B-Link 2 Bluetooth Interface

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What are the differences between the B-Link 2 and original B-Link?

The B-Link 2 Bluetooth adapter adds support to our newer 32-bit (Cobra series) ESCs. It also utilizes the newer 32-bit processor and a more powerful Bluetooth module. This increases the data transfer speed and range over the original B-Link.

Will my original B-Link Adapter still work with the new Castle Link 2 app and non-32-bit ESCs?

Yes, the original B-Link Adapter will work with the Castle Link 2 app on Android and iOS and will support most non-32-bit ESCs. A list of ESCs and BECs supported by the B-Link 2 and new Castle Link 2 app can be found here.

Can I transfer my account and all my current saved vehicles and data logs from the original Castle Link app to the Castle Link 2 app?  

No. Unfortunately a new database was required to support the new B-Link hardware. You will need to register for a new account on the Castle Link 2 app. Any vehicles that were saved in the original Castle Link app will not cross over to the Castle Link 2 app. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Is B-Link 2 waterproof?

Yes, B-Link 2 is completely waterproof, enabling you to leave it installed in nearly every environment imaginable!

Do I have access to every setting available for my ESC using the new B-Link 2 and Castle Link 2 mobile app?

You have access to every setting with a B-Link 2 that is available to you on the PC version of Castle Link 2. You can also update firmware (internet connection required) and download data logs (on supported ESC).

Can I leave my B-Link 2 connected while driving/flying?

With most ESCs, you can leave the B-Link 2 installed in line between the ESC and receiver. Some older ESCs without the Hot Reset feature (Sidewinder 3/SCT, Sidewinder 8^th, Monster 2, and all air ESCs, will require you to disconnect the B-Link 2 from the receiver when connecting to the app.

Does B-Link 2 work with Android and iOS?

It works with gboth Android and iOS. Android requires version 5.0 and higher, Apple devices require iOS version 10.0 and higher. A list of compatible Apple devices can be found here.

Will B-Link 2 work with every ESC and accessory you’ve ever made?

Unfortunately, we cannot make it work with every ESC and accessory we’ve produced. Some processors just don’t have the ability to communicate with it. Here is a list of all compatible ESCs and accessories. Compatibility chart

Do I have to create an account to use the B-Link 2?

No, you do not have to create an account to use the B-Link 2, however, we recommend as you will not be able to sync information between multiple devices without doing so though.

Do I have to change the default passcode?

It is highly recommended to change the default passcode. If someone knows your passcode, they can change settings on your ESC and even stop it from working while you’re flying/driving.
 

Is an internet connection required to use B-Link 2?

An internet connection is required to download the Castle Link 2 app to your phone and any updates to the app. You will also need an internet connection when attempting to update the firmware on your ESC.

Can I use the B-Link 2 with a Telemetry Link? 

Unfortunately, you cannot use the B-Link 2 and the Telemetry Link simultaneously.

Can I use the B-Link 2 with a Quick Connect or Quick Connect Duo?

You can use the B-Link 2 and Quick Connect/Quick Connect Duo together. They must be in the proper order however. The ESC must be connected to the Quick Connect/Quick Connect Duo, then to the B-Link 2, and then the B-Link 2 into the receiver. We have a wiring diagram here.

While updating my ESC my connection was interrupted and now my ESC just beeps constantly, what can I do?

If you have access to a Castle Link USB programmer, plug into a PC and click “defaults” in the lower right corner. Then go up to the “software” tab at the top. After verifying you are loading the version of firmware you want the ESC on, click the “Update Firmware” button. After the firmware update completes click “defaults” in the lower right corner one more time. The ESC should function normally again.

I found a setting/feature that doesn’t work correctly on my device. What can I do?

Please report this information to our technical support staff via email here so they can pass this information on to our software engineers. Please include details about the brand of device you are using, the carrier (if applicable), what version of Android or iOS your device uses, and any specific details that will help us recreate the issue ourselves.

When I try to connect to my B-Link 2 it just shows “Connecting” and does nothing. What can I do?

We recommend these steps:

• Turn off power to the ESC/accessory and close the app down on the device COMPLETELY.
• Re-open the app and attempt to make the connection again.
• If you open the app and it does not show it is reloading (step 1 of 6, 2 of 6, etc,) you did not close the app all the way down.
• Please close it all the way down and repeat the above steps. 
• If you encounter the same problem, try is disconnecting the B-Link 2 from the receiver and starting the process over.
• In the event this does not resolve, please contact our Tech Support department for assistance.

