Switch your Node from Bluetooth to USB when interference is a concern or a wired connection is operationally preferred. Bluetooth pairing must be completed first — USB mode is not available until the Node has been paired over Bluetooth at least once.

Before you begin

• Node is powered on and currently connected via Bluetooth.
• USB-C cable is available and accessible.
• Android device is unlocked.

Note

Use a USB-C cable that supports data, not a charge-only cable. Many charging cables carry power but no data lines and will not work for pairing the Node.

Switch to USB

1. In the ATAK plugin, tap Settings → Hardware Settings.
2. Tap Connection Mode.
3. Select USB. Switching to USB breaks the current Bluetooth connection and restarts the Node with Bluetooth disabled.
4. Wait for the Node to fully restart — allow up to 15 seconds. The plugin shows the Node as disconnected while it restarts.
5. Connect the USB-C cable between the Node and your Android device.
6. Tap TAP TO PAIR TO DEVICE in the plugin.
7. When Android prompts “Allow ATAK to access [Node]?”, tap OK.

The plugin connects and the Node appears as active.

Returning to Bluetooth

Bluetooth stays disabled until you switch back explicitly. There are two ways to do it.

Option 1 — Change the setting while still on USB

1. In the ATAK plugin, tap Settings → Hardware Settings.
2. Tap Connection Mode.
3. Select Bluetooth. The Node restarts with Bluetooth enabled.
4. Disconnect the USB cable and pair normally.

Option 2 — Enter pairing mode via power cycle

1. Power off the Node.
2. Hold the Power Button from off, through the green LED phase, until the LED flashes fast white — the Node is now in pairing mode with Bluetooth enabled.
3. Pair via Bluetooth as normal.