SkyDemon Forums

Autopilot + COM freq. over BT to RS232

http://forums.skydemon.aero/Topic36009.aspx

By vikino - 3/10/2024 12:08:26 PM

Any news on this?
By Bouwair - 4/25/2024 12:12:20 PM

Hello Tim,
Maybe not a lot of people are mentioning this, but i think a lot of people would like to have this. We would like the options for the G5 the gamin auto pilot and the AT-1 together with the setup for the radio.
By vikino - 4/25/2024 5:06:31 PM

Bouwair - 4/25/2024 12:12:20 PM
Hello Tim,
Maybe not a lot of people are mentioning this, but i think a lot of people would like to have this. We would like the options for the G5 the gamin auto pilot and the AT-1 together with the setup for the radio.

That exactly what i think too, and what i want to get...
Then you dont have to feed g5 or any AP with gps like garmin aera...
By Tim Dawson - 5/22/2024 1:36:08 PM

Would you expect SkyDemon to send GPRMB sentences only, or also synthesize GPRMC sentences and similar?
By vikino - 5/27/2024 11:27:45 AM

Tim Dawson - 5/22/2024 1:36:08 PM
Would you expect SkyDemon to send GPRMB sentences only, or also synthesize GPRMC sentences and similar?

Wozld be great to have GPRMC too
By vikino - 5/27/2024 9:23:18 PM

Tim Dawson - 5/22/2024 1:36:08 PM
Would you expect SkyDemon to send GPRMB sentences only, or also synthesize GPRMC sentences and similar?

GPRMC, GPRMB, GPGGA, and one of GPBOD or GPAPB
By Tim Dawson - 5/28/2024 9:09:41 AM

That makes life harder, because usually we do not even have access to raw GPS sentences, so we would need to be creating those messages with synthesized information. Please email us through the contact form on our website, and ask for it to be forwarded to me, and we can continue this discussion offline. In due course I'll be able to make a beta available to you for testing purposes.
By vikino - 7/30/2024 3:00:56 PM

Tim Dawson - 6/12/2024 8:55:23 AM
How strange that now we're focusing on exactly this development, nobody in this thread wishes to help.

Hello tim, i did not received topic notifications, will dm you
By vikino - 8/5/2024 4:21:43 PM

Skyboy999 - 6/25/2024 7:47:03 AM
Tim Dawson - 6/24/2024 10:15:34 AM
From what I've heard, people drive their Skyview autopilot from the Skyview itself, having transferred the SkyDemon route on to it.

I do not know that the Skyview autopilot can be disconnected from the Skyview and given commands by other software, but if it can, and it accepts those commands via RS232, then our solution might work.

Yes, you send the SD route to SV via wifi connection from SV then, once on SV, it can drive autopilot etc. but what I'm referring to is effectively using SD as a navigation source into SV so any changes made in SD would be reflected real-time in SV. Perhaps my confusion but that is what I understood the BT connectivity would enable?


Hi, SV is intended to use internal SV maps to drive AP, i have to look into manuals if it is possible to drive SV AP over RS232.
This what will be in SD is meant to drive older Dynon APs, as well as Garmin AP with G5, stand-alone autopilots. There it will work real-time.
By ph-crj - 8/20/2024 4:30:15 PM

Hi,
I tested it today with this equipment:
VAN's RV6 experimental, iPad mini 6, Skydemon 4.0.0.397, Blutooth->RS232 Adapter Bt578v3, TRIO Autopilot.
It works perfectly !! :-)

By mbechc - 8/21/2024 7:31:05 AM

I would like to sign up as beta tester if needed.

I have the Skyview Radio panel which is useless in Denmark with all our small grass-strips (Half the flying time is spend rotating for new freq) - I would simply be overjoyed to have Skydemon able to transmit frequencies to the remote radio unit and put tape over the Dynon radio panel. You just smashed it with this feature....

Secondly I transmit routes from Skydemon to FPL inside Skyview, but having the servoes run by Skydemon is also extremely valuable. The last stretch were we get landing information and select the landing pattern in Skydemon can now be flown by autopilot controlled by Skydemon as I seldom have time to transmit FLP to Skyview and select the right leg inside FPL menu in Skyview - this is also a killer feature.

Wow just wow
I have bought the serial adaptor and are ready to test
By Tim Dawson - 8/21/2024 9:17:31 AM

No need for more beta testing of these features as they went live earlier this week in our new version. SkyDemon 4 is out now and it includes sending of frequencies to radios, and course data to autopilots.
By Bouwair - 8/21/2024 9:25:53 PM

Can anyone put some electrical drawings here for connecting a trig radio and a Garmin G5 and the Bluetooth->RS232 Adapter Bt578v3
By Tim Dawson - 8/22/2024 8:20:06 AM

Do you need further information than what's in the user manual?
By Tim Dawson - 6/12/2024 8:55:23 AM

How strange that now we're focusing on exactly this development, nobody in this thread wishes to help.
By I_Need_Help - 8/22/2024 7:11:07 PM

Hi @Tim and everyone,

I'm working on building a Bluetooth to CAN bus interface and transforming the message, which isn't too challenging. However, as an iPhone user, I'm running into difficulties connecting to SkyDemon from a Bluetooth-enabled microcontroller.

My main question is: When SkyDemon starts scanning for devices, what exactly is it looking for? Is it expecting an RFCOMM or SPP connection via Classic Bluetooth, assumingly as a server? Or is it scanning for a specific GATT using BLE? It would be really helpful if someone familiar with the scanning and connection code in SkyDemon could clarify this.

Additionally, I've ordered one of the standalone converters that were mentioned earlier. Once it arrives, what configuration is necessary for it to connect properly?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!
By Tim Dawson - 8/23/2024 9:30:52 AM

SkyDemon uses Bluetooth low energy (BLE). There's no pairing process, there's no SPP, it requires pretty much no configuration, so it's very easy.

BLE to RS232 has a defined service and characteristic UUID (one for each) which you should be able to find online.
By Bouwair - 8/25/2024 9:36:33 PM

Tim Dawson - 8/22/2024 8:20:06 AM
Do you need further information than what's in the user manual?


Sorry, Did not read the latest manual
By tmn_pilot - 8/26/2024 10:12:59 AM

Hi all

Great feature :-)

Can anyone confirm it is working on android devices?

I've tried on 3 different devices with different BLE versions, and SD were not able to discover any of my BLE devices.

Thomas
By aerobatics500 - 8/26/2024 5:39:26 PM

Joachim Gothe - 8/20/2024 4:30:15 PM
Hi,
I tested it today with this equipment:
VAN's RV6 experimental, iPad mini 6, Skydemon 4.0.0.397, Blutooth->RS232 Adapter Bt578v3, TRIO Autopilot.
It works perfectly !! :-)


Can you please post make and model of the bluetooth adapter. I purchased a BT578V3 and it doesn't work with IOS. 
By ph-crj - 8/26/2024 8:04:47 PM

aerobatics500 - 8/26/2024 5:39:26 PM

Can you please post make and model of the bluetooth adapter. I purchased a BT578V3 and it doesn't work with IOS. 
It don*t work with IOS, it work with skydemon on IOS !!! :-)
You can not find a BLE-Device with native IOS. You must find and add it from Skydemon. (read Manual)

The IOS APP "Lightblue" can show BLE-Devices nearby (like Apple Airtags)
Achim
PS: I ordered my Bt578v3 from Aliexpress (found via google)
By Laycom - 8/26/2024 8:12:27 PM

I have connected a DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART module and can receive the "COM setting data" via RS232. 
This works really well.

 
Is there a list of supported radios and their data format? 
Now I'm faced with the problem of wanting to control a Becker AR 6201 radio. It has an RS-422 interface. It shouldn't be a problem to convert RS232 to RS422, but the data format is unknown. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance
Michael
By Tim Dawson - 8/27/2024 8:59:31 AM

SkyDemon works great with BLE devices on iOS and Android, it has been tested extensively on both using the BT578 but others should work the same.

