Cannot get a GPS fix and camera stream at the same time

Blue Robotics Software BlueOS
1

Hi everyone,

I’m currently troubleshooting an issue on our BlueBoat and I’m not sure whether it’s related to hardware or software.

The boat is equipped with an MRO GPS connected to the Navigator. When no USB cameras are connected, the GPS works perfectly and I consistently get a GPS fix with around 17–18 satellites.

However, as soon as I connect one DWE ExploreHD camera via USB to the Raspberry Pi, the GPS quality drops significantly and I only receive around 6–7 satellites. The camera stream is available, but it is not very stable and occasionally stutters. When I connect two ExploreHD cameras, both camera streams are still available (although they become even less stable), but the GPS is no longer able to obtain a fix.

I’m wondering if this could be caused by the Raspberry Pi not being able to provide enough power to the cameras, in which case using a powered USB hub might solve the problem. Alternatively, could this be due to a software or BlueOS configuration that needs to be adjusted, or perhaps another issue that I haven’t considered?

Thanks in advance!

2

Hi @Ellio

I’ve had similar issues with my BlueBoat and the DWE camera in the past. It was indeed caused by the camera just not getting enough power. I got around this by purchasing a powered usb hub (like this) and powered it using a bare wire USB-C (like this) thats hooked to an open 5v on the rail. It fixed the similar issue I was having and now you have more open usb slots for other items.

I hope that helps!

3

Hi @Ellio -

This definitely sounds like a 5V supply issue! The BlueBoat has significant voltage drop on the power cable going from the power switch supply to the Navigator input. @Randomguy22’s solution is an appropriate one!

4

Hi @Randomguy22

Thanks a lot !

I’ll definitely try to use a USB hub !

Have a good day :slight_smile: