Bluetooth
This firmware supports Terminal Node Controller (TNC) functionality over Bluetooth, allowing you to connect your device to APRS software on your computer or smartphone (e.g., APRSdroid).
How It Works
The software is designed to be plug-and-play. It automatically detects the type of Bluetooth supported by your hardware and activates the correct mode. You do not need to manually select between Bluetooth Classic and BLE.
- Device Name: Your tracker will be discoverable with a Bluetooth name identical to the callsign you set in the configuration.
- Protocol: The only supported TNC protocol is KISS. We do not support the TNC2 format, as we consider it to be an inferior and less reliable format for modern applications.
To use this feature, simply enable Bluetooth in the Configuration page and then pair your computer or smartphone with the device.
Hardware Support and Bluetooth Types
The type of Bluetooth protocol used depends entirely on the ESP32 chip on your board. Below is a general guide to help you identify which Bluetooth type your device likely supports.
| Device / Chip | Supported Bluetooth Type |
|---|---|
| TTGO T-Beam (all versions) | Bluetooth Classic |
| Standard ESP32 (e.g., WROOM-32) | Bluetooth Classic |
| Heltec LoRa boards | BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) |
| ESP32-C3 | BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) |
| ESP32-S3 | BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) |
In summary:
- Most older, common ESP32 development boards, including all T-Beam variants, use Bluetooth Classic.
- Newer generations of ESP32 chips (like the C3 and S3 series) and specialized boards like those from Heltec typically use BLE.