We don't have a list of radios that support the Garmin protocol that we use. Trig are definitely included.
By Laycom - 8/27/2024 5:38:14 PM

Tim Dawson - 8/27/2024 8:59:31 AM
SkyDemon works great with BLE devices on iOS and Android, it has been tested extensively on both using the BT578 but others should work the same.

We don't have a list of radios that support the Garmin protocol that we use. Trig are definitely included.

Is there a documentation of the used Garmin protocol?
As already mentioned, I would like to control a Becker AR6201. If it is a GARMIN protocol, can you also control a GNS 430 / 530 with it? Are there any experiences?
By Tim Dawson - 8/28/2024 8:57:48 AM

Yes there is documentation out there. Search for Garmin GTR 225 installation manual and look for the PGRMC NMEA sentence.
By vikino - 8/28/2024 12:25:15 PM

Joachim Gothe - 8/26/2024 8:04:47 PM
aerobatics500 - 8/26/2024 5:39:26 PM

Can you please post make and model of the bluetooth adapter. I purchased a BT578V3 and it doesn't work with IOS. 
It don*t work with IOS, it work with skydemon on IOS !!! :-)
You can not find a BLE-Device with native IOS. You must find and add it from Skydemon. (read Manual)

The IOS APP "Lightblue" can show BLE-Devices nearby (like Apple Airtags)
Achim
PS: I ordered my Bt578v3 from Aliexpress (found via google)


It works with iOS, tested with iPhone, iPad, as well Android devices, tablets, phones, 578 v3 without any single issue...
Is your 578 correctly configured? It can me configured via RS232 from PC...
By ph-crj - 8/28/2024 1:46:20 PM

vikino - 8/28/2024 12:25:15 PM


It works with iOS, tested with iPhone, iPad, as well Android devices, tablets, phones, 578 v3 without any single issue...
Is your 578 correctly configured? It can me configured via RS232 from PC...
Yesterday my perfekt working installation went crasy. :-(
The TRIO Pro Pilot only accepted the tracking Signal for a few 10 minutes. After resetting all in flight, the Autopilot tries to navigate me in the wrong direction. After another 10 minutes it lose again the Signal.
The route was a "Reversed" original Route (back from Helgoland to Hildesheim)(PH-CRJ in FR24)
I will try it again next week.
Achim
By Kilo Lima - 8/28/2024 5:00:33 PM

Hi,

I’m wondering where you connect the 5v supply for the Bluetooth module in your aircraft?

Thanks!
By grahamb - 8/28/2024 5:10:57 PM

Joachim Gothe - 8/28/2024 1:46:20 PM
vikino - 8/28/2024 12:25:15 PM


It works with iOS, tested with iPhone, iPad, as well Android devices, tablets, phones, 578 v3 without any single issue...
Is your 578 correctly configured? It can me configured via RS232 from PC...
Yesterday my perfekt working installation went crasy. :-(
The TRIO Pro Pilot only accepted the tracking Signal for a few 10 minutes. After resetting all in flight, the Autopilot tries to navigate me in the wrong direction. After another 10 minutes it lose again the Signal.
The route was a "Reversed" original Route (back from Helgoland to Hildesheim)(PH-CRJ in FR24)
I will try it again next week.
Achim

Caveat all those who wish to hand over control of an aircraft to uncertified avionics and software running on consumer electronics devices.
By Laycom - 8/28/2024 6:26:11 PM

Tim Dawson - 8/28/2024 8:57:48 AM
Yes there is documentation out there. Search for Garmin GTR 225 installation manual and look for the PGRMC NMEA sentence.

Got it.
Thanks.
By davemg - 8/29/2024 8:36:03 AM

I got a IRXON BT578 v3 and can connect to it with Skydemon. Tim, is it possible to make a change to allow both sending frequency to a radio and receiving GPS/Traffic using the same device?
By Tim Dawson - 8/29/2024 8:53:45 AM

Maybe in the future. These things only cost around £15, so for the time being, just use more than one.
By ph-crj - 8/29/2024 9:57:34 AM

grahamb - 8/28/2024 5:10:57 PM

Caveat all those who wish to hand over control of an aircraft to uncertified avionics and software running on consumer electronics devices.
I have an uncertified engine and the uncertfied Version of the Garmin G5. My plane is an "Experimental"  homemade RV6. ;-) I always have to be prepared, that the engine fall of the plane....
That is why skydemon refers to Avionics Engineers.
and
That is why it's good to be a certified pilot.
Achim
By I_Need_Help - 8/29/2024 9:08:32 PM

Tim Dawson - 8/23/2024 9:30:52 AM
SkyDemon uses Bluetooth low energy (BLE). There's no pairing process, there's no SPP, it requires pretty much no configuration, so it's very easy.

BLE to RS232 has a defined service and characteristic UUID (one for each) which you should be able to find online.

Thanks Tim
By aerobatics500 - 8/31/2024 8:27:16 AM

Hi, 

has anyone tested it with a TruTrak AP? It requires NMEA0183 format.

regards
Georg
By PaulSS - 8/31/2024 8:35:48 AM

Since the Bluetooth to RS232 converter is accessed via SkyDemon, does that mean it is still possible to pair other devices with the Bluetooth function of an iPad? I'm thinking of something like sending the route to an autopilot (connected through SkyDemon) and having the iPad connected to a headset with Bluetooth connectivity (for SkyDemon audio) using the normal Bluetooth function.
By aerobatics500 - 8/31/2024 1:18:28 PM

PaulSS - 8/31/2024 8:35:48 AM
Since the Bluetooth to RS232 converter is accessed via SkyDemon, does that mean it is still possible to pair other devices with the Bluetooth function of an iPad? I'm thinking of something like sending the route to an autopilot (connected through SkyDemon) and having the iPad connected to a headset with Bluetooth connectivity (for SkyDemon audio) using the normal Bluetooth function.

I have two bluetooth devices already connected to Skydemon. One for the AP and one for the Radio. 
By Kilo Lima - 9/3/2024 9:09:19 PM

I_Need_Help - 9/3/2024 9:15:58 AM
Kilo Lima - 9/3/2024 9:12:11 AM
Kilo Lima - 8/28/2024 5:00:33 PM
Hi,

I’m wondering where you connect the 5v supply for the Bluetooth module in your aircraft?

Thanks!

Any idea please? Thanks for your help!

That will depend on your aircraft type and what rules you operate under e,.g. certified, LAA or BMAA

 It’s a non certified aircraft equipped with a Rotax 912 engine. Easy to do some modifications under French experimental rules.
By Kilo Lima - 9/3/2024 9:11:38 PM

I_Need_Help - 9/3/2024 9:15:58 AM
Kilo Lima - 9/3/2024 9:12:11 AM
Kilo Lima - 8/28/2024 5:00:33 PM
Hi,

I’m wondering where you connect the 5v supply for the Bluetooth module in your aircraft?

Thanks!

Any idea please? Thanks for your help!

That will depend on your aircraft type and what rules you operate under e,.g. certified, LAA or BMAA

It’s an Experimental aircraft equipped with a Rotax 912. Easy to do some modifications under French rules. Thanks
By Kilo Lima - 9/3/2024 9:14:07 PM

It’s a French experimental equipped with a Rotax 912. Easy to do some modifications under this French rules. Thanks
By I_Need_Help - 9/4/2024 11:01:15 AM

I have had good results with these in past
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193552404580?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=UdLxmPhjSYW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=M5gVARi1SJS&var=493775050618&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Also many people also fit a 12v socket and use a car usb adaptor but get a good make or you may get noise!
By Kilo Lima - 9/4/2024 3:24:23 PM

I_Need_Help - 9/4/2024 11:01:15 AM
I have had good results with these in past https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193552404580?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=UdLxmPhjSYW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=M5gVARi1SJS&var=493775050618&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPYAlso many people also fit a 12v socket and use a car usb adaptor but get a good make or you may get noise!

Ok, thank you for your help. I will investigate for a converter. 

I think this is the only way to supply 5v to the Bluetooth module.

