Connecting RS232 cable to Rossetta

[Sapper732]

Hi, just upgraded to a Rossetta, but I’m having difficulty in connecting the RS232 cable for ADSB OUT to a usb socket as other items that are using the other usb sockets are in the way, is there some sort of adaptor? can anyone help please.
Many thanks,
Chris

[exfirepro]

Hi Chris,

What have you got in the other sockets? You should have the GPS in Centre Top (Port 1) and the 1090 SDR dongle in the Bottom Right (Port 4), so the Bottom Left (Port 2) should still be available.

Regards

Peter

[Sapper732]

Hi Peter,
Yes, as you described, however my RS232 plug is too wide, it will plug in if there isn’t any others plugged in next to it, so I may have to get a short extension.

Cheers Chris.

[exfirepro]

Hi Chris,

Understood - but slightly concerned as to what cable you are trying to use? It must be USB to RS232 Serial. We recommend the FTDI USB-RS232-WE-1800-BT-0.0, which should fit next to the SDR in the bottom row, though you might need to take the case off the dongle (if not already done). My concern is that if you use a different cable it may not be compatible (there are lots of dodgy ones out there).

Regards

Peter

[Sapper732]

Hi Peter, I’m sure it’s the one that was recommended when I bought the classic. I didn’t think to cut of the casing, so will that a go.
Many thanks for your help.
Cheers
Chris

[exfirepro]

Chris,

To be clear, I’m talking about the case of the SDR (if it has one), not the clear moulded USB plug on the FTDI cable. (If it’s not clear BTW it isn’t an FTDI cable - they use a clear moulded plug so you can see the LED signal indicators inside).

Peter

[Admin]

Hi Chris
Could you post some pictures please
Thx
Lee

[Sapper732]

Hi Guys, have checked the cable and it is the correct one, I just didn’t think to cut of the protective cover. I can’t send a photo as it is at the airfield.
Cheers Chris.

[exfirepro]

Hi Chris,

I wasn’t suggesting removing the clear plastic casing from the FTDI USB to RS232 cable. That would clearly void its warranty and simply isn’t, necessary. I was just suggesting that you might need to remove the casing from the SDR dongle, should that prove necessary - though I can’t see why it would. (I’m actually pretty sure the Rosetta’s are supplied with the SDR cases already removed *).

Edit: * I am advised that this depends on the version of dongle supplied, though in all cases the plastic dongle case can be popped off fairly easily by carefully inserting a thin blade or similar just into the case joint and twisting gently (I removed the Nano 2 one for the photos with my thumbnail).

I have attached some photos (initially with the GPS dongle temporarily removed for clarity) to indicate my point.

The first photo shows the FTDI cable in the recommended Port 2 (Lower Left) with one of the older Stratux ‘low-power’ SDR dongles in Port 4 (Lower Right).

The second photo shows the FTDI cable in Port 2, with one of the newer NooElec ‘Nano 2’ SDR dongles in Port 4 and you can see that they both still fit - even with the SDR dongle case still fitted.

The third photo shows the FTDI cable in Port 2, with the same NooElec ‘Nano 2’ SDR dongle in Port 4 with the casing removed from the SDR and you can see that there is loads of room. The same applies with any of the alternative dongles supplied.

The fourth photo (see separate post) shows the unit with the GPS dongle back in its normal position in Port 1 (Top Left) and the final photo is to show how the plastic strain-relief on the back of the FTDI casing fits neatly onto the lip of the Rosetta case (you may need to open out the half-round opening slightly with a small round file to ensure a neat fit) and that it then allows the GPS to sit neatly on top.

You also need to open out the upper half of the case sufficiently to allow it to slide back into position with the FTDI cable in situ and be safely removed again later (but don't make the opening too big as it helps locate the FTDI cable in position on the lip of the lower case).

I trust this clarifies the position, though it again makes me wonder why you think there is a problem doing this? If the cable you have doesn’t fit, it’s almost certainly not the recommended cable!

Regards

Peter

[exfirepro]

Photos 4 and 5

Regards

Peter

[Sapper732]

Hi Peter,
I misunderstood initially which cable you were talking about, it wasn’t until I attempted to remove the nano that I saw you could remove that and make space for rs232 cable.
I have retained the classic so as I could test the adsb out for the BMAA mod, but am finding that all I’m getting is both the Rossetta and classic showing P in the mode section and all zeros in the adsb status, is this because I’m attempting this whilst the aircraft is in the hanger?
Cheers
Chris

[exfirepro]

Hi again Chris,

That could be at least part of the issue. The other thing is that your need to have your PilotAware Receiver (Classic) a reasonable distance away from your aircraft to minimise the possibility of front-end saturation and overloading, though bear in mind that transmissions and GPS reception will be less than ideal if inside a metal (or otherwise non-conductive) hangar and you will certaiinly get little or no Mode C or S response without external integration of your transponder.

To properly determine what is going on, we also need a bit more info.

The first thing that would be useful is to tell us what transponder you are using?

The next is the screenshots Lee has asked for on the other thread, namely the Home, Configure and Traffic Screens, so we can check your settings and see what is going on.

Once we have this information we can advise on/check your RS232 connections and the settings in both your Rosetta and Transponder and hopefully get things working.

Best Regards

Peter

[PaulSS]

Also, many aircraft have some sort of air switch fitted that tells the transponder it is flying and to do its thing. If that air switch is not overridden then no transponder and no ADSB.

[AlanG]

Paul
I don't think too many GA aircraft are fitted with squat switches linked to the undercarriage to mute the ADSB on the ground, They are mostly reserved for your work-day mounts.

Regards
Alan

[Sapper732]

Hi guys, many thanks for the effort you’re putting in. I will take screen shots when I’m next at the airfield, hopefully this Monday.
Many thanks again.
Chris