RK2 Bluetooth Wireless Setup Instructions?

[dja1980]

Have there been any threads in the past in this forum discussing how to setup a bluetooth wireless connection using one of those IOGEAR bluetooth serial adapters (http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GBS301)? From other threads I've seen, it appears that several people have their RK2s setup this way.

If a setup thread does exist, could someone give me the link? It also might be worth stickying at the top of the Digital Aquatics forum... took me 4 hours just to figure out that I was using the wrong baud rate :confused:

If a setup thread doesn't exist, maybe we should consider creating one for those who plan on setting this up in the future? I'm finally connected, but still have some bugs I'd like to get worked out. I'd love to see a thread dedicated to bouncing issues/successes off of other people using a bluetooth wireless connection.

[kh6sat]

There was one about three months ago. I have an IO Gear Bluetooth serial adapter running on my MyReef. What kind of problem(s) are you having?

[etrigo29]

k6sat and I spent a better part of a night figuring this stuff out and I live in Kansas City and he's in Hawaii. I do got some documentation, especially setting up myReef and customizing it.

Just give me or kh6sat a hollar if you need some help

[dja1980]

Is there any way to get the computer to connect to the Bluetooth adapter automatically? I'm using an IOGEAR Bluetooth USB adapter (http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GBU311) to communicate with the Bluetooth serial adapter. It seems that the only way to get communication started between the two is to use the provided software that came with the USB adapter and manually tell them to connect. Ideally, I'd like to be able to turn on my computer and have the Bluetooth connection be automatic as if the RK2 was plugged directly into the back of my computer.

Also, what are your settings for the serial adapter? I'm using:
Baud Rate: 115200
Master/Slave: Slave

Is this correct?

[kh6sat]

The software that came with my "receiver" end of the bluetooth system (the part that connects to the computer) allows me to run a program of my choice when the bluetooth software boots up. You do have to have this software in the "startup" portion of you computer directory. I use a Zoom Bluetooth adapter on my computer. The IO Serial adapter is on the RK2.

[kh6sat]

I'll have to check my settings on the Serial Adapter when I get home. Your speed is correct.

[kh6sat]

I was searching some old threads, the IO Serial Adapter should be set to .... SW1 and SW2 ON. SW3 and SW4 OFF. I'll confirm this when I get home.

[dja1980]

Yep... 1 & 2 ON, 3 & 4 OFF... that's what I have too.

The software that came with my "receiver" does start up automatically, but doesn't connect to the serial adapter automatically.

When I start my computer, there's a little Bluetooth logo in my Windows System Tray, which turns green once the connection is made. To turn it green, I have to:

Open "My Bluetooth Places" (on Desktop)
Click "View Devices In Range"
Click the serial adapter from the list of found devices
Click the available service offered by the adapter (Slave Serial Port)
It then connects (turning the Bluetooth logo green) and gives me a popup telling me what COM port it's using (always COM 5).

Once the connection is made, I can open myReef and connect to RK2.

I'm thinking maybe I should give IOGEAR a call to see if there's a way to force an automatic connection?

[kh6sat]

Thats alot of work to get it going! Yes, I would call IO Gear and see if its possible. If not, change receivers I guess.

[dja1980]

Ok... good news and bad news...

I reinstalled the IOGEAR software last night and discovered now that when I open myReef WITHOUT connecting to the serial adapter first, the connection is automatically made... Great!

However, I have seemed to stumble upon a new problem... When I set myReef to "Auto Start on Boot", myReef seems to want to create/use files (default.mdb, schedule.mdb, myReef.set) in a different folder. These are redundant files already created in the myReef folder. myReef will only use the files in the myReef folder if the “auto started” program is closed and reopened. It then automatically starts using the myReef folder files.

We have 3 users on our computer setup with Windows XP… Dave, Vanessa, and Nyomi. The folder myReef uses when the “Auto Start on Boot” option is used is:

C:\Documents and Settings\Dave

When I close myReef and reopen, the folder myReef uses is:

C:\Program Files\Digital Aquatics\myReef

I’ve tried a few different things, but ultimately, I’m afraid I’m going to have data spread out amongst two different files. And, I wonder what happens if I restart the computer and open one of the other “Users” first… haven’t tried that yet.

