Does the Downrange Systems DRS-Bravo (bluetooth adapter) work with Vector 21?

[Feniks Technologies]

I've tried the contact page, but haven't heard back from the.

Does anyone know if this works with a vector 21, or just the plrf10 and 15? I believe the Vectronix brand works with them all. But unknown on this one.

Thanks

DRS-Bravo – Down Range Systems

downrangesystems.com

 

[_Windrider_]

@CoryT

 

[CoryT]

There are a couple issues with BT adapters. Some 21's and all the 23's and PLRF 25's have the Fischer 12 pin connector, IV's, some 21's and all the PLRF 10/15's have the 5 pin Lemo. You need the proper connector. I've got a couple of the DRS units, both have Lemo connectors, I'm not sure if they provide a Fischer connector version.

The bigger issue is the BT version and data protocol. The original Vectronix BT adapters used BT 2.0 and the standard Vectronix serial data stream. You connect the BT, assign a COM port and use the data the same as the hard cable. Those have been discontinued for awhile now, though they still turn up as NOS or used items. They should work with programs that support the data cable connection running on a computer that has BT 2.0 or higher available.

DRS made similar versions, powered by a CR123 battery. The current version, the DRS-BRAVO is a different animal. These use BT4.0 and the Kestrel data protocol. These require a computer with BT 4.0 and a program that uses Kestrel data communications. That's been quite annoying, as they restrict access to the code and change stuff without notice, so some stuff works and others don't. The two adapters I've got for example, I can only really get one to work, and that with a Kestrel 5700. It times out on one end or the other all the time, plus you are now forced to use the two button press on the LRF to send the data stream rather than the trigger button on the data cable.

I've got some adapters coming in this week for test, but I VERY much prefer the trigger data cable for any field usage.

Between batteries, connection time outs, protocol hassles, interference issues... It's just more of an aggravation that it's worth.

 

[Feniks Technologies]

There are a couple issues with BT adapters. Some 21's and all the 23's and PLRF 25's have the Fischer 12 pin connector, IV's, some 21's and all the PLRF 10/15's have the 5 pin Lemo. You need the proper connector. I've got a couple of the DRS units, both have Lemo connectors, I'm not sure if they provide a Fischer connector version.

The bigger issue is the BT version and data protocol. The original Vectronix BT adapters used BT 2.0 and the standard Vectronix serial data stream. You connect the BT, assign a COM port and use the data the same as the hard cable. Those have been discontinued for awhile now, though they still turn up as NOS or used items. They should work with programs that support the data cable connection running on a computer that has BT 2.0 or higher available.

DRS made similar versions, powered by a CR123 battery. The current version, the DRS-BRAVO is a different animal. These use BT4.0 and the Kestrel data protocol. These require a computer with BT 4.0 and a program that uses Kestrel data communications. That's been quite annoying, as they restrict access to the code and change stuff without notice, so some stuff works and others don't. The two adapters I've got for example, I can only really get one to work, and that with a Kestrel 5700. It times out on one end or the other all the time, plus you are now forced to use the two button press on the LRF to send the data stream rather than the trigger button on the data cable.

I've got some adapters coming in this week for test, but I VERY much prefer the trigger data cable for any field usage.

Between batteries, connection time outs, protocol hassles, interference issues... It's just more of an aggravation that it's worth.

Thanks Cory. Was just looking for a possible way to have at least just the range go to my 5700. One less thing on tripod.

But, I’ll likely end up grabbing a Trimble from you shortly.

 

[CoryT]

I’ve got a Bravo unit here that will do that, it has a Lemo plug. You unit is still in transit, UPS is exceptionally slow right now as we all know. I’ve got other BT units on the way as well. Depending on what connector yours has, I can send you the one I have or test it with one of the units coming in before I send it out.

I‘ve tested the one I have now with a IV and my 5700, but my 21 has a Fischer port and I don’t have that cable. Needing two hands on the Vector to fire it is annoying, but it did work. I can’t seem to pair that device with anything else except the 5700.