By Kilo Lima - 9/4/2024 3:29:12 PM

I_Need_Help - 9/4/2024 11:01:15 AM
I have had good results with these in past https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193552404580?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=UdLxmPhjSYW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=M5gVARi1SJS&var=493775050618&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPYAlso many people also fit a 12v socket and use a car usb adaptor but get a good make or you may get noise!

Or perhaps it’s possible to find a 12v Bluetooth module????
By bsdchapman - 9/14/2024 10:51:58 AM

Michael Hoffmann - 8/26/2024 8:12:27 PM
I have connected a DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART module and can receive the "COM setting data" via RS232. 
This works really well.

 
Is there a list of supported radios and their data format? 
Now I'm faced with the problem of wanting to control a Becker AR 6201 radio. It has an RS-422 interface. It shouldn't be a problem to convert RS232 to RS422, but the data format is unknown. Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance
Michael

Michael,
I'm trying to prevent the back of my panel looking like a PAW Classic... these wee units look far better for mounting.  Can you confirm that they can output RS232 sentances for avionics?  Are any resistors needed?
By jekroth - 9/19/2024 9:04:27 PM

vikino - 8/4/2023 7:57:32 PM
Well...

I have tested theese BT-RS232 modules a lot by my self, it works great with Dynon EFIS-D100 + AP74 autopilot and Trig TY96 COM radio, also without any issue with KRT2 COM radio. You just need to "match" baudrate to 4800 or 9600bps, that should do in this case SkyDemon, afterwards it works like a charm, no drop outs with Samsung tablets or my phone Samsung S23 Ultra.
And all another BT to RS232 work in the same way like this one, all are in the phone as bluetooth com port, all this seems to me much easier and more stable than 3rd party devices which are connected over wifi. Not talking about that you kill your internal data sim when connected to wifi of "ADAHRS" and so on...

This will just work perfectly.

Btw., with this, you can go to compleete system, because when you connect to this serial converter also Garrecht TRX1500 (for example), you can use SkyDemon as traffic display - by using GTX TIS protocol over that single BT-RS232 module.
In the same way i have it with Garmin AERA 760, but planning a route is terrible on that device, but Garmin has built in RS232...



Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

I have now flown a bit with both radio and autopilot connected to each blue tooth unit, and it works perfectly. My experience is that it is easy to accidentally press a new radio frequency if the air is bumpy, so I have chosen that they end up in standby mode, therefore a request for a button to switch standby/active in skydemon, also a numeric keyboard in the radio tab would be good. the auto pilot has everything I could wish for
By moefly - 9/22/2024 4:55:46 PM

All,

I was very excited when I read about the feature in the Skydemon release note, went right into ordering parts and figured I share the experience here.
Top 1 priority for me was to get the radio (f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II) connected. So I designed a 3d case that perfectly fits on top of the original Sub-D connector housing and uses the existing screw holes (only needed slightly longer screws). Once mounted, it sits below the connector at the back of the radio and doesn't block anything else / basically uses the same space.
I decided to use a HM-18 BLE to serial module. It is very power efficient and therefore I could easily use the 5V the radio provides on the Sub-D connector. The HM-18 is outputting TTL serial, hence I added a MAX3232 converter to provide the proper RS232 levels the radio expects.

Put everything together and it worked right away. For me it's almost a killer feature in Skydemon as it makes my life so much more simple during flight.
A big thx to Tim and his team for adding this feature!

In case anyone is interested in the 3d model and a more detailed info on connection and parts I used, you can find all of that here on printables:
https://www.printables.com/model/1015550-funke-atr833-ble-rs232-case
By Tim Dawson - 9/24/2024 10:16:43 AM

Nicely done!
By vikino - 9/24/2024 5:35:42 PM

Hello Tim,
have you got any time schedule about programming ability to send AP+COM and receive traffic via single BT-RS232? Just to know if i should wire second BT device or you can get it to work in near future?

Vitek
By Tim Dawson - 9/25/2024 10:23:55 AM

I can't commit to a time schedule, sorry. I need to re-engineer part of the Bluetooth stack before it will be practical, and that could be weeks or months.
By Kilo Lima - 9/25/2024 7:44:55 PM

Tim Dawson - 9/25/2024 10:23:55 AM
I can't commit to a time schedule, sorry. I need to re-engineer part of the Bluetooth stack before it will be practical, and that could be weeks or months.

Hi Tim,

What feature can we expect regarding the traffic?
For example : To send the traffic received from Safesky in SkyDemon to a Dynon Skyview (with a Bluetooth module connected)?

Thanks.
By Tim Dawson - 9/26/2024 9:51:37 AM

You can connect a FLARM traffic receiver to SkyDemon via Bluetooth so that the traffic it receives is displayed in SkyDemon. That's the only relationship between traffic and Bluetooth.
By Kilo Lima - 9/27/2024 10:12:51 PM

Tim Dawson - 9/26/2024 9:51:37 AM
You can connect a FLARM traffic receiver to SkyDemon via Bluetooth so that the traffic it receives is displayed in SkyDemon. That's the only relationship between traffic and Bluetooth.

Thank you Tim.

By AlexLFDP - 10/3/2024 7:02:09 AM

Hi all

If anybody is connecting the BT receiver to the TruTrak 385 autopilot, I would be interested to hear. It's currently getting GPS feed from an old and useless AvMap Geo Pilot II+ that I would like to replace
It seems that it may need engineer from avionics specialist but I would like to do it myself (flying non certified) because from what I see on Skydemon manual, it seems pretty simple. Pins connecting to Ground on both side, Rx Pin on autopilot connecting to Tx on BT receiver.
On Irxon BT578, pin 5 is Gd and 3 is Tx, and it can't be rewired. So it probably means to create a RS232 cable if rewired is needed on autopilot RS232. It may be better anyway to avoid plugging the BT receiver directly to the avionics (thinking that it may be a pain if anything has to be done on the receiver if not easily accessible). Any recommandation on the type of wire/cable to be used if needed (shield?)


thanks 
By tobi - 10/11/2024 5:18:54 AM

moefly - 9/22/2024 4:55:46 PM
All,

I was very excited when I read about the feature in the Skydemon release note, went right into ordering parts and figured I share the experience here.
Top 1 priority for me was to get the radio (f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II) connected. So I designed a 3d case that perfectly fits on top of the original Sub-D connector housing and uses the existing screw holes (only needed slightly longer screws). Once mounted, it sits below the connector at the back of the radio and doesn't block anything else / basically uses the same space.
I decided to use a HM-18 BLE to serial module. It is very power efficient and therefore I could easily use the 5V the radio provides on the Sub-D connector. The HM-18 is outputting TTL serial, hence I added a MAX3232 converter to provide the proper RS232 levels the radio expects.

Put everything together and it worked right away. For me it's almost a killer feature in Skydemon as it makes my life so much more simple during flight.
A big thx to Tim and his team for adding this feature!

In case anyone is interested in the 3d model and a more detailed info on connection and parts I used, you can find all of that here on printables:
https://www.printables.com/model/1015550-funke-atr833-ble-rs232-case

Hi moefly,

according to HM-18 datasheet the power supply voltage is from 1.9V to 3.7V.
The ATR833 has 5V output.
Do you use a voltage converter or do you just run out of specs?

Regards,
Tobi

By Pascal - 10/16/2024 4:54:09 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 10/14/2024 8:59:32 PM
norland - 9/3/2024 11:37:27 AM
Can anyone confirm if the available protocols work with a Becker AR6201, and they have it working.

No, it will not work by default.

First, some words about TTL and V24.
The mentioned working transceivers (Garmin GTR 225, f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II, Trig TY 91/96) have a RS-232 interface with V24 voltage level.
This means serial transmission with logical low at -12V and high at +12 V (nearly...).
The cheap BT-Modules (which work like a charm with the iPad) have TTL voltage level. (low at 0 V , high at + 5V).
To connect it to your RS-232 transceiver you need a voltage level converter.

Something like this:


Now to Becker.
The AR6201 has an RS-422 interface. RS-422 is electrically different to RS-232 (4 lines, current driven).
But it isn't the main problem, there are many converter from TTL to RS-422 available.


