s the Bluetooth or the Rover PCB.
It really sounds like it might be something with the Bluetooth module (configured or electrical).
Ok, I put the Gravity 7.1 shield as per picture on the Uno board and then added the bluetooth module.
Still cannot be detected by either iphone 6s or tablet.
Not sure about your pins comment, i left it as default.
Looks like the bluetooth module was defective?
@bschmidt9 Seems that way. Troubleshooting really should be as simple as indicated. It is still odd that the LEDs come on though.
On a side note, since you’re using the AA battery pack, you’ve removed the onboard LiPo charging jumper?
If you do continue using the Rover, you might consider buying a rechargeable 3.7V LiPo battery and making use of the onboard charger:
The battery charges when the the USB cable is connected and powered.
Your last attempt might be to use the Arduino as a serial pass-though so you can send commands to the Bluetooth module and try a RESET. This is not something you’d normally need to do though, and we have not had to go over that procedure with other customers on the past, so it’s up to you if you want to research and try.
Thanks cbenson for your super quick responses.
Really appreciate your time on this.
Yes I removed the charging jumper for the LiPo.
And yes, i am looking into the LiPo if i buy a new bluetooth module.
Your last statement is interesting.
I have no idea how to do this reset WITHOUT the USB to TTL.
Is there a way?
If there is another way (since I dont have the USB to TTL) I can try and research that.
PS new users have to wait 3 hours before posting a 4th message.
So in that 3 hours i researched this sketch and tried, but did not work
I can enter AT mode as noted by the slower blinking light (i flipped the switch) but not sure if the sketch worked. I loaded without the BT module first. Then turned off, put on BT module and turned back on. I was trying to get it to reset (original) as noted by your reference.
The DFRobotShop Rover has an FTDI chip which does USB to TTL. Although the PCB traces have it connected to the microcontroller, you can use the Arduino serial pass-through code to effectively have the microcontroller transmit everything is gets from the FTDI chip to the Bluetooth module (so it’s effectively “not there” and you’re just using the FTDI. Didn’t do this myself to know if there will be any snags, but seems worth trying. https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/SerialPassthrough
