Lee Green's extremely nice ToughPad setup has inspired me to attempt to come up with a "value engineered" alternative: a lowly HP Stream notepad running windows 10, connecting via an OEM bluetooth serial module, to my Topcon instrument.
I bought one of these very, very inexpensive units:
Bluetooth data module, bluetooth serial module, bluetooth rs232 module, bluetooth spp module. It came with perilously little documentation, but one immediate question that I'm trying to answer is: should the device be setup as a "Master" or a "Slave"?
I've read all the Parani threads I could find, but none seem to indicate whether the unit attached to the instrument should be master or slave.
I can see the unit on com7 or com8 on the HP, but so far, no dice talking to the instrument.
Ideas, thoughts, comments or advice most welcome.
In the event I can't get this figured out, does anyone know if a single Parani SD1000, connected to the instrument, can be used to talk to a tablet with bluetooth capabilities?
I've had good luck with these talking with the Archers: Serial Adapters
They can be powered thru pin 9
rfc, post: 342664, member: 8882 wrote: In the event I can't get this figured out, does anyone know if a single Parani SD1000, connected to the instrument, can be used to talk to a tablet with bluetooth capabilities?
This can be done, and very easily. You will need another computer (with serial port, if neccessary) running the free ParaniWIN utility to configure the bluetooth relationship with your tablet. From within the utility program you can set the Parani to always connect to your tablet's bluetooth. Once this is done you'll be able to hook the Parani up to your instrument and go. FWIW, Carlson has a good SD1000 set-up guide in their knowledge base.
As far as your other question, I have to ask how you connected the bluetooth module to your Topcon. Are you using a cable that plugs into the comms port on the gun? I would think you'd want the gun to be the slave, but what do I know.
Hope this helps you!
Yes, currently, I've been able to connect the gun to the tablet with a USB serial cable, but the USB connection to the tablet is flaky-flaky-flaky. I have a serial cable for the gun, so I was hoping to just hang the bluetooth serial adaptor, and whatever batteries I need to run it on the tripod, and talk to the affair with the tablet.
So far, I *think* the device want's to be a slave, but can't pair it to the tablet. The tablet says it's connected, but it's not. I've tried it as a master, and connected to it from a Mac fine. I'm not sure a windows tablet can *choose* to be either; I think they are one or the other; I don't know much about bluetooth, but it sounds like Parani may end up being the way I pull this off.
to be clear, I don't want to use a pair of Parani's...just one connected to the instrument talking to the native bluetooth not the tablet.
rfc, post: 342744, member: 8882 wrote: Yes, currently, I've been able to connect the gun to the tablet with a USB serial cable, but the USB connection to the tablet is flaky-flaky-flaky. I have a serial cable for the gun, so I was hoping to just hang the bluetooth serial adaptor, and whatever batteries I need to run it on the tripod, and talk to the affair with the tablet.
So far, I *think* the device want's to be a slave, but can't pair it to the tablet. The tablet says it's connected, but it's not. I've tried it as a master, and connected to it from a Mac fine. I'm not sure a windows tablet can *choose* to be either; I think they are one or the other; I don't know much about bluetooth, but it sounds like Parani may end up being the way I pull this off.
to be clear, I don't want to use a pair of Parani's...just one connected to the instrument talking to the native bluetooth not the tablet.
I read what you wrote as saying you are using a cable connection (USB-to-serial cable connected to a serial-to-hirose cable) rather than incorporating your bluetooth dongle. My experience indicates this should create reliable comms as long as cables and connections are sound and your DC software has the correct drivers.
As far as the master/slave question I don't have much to offer. Sounds like you may need software to program the bluetooth device. One Parani (with a battery pack or power source) will do exactly what you are hoping for (provided your tablet's bluetooth will function properly).
Almost correct. Hirose connector on one end to gun; serial (9 pin) on other, plugged into bluetooth dongle (which I'd replace with a Parani if I can't get this working). Bluetooth from dongle to tablet.
