Bluetooth dongles and headsets

Andreas Michligk · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 5

Hi group,

I just read that the EPoX Bluetooth Dongle BT-DG02 will work with Bluetooth
headsets such as the M1000 by Plantronics. My question: Will other dongles
(such as the MSI PC2PC) do the same? Do they support the headset profile?
Or is the EPoX something "special" in that regard?

Thanks in advance,
Andy

Archived from group: alt>cellular>bluetooth

Andreas Michligk · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 5

"Mauricio Freitas" wrote in$9f7.1574362@news02.tsnz.net:

> All widcomm dongles (almost, except a few) with software version 1.3
> and up will support headsets.
>
> Have a look in our Guides on how to setup and other things...
>
> --
> Mauricio Freitas
> Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
> Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
>

Hi,

thanks for your reply and pardon my ignorance (I am pretty new to BT) ...
what do you mean by "widcomm dongles"? I think I read that "widcomm" is
some sort of software bundled with certain BT dongles, is that correct?
And if so, is it possible to get that software standalone and apply it to
BT standard dongles that do not come with it?

Thanks again,
Andy

Tony Clark · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 48

Widcomm is one of the more common providers of BT drivers. Many of the USB
dongles out there use Widcomm SW. As far as I know it is not possible to buy
the Widcomm SW by itself unless you are some sort of developer. It would
appear that the newer versions of the Widcomm stack are passkey protected
for each vendor. There have been instructions floating around on how to hack
the stack so you can use the newer drivers with dongles from companies that
have not yet released the new sw versions.

I have also had first hand experience with the Belkin dongles, specifically
the F8T001 and while the SW supports the Headset profile I cannot get the
headet to actually produce any audio. It pairs with the Belkin dongle just
fine but no sound. I have been advised by Belkin that this dongle cannot
support the headset profile since it is lacking in some necessary hardware.
I don't know if that is true but I and others have not been able to get it
to work yet.

Cheers
TC

"Andreas Michligk" wrote in message@130.133.1.4...
> "Mauricio Freitas" wrote in
> $9f7.1574362@news02.tsnz.net:
>
> > All widcomm dongles (almost, except a few) with software version 1.3
> > and up will support headsets.
> >
> > Have a look in our Guides on how to setup and other things...
> >
> > --
> > Mauricio Freitas
> > Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
> > Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
> >
>
> Hi,
>
> thanks for your reply and pardon my ignorance (I am pretty new to BT) ...
> what do you mean by "widcomm dongles"? I think I read that "widcomm" is
> some sort of software bundled with certain BT dongles, is that correct?
> And if so, is it possible to get that software standalone and apply it to
> BT standard dongles that do not come with it?
>
> Thanks again,
> Andy
>

Andreas Michligk · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 5

"Tony Clark" wrote in$Jh2.231@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net:

> Widcomm is one of the more common providers of BT drivers. Many of the
> USB dongles out there use Widcomm SW. As far as I know it is not
> possible to buy the Widcomm SW by itself unless you are some sort of
> developer. It would appear that the newer versions of the Widcomm
> stack are passkey protected for each vendor. There have been
> instructions floating around on how to hack the stack so you can use
> the newer drivers with dongles from companies that have not yet
> released the new sw versions.
>
> I have also had first hand experience with the Belkin dongles,
> specifically the F8T001 and while the SW supports the Headset profile
> I cannot get the headet to actually produce any audio. It pairs with
> the Belkin dongle just fine but no sound. I have been advised by
> Belkin that this dongle cannot support the headset profile since it is
> lacking in some necessary hardware. I don't know if that is true but I
> and others have not been able to get it to work yet.
>
> Cheers
> TC

Hi Tony,

thanks for your help. That shed quite a bit of light on the subject for
me Smile

I just had a look at some of the dongles on my list and it seems
that most do indeed use the widcomm stack. So I probably will go and buy
eithe the EPoX one or the MSI PC2PC (is by far the cheapest and still
gets good reviews).

Greets,
Andy

Mauricio Freitas · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 99

All widcomm dongles (almost, except a few) with software version 1.3 and up
will support headsets.

Have a look in our Guides on how to setup and other things...

