Connecting multiple Bluetooth devices for scouting

[cavalier]

Team 1678 is trying something similar with Bluetooth this year.

Last year, we used two methods of communication. The first was Ethernet (via USB adapters) to a switch and cellular modem. We also implemented charging so there were two cables attaching to each tablet. That system was very clunky, unreliable and just generally awful. Next, we switched to a Raspberry Pi hub (connected to cellular modem) with communication to tablets via the Android Accessory Protocol. Charging and data used one cable and the system was more robust. It was still more complicated to program than we'd like and had some reliability issues at World Championships.

Now, we've updated our tablets to newer models with Bluetooth and aim to go all wireless. Two tablets (out of 8 total) are cellular models so they will function as hub devices for the others to connect to. Our server is actually a PHP application on our team's VPS (virtual private server). That allows our drive team and coaches to have access to the latest scouting data at all times, something we've very useful during competition.

We are just beginning work on Bluetooth development so we haven't yet discovered all the ins and outs but let me know if you have any questions about our system.