The challenge is the implementation of a translator from NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sentences to the in-house Becker protocol.
I found an Open Source solution used in the LK8000:


There should be any information needed for such a piece of software...
I can't wait to try it out when I can have an AR6201 outside of the plane.

Hello , i have spent some time trying the Irxon bluetooth dongle with an rs 485/422 converter wired up to my Becker Ar6201 (rx2+ to pin 2 tx 2+, tx2+ to pin 3 rx2+,rx2- to pin 9 tx2-, tx2- to pin 10 rx2-,  pin 23 ground) .The dongle is recognized by skydemon, the chosen frequency is described as being sent but none of the radio settings in the Skydemon list (garmin,funke..)produces any result. The tandem box in the internal menu of the becker is checked on so it should recognize a remote. If have seen youtube videos of the radio accepting frequency changes from a
By Laycom - 10/16/2024 7:52:23 PM

Pascal - 10/16/2024 4:54:09 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/14/2024 8:59:32 PM
norland - 9/3/2024 11:37:27 AM
Can anyone confirm if the available protocols work with a Becker AR6201, and they have it working.

No, it will not work by default.

First, some words about TTL and V24.
The mentioned working transceivers (Garmin GTR 225, f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II, Trig TY 91/96) have a RS-232 interface with V24 voltage level.
This means serial transmission with logical low at -12V and high at +12 V (nearly...).
The cheap BT-Modules (which work like a charm with the iPad) have TTL voltage level. (low at 0 V , high at + 5V).
To connect it to your RS-232 transceiver you need a voltage level converter.

Something like this:


Now to Becker.
The AR6201 has an RS-422 interface. RS-422 is electrically different to RS-232 (4 lines, current driven).
But it isn't the main problem, there are many converter from TTL to RS-422 available.


The challenge is the implementation of a translator from NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sentences to the in-house Becker protocol.
I found an Open Source solution used in the LK8000:


There should be any information needed for such a piece of software...
I can't wait to try it out when I can have an AR6201 outside of the plane.

Hello , i have spent some time trying the Irxon bluetooth dongle with an rs 485/422 converter wired up to my Becker Ar6201 (rx2+ to pin 2 tx 2+, tx2+ to pin 3 rx2+,rx2- to pin 9 tx2-, tx2- to pin 10 rx2-,  pin 23 ground) .The dongle is recognized by skydemon, the chosen frequency is described as being sent but none of the radio settings in the Skydemon list (garmin,funke..)produces any result. The tandem box in the internal menu of the becker is checked on so it should recognize a remote. If have seen youtube videos of the radio accepting frequency changes from a

As I mentioned before, Becker has its own protocol, nothing like NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sets. You need to translate the output/input into Becker language. A separate controller with translation software is required.
Even if you can communicate with the AR6201 via a converter (RS-232 <-> RS-422), the device does not understand the commands.
I'm working on it.

Please confirm that you are interested in a solution. The more interested parties, the better.
 
By Pascal - 10/17/2024 3:06:44 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 10/16/2024 7:52:23 PM
Pascal - 10/16/2024 4:54:09 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/14/2024 8:59:32 PM
norland - 9/3/2024 11:37:27 AM
Can anyone confirm if the available protocols work with a Becker AR6201, and they have it working.

No, it will not work by default.

First, some words about TTL and V24.
The mentioned working transceivers (Garmin GTR 225, f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II, Trig TY 91/96) have a RS-232 interface with V24 voltage level.
This means serial transmission with logical low at -12V and high at +12 V (nearly...).
The cheap BT-Modules (which work like a charm with the iPad) have TTL voltage level. (low at 0 V , high at + 5V).
To connect it to your RS-232 transceiver you need a voltage level converter.

Something like this:


Now to Becker.
The AR6201 has an RS-422 interface. RS-422 is electrically different to RS-232 (4 lines, current driven).
But it isn't the main problem, there are many converter from TTL to RS-422 available.


The challenge is the implementation of a translator from NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sentences to the in-house Becker protocol.
I found an Open Source solution used in the LK8000:


There should be any information needed for such a piece of software...
I can't wait to try it out when I can have an AR6201 outside of the plane.

Hello , i have spent some time trying the Irxon bluetooth dongle with an rs 485/422 converter wired up to my Becker Ar6201 (rx2+ to pin 2 tx 2+, tx2+ to pin 3 rx2+,rx2- to pin 9 tx2-, tx2- to pin 10 rx2-,  pin 23 ground) .The dongle is recognized by skydemon, the chosen frequency is described as being sent but none of the radio settings in the Skydemon list (garmin,funke..)produces any result. The tandem box in the internal menu of the becker is checked on so it should recognize a remote. If have seen youtube videos of the radio accepting frequency changes from a

As I mentioned before, Becker has its own protocol, nothing like NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sets. You need to translate the output/input into Becker language. A separate controller with translation software is required.
Even if you can communicate with the AR6201 via a converter (RS-232 <-> RS-422), the device does not understand the commands.
I'm working on it.

Please confirm that you are interested in a solution. The more interested parties, the better.
 

Becker does offer its own rs232 to rs 422 converter (available for 180£ from Mendelsson…) I don’t know if this includes a “translator” inside. There are a least 2 pilots in my club who would be interested in a solution but we are both useless at programing😇 
By Pascal - 10/17/2024 3:10:02 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 10/16/2024 7:52:23 PM
Pascal - 10/16/2024 4:54:09 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/14/2024 8:59:32 PM
norland - 9/3/2024 11:37:27 AM
Can anyone confirm if the available protocols work with a Becker AR6201, and they have it working.

No, it will not work by default.

First, some words about TTL and V24.
The mentioned working transceivers (Garmin GTR 225, f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II, Trig TY 91/96) have a RS-232 interface with V24 voltage level.
This means serial transmission with logical low at -12V and high at +12 V (nearly...).
The cheap BT-Modules (which work like a charm with the iPad) have TTL voltage level. (low at 0 V , high at + 5V).
To connect it to your RS-232 transceiver you need a voltage level converter.

Something like this:


Now to Becker.
The AR6201 has an RS-422 interface. RS-422 is electrically different to RS-232 (4 lines, current driven).
But it isn't the main problem, there are many converter from TTL to RS-422 available.


The challenge is the implementation of a translator from NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sentences to the in-house Becker protocol.
I found an Open Source solution used in the LK8000:


There should be any information needed for such a piece of software...
I can't wait to try it out when I can have an AR6201 outside of the plane.

Hello , i have spent some time trying the Irxon bluetooth dongle with an rs 485/422 converter wired up to my Becker Ar6201 (rx2+ to pin 2 tx 2+, tx2+ to pin 3 rx2+,rx2- to pin 9 tx2-, tx2- to pin 10 rx2-,  pin 23 ground) .The dongle is recognized by skydemon, the chosen frequency is described as being sent but none of the radio settings in the Skydemon list (garmin,funke..)produces any result. The tandem box in the internal menu of the becker is checked on so it should recognize a remote. If have seen youtube videos of the radio accepting frequency changes from a

As I mentioned before, Becker has its own protocol, nothing like NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sets. You need to translate the output/input into Becker language. A separate controller with translation software is required.
Even if you can communicate with the AR6201 via a converter (RS-232 <-> RS-422), the device does not understand the commands.
I'm working on it.

Please confirm that you are interested in a solution. The more interested parties, the better.
 

What shape or form would a Becker “Translator” take? Lines of code from Skydemon or a third-party device inserted in the chain between bluetooth dongle,converter and radio? Just curious.The question might sound stupid but I am more at home with engines and wiring
By Laycom - 10/17/2024 7:09:35 PM

Pascal - 10/17/2024 3:06:44 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/16/2024 7:52:23 PM
Pascal - 10/16/2024 4:54:09 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/14/2024 8:59:32 PM
norland - 9/3/2024 11:37:27 AM
Can anyone confirm if the available protocols work with a Becker AR6201, and they have it working.

No, it will not work by default.

First, some words about TTL and V24.
The mentioned working transceivers (Garmin GTR 225, f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II, Trig TY 91/96) have a RS-232 interface with V24 voltage level.
This means serial transmission with logical low at -12V and high at +12 V (nearly...).
The cheap BT-Modules (which work like a charm with the iPad) have TTL voltage level. (low at 0 V , high at + 5V).
To connect it to your RS-232 transceiver you need a voltage level converter.

Something like this:


Now to Becker.
The AR6201 has an RS-422 interface. RS-422 is electrically different to RS-232 (4 lines, current driven).
But it isn't the main problem, there are many converter from TTL to RS-422 available.


The challenge is the implementation of a translator from NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sentences to the in-house Becker protocol.
I found an Open Source solution used in the LK8000:


There should be any information needed for such a piece of software...
I can't wait to try it out when I can have an AR6201 outside of the plane.

Hello , i have spent some time trying the Irxon bluetooth dongle with an rs 485/422 converter wired up to my Becker Ar6201 (rx2+ to pin 2 tx 2+, tx2+ to pin 3 rx2+,rx2- to pin 9 tx2-, tx2- to pin 10 rx2-,  pin 23 ground) .The dongle is recognized by skydemon, the chosen frequency is described as being sent but none of the radio settings in the Skydemon list (garmin,funke..)produces any result. The tandem box in the internal menu of the becker is checked on so it should recognize a remote. If have seen youtube videos of the radio accepting frequency changes from a

As I mentioned before, Becker has its own protocol, nothing like NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sets. You need to translate the output/input into Becker language. A separate controller with translation software is required.
Even if you can communicate with the AR6201 via a converter (RS-232 <-> RS-422), the device does not understand the commands.
I'm working on it.

Please confirm that you are interested in a solution. The more interested parties, the better.
 

Becker does offer its own rs232 to rs 422 converter (available for 180£ from Mendelsson…) I don’t know if this includes a “translator” inside. There are a least 2 pilots in my club who would be interested in a solution but we are both useless at programing😇 

I would guess it's only the hardware converter (on ebay a few bugs). The newly emerged problem with the PGRMC sentences is also new for Becker.
By Laycom - 10/17/2024 7:28:49 PM

Pascal - 10/17/2024 3:10:02 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/16/2024 7:52:23 PM
Pascal - 10/16/2024 4:54:09 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 10/14/2024 8:59:32 PM
norland - 9/3/2024 11:37:27 AM
Can anyone confirm if the available protocols work with a Becker AR6201, and they have it working.

No, it will not work by default.

First, some words about TTL and V24.
The mentioned working transceivers (Garmin GTR 225, f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II, Trig TY 91/96) have a RS-232 interface with V24 voltage level.
This means serial transmission with logical low at -12V and high at +12 V (nearly...).
The cheap BT-Modules (which work like a charm with the iPad) have TTL voltage level. (low at 0 V , high at + 5V).
To connect it to your RS-232 transceiver you need a voltage level converter.

Something like this:


Now to Becker.
The AR6201 has an RS-422 interface. RS-422 is electrically different to RS-232 (4 lines, current driven).
But it isn't the main problem, there are many converter from TTL to RS-422 available.


The challenge is the implementation of a translator from NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sentences to the in-house Becker protocol.
I found an Open Source solution used in the LK8000:


There should be any information needed for such a piece of software...
I can't wait to try it out when I can have an AR6201 outside of the plane.

Hello , i have spent some time trying the Irxon bluetooth dongle with an rs 485/422 converter wired up to my Becker Ar6201 (rx2+ to pin 2 tx 2+, tx2+ to pin 3 rx2+,rx2- to pin 9 tx2-, tx2- to pin 10 rx2-,  pin 23 ground) .The dongle is recognized by skydemon, the chosen frequency is described as being sent but none of the radio settings in the Skydemon list (garmin,funke..)produces any result. The tandem box in the internal menu of the becker is checked on so it should recognize a remote. If have seen youtube videos of the radio accepting frequency changes from a

As I mentioned before, Becker has its own protocol, nothing like NMEA (ASCII) PGRMC sets. You need to translate the output/input into Becker language. A separate controller with translation software is required.
Even if you can communicate with the AR6201 via a converter (RS-232 <-> RS-422), the device does not understand the commands.
I'm working on it.

Please confirm that you are interested in a solution. The more interested parties, the better.
 

What shape or form would a Becker “Translator” take? Lines of code from Skydemon or a third-party device inserted in the chain between bluetooth dongle,converter and radio? Just curious.The question might sound stupid but I am more at home with engines and wiring

Well, it depends ;-))
If Skydemon could add this type of device in his software it would be the smartest solution. Tim, are you listening?
If not, there is a piece of hardware needed. At one end the BT-Dongle, in between a small microcontroller with the translator and at the other end a RS-422 interface. This unit could be shrinked down to the size of a matchbox.

By Tim Dawson - 10/18/2024 8:42:53 AM

Yes, we are willing to add support for Becker radios if someone can help us with the protocol and testing of the feature. Just get in touch with me via customer support (Michael) and we can talk about it.
By Laycom - 11/4/2024 10:08:30 PM

Tim Dawson - 10/18/2024 8:42:53 AM
Yes, we are willing to add support for Becker radios if someone can help us with the protocol and testing of the feature. Just get in touch with me via customer support (Michael) and we can talk about it.


For everyone waiting for a solution for Becker AR620X: Yes, there is progress. The translator solution already works, but there will also be a solution from Tim without a translator. Stay tuned.
By jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM

Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP
By Laycom - 11/16/2024 6:03:54 PM

Thanks to Tim there is now an Android beta with support of the Becker AR6201 protocol.

Here is my solution to connect a BLE device to the Becker AR6201 radio:




Bill of material:

DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART Modul mit 4 PIN Base Board für Arduino UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano

RS422 MAX490 Mutual Transfer Full-duplex TTL Bi-directional Signal Module DC 5V

AMS1117 DC-DC Step Down Voltage Converter 6V - 12V to 5V

Minifuse 125 mA

My BLE to AR620x housing
Please contact me for STL-files, if needed.

The schematic of the circuit is attached.

Please note this is only for 12 V bus voltage,
and ONLY for experimental use!!!

Cheers!
By norland - 11/18/2024 1:47:09 PM

Excellent to see support coming for the Becker, Winter project ahead! Well done for the work tracking down the protocol.
By flying_john - 11/18/2024 6:29:58 PM

When this is used to send a frequency(channel) to the radio, how do you choose between standby or active frequency when you choose a new frequency in SD.

By Laycom - 11/18/2024 8:29:57 PM

flying_john - 11/18/2024 6:29:58 PM
When this is used to send a frequency(channel) to the radio, how do you choose between standby or active frequency when you choose a new frequency in SD.


When setting up a new BLE device, you need to select the function you want to control. Autopilot, radio or whatever comes next. If you select radio you can determine whether you want to set the active or standby frequency.
I prefer to set the standby frequency. You can set it via the tablet, check it again and then activate it manually. I hope this helps.
By Laycom - 11/18/2024 8:44:51 PM

jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM
Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP

I'm not sure I understood you correctly, you only connected ONE bluetooth device to the Funke radio AND to the Dynon autopilot? How did you do that?
By vikino - 11/23/2024 11:20:57 AM

Michael Hoffmann - 11/18/2024 8:44:51 PM
jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM
Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP

I'm not sure I understood you correctly, you only connected ONE bluetooth device to the Funke radio AND to the Dynon autopilot? How did you do that?

Yes, i have on one IRXON Trig radio and Dynon AP... Just use the same RS232 wire for both...
By Laycom - 11/23/2024 3:10:34 PM

vikino - 11/23/2024 11:20:57 AM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/18/2024 8:44:51 PM
jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM
Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP

I'm not sure I understood you correctly, you only connected ONE bluetooth device to the Funke radio AND to the Dynon autopilot? How did you do that?

Yes, i have on one IRXON Trig radio and Dynon AP... Just use the same RS232 wire for both...