--
Mauricio Freitas
Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449

"Andreas Michligk" wrote in message@130.133.1.4...
> Hi group,
>
> I just read that the EPoX Bluetooth Dongle BT-DG02 will work with
Bluetooth
> headsets such as the M1000 by Plantronics. My question: Will other dongles
> (such as the MSI PC2PC) do the same? Do they support the headset profile?
> Or is the EPoX something "special" in that regard?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Andy

Seneca · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 4

Haven't seen any feedback on this dongle. But, have seen several threads on
the Plantronics regarding weak audio and connectivity problems.

I'd advise going with devices that have been proven to work. I have the TDK
and D-Link adapters and the HBH-35 headset. The adapters connected with the
headset on the first try and audio from my pc was transferred successfully.

However, if this is the only bluetooth service that you require, your money
and time is better spent with more traditional solutions.

"Andreas Michligk" wrote in message@130.133.1.4...
> "Tony Clark" wrote in
> $Jh2.231@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net:
>
> > Widcomm is one of the more common providers of BT drivers. Many of the
> > USB dongles out there use Widcomm SW. As far as I know it is not
> > possible to buy the Widcomm SW by itself unless you are some sort of
> > developer. It would appear that the newer versions of the Widcomm
> > stack are passkey protected for each vendor. There have been
> > instructions floating around on how to hack the stack so you can use
> > the newer drivers with dongles from companies that have not yet
> > released the new sw versions.
> >
> > I have also had first hand experience with the Belkin dongles,
> > specifically the F8T001 and while the SW supports the Headset profile
> > I cannot get the headet to actually produce any audio. It pairs with
> > the Belkin dongle just fine but no sound. I have been advised by
> > Belkin that this dongle cannot support the headset profile since it is
> > lacking in some necessary hardware. I don't know if that is true but I
> > and others have not been able to get it to work yet.
> >
> > Cheers
> > TC
>
> Hi Tony,
>
> thanks for your help. That shed quite a bit of light on the subject for
> me Smile

I just had a look at some of the dongles on my list and it seems
> that most do indeed use the widcomm stack. So I probably will go and buy

> eithe the EPoX one or the MSI PC2PC (is by far the cheapest and still
> gets good reviews).
>
> Greets,
> Andy
>
>
>

Andreas Michligk · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 5

Seneca wrote:

> Haven't seen any feedback on this dongle. But, have seen several threads on
> the Plantronics regarding weak audio and connectivity problems.

Hi,

hmmm, I have read quite the contrary about the Plantronics headset which
is the reason I cheaply bought it on ebay. So far I have not had any
probs with it in terms of sound quality with my Nokia 6310i. Only thing
is - and that might be what you heard about poor connectivity - that it
seems that the headset will terminate an active connection to my mobile
quite quickly. It will then still be coupled and will connect on the fly
when I manually press a button on the headset but an incoming call to my
mobile will then not automatically forwarded to the headset. I find that
a drawback especially when I run around the office with my headset on
and the mobile sitting in another room ... or the mobile in the trunk of
the car with me driving with the headset on Smile

Greets,
Andy

Mauricio Freitas · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 99

Thanks for Tony's explanation - very cool.

As per Seneca posting, I do have a TDK on my desktop and use it with a
Ericsson HBH-020 and a Jabra BT200. They both worked very well, but don't
expect the best sound in the world - for intensive thing like game
environment sound you'll miss lots (mono) and might get some break ups in
the sound now and then (CPU usage).

I've noticed on an old CPU that when CPU usage goes near 100% the Bluetooth
stack disconnects some devices. It doesn't happen on my lates desktop
though.

--
Mauricio Freitas
Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449

"Seneca" wrote in message@comcast.com...
> Haven't seen any feedback on this dongle. But, have seen several threads
on
> the Plantronics regarding weak audio and connectivity problems.
>
> I'd advise going with devices that have been proven to work. I have the
TDK
> and D-Link adapters and the HBH-35 headset. The adapters connected with
the
> headset on the first try and audio from my pc was transferred
successfully.
>
> However, if this is the only bluetooth service that you require, your
money
> and time is better spent with more traditional solutions.
>
> "Andreas Michligk" wrote in message
> @130.133.1.4...
> > "Tony Clark" wrote in
> > $Jh2.231@newsread4.news.pas.earthlink.net:
> >
> > > Widcomm is one of the more common providers of BT drivers. Many of the
> > > USB dongles out there use Widcomm SW. As far as I know it is not
> > > possible to buy the Widcomm SW by itself unless you are some sort of
> > > developer. It would appear that the newer versions of the Widcomm
> > > stack are passkey protected for each vendor. There have been
> > > instructions floating around on how to hack the stack so you can use
> > > the newer drivers with dongles from companies that have not yet
> > > released the new sw versions.
> > >
> > > I have also had first hand experience with the Belkin dongles,
> > > specifically the F8T001 and while the SW supports the Headset profile
> > > I cannot get the headet to actually produce any audio. It pairs with
> > > the Belkin dongle just fine but no sound. I have been advised by
> > > Belkin that this dongle cannot support the headset profile since it is
> > > lacking in some necessary hardware. I don't know if that is true but I
> > > and others have not been able to get it to work yet.
> > >
> > > Cheers
> > > TC
> >
> > Hi Tony,
> >
> > thanks for your help. That shed quite a bit of light on the subject for
> > me Smile

