Bolutek Bluetooth-RS232 Adapter - Setup Guide

Bolutek Bluetooth-RS232 Adapter - Setup Guide

Connecting a Bolutek Bluetooth RS232 Adapter to an iFly X7

This guide explains how to connect a Bolutek Bluetooth-to-RS232 adapter to an Adventure Pilot iFly X7 aviation tablet and configure iFly EFB to send NMEA navigation data over Bluetooth.

The Bolutek is an inexpensive way to add a wireless serial connection between your iFly X7 and compatible equipment such as an autopilot, EFIS, or other device that accepts RS-232/NMEA data.

Important: The Bolutek is typically sold as a bare circuit board. It may not include a case, USB power cable, or serial wiring.

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have:

  • An Adventure Pilot iFly X7 tablet

  • The iFly EFB app installed

  • A Bolutek Bluetooth-to-RS232 adapter

  • A compatible 5V USB power cable

  • A suitable 5V USB power source

  • RS-232 wiring or connector for your autopilot or other receiving device

  • The installation manual for the device receiving the NMEA data

Tip: Check the USB connector on your specific Bolutek before ordering a cable. Different versions of the adapter may use different USB connector styles.

Step 1: Identify the Bolutek Controls

Before connecting anything, take a moment to locate the main parts of the Bolutek adapter.

You should be able to identify:

  • USB power input

  • Master/Slave switch

  • Pair button

  • DB9 serial connector

These are the controls and connectors used throughout the setup process.


Step 2: Power the Bolutek Adapter

Connect the Bolutek to a 5V USB power source using the correct USB cable for your adapter.

Once power is connected, the indicator LED on the Bolutek should illuminate or begin flashing.

If no LEDs turn on:

  • Confirm that the USB cable is fully connected.

  • Confirm that the power source provides 5V USB power.

  • Try another known-good USB cable if necessary.


Step 3: Set the Bolutek to SLAVE Mode

Locate the Master/Slave selector switch on the Bolutek.

Move the switch to:

SLAVE

The Bolutek should be in Slave mode because the iFly X7 will initiate the Bluetooth connection.

Important: Set the switch to SLAVE before pairing the adapter with the tablet.


Step 4: Put the Bolutek Into Pairing Mode

Locate the small Pair button on the Bolutek.

Press and hold the button to place the adapter into Bluetooth pairing mode.

The status LED may begin flashing differently when the adapter becomes discoverable.

Keep the Bolutek powered on while completing the next step.

Step 5: Pair the Bolutek With the iFly X7

On the iFly X7, open the Android Bluetooth settings.

The menu may appear as:

Settings > Connected Devices > Pair New Device

or simply:

Settings > Bluetooth

Make sure Bluetooth is turned ON.

Look for a device named:

  • Bolutek

  • BCD4

Tap the device name to pair it with the X7.

Once pairing is complete, Android should show the adapter as Paired or Connected.

If prompted for a PIN: Use the pairing code supplied with your specific Bolutek adapter. Pairing codes can vary between versions.

Step 6: Select the Bolutek in iFly EFB

After the adapter is paired in Android, open iFly EFB.

Go to:

Menu > Setup > NMEA Output

Enable:

Send to Bluetooth RS232

Then select the paired device:

Bolutek or BCD4

iFly EFB will now attempt to send NMEA data through the Bluetooth serial connection.

Step 7: Configure the NMEA Output

From the NMEA Output screen, choose the output configuration required by your receiving equipment.

If your autopilot, EFIS, or other device requires specific settings, select:

Custom

Custom mode allows you to configure:

  • Baud rate

  • NMEA sentence types

  • Other available serial-output options

Common NMEA sentences may include:

  • GPRMC — Position, course, speed, and time

  • GPRMB — Waypoint/navigation information

Important: The correct baud rate and NMEA sentences depend on the device receiving the data. Always check that device’s installation manual.

The baud rate and NMEA configuration must be compatible between:

iFly EFB → Bolutek → Receiving device

Step 8: Connect the Bolutek to Your Receiving Device

Connect the Bolutek’s DB9/RS-232 output to your autopilot, EFIS, or other NMEA-compatible equipment.

Your complete connection will look like this:

iFly X7 → Bluetooth → Bolutek → RS-232 → Autopilot / NMEA Device

Verify the required wiring in the installation manual for your receiving equipment.

Pay particular attention to:

  • RS-232 transmit/data output

  • RS-232 receive/data input

  • Signal ground

  • Baud rate

  • Required NMEA sentences

Important: Do not assume that DB9 pin assignments are the same between different adapters or avionics devices. Always verify the pinout before connecting equipment.

Test the Connection

We recommend testing the complete system on the ground before using it in flight.

With everything powered on:

  1. Confirm the Bolutek is paired with the X7.

  2. Open iFly EFB.

  3. Go to Menu > Setup > NMEA Output.

  4. Confirm Send to Bluetooth RS232 is enabled.

  5. Confirm Bolutek or BCD4 is selected.

  6. Confirm the correct baud rate and NMEA sentences are configured.

  7. Activate a flight plan in iFly EFB.

  8. Confirm that the receiving device is receiving valid navigation data.

If your autopilot or EFIS includes a GPS, serial-data, waypoint, or navigation status page, use that page to confirm actual data reception.

Troubleshooting

The Bolutek Does Not Appear in Bluetooth Settings

Check the following:

  • The Bolutek has power.

  • The indicator LED is illuminated.

  • The selector switch is set to SLAVE.

  • The Pair button has been pressed and held.

  • Bluetooth is enabled on the X7.

If necessary, power-cycle the Bolutek and search for Bluetooth devices again.

The Bolutek Is Paired, but iFly Does Not Show It

Try the following:

  1. Confirm the device is paired in Android Bluetooth settings.

  2. Completely close iFly EFB.

  3. Reopen iFly EFB.

  4. Return to:

Menu > Setup > NMEA Output > Send to Bluetooth RS232

  1. Select Bolutek or BCD4 again.

iFly Connects to the Bolutek, but the Autopilot Receives No Data

If Bluetooth is working but your receiving device does not see navigation data, check the RS-232 side of the installation.

Verify:

  • TX and RX wiring

  • Signal ground

  • Baud rate

  • NMEA sentence selection

  • DB9 pinout

  • Receiving-device configuration

A successful Bluetooth connection does not necessarily mean the serial wiring is correct.

The Autopilot Receives Data but Does Not Follow the Flight Plan Correctly

Check the receiving device’s documentation for its required NMEA sentences.

Then go to:

Menu > Setup > NMEA Output > Custom

Confirm that the required sentences are enabled and that the baud rate matches the receiving equipment.

After Powering Up the Aircraft

The X7 should normally remember that the Bolutek has been paired.

However, the active Bluetooth serial connection may occasionally need to be re-established after power has been removed.

If NMEA output does not begin after startup:

  1. Open iFly EFB.

  2. Go to Menu > Setup > NMEA Output.

  3. Select Send to Bluetooth RS232.

  4. Reselect Bolutek or BCD4.

Quick Connection Checklist

Before flying, confirm:

  • Bolutek has 5V power

  • Bolutek is set to SLAVE

  • Bolutek is paired with the X7

  • Send to Bluetooth RS232 is enabled in iFly EFB

  • Bolutek/BCD4 is selected

  • Correct baud rate is configured

  • Required NMEA sentences are enabled

  • RS-232 TX/RX wiring is correct

  • Signal ground is connected

  • Receiving equipment shows valid navigation data

Once all items are confirmed, the Bolutek connection is ready for use.