Well, RS232 is defined as a bidirectional point-to-point connection. If you only send in one direction, this is possible. 
This workaround is called multidrop. This only works if there is ONE transmitter and multiple receivers. The recipients all receive the same data packets and discard those they do not understand. As soon as the receivers also have to react, this concept with RS232 fails. 
Devices transmitting at the same time lead to collisions. The transmission becomes unreadable. 
I believe SD has only sent over BLE so far. Some devices, e.g. the Becker AR6201 also need to send data to SD, and then multidrop will fail. 
I assume that each controlled device has to use its own BLE. Maybe Tim can say something about that?
By vikino - 11/24/2024 1:43:26 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 11/23/2024 3:10:34 PM
vikino - 11/23/2024 11:20:57 AM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/18/2024 8:44:51 PM
jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM
Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP

I'm not sure I understood you correctly, you only connected ONE bluetooth device to the Funke radio AND to the Dynon autopilot? How did you do that?

Yes, i have on one IRXON Trig radio and Dynon AP... Just use the same RS232 wire for both...

Well, RS232 is defined as a bidirectional point-to-point connection. If you only send in one direction, this is possible. 
This workaround is called multidrop. This only works if there is ONE transmitter and multiple receivers. The recipients all receive the same data packets and discard those they do not understand. As soon as the receivers also have to react, this concept with RS232 fails. 
Devices transmitting at the same time lead to collisions. The transmission becomes unreadable. 
I believe SD has only sent over BLE so far. Some devices, e.g. the Becker AR6201 also need to send data to SD, and then multidrop will fail. 
I assume that each controlled device has to use its own BLE. Maybe Tim can say something about that?

If becker needs to send back (dont understand why, because it should only receive freq from SD, bi direction is used on glass cockpits when you control com via display and you need to see tuned freq im case that you tune freq manually on radio, this is not feature in SD, so no need to com back from radio), and if, then its still not an issue, because AP only receives, so the TX line from IRXON goes to becker and AP and TX from becker to RX irxon, there will be still only one bidirectional device...
By Laycom - 11/24/2024 6:00:06 PM

vikino - 11/24/2024 1:43:26 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/23/2024 3:10:34 PM
vikino - 11/23/2024 11:20:57 AM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/18/2024 8:44:51 PM
jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM
Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP

I'm not sure I understood you correctly, you only connected ONE bluetooth device to the Funke radio AND to the Dynon autopilot? How did you do that?

Yes, i have on one IRXON Trig radio and Dynon AP... Just use the same RS232 wire for both...

Well, RS232 is defined as a bidirectional point-to-point connection. If you only send in one direction, this is possible. 
This workaround is called multidrop. This only works if there is ONE transmitter and multiple receivers. The recipients all receive the same data packets and discard those they do not understand. As soon as the receivers also have to react, this concept with RS232 fails. 
Devices transmitting at the same time lead to collisions. The transmission becomes unreadable. 
I believe SD has only sent over BLE so far. Some devices, e.g. the Becker AR6201 also need to send data to SD, and then multidrop will fail. 
I assume that each controlled device has to use its own BLE. Maybe Tim can say something about that?

If becker needs to send back (dont understand why, because it should only receive freq from SD, bi direction is used on glass cockpits when you control com via display and you need to see tuned freq im case that you tune freq manually on radio, this is not feature in SD, so no need to com back from radio), and if, then its still not an issue, because AP only receives, so the TX line from IRXON goes to becker and AP and TX from becker to RX irxon, there will be still only one bidirectional device...

Becker can only control both frequencies in one command, so you need to know which frequency is tuned in the other channel. You have to read the status of the device constantly. And that creates traffic to SD.
2 Becker radios on one BLE device definitely doesn't work. 
But I think Tim should say something about this...whether he allows such a configuration or not.
By Tim Dawson - 11/25/2024 3:51:01 PM

Our new 4.0.1 version allows the TX part of the Bluetooth configuration to be connected to both a radio (so frequencies can be sent) and autopilot (so course data can be sent). In future, my goal is to allow the same Bluetooth device to also act as a GPS/traffic receiver through the RX part, but that cannot currently be done, you need two Bluetooth devices in this case.

As Michael says, as soon as a device needs bidirectional communication - as the Becker radios do - this concept will not work.
By vikino - 11/27/2024 7:35:20 AM

Tim Dawson - 11/25/2024 3:51:01 PM
Our new 4.0.1 version allows the TX part of the Bluetooth configuration to be connected to both a radio (so frequencies can be sent) and autopilot (so course data can be sent). In future, my goal is to allow the same Bluetooth device to also act as a GPS/traffic receiver through the RX part, but that cannot currently be done, you need two Bluetooth devices in this case.

As Michael says, as soon as a device needs bidirectional communication - as the Becker radios do - this concept will not work.

Yes, it will not work in setup like: one bt device, ap, traffic and becker, but setup: one bt device, ap and becker will work...
By Lidders - 11/27/2024 8:16:33 PM

tobi - 10/13/2024 9:39:28 AM
norland - 10/12/2024 2:33:33 PM
tobi - 10/11/2024 5:18:54 AM
moefly - 9/22/2024 4:55:46 PM
All,

I was very excited when I read about the feature in the Skydemon release note, went right into ordering parts and figured I share the experience here.
Top 1 priority for me was to get the radio (f.u.n.k.e. ATR833-II) connected. So I designed a 3d case that perfectly fits on top of the original Sub-D connector housing and uses the existing screw holes (only needed slightly longer screws). Once mounted, it sits below the connector at the back of the radio and doesn't block anything else / basically uses the same space.
I decided to use a HM-18 BLE to serial module. It is very power efficient and therefore I could easily use the 5V the radio provides on the Sub-D connector. The HM-18 is outputting TTL serial, hence I added a MAX3232 converter to provide the proper RS232 levels the radio expects.

Put everything together and it worked right away. For me it's almost a killer feature in Skydemon as it makes my life so much more simple during flight.
A big thx to Tim and his team for adding this feature!

In case anyone is interested in the 3d model and a more detailed info on connection and parts I used, you can find all of that here on printables:
https://www.printables.com/model/1015550-funke-atr833-ble-rs232-case

Hi moefly,

according to HM-18 datasheet the power supply voltage is from 1.9V to 3.7V.
The ATR833 has 5V output.
Do you use a voltage converter or do you just run out of specs?

Regards,
Tobi


The same module is on Amazon uk for £12, it says Vcc is 3.6V to 6.0V.


You're right. Thanks for the response.
Even on DSD Tech homepage you'll find:
    Work voltage(VCC): 3.6V to 6V
    TTL logic level (TX, RX): 3.3V
But on the linked datasheet you'll read:
    Power: +1.9~3.7 VDC 50mA
I'll just try it.

Thanks,
Tobi


TTL logic level (TX, RX): 3.3V

I think the confusion stems from the fact that the bluetooth module is actually one pcb on top of another. The base pcb has a 5v to 3.3v regulator to supply power to the upper module which is 3.3v only. So 5v should work just fine.
By jekroth - 12/6/2024 8:36:23 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 11/18/2024 8:44:51 PM
jekroth - 11/15/2024 3:07:38 PM
Tim Dawson - 7/5/2023 9:13:53 AM
No, not until there is a device with widespread uptake in the community that we can actually develop with. We can't just "support Bluetooth" without a known device to develop and test with.

Hello I have connected 1 bluetooth device to Funke radio and Dynon autopilot. It works great with Android but doesn't work with iPhone. With iphone you have to choose radio or Ap. Did we miss something or does it not work to control both with the iPhone. Is there anything that solves this? or should I mount 2 bluetooth units one yill radio and the other for AP

I'm not sure I understood you correctly, you only connected ONE bluetooth device to the Funke radio AND to the Dynon autopilot? How did you do that?

Yes with Y cable. It works perfectly with Android, but with Iphone it only works to control one device
By jekroth - 12/6/2024 8:46:26 PM

Tim Dawson - 11/25/2024 3:51:01 PM
Our new 4.0.1 version allows the TX part of the Bluetooth configuration to be connected to both a radio (so frequencies can be sent) and autopilot (so course data can be sent). In future, my goal is to allow the same Bluetooth device to also act as a GPS/traffic receiver through the RX part, but that cannot currently be done, you need two Bluetooth devices in this case.

