Is it possible to use the USB on the nano for connecting a USB Bluetooth device? Can the UART also be used at the same time?
I'm making a helicopter using a PS3 controller as the controller. I want to have a Due on the helicopter controlling it. The PS3 controller is connected to an Arduino via Bluetooth. Then I need the two Arduino cards to communicate with each other.
PS3 Controller <-----(Bluetooth)-----> Arduino <-----(RF module)-----> Arduino DUE <-----> Helicopter motors
Is it possible to use the USB on the nano for connecting a USB Bluetooth device? Can the UART also be used at the same time?
The way you phrase this question implies that you think that the UART and the USB-to-serial converter chip are separate things. They are, but the output from the UART goes only to the USB-to-serial converter. So, you can't use one without the other.
PaulS:
The way you phrase this question implies that you think that the UART and the USB-to-serial converter chip are separate things. They are, but the output from the UART goes only to the USB-to-serial converter. So, you can't use one without the other.
I have never used an Arduino. Are you saying that both the USB and the UART "ports" are connected to the same serial-converter?
I have an Arduino Nano which I'm using to remote control an Arduino Due. They communicate over RF (requiring one set of Rx and Tx). The input device to the Nano is a PS3 controller communicating over Bluetooth. Can a USB Bluetooth dongle be plugged into the Nano and used at the same time as the RF?
Can a USB Bluetooth dongle be plugged into the Nano and used at the same time as the RF?
You can't plug a USB host device (the BT dongle) into a USB Host (the Arduino) and expect it to do anything.
PaulS:
You can't plug a USB host device (the BT dongle) into a USB Host (the Arduino) and expect it to do anything.
Is the USB on the nano merely a programming port? Isn't it a serial port?
Isn't it a serial port?
Yes. But, what does that have to do with the USB dongle?
PaulS:
Yes. But, what does that have to do with the USB dongle?
I've seen people on YouTube connecting USB Bluetooth dongles through a USB shield. Isn't that just serial as well?
I've seen people on YouTube connecting USB Bluetooth dongles through a USB shield. Isn't that just serial as well?
Isn't what just serial? Do you have one of the shields you are talking about? The shield the people are using is a USB Host shield, which lets the shield be a USB Master. (My earlier comments about USB devices were wrong. I should have said USB Slave, not USB Host).
PaulS:
Isn't what just serial? Do you have one of the shields you are talking about? The shield the people are using is a USB Host shield, which lets the shield be a USB Master. (My earlier comments about USB devices were wrong. I should have said USB Slave, not USB Host).
So, it is actually possible to connect a USB Bluetooth Master to the USB port, while simultaneously using the UART port for connecting a RF-module?
So, it is actually possible to connect a USB Bluetooth Master to the USB port, while simultaneously using the UART port for connecting a RF-module?
No.
Do you have a USB Host (Master) shield? If so, you'd KNOW that it does not connect to the Arduino via the USB port.
Also, I'm not sure what part of "the USB port is connected to the UART" you don't understand. They are NOT independent.
PaulS:
No.
Do you have a USB Host (Master) shield? If so, you'd KNOW that it does not connect to the Arduino via the USB port.
I haven't ever used Arduino. The Due is on its way, arriving probably in three weeks, unfortunately.
PaulS:
Also, I'm not sure what part of "the USB port is connected to the UART" you don't understand. They are NOT independent.
Okay, this explains everything. I need one UART for bluetooth communication. Maybe its possible to use an I2C to communicate with the octocopter. (Through an RF-module adding it to a carrier wave.)
I really appreciate the help you've given. This saved me from months of waiting and problems. Have a good day 
am just wondering why you need TWO Arduinos ?
PS3 Controller <-----(Bluetooth)-----> Arduino <-----(RF module)-----> Arduino DUE <-----> Helicopter motors
can't you just do;
PS3 Controller <-----(Bluetooth)-----> Arduino DUE <-----> Helicopter motors
?