Hi, I’m new to working with the BlueROV. I volunteer with a charity that owns one, but it hasn’t been operational for a few years. I’ve installed QGroundControl on my laptop and Cockpit, and both are showing a camera feed. However, I can’t connect to the BlueOS Heartbeat/BlueOS web interface to update the software.
How can I tell whether the issue is with the Fathom-X interface box or the Pixhawk? And is it possible to update the software directly on the ROV if I can’t access BlueOS?
John
Hi @John59a -
Welcome to the forums!
If you have a video feed, the Fathom-X is working just fine!
How old is the system? If it is old and running Companion OS instead of BlueOS, you can reach the interface at 192.168.2.2:2770 - but you’ll likely want to extract the Pi SD Card and flash it to update to BlueOS - support for Companion OS ended long long ago. The BlueOS interface should load from 192.168.2.2 or blueos.local.
Assuming you set the IP address of your control computer correctly, there could be an issue with the pixhawk. You can connect it directly to your computer via USB, and use QGC to update to the latest version of ArduSub - or do this once you’ve installed BlueOS on the Autopilot Firmware menu.
Hi Tony,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Could you give me some guidance on where exactly the Raspberry Pi SD card is located?
I’ve already set the IP address on the computer, but I’m getting to the point where I’d prefer to connect directly if possible. Which USB port should I be using for that?
Thanks for your help
John
Hi @John59a -
The Pi SD card is on the underside of the Raspberry Pi, on the starboard side of the enclosure at the front. If you take off the housing, and remove the two bolts that hold the circular camera plate, you can pull it out!
There is no way to use a USB port to connect to the system directly…The connection is TCP/IP via the Pi Ethernet port, which goes through the FXTI and up the tether to a Ethernet to USB converter that plugs into your control computer…You could temporarily connect an ethernet cable directly from the Pi to you computer, but if you’re already receiving video that isn’t necessary…
The Pixhawk micro-usb port is located on the side of the unit - you’ll likely need a longer cable to plug it into your computer than the short one that connects it to the Raspberry Pi.
Hi @John59a ,
We have a guide that shows how to update an older ROV to BlueOS here.
Hi,
I’ve updated the SD card and carried out further testing. Unfortunately, I’m still not getting a heart link, and it won’t allow the firmware to update.
I was able to upload 1.4.2 to 1.4.3, however this did not make any difference.
Is there something I’m doing wrong?
Any suggestions
Hi @John59a -
It sounds like BlueOS is doing just fine, but your Pixhawk is having issues. Can you describe what lights are present on it, and what they’re doing? Have you tried connecting the Pixhawk to your computer, and flashing it from QGC as the link I shared details?
If that doesn’t work, the Pixhawk itself may be in need of replacement…