I just had a look at some of the dongles on my list and it seems
> > that most do indeed use the widcomm stack. So I probably will go and buy
>
> > eithe the EPoX one or the MSI PC2PC (is by far the cheapest and still
> > gets good reviews).
> >
> > Greets,
> > Andy
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Seneca · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 4

Andy,

By your posting, it seemed that you were looking just for a wireless audio
solution for your pc. I'm glad to see that you're primarily looking for
functionality with your mobile.

Mauricio and Tony have provided excellent, experienced advice. My HBH-35
when connected to my pc works as Mauricio noted. That is, reception is not
in stereo and when a program kicks up CPU usage, the transmission becomes
quite distorted although I've not experienced this to disconnect my
connection. Therefore, not the ideal solution with gaming or listening to
streaming audio, etc.

I have tried to use my headset with netmeeting and yahoo messenger; however,
between internet bandwidth fluctuations (note that I use a cable modem)
coupled with CPU crunching at the same time, the intermittent distortions
can be frustrating.

Personally, in my efforts to find a headset and a dongle that works with my
3650, I researched and tried many models. I could have saved a lot of time,
frustration and expense if I had simply followed the advice from the
experiences of other users.

As for the Plantronics, I researched this option and reviews made me a
little wary in trying. In particular, the review from mobileburn was of
interest:

http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=312

Good luck on how it all works out. I'm also interested in hearing of other
options as newer devices are released, so keep us up to date!

Cheers!

"Andreas Michligk" wrote in message@gmx.de...
> Seneca wrote:
>
> > Haven't seen any feedback on this dongle. But, have seen several
threads on
> > the Plantronics regarding weak audio and connectivity problems.
>
> Hi,
>
> hmmm, I have read quite the contrary about the Plantronics headset which
> is the reason I cheaply bought it on ebay. So far I have not had any
> probs with it in terms of sound quality with my Nokia 6310i. Only thing
> is - and that might be what you heard about poor connectivity - that it
> seems that the headset will terminate an active connection to my mobile
> quite quickly. It will then still be coupled and will connect on the fly
> when I manually press a button on the headset but an incoming call to my
> mobile will then not automatically forwarded to the headset. I find that
> a drawback especially when I run around the office with my headset on
> and the mobile sitting in another room ... or the mobile in the trunk of
> the car with me driving with the headset on Smile

>
> Greets,
> Andy
>
>
>

Seneca · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 4

Sorry, Andy-

Should've specified my concerns after reading the MobileBurn article which
was the earloop build features.

After experiencing this same problem (as well as everyone else) while trying
the HDW-2, the alarms went off to stay away. As with the HDW-2 and the
price you pay, one would not expect such a design flaw.

Hope you don't have the same problem or at least your retailer provides a
100% satisfaction guarantee and allows return without any type of restocking
fees. This has always been my purchasing practice. You may not get the
lowest price, but I've found that the discounts have never been enough to
outweigh the potential costs should the device prove to be incompatible with
specific devices you're using and you wish to return.