[etrigo29]

you need to move the shortcut to the folder that loads programs on startup. I'm on my vista computer right now so I can't tell you what exactly its called, but if you move it there it'll fix it

[etrigo29]

i guess vista as the same folder, so either if your running xp or vista just move it to that folder and you'll be money

yeah it happened to me and after a while I got it to work, but that fix is much easier

[dja1980]

Thanks etrigo! That definitely fixed the problem. The only minor issue this causes is if someone restarts the computer other than me and my Windows account isn't opened again, myReef doesn't data log until I log in again. This is nothing major though, and at this point I'm not going to be picky!

[rioreef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11688886#post11688886 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by etrigo29
you need to move the shortcut to the folder that loads programs on startup.

Do you then uncheck the "Auto Start on Boot" in myReef?

[dja1980]

Nope... I left it checked. By pasting all the myReef files in my Windows user account folder, it simplifies things by preventing the other users from automatically opening another instance of the program.

I'm thinking that if you wanted the other users to also automatically start on boot (to prevent the issue I mentioned in my last post), you could also past a copy of the myReef executable in the other user account folders. You would just have to make sure the data base location is still pointing back to the original user account folder to prevent redundant data logs. I haven't tried this yet, so no guarantees.

[k9doog]

Hi, maybe someone can help me out, i have RK2, whit Iogear, and is conected whit my PC, no problem, but when i open My Reef it said "NOT DETECTED", i think the setup PC-Iogear is right, they have comunication between them. If i conect RK2 throw USB My Reef work well, some one know what iam doing wrong???? Please help...whit this wireless setup, i use Windows Vista.

[kc350twin]

I have connection issues as well. Bump for some help.

[kh6sat]

IO Gear's 4 switches should be ON ON OFF OFF respectively.
MyReef setting should be set for COM40.
Not sure first hand if it works on Vista but I think I've read on Digital Aquatics forum that it does work on Vista.

Of course I am now having problems with my RK2 talking to my computer wirelessly. This occured after I had a water leak and blew a circuit breaker in the house. I'll probably reload the firmware and see if that works.

[shred5]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11670592#post11670592 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kh6sat
The software that came with my "receiver" end of the bluetooth system (the part that connects to the computer) allows me to run a program of my choice when the bluetooth software boots up. You do have to have this software in the "startup" portion of you computer directory. I use a Zoom Bluetooth adapter on my computer. The IO Serial adapter is on the RK2.

which zoom blue tooth adapter is it...

Thanks
Dave

[kh6sat]

4320 or 4321 .... will have to check when I get home.

[kh6sat]

Model Number of my Zoom Bluetooth USB Adapter is 4310B.

[shred5]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11926385#post11926385 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kh6sat
Model Number of my Zoom Bluetooth USB Adapter is 4310B.

Thank you..

Dave

[ooja3k]

would it be possible to do a serial -> usb adapter -> wireless usb adapter??? and then connect it to your home network?

[etrigo29]

i don't see why not, but i've always been on to try to simplify things. The more things in a system the more likely its to have issues, and then it becomes harder to diagnose. Just my opinion though, I think your better off with the serial bluetooth adaptor

[sapsap]

I have the same problem. Just got my RK2 and not connected. I'm using a wireless laptap. And have a bulit in bluetooth. Do I stil need to get IO gear BT USB adaptor?
Can't get it to work. I plug in RK2 module to the controller which says REMOTE. I have RJ11 serial adapter, whick I can't connect to laptap because they are.both female attachment And I have a phone cable that came with it which I don't know where to connect. Please help. Do I need to get a splitter?

[KEstep]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11916605#post11916605 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kh6sat
IO Gear's 4 switches should be ON ON OFF OFF respectively.
MyReef setting should be set for COM40.
Not sure first hand if it works on Vista but I think I've read on Digital Aquatics forum that it does work on Vista.