As Michael says, as soon as a device needs bidirectional communication - as the Becker radios do - this concept will not work.

i got it working with android but not with iphone. is that what is fixed in the current beta
By jekroth - 12/6/2024 8:49:02 PM

jekroth - 12/6/2024 8:46:26 PM
Tim Dawson - 11/25/2024 3:51:01 PM
Our new 4.0.1 version allows the TX part of the Bluetooth configuration to be connected to both a radio (so frequencies can be sent) and autopilot (so course data can be sent). In future, my goal is to allow the same Bluetooth device to also act as a GPS/traffic receiver through the RX part, but that cannot currently be done, you need two Bluetooth devices in this case.

As Michael says, as soon as a device needs bidirectional communication - as the Becker radios do - this concept will not work.

i got it working with android but not with iphone. is that what is fixed in the current beta

is it possible to opt out of navaids in the radio tab.
By Laycom - 12/15/2024 7:38:39 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 11/16/2024 6:03:54 PM
Thanks to Tim there is now an Android beta with support of the Becker AR6201 protocol.

Here is my solution to connect a BLE device to the Becker AR6201 radio:




Bill of material:

DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART Modul mit 4 PIN Base Board für Arduino UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano

RS422 MAX490 Mutual Transfer Full-duplex TTL Bi-directional Signal Module DC 5V

AMS1117 DC-DC Step Down Voltage Converter 6V - 12V to 5V

Minifuse 125 mA

My BLE to AR620x housing
Please contact me for STL-files, if needed.

The schematic of the circuit is attached.

Please note this is only for 12 V bus voltage,
and ONLY for experimental use!!!

Cheers!

I have the next AR620x adapter ready. It looks like this is becoming a business model for some people...
But you can make the adapter yourself as described above.
If you don't know much about electronics, soldering and 3D printing, I'll do it for you. No large quantities, just one handmade piece at a time. The adapter fits directly onto the free connection of your Becker AR620x. All that is required is a power connection (+12 V, GND) - no further mechanical work.
I guess 70-90 bugs is enough for one unit.
 


Please note: THIS IS 12 V EXPERIMEMTAL ONLY!
... but will work like a charme...

Cheers!
By ALSL-Flyer - 12/15/2024 8:50:32 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 12/15/2024 7:38:39 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/16/2024 6:03:54 PM
Thanks to Tim there is now an Android beta with support of the Becker AR6201 protocol.

Here is my solution to connect a BLE device to the Becker AR6201 radio:




Bill of material:

DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART Modul mit 4 PIN Base Board für Arduino UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano

RS422 MAX490 Mutual Transfer Full-duplex TTL Bi-directional Signal Module DC 5V

AMS1117 DC-DC Step Down Voltage Converter 6V - 12V to 5V

Minifuse 125 mA

My BLE to AR620x housing
Please contact me for STL-files, if needed.

The schematic of the circuit is attached.

Please note this is only for 12 V bus voltage,
and ONLY for experimental use!!!

Cheers!

I have the next AR620x adapter ready. It looks like this is becoming a business model for some people...
But you can make the adapter yourself as described above.
If you don't know much about electronics, soldering and 3D printing, I'll do it for you. No large quantities, just one handmade piece at a time. The adapter fits directly onto the free connection of your Becker AR620x. All that is required is a power connection (+12 V, GND) - no further mechanical work.
I guess 70-90 bugs is enough for one unit.
 


Please note: THIS IS 12 V EXPERIMEMTAL ONLY!
... but will work like a charme...

Cheers!


Michael, this looks like a perfect solution! Great! You fixed the connector with the slider - could you please share the source for this slider?
By Laycom - 12/15/2024 9:16:39 PM

ALSL-Flyer - 12/15/2024 8:50:32 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 12/15/2024 7:38:39 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/16/2024 6:03:54 PM
Thanks to Tim there is now an Android beta with support of the Becker AR6201 protocol.

Here is my solution to connect a BLE device to the Becker AR6201 radio:




Bill of material:

DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART Modul mit 4 PIN Base Board für Arduino UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano

RS422 MAX490 Mutual Transfer Full-duplex TTL Bi-directional Signal Module DC 5V

AMS1117 DC-DC Step Down Voltage Converter 6V - 12V to 5V

Minifuse 125 mA

My BLE to AR620x housing
Please contact me for STL-files, if needed.

The schematic of the circuit is attached.

Please note this is only for 12 V bus voltage,
and ONLY for experimental use!!!

Cheers!

I have the next AR620x adapter ready. It looks like this is becoming a business model for some people...
But you can make the adapter yourself as described above.
If you don't know much about electronics, soldering and 3D printing, I'll do it for you. No large quantities, just one handmade piece at a time. The adapter fits directly onto the free connection of your Becker AR620x. All that is required is a power connection (+12 V, GND) - no further mechanical work.
I guess 70-90 bugs is enough for one unit.
 


Please note: THIS IS 12 V EXPERIMEMTAL ONLY!
... but will work like a charme...

Cheers!


Michael, this looks like a perfect solution! Great! You fixed the connector with the slider - could you please share the source for this slider?

Amphenol Conec 165X11299XE
You will need the slider, the spring and 4 of 6 screws.

https://www.digikey.de/de/products/detail/amphenol-conec/165X11299XE/1017451?srsltid=AfmBOoqFji0EENN9MVwPm7CfNOq5eAT4pUIFHrqCrk8X-L_AZz48RMad
By ALSL-Flyer - 12/16/2024 9:56:53 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 12/15/2024 9:16:39 PM
ALSL-Flyer - 12/15/2024 8:50:32 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 12/15/2024 7:38:39 PM
Michael Hoffmann - 11/16/2024 6:03:54 PM
Thanks to Tim there is now an Android beta with support of the Becker AR6201 protocol.

Here is my solution to connect a BLE device to the Becker AR6201 radio:




Bill of material:

DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART Modul mit 4 PIN Base Board für Arduino UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano

RS422 MAX490 Mutual Transfer Full-duplex TTL Bi-directional Signal Module DC 5V

AMS1117 DC-DC Step Down Voltage Converter 6V - 12V to 5V

Minifuse 125 mA

My BLE to AR620x housing
Please contact me for STL-files, if needed.

The schematic of the circuit is attached.

Please note this is only for 12 V bus voltage,
and ONLY for experimental use!!!

Cheers!

I have the next AR620x adapter ready. It looks like this is becoming a business model for some people...
But you can make the adapter yourself as described above.
If you don't know much about electronics, soldering and 3D printing, I'll do it for you. No large quantities, just one handmade piece at a time. The adapter fits directly onto the free connection of your Becker AR620x. All that is required is a power connection (+12 V, GND) - no further mechanical work.
I guess 70-90 bugs is enough for one unit.
 


Please note: THIS IS 12 V EXPERIMEMTAL ONLY!
... but will work like a charme...

Cheers!


Michael, this looks like a perfect solution! Great! You fixed the connector with the slider - could you please share the source for this slider?

Amphenol Conec 165X11299XE
You will need the slider, the spring and 4 of 6 screws.

https://www.digikey.de/de/products/detail/amphenol-conec/165X11299XE/1017451?srsltid=AfmBOoqFji0EENN9MVwPm7CfNOq5eAT4pUIFHrqCrk8X-L_AZz48RMad

Michael, thanks a lot, especially that you forwarded the exact type number was extremely helpful. At "Voelkner" we get the housing for less than 5€. Great!!
By Laycom - 12/17/2024 9:32:27 PM

For those who don't want to tinker:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/167179863849

Always only one sample on demand.  
When finished I will post another one here.
By Paul Milling - 12/18/2024 2:47:54 PM

Hi Tim
Great that we can now send com frequency from the radio page in Skydemon.  Would it also be possible to add functionality to be able to key a frequency in and send it to the radio.  Say an additional selection within the radio menu which brings up a keypad similar to below?


