60 replies to this topic

[mlord]

Just back at using this again, for the first time since May/2021.

 

The current version 4.3 of the app Something is broken -- DO NOT UPGRADE if you can avoid it!  It no longer works for bridging our BT connections.  I am getting in contact with the author to try and resolve this.

Edited by mlord, 15 October 2021 - 08:58 AM.

[mlord]

Actually, even when I restore the old (June/2021) version of the app, it no longer works.

 

Anyone else still able to use Bluetooth?

[coollick]

Yes I use it, just tried it, works fine with SkySafari (Celestron WiFi) over Bluetooth bridge v4.3.
I don't use much SkyPortal, tried direct connect, still over Bluetooth bridge, not working for me either.

Edited by coollick, 14 October 2021 - 11:09 PM.

[mlord]

Okay, neither astro app connects for me, but good to hear that the BT Bridge is still working for you.

 

I need to do some digging to see what's up here.

[mlord]

Digging around, everything looks normal.  The UDP broadcast packets are visible and correct.  I even changed the payload to exactly match what the HomeBrew WiFi sends.

 

But the apps simply either don't see the broadcasts, or are ignoring them, and so they never even try to connect to the TCP server on port 2000.

 

WiFi works fine, so the UDP broadcasts (same payload) are fine.

 

???  Anyone else ???

[mlord]

Okay, something has changed either in SkySafari or in Android.

 

I got SkySafari(Pro) working again on my Android-10 tablet, by changing the broadcast address to 255.255.255.255, AND by ensuring the Android tablet is also connected to my home WiFi.  It will not work unless WiFi is connected to something.  Which poses a problem when "in the field".   SkyPortal on the other hand, won't connect at all.

 

On my Android-10 smartphone, neither works

On my Android-11 smartphone, same deal: neither works.

 

I may try changing the broadcast data to exactly mimic what Celestron WiFi sends, and see it that helps SkyPortal.

[coollick]

That is weird?

 

On my Android 11 phone, nothing matters (forget my WiFi network and leave it on disconnected, or turn off WiFi), SkySafari still connects fine.

Also SkyPortal connects fine ... i was doing it wrong and had it configured for Direct Connect instead of Access Point.

Even tried Flight Mode with BlueTooth on to simulate  a "no service area" and both SS & SP connected fine.

 

Broadcast is still configured as 127.255.255.255

 

All my apps and OS updates are up-to-date

Edited by coollick, 15 October 2021 - 02:45 PM.

[mlord]

..Also SkyPortal connects fine ... i was doing it wrong and had it configured for Direct Connect instead of Access Point.
 

Seriously?  How long has that been A Thing??  

 

Okay, switched over to "Access Point" mode in the SkyPortal/SkySafari app settings, and it all works now.  Duh.. 

 

Thanks!!!

Edited by mlord, 16 October 2021 - 09:25 AM.

[jamusick]

Mark:

Based on your comments about the joys of BT.  I got the BT/USB/TCP Bridge Pro and set it up for my AIO.  Wow!  You are correct this is the way to do telescope a connection.  I am using my windows PC and CPWI through BT and it is just great.  I have a wireless gamepad connected to the PC for alignment and focusing.  Thanks for letting me tag along.  

 

Best regards,

John

[GFisher2001]

I've spent my last three nights consuming pages and pages of homebrews. 

 

I have a cart full on Sparkfun to build a homebrew GPS, but now I'm thinking that I may want Bluetooth connection as well at least to have the option when I have my inevitable wifi troubles with my Celestron Mount. 

 

Anyway, could you run the homebrew GPS AND this homebrew bluetooth adapter at the same time?

 

If not..........I may just go for the AIO.

 

 

I'm seriously intimated by the AIO homebrew, specifically all that wiring and all the chatter about settings and code on the latter pages.............

[mlord]

... could you run the homebrew GPS AND this homebrew bluetooth adapter at the same time?

Yes, there is no conflict there.

 

HOWEVER.. using bluetooth (or WiFi or Ethernet or Mount-USB etc..) implies that alignments are then being controlled by an external smart device rather than the hand-controller.  And the hand-controller is pretty much the only thing that ever uses a mount-connected GPS module (though CPWI on a laptop does have the option as well).

 

So.. there is very little, if any, need to have both at the same time.

Not that it stops any of use with the All-In-One boxes..