Mass storage device over bluetooth

[Moonwalker]

I have a small portable usb recording camera which when connected to usb it shows the recorded files as mass storage device.
Now would like to connect the camera over Bluetooth using a module such as BL600.
Anyone knows if its possible?

 

[arbj2]

you need to connect the camera to a USB host device. The host device will communicate with the usb device and make it possible for you to access the system.

There could be two options for you.

1. You can use the PIC24 series micro-controller to make a USB host system, bit this will involve a lot of work (USB part),the bluetooth part is relatively easy, but the USB host part will be a bit difficult, but Microchip provides tools and code for this, you see their site for more info.

2. If size is not a constraint, you could use a raspberry pi computer, or a beaglebone black computer. These are full fledged computers running on linux operating system, with support for numerous functions like, wireless , ethernet, USB etc.

But you do need to invest in a computer, either beaglebone black or raspberry (I use beaglebone black). And you also have to learn to interface the BL module to the computer, apart from that if you are not familiar with linux, also learn to use the linux OS. But then that should not be a problem as there are many tutorials and help pages for both the systems.

The raspberry has better user support than the beaglebone black, so you may consider going for that.If you need moe I/Os use the beaglebone black. Interfacing either of that should not be a problem.

But make sure the USB camera module is supported on linux, many manufacturers do not provide support for linux OS.

thanks
a

 

[doraemon]

Hello!

Before even starting to do anything, there is a problem. Bluetooth has never been designed
for high bit rates. Today's small mass storage are in the range of a few GB. Blutooth throughput
is at most a few mbps. There is therefore a factor of 10 000. Can you wait 10 000 seconds
or more to empty your data?

Dora.

 

[Moonwalker]

@ doraemon - yes I thought of that and it would be a real restriction since I will be playing with video files which could be quite large. Maybe I should look into wifi instead of bluetooth?

@arbj2 - I have an off the shelf camera with usb connection already. So all I need is to transfer the usb data wirelessely to PC. I need to fit the complete module in as small housing as possible so RP is out of the question. I dont think I need an RP anyway.

The project is for sending the camera underwater (recording) and when I pull it up again I can check anything of interest captured without having to open the housing everytime.

 

[Easyrider83]

Just use wifi file server. It cost about 20$.

 

[Moonwalker]

Any particular module you would recommend please for wifi?

 

[Easyrider83]

Doesn't matter.

 

[Moonwalker]

I have googled "wifi file server" but did not show any modules.
What I think I need is a wifi module that acts as a router so that laptop can connect to it.

So anyone can recommend such a module please?

 

[arbj2]

most routers have that capability now, ie: attaching a USB pen drive etc.

Maybe you can check up the Dlink models, or even Netgear

thanks
a

 

[Moonwalker]

I need to enclose the camera and "wireless transmitter" in as small housing as possible, so an of the shelf router is not an option.
I know there exists Wifi modules that can act as a router so I am asking if anybody would recommend one.
Or maybe there is a better solution than wifi?

 

[arbj2]

read this blog on the MR3020..maybe its useful for you..not sure but

https://www.yoctopuce.com/EN/article/tiny-pc/using-openwrt-with-yoctopuce-usb-devices

some USB devices were connected to the wifi router (with modifications to the firmware)..

maybe it is helpful

thanks
a