Of course I am now having problems with my RK2 talking to my computer wirelessly. This occured after I had a water leak and blew a circuit breaker in the house. I'll probably reload the firmware and see if that works.

It does work on Vista. I use a logitech bluetooth usb adapter that came with my dinovo keyboard and mouse. It works perfect with the logitech software. The COM setting is going to be set by whatever the bluetooth software sets it as. Mine uses COM 3.

[shackscs]

Does anyone have a start to finish guide on setting up the bluetooth wireless connection?

This could prove to be very helpful for others including my self who are about to purchase a RK2.

[dja1980]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12302065#post12302065 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shackscs
Does anyone have a start to finish guide on setting up the bluetooth wireless connection?
That was the reason I started this thread, but was told a thread already existed... I never found it. I do think that a thread with step-by-step instructions on setting up a bluetooth wireless connection with RK2 would be helpful.

I do have mine functioning now, so that's a plus!

[shackscs]

So maybe it can start with you.

How did you do it?

[shackscs]

Ok, so I picked up the IOGear Serial wireless adaptor and can not get the connection completed.

The adaptor is setup as:

On On Off Off
Baud rate: 115200
Com Port 3

The Bluetooth software is:

IVT BlueSoleil

I also have it setup for:

Com 3

And 115200 baud rate.

Both the Dongel and the adaptor are blinking.

The software does not see the adaptor. because none of the options are available.

What software\hardware has anyone used for their computer to connect up with the IOGear adaptor?

Any sugestions??

[xdfireguy]

If I can get mine up and running I will post it. However, I am having problems reseting the adaptor. As I bought it used, it did not come with the connector (M/M or F/F, i forget which). Apparently, you need to connect it directly to the serial port on your PC to reset the unit.

If you don't have it, I can post a link to the IOGear manual.

[shackscs]

I have the manual. I replaced my bluetooth dongle and that solved some of the problems that I was having. I have not had a chance to do anything else with the unit yet.

I have not even setup the controler.

The bluetooth software did pair with the controller but could not communicate with it.

I did not know about the direct connection thing. I might try that first and then work on the bluetooth setup.

Let me know how you make out and I will post here also.

[shackscs]

Still having a problem with connecting. I can pair with the USB device but I can not connect to it.

Anyone have any ideas?

I did connect the RK2 directly to my desktop PC and it worked fine, but I realy need for the Bluetooth to work for my laptop.

[dja1980]

I wish I could help. I have the IOGEAR Bluetooth USB Adapter, which connects to the IOGEAR Serial Adapter automatically. I'm not sure if it connects automatcially because everything is the same brand or not. Have other people had success with different brands?

[shackscs]

I will pick up one tomorrow. The simpliest of solutions.

Wish me luck.

[etrigo29]

http://swfishtank.com/

I hope that helps a bit. I made the manual, so if there are questions please feel free. I don't have the bluetooth adaptor anymore, but if I should remember it if you have a specific question

[digitalaquatics.com]

sapsap,

The connection on the PC that you're talking about is not a serial port. It's most likely a monitor port, that's why they make them different genders. You'll need a USB to serial adapter. There is wiring diagram in the myReef manual that you can look at.

[sapsap]

I bought a IOGear serial adaptor on,on,off,off baud rate 115200, went automaticaly to Com Port 6.
I have connection, if I directly connect to my laptap. Wireless not at all.
By the way, Switch 1,2,3,4. is up means on and down off ? Out of curiosity. The manual did not say which way is on and off.

[usmcsgt]

So what brand does everyone recommend for the bluetooth serial port adapter?

[Ken Good]

I am in the process of plumbing a new tank and getting it ready for rock and water next week. I have a RK2 that will be running the system. I was able to set up the controller to connect wireleessly to my computer today. The bluetooth serial adapter did not have any switches on it and I thought that I had messed up, but everything worked great. The one piece of advice that I would add to what everyone else has said is that when you are making changes to the adapter, be sure and reset it or turn it off and back on. I think I wasted a lot of time because I could not get it to work, but suddenly it started when I decide to try a lot of little things and started restarting the adapter and suddenly it started working.

It is a real geeky addition and I am very proud of it.