Does B-Link 2 work with ESCs you currently make or previously made for other manufacturers (Holmes Hobbies, Traxxas, HPI, etc)?

We know that it will work with many of these ESCs, but we cannot guarantee that it will work with them.

Will B-Link 2 work with other manufacturers’ ESCs and accessories?

No, B-Link 2 will only work with Castle brand ESCs and accessories.

I have a multi-motor/multi-ESC application. Can I use a Y-connector to program two ESCs at the same time with a single B-Link 2?

No, you can only connect to one ESC at a time. You can however save a profile, connect the ESCs individually, and save the profile to them to ensure they have the same settings programmed in them for operation.

The red LED on my B-Link 2 is solid and the blue LED is flashing, is that normal?

Yes, that is normal and means the device you have plugged in to the B-Link 2 is communicating with the B-Link 2 software.

I forgot my B-Link 2 passcode! How can I reset it?

• Disconnect the ESC from the B-Link 2 and plug the ESC into another slot on your receiver (ch3, AUX1, etc).
• Then plug the supplied jumper into the ESC side of the B-Link 2, and power up the ESC.
• The red LED will begin flashing. When it goes solid your B-Link 2 has been reset.
•  You can turn the ESC off, disconnect the jumper, plug the ESC back into the B-Link 2, and go back through the on-screen procedures. You’re all set!

Can I swap my B-Link 2 from one vehicle or aircraft to another after I’m done programming?

Yes! The B-Link 2 will automatically recognize the new ESC you’ve plugged into and read its settings. You can then make any desired changes and either disconnect it or just leave it installed.

When you come out with a new ESC or accessory, or update firmware on devices, do I have to do anything with my B-Link 2 to have it recognize the new device or have access to the new firmware?

We will update the database on our end, and your B-Link 2 will automatically recognize the device or allow for updates to the latest firmware for your existing device. Just make sure you have your phone or smart device set to automatically download updates for the Castle Link 2 app!

How do I connect my Edge HV ESC to my B-Link 2 if it won’t supply voltage from the ESC?

This is a bit tricky. You’ll need TWO sources of power for this process, one to power the ESC and one to power the receiver. You’ll need to power the B-Link 2 via the receiver first using a separate BEC or receiver battery pack and then power the processor on the ESC by plugging in your main battery pack. It should make a connection after that.

I need to disable the BEC on my ESC, but still want to use my B-Link 2. How do I do that?

You’ll want to leave the red wire going from the ESC to the B-Link 2 enabled and disconnect the red wire going from the B-Link 2 to the receiver. This will allow voltage from the ESC to power the B-Link 2 and make programming easier but still stops any power from going to your receiver and allows you to use a separate BEC or receiver battery pack.

I want to program the output voltage on my CC BEC Pro. How do I have to wire it?

This is a bit tricky. You will need TWO sources of power for this process, one to power the BEC Pro and one to power the receiver. You will need to use the two wire jumper supplied with your CC BEC Pro, and plug it into the ESC side of the B-Link 2. The receiver side of the B-Link 2 needs to be plugged into one of the slots on your receiver. Use a receiver battery pack to power the receiver first. Then plug in a separate battery to the CC BEC Pro to power it. You should then be able to program the BEC Pro.

I want to program the output voltage on my BEC 2.0/BEC 2.0 WP. How do I do that?

Plug the 3 wire lead coming off the BEC 2.0/BEC 2.0 WP into the ESC side of the B-Link 2 and then apply power to the BEC 2.0/BEC 2.0 WP. It should make the connection and allow you to program the output voltage.

My B-Link 2 shows up on my phone as an available Bluetooth device, but it won't show up on my app or connect to my ESC. What's wrong?

The B-Link 2 requires you to give permission to use your location when first installing the application. Make sure you choose either "allow when app is in use" or "allow all the time". If you hit "deny" on accident or your phone does not see the B-Link 2 when trying to connect to a device, go into your settings, go to your location permissions, find the Castle Link app, and change the permission manually. Make sure you have your GPS on your phone enabled as well. The Castle Link app should then be able to see the B-Link 2.