By ALSL-Flyer - 12/18/2024 9:14:28 PM

..here you can see my approach. Thanks to Michael hints the Becker connector issue is now solved. This device is now ready for the test with the Becker Radio. The pre check was done with the female connector where I connected the Tx with the Rx pins. With this approach it was possible the HW-path until the Rx pin of the BT Module.One issue took some hours to solve. The BT-Modul need 3.3V signals and the RS322-TTL module delivers 5V signals. The BT Module stopped working... only after adapting to 3.3V by 2 resistors it worked. I will report about the results tomorrow...
By Laycom - 12/18/2024 9:26:38 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 12/17/2024 9:32:27 PM
For those who don't want to tinker:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/167179863849

Always only one sample on demand.  
When finished I will post another one here.

For those who don't want to tinker ... next one is made:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/167187827525

Always only one sample on demand.
When finished I will post another one here.
By ALSL-Flyer - 12/19/2024 1:19:41 PM

ALSL-Flyer - 12/18/2024 9:14:28 PM
..here you can see my approach. Thanks to Michael hints the Becker connector issue is now solved. This device is now ready for the test with the Becker Radio. The pre check was done with the female connector where I connected the Tx with the Rx pins. With this approach it was possible the HW-path until the Rx pin of the BT Module.One issue took some hours to solve. The BT-Modul need 3.3V signals and the RS322-TTL module delivers 5V signals. The BT Module stopped working... only after adapting to 3.3V by 2 resistors it worked. I will report about the results tomorrow...

After activating the Tandem option in the Becker menue, it worked directly an absolutly perfekt with the Beta version of SD. Many thanks to SkyDemon..especially to TIM. Great Job!
By Dortro - 12/19/2024 9:11:11 PM

Dear fellow SD users,

I am new here and need some advice.

I use a KRT2 radio and bought a IRXSON BT580 adapter.
I want to send radio frequencies from SD on my iPad to the KRT2 via the adapter.

Question: Do I need to hard wire (solder) the pins on the RS 232 adapter to the pins on the db9 plug on the KRT2 (of course, the connections as mentioned in the SD user manual)? And what about the power supply for the BT580?

Thank you so much!
By Laycom - 12/19/2024 9:11:13 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 11/16/2024 6:03:54 PM
Thanks to Tim there is now an Android beta with support of the Becker AR6201 protocol.

Here is my solution to connect a BLE device to the Becker AR6201 radio:




Bill of material:

DSD TECH HM-10 Bluetooth 4.0 BLE iBeacon UART Modul mit 4 PIN Base Board für Arduino UNO R3 Mega 2560 Nano

RS422 MAX490 Mutual Transfer Full-duplex TTL Bi-directional Signal Module DC 5V

AMS1117 DC-DC Step Down Voltage Converter 6V - 12V to 5V

Minifuse 125 mA

My BLE to AR620x housing
Please contact me for STL-files, if needed.

The schematic of the circuit is attached.

Please note this is only for 12 V bus voltage,
and ONLY for experimental use!!!

Cheers!

An addendum to the Becker AR620X BLE circuit:

Do not use RS-422 port 2, this is already used internally to connect the control unit. This still works, but is unreliable. Collisions occur when sending frequency settings. 9 out of 10 commands work, but the rest will drive you nuts. 
So use RS-422 PORT 1 (pins 7,8,14,15 instead of pins 2,3, 9,10).

A new schematic is attached.

Life is a barrel of fun.
Sometimes a barrel of Sauerkraut.

Cheers.
By Laycom - 12/19/2024 9:34:03 PM

Dortro - 12/19/2024 9:11:11 PM
Dear fellow SD users,I am new here and need some advice.I use a KRT2 radio and bought a IRXSON BT580 adapter.I want to send radio frequencies from SD on my iPad to the KRT2 via the adapter.Question: Do I need to hard wire (solder) the pins on the RS 232 adapter to the pins on the db9 plug on the KRT2 (of course, the connections as mentioned in the SD user manual)? And what about the power supply for the BT580?Thank you so much!

Dear Dortro,
I can't say much about the KTR2 or the BT580. But yes, the signal lines have to be connected and a power supply wouldn't be bad either. How did you connect the BT580 now? Simply placing them next to each other doesn't work. You definitely mean IRXON, right?

Life is a barrel of fun.
Michael
By Dortro - 12/20/2024 7:28:18 AM

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your somewhat clinical answer, I appreciate it.
I have not used the IRXON BT580 yet, it is on my desk not in my plane (Phoenix MLA)….
I had hoped someone has experience with the combi BT580 - KRT2
I will connect the right pins, of course, and not just put them on top of each other.
The question about power supply for the BT580, I still have, however…
Best regards
By SeanKx - 12/20/2024 7:49:00 AM

Has anyone yet managed to wire the Irxon into a Trig TY91?
By Dortro - 12/20/2024 1:20:06 PM

vikino - 8/28/2023 7:08:25 PM
vikino - 8/8/2023 8:27:57 PM
Or maybe more user and installation friendly is IRXON BT578 v3 or BT580, they work with Apple and Android well...

Btw, IRXON is plug and play, it is set to 9600baud so every radio, at least Garmin, Trig, KRT2, Funke, all those are 9600 by default and accept NMEA0183 messages, as well as autopilot controllers, also mostly by default 9600bps, so IRXON could be the way to make it as compactible device... Im ready to test Smile

Hi Vikino,
I have a BT580  and iPad air. SD keeps searching for a Bluetooth device..
I hope you can help! 
Can we talk off line or email?
Thanks,
Robert

By Laycom - 12/20/2024 9:43:24 PM

Dortro - 12/20/2024 7:28:18 AM
Hi Michael,Thank you for your somewhat clinical answer, I appreciate it.I have not used the IRXON BT580 yet, it is on my desk not in my plane (Phoenix MLA)….I had hoped someone has experience with the combi BT580 - KRT2I will connect the right pins, of course, and not just put them on top of each other.The question about power supply for the BT580, I still have, however…Best regards

Hello Dorto,
in addition to my somewhat clinical answer, here are some suggestions on how to solve the problem.
There are installation instructions for the KRT-2 freely available in various languages. You can find the pin assignment there. Fortunately, these guys have a connection for a remote control prepared. You can use it for your purpose.
Look at the Remote Connetor (Pin 13 and 2 are Data and Pin 15/8 are Avonics Power and Pins 1/9 are GND).

Now you need a partner connection on the BT580. The manuel depicts this:
Signal routing is KTR2/13 to BT580/3, KTR2/2 to BTR580/2.
Power routing is KTR2/1 or 9 to BT580/5 for GND.

You shoud use for the signal wires AWG 22 and for the power wires AWG 18. But this is not so important, current is low.

And now it depends! What is your avionics power voltage? The BT need VCC (power) in a range 3 ... 6 V DC.
If you have a 5V DC source in your plane, you can use this. Any other case you have to install a voltage regulator (DC-DC drop down) from you avionics bus voltage to the needed 5 V on Pin BT580/9.

Hope this will give you some hints.

Regards
Michael
By Laycom - 12/20/2024 10:23:28 PM

Michael Hoffmann - 12/20/2024 9:43:24 PM
Dortro - 12/20/2024 7:28:18 AM
Hi Michael,Thank you for your somewhat clinical answer, I appreciate it.I have not used the IRXON BT580 yet, it is on my desk not in my plane (Phoenix MLA)….I had hoped someone has experience with the combi BT580 - KRT2I will connect the right pins, of course, and not just put them on top of each other.The question about power supply for the BT580, I still have, however…Best regards

Hello Dorto,
in addition to my somewhat clinical answer, here are some suggestions on how to solve the problem.
There are installation instructions for the KRT-2 freely available in various languages. You can find the pin assignment there. Fortunately, these guys have a connection for a remote control prepared. You can use it for your purpose.
Look at the Remote Connetor (Pin 13 and 2 are Data and Pin 15/8 are Avonics Power and Pins 1/9 are GND).