Is it possible to interface the Reach to the Navio 2 via the RasPi USB. I currently use the UART port for a RFD900 radio.
I have tried connecting the Reach to the RasPi, the device appears to be recognized, drivers are loaded and ttyACM0 appears in the /dev/ folder. However under Reachview (ver 0.4 with 1.2 FW) the only serial device that can be selected is UART. I was aiming to use the -B command line option to specify the secondary GPS device address. I understand the Reach can be interfaced via a ethernet over USB method, but it appears APM doesn’t allow secondary GPS input via TCP.
I just changed my rfd900 from uart to usb (via ftdi to usb). I ordered the same usb/ftdi cable that came with my rfd900 kit, cut out some cable length, soldered, and it was good to go.
AM
Thanks AM, yes a have an extra ftdi cable and have had the reach interfaced to the Navio 2 on the bench. But on our smaller hex I have limited room, the rfd900 cable is heavy and actually effects the navios balance a little. The lightweight flexible micro USB cable would be much more convenient, i might try a 3.3V usb ftdi breakout board at the radios end. Will also try with bluetooth tonight.
It’s indeed heavy! I need that UART for Reach though… My bird is likely not as small as yours. Let me know how you come up with your solution.
Cheerio,
AM
The header on the bottom of the board connects directly to the pins on the radio, and it lets me use a much lighter weight and flexible USB cable to connect to the Raspi. Also a lot cheaper than the integrated FTDI USB cable. Not that this one is designed for a mini type A connector versus the micro connector in the Raspi/Reach.
