Feeling Blue…tooth
A few years ago, I predicted Bluetooth would die and pasture with video disks and the like. On the contrary, it is increasing in popularity as a type of connection between computers and computers and peripherals and phones, etc. I think of Bluetooth as a wireless USB cable, not as a type of ‘WiFi’ connection. So, you use it like you would a USB cable. And like USB, one device sends information and the other receives it. Of course, both devices have to have Bluetooth receivers. Because you are sending data, Bluetooth needs to be set-up through a COM port (*my next blog subject). Most computers will do this automatically or you will use a wizard to set up the relationship.
When I get calls about “my GPS won’t communicate via the Bluetooth” it is usually a COM port problem. Make sure both devices are on and Discoverable. On the reading computer, make note which COM port is used so you can set it in whatever software you are using.
What else? Passkey—don’t need it unless you want a false sense of security. If you can leave it blank, do. If you need to type something, I usually type “1”. You may need to type four zeros 0000. If you are linking a GPS, let the COM port be a Serial Port. On Windows Mobile 2005, you need to have the computer establish a New Outgoing Port. (Intuitively, you think you need a new incoming port, but that isn’t the case.)
Can one GPS be read by two computers? No. Again, think of Bluetooth like a USB cable, can’t split that either.
Finally, you should know there are two classes of Bluetooth (with more in the works). Class 1 is more expensive and gives a range of about 100 meters. Most computers have a Class 2 chip which is good for about 10 meters. Since Bluetooth runs on radio frequencies, you don’t have to be visible to both devices. However, you do need a well-charged battery as it is a bit of a drain and will affect the communication.
Tags: Bluetooth, Communication, WiFi
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October 4, 2007 at 12:57 am
This is helpful stuff… Thanks for sharing!