Cheers!
"Seneca" wrote in message@comcast.com...
> Andy,
>
> By your posting, it seemed that you were looking just for a wireless audio
> solution for your pc. I'm glad to see that you're primarily looking for
> functionality with your mobile.
>
> Mauricio and Tony have provided excellent, experienced advice. My HBH-35
> when connected to my pc works as Mauricio noted. That is, reception is
not
> in stereo and when a program kicks up CPU usage, the transmission becomes
> quite distorted although I've not experienced this to disconnect my
> connection. Therefore, not the ideal solution with gaming or listening to
> streaming audio, etc.
>
> I have tried to use my headset with netmeeting and yahoo messenger;
however,
> between internet bandwidth fluctuations (note that I use a cable modem)
> coupled with CPU crunching at the same time, the intermittent distortions
> can be frustrating.
>
> Personally, in my efforts to find a headset and a dongle that works with
my
> 3650, I researched and tried many models. I could have saved a lot of
time,
> frustration and expense if I had simply followed the advice from the
> experiences of other users.
>
> As for the Plantronics, I researched this option and reviews made me a
> little wary in trying. In particular, the review from mobileburn was of
> interest:
>
> http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=312
>
> Good luck on how it all works out. I'm also interested in hearing of
other
> options as newer devices are released, so keep us up to date!
>
> Cheers!
>
> "Andreas Michligk" wrote in message
> @gmx.de...
> > Seneca wrote:
> >
> > > Haven't seen any feedback on this dongle. But, have seen several
> threads on
> > > the Plantronics regarding weak audio and connectivity problems.
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > hmmm, I have read quite the contrary about the Plantronics headset which
> > is the reason I cheaply bought it on ebay. So far I have not had any
> > probs with it in terms of sound quality with my Nokia 6310i. Only thing
> > is - and that might be what you heard about poor connectivity - that it
> > seems that the headset will terminate an active connection to my mobile
> > quite quickly. It will then still be coupled and will connect on the fly
> > when I manually press a button on the headset but an incoming call to my
> > mobile will then not automatically forwarded to the headset. I find that
> > a drawback especially when I run around the office with my headset on
> > and the mobile sitting in another room ... or the mobile in the trunk of
> > the car with me driving with the headset on Smile

> >
> > Greets,
> > Andy
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Andreas · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 1

HI!,

thanks for all that information. I come to the conclusion that I would not
buy the M1000 again if I had the choice not heeding the price. But since i
only paid 56 bucks on ebay for it I can say I am satisfied with what I got
for my money Smile

Now the next step will be to get a widcomm using dongle to also use the
headset for my computer ...

Cheerio,

Andy

DG · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 1

I would also like useful feedback on this topic please.

I have SE-T610 and would find a BT headset useful.

In addition, I use Dragon SimplySpeaking voice dictation software at home
and work to good effect. This does demand a good quality microphone.

A BT headset that fulfils both would be ideal, especially as I am fed up of
pulling the wired headset off every time I get up from my desk, forgetting
it was there!

Any recommendations?

Thanks.
DG.

"Andreas" wrote in message$8o37c$1@ID-129006.news.uni-berlin.de...
> HI!,
>
> thanks for all that information. I come to the conclusion that I would not
> buy the M1000 again if I had the choice not heeding the price. But since i
> only paid 56 bucks on ebay for it I can say I am satisfied with what I got
> for my money Smile

>
> Now the next step will be to get a widcomm using dongle to also use the
> headset for my computer ...
>
> Cheerio,
>
> Andy
>
>
>

Tony Clark · Joined: 25 Jul 2007 Posts: 48

The only recommendation I have is NOT to use a BT headset for voice
dictation. There can be several problems not the least of which is that not
every BT dongle for the PC will support high quality audio from a BT
microphone (or any audio as the case may be). Furthermore, reports are such
that audio quality from a BT device tends to suffer when CPU usage goes up.

I think as these devices mature we will see better quality audio as well as
stereo audio from BT headsets but we're not there yet.

Cheers
TC

"DG" wrote in message$4L1.69305@wards.force9.net...
> I would also like useful feedback on this topic please.
>
> I have SE-T610 and would find a BT headset useful.
>
> In addition, I use Dragon SimplySpeaking voice dictation software at home
> and work to good effect. This does demand a good quality microphone.
>
> A BT headset that fulfils both would be ideal, especially as I am fed up
of
> pulling the wired headset off every time I get up from my desk, forgetting
> it was there!
>
> Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks.
> DG.
>
> "Andreas" wrote in message
> $8o37c$1@ID-129006.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > HI!,
> >
> > thanks for all that information. I come to the conclusion that I would
not
> > buy the M1000 again if I had the choice not heeding the price. But since
i
> > only paid 56 bucks on ebay for it I can say I am satisfied with what I
got
> > for my money Smile

> >
> > Now the next step will be to get a widcomm using dongle to also use the
> > headset for my computer ...
> >
> > Cheerio,
> >
> > Andy
> >
> >
> >
>
>