x1c5 Plus Bluetooth Settings
HI. I just picked up an X1C5 Plus and have it "mostly" set up. So far it seems to work well, but as anyone who may have one knows the documentation is horrible.
Right now I've been able to set everything up except for Bluetooth. Specifically, I'm trying to pull GPS data and KISS information off. I'm on a mac and I've been able to connect the Bluetooth and I've been messing with the settings. I can't seem to get any data via Bluetooth though. I was hoping for at least GPS.
Has anyone had any luck with getting Bluetooth to work on the thing?
Posted Aug 10, 2022, 6:41 PM UTC
18
The X1C5 works well with macOS. I’ve tested it specifically with my app, QTH.app https://www.w8wjb.com/wp/qth/
The tricky part is that the X1C5 appears as a single serial port on the Mac and it multiplexes the KISS data and the GPS data in the same serial stream, so whatever client you are using has to be configured to parse the data appropriately
That's the app I'm using. Do you think it would be possible to peak at your settings for me? I can't even find out what bitrate or KISS format I should be using. Same for the GPS.
Thanks
Sure thing.
Starting with the X1C5 config, you want to make sure that you have GPS enabled first. And then, under the "Bluetooth OUT" section, choose Out1: "KISS Hex" and then Out2: "GPS", and make sure Out2 is checked.
Once you've put in your callsign and SSID, you can then pair it as a Bluetooth device. The X1C5 will appear as a Bluetooth device with the name and SSID you configured it with. If you want to make sure the pairing is successful, you can check for a file at
/dev/cu.YOURCALL-#To macOS, this is treated as a normal serial port.https://imgur.com/a/UEOGQmi
Jumping into QTH.app, you would create a new connection in the Connections window. It should be of type "KISS Serial TNC". You can name it whatever you want. Once the connection is created, hit the config button on the right to open the configuration. Now that the device is paired, it should appear under the Port dropdown, and it should be your callsign+SSID as above. The default baud rate is 38400, but it can be anything; the baud rate is irrelevant for a Bluetooth port. The last thing you'll want to do is choose "GPS" from the Device dropdown. This tells QTH.app to expect to receive NMEA statements interleaved with the KISS data. You can change the other advanced settings as you wish, or leave the defaults. The settings should be documented in the help file.
https://imgur.com/a/5Hqm4eV
Make sure you save the settings and you should be good to go. With the X1C5 on, toggle it on in the Connections window.
You should be able to see immediately if the GPS features are active, because the GPS Sky View panel should appear on the local panel.
Edit: added screenshots
Thanks,
I've got it all set up and confirmed that Bluetooth is connected, and am seeing the GPS Sky View Panel but no GPS data even though the unit is displaying GPS on its screen and is transmitting APRS RF fine. Not sure. I must be missing something.
Do you have a GPS fix? The X1C5 won't send NMEA positions until it has enough satellites in 'view'. For me, that actually means I have to walk outside to get a fix because it has trouble with our metal roof
edit: typo