bgeigie Zen: Problem with the app, unable to connect to device

[B L]

  Hi all,

I have just finished building my bGeigie Zen (SW 3.2.8). Everything seems fine; all pages in the display seem OK, I see satellites, the radiation readings appear fine and everything on the debug page seems OK - I am very happy with the result!

However, I have a problem since I am unable to connect to my device using the app (v0.5.0) and bluetooth to monitor/control my bGeigie while driving. The app installs fine and I have filled in all settings but a problem occurs when trying to connect to my bGeigie. After the scan there seems to be no bGeigie bluetooth device in the list, see picture below. Using wifi I can only access the settings in the device, i.e. not monitor the real time display or a map but I think that is expected.

Note: I followed the instructions and used the SW available under "Core2 & Tough" in the M5Burner (I have the white version with soft buttons) but I note that the same version of the SW is also available under "CoreS3".

Am I missing something or doing something wrong?

   Best Regards,

   Björn

[Rob Oudendijk]

Bjorn,

• I am happy all works and the build was successful.
• The bGeigieZen will activate the BLE in drive mode only. The code for the BLE communication is taken from the bGeigieCast and in theory should work on the drive app for IOS and for Android. I have noticed that in my case the BLE setup should work. The current Android app (safecast drive from Wizkers) runs only on old android devices. It is not in the Google Play Store anymore (long story).  The IOS version is also not in the Apple Store.  I have connected with an old tablet to the bGeigieCast and to the bGeigieZen, but I could not receive data from the latest version of the bGeigieCast and from the bGeigieZen. We are still researching why.  The main software maintainer (Jelle Bouwman). I would suggest you to add an issue n GitHub, so we can track the progress and keep you informed. The GitHub repo is at https://github.com/Safecast/bGeigieZen/issues
• If you have a white M5StackCore you have a Core2. The M5StackCoreS3 is gray.
• What app are you using and on IOS or on Android?
• TROMPIER Francois (OpenRadiation app) is working on a BLE connect to the bGeigieZen and the bGeigieCast. Fingers crossed.
  

Regards

Rob Oudendijk

[B L]

 Hi Rob,

Thank you for the quick reply.

I am using the android version of the app. I was not aware that drive mode had to be initiated from the bGeigie device for BLE communication to become enabled. Now that I know I see exactly what you describe in your reply, i.e. I see my bGeigie device, I'm able to connect to it, the "BT" turns green on my bGeigie but there is no data. I have tried the app (v0.5.0) on two different android devices (android 9 and android 14) with the same result. I will follow your advice and add an issue on GitHub.

  Best Regards,

  Björn

[Rob Oudendijk]

Bjorn,

Thanks for the checking and creating an issue at the GitHub repo.

Warm Regards

Rob Oudendijk

[B L]

Hi,

Just to let you know: I think the problem is in the app. I have investigated this a bit and I downloaded the app "Serial Bluetooth Terminal 1.48". I used the information in the file "bluetooth_settings.h" to create a profile in the app and then I was able to connect to my bGeigie. I received the following data (note: I have obfuscated my position).
18:28:45.631 Connecting to bGeigie5082 ...
18:28:46.970 Connected
18:28:47.308 $BNRDD,5082,2025‑01‑15T17:28:49Z,39,5,12662,A,5828.1234,N,1538.1234,E,37.0,A,7,346*42$BNRDD,5082,2025‑01‑15T17:28:54Z,41,4,12666,A,5828.1234,N,1538.1234,E,36.7,A,8,344*49$BNRDD,5082,2025‑01‑15T17:28:59Z,44,7,12673,A,5828.1234,N,1538.1234,E,38.3,A,9,254*41
18:29:19.877 Disconnected
I compared the above information with Appendix A in the manual and it seems to be valid data.
Hence, the bGeigie works properly sending data and problem seems to be in the app.

I updated the ticket in GitHub with this info.

  Best Regards,

  Björn

[Rob Oudendijk]

After some weeks, Bjorn has created a nice app (for Android) for the bGeigieNano and the bGeigieZen. Still beta, but works very well.

https://bgeigiezen.safecast.jp/news-updates/

Regards,

Rob Oudendijk