mBot programming doesn't work over Bluetooth

#1

I recently received my kickstarter mBot and tried various features. If I connect mBot to my windows PC with USB cable everything is working as expected: playing around with mBlock code, firmware update, arduino mode. But if use the Bluetooth connection only mblock normal mode works. Firmware update, restore original firmware and arduino mode not. Does is supposed to work?

Under the hood: functionality involving the arduino bootloader fail. It seems the bluetooth module cannot reset the AVR and enter bootloader mode. Looking at the schematic of the mCore board, I see (indirect) connection from the bluetooth DTR line to the AVR reset. So I think it should work.

Can anyone confirm?

#2

After Bluetooth is paired with your PC, it’s treated as a serial port. In mBlock, under ‘connect’, the serial port option should have some ports listed. Try connecting to the lowest number port. The mBot Bluetooth uses a ‘Serial Port Profile’ with an assigned input and output ports.

#3

Hi!
As is said mBlock works in normal mode over bluetooth: I select the appropriate COM port and connection is established. I can create graphical programs and run them.
The following features doesn’t work over bluetooth:

  • Upgrade firmware (mBot)
  • Reset Default Program
  • Upload to Arduino
    These work with USB cable, but I would like to do everything wireless.
#4

Hi,
I’ve exactly the same problem. Did you find a solution ?
Thanks in advance.

Emmanuel

#5

I am also not able to connect to my mbot via bluetooth. The mBot is listed under devices, but it never connects.

#6

In my case the bluetooth connection is ok. But I can only use it with the “normal mode”. When I use arduino mode I cannot transfer my program to the mbot using the bluetooth port.
So every time I modify my code, I need to plug the USB cable… :frowning:
Air programming should be possible.

#7

I just installed the latest version of makeblock and it is working now (for my PC, although my older Mac is not)

#8

I’ve tried with the new version and it’s the same problem. Bluetooth connection it’s ok, I can control the bot over bluetooth, but impossible to program the bot over bluetooth (in arduino mode for exemple) .
I’ve tried on windows and mac and it’s the same result.

#9

I’ve got my answer from the support. It’s not possible de program “over-the-air” the mbot. Bluetooth can only be used to control the bot.

#10

From what I understand, you can only do uploads to the mBot via USB cable because it connects to the avrdude programmer on the mBot. You can run programs from the mBlock IDE via WiFi or Bluetooth (and deal with the corresponding serial lag times over the air).

#11