Bluetooth Mbot won't program wireless

#1

I have the bluetooth model of the mbot, and I’ve been trying to program it wirelessly. I can connect it to an ipad with the makeblock or mbot app, but that doesn’t enable programming. And I can connect it to a computer with its cord, but the cord needs to remain for the programming (with the mBlock app) which limits movement greatly. I want to pair it with a bluetooth laptop, but even though it works with the cord using a comm connection, I can’t get it to move wirlessly with bluetooth connection programming. It’ll say its connected but won’t move, or sometimes doesn’t work at all. Anything I can try?
Thanks for your time. :slight_smile:

#2

You can run programs from within the iPad apps or mBlock using Bluetooth. To program the mBot for standalone (autonomous) operation, you have to use the USB and go through the steps to “Upload to Arduino” from within mBlock (or use the Arduino IDE separately). Neither the Bluetooth module nor the WiFi module have access to the avrdude programmer on board the mCore board.

If the mBot is not working via Bluetooth, make sure nothing else is paired with it. The Bluetooth module will only pair with a single device so if it’s paired with something else, such as the iPad, you will need to unpair it first and then repair with the laptop.

Hope this helps.

Chuck

#3

Hi namijean,

Charles has explained it very well.
Here is just a instruciton to guide use Bluetooth module on mBot with mBlock, hope it helps either.2. How to use Bluetooth module with mBot to do wireless program on mBlock.docx.zip (12.3 KB)

#4

Thank you for your advice, Chuck.
I tried the Arduino Upload and it didn’t seem to work, but I was able to Upgrade Firmware to move it. However, it still won’t run the programs wireless even if they work with USB connection. I made sure it wasn’t paired with anything else, and it said it was connected but no response when the programs were run. I also tried Arduino IDE but it said there was a “problem uploading to board.” I may just have to run and create programs with the cord, which is okay even though not ideal.
Thanks again,
Namijean.

#5

Thank you tec_support.
I tried the steps and watched the video, but still can’t program wirelessly even when it says it’s connected. I may just stick with the cord although it’s not preferable.
Namijean

#6

This is a step-by-step of what I’m doing:

  1. Open Mblock with program; set to move with each arrow key, also short sequence on Onboard button.
  2. Plug in mbot to USB, turn on mbot, use comm connect
  3. Upgrade Firmware
  4. Test program, everything works
  5. Disconnect mbot and take out USB cord
  6. Discover Bluetooth:
    -sometimes can’t find any devices even with mbot right next to it
    -Other times makeblock devide shows up, I pair with it, mblock says it’s connected, but mbot won’t move at all and firmware can’t be updated anymore.

I’ve tried a variety of methods, but this is the most consistent that at least moves it. I’m using an hp bluetooth laptop, with intel core i7?
Thanks for any more ideas, but I can use USB if I have to.
Namijean

#7

Are you trying to pair with the Bluetooth entry on the Connect menu? If so, you should ignore that and use a Serial Port entry. If you are running on a Mac it’s /dev/tty.Makeblock-ELETSPP. Not sure right off what it is on Windows.

#8

Hi Namijean

You may try Charles suggestion. If you use the Bluetooth Serial port entry,you need set the properties for the Bluetooth adapter on your PC.
For example choose “transfer multimedia to serial port” (the settings may be different for the Bluetooth adapters from varies manufacturers). Then when the PC is connected to the Bluetooth module, you can see a COM port for this Bluetooth connection under PC’s device manager->Ports.

Besides, You said “Other times makeblock devide shows up, I pair with it, mblock says it’s connected, but mbot won’t move at all and firmware can’t be updated anymore.”, please note that the firmware cannot be updated with Bluetooth connection, you can only upgrade firmware or Upload program when there is a USB connection.

Could you please also paste your testing program while connected with Bluetooth?

#9

Thank you Charles and tec_support,
I can try using the serial port and adjusting the properties. I didn’t know you had to find the separate ports on the PC device manager so I can look into that.
Thanks again, have a great day!
Namijean

#10