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Dbt120

NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
edited 2006-01-28 01:20 in General Discussion
Question - if I install a DBT120 on my desktop PC and another on my workbench PC, could those two computers talk to one another?· What I really want to do is transfer Stamp files back and forth.

Sid

Comments

  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2006-01-23 15:25
    Sid,

    ·· Wouldn't it be better to just network both computers?· Networking equipment is cheap nowadays.· In fact, many people can network two current computers with nothing more than a $5.00 crossover cable, since most computers built in the last few years have Ethernet connectors on-board.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
    csavage@parallax.com
  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2006-01-23 15:34
    Thanks for the reply, Chris.

    Networking the two computers with a cable would be physically difficult because of their respective locations.· Plus I have a third computer in the shop, about 25 feet and two walls away.· Believe me, the additional expense of the adapters would be wll worth the convenience.· I just want to know if it will work before I go any buy them.· All I want to be able to do is send files from one computer to another instead of using my little Cruzer memory stick.· I would like to reserve the Cruzer for backup.

    Sid
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2006-01-23 15:57
    To be honest Sid I don't know that much about Bluetooth devices.· I myself would consider an 802.11b/g wirless network, but maybe someone else can offer more information to you.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
    csavage@parallax.com
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2006-01-23 17:12
    Many years ago (before there where any bluetooth products) I sat in on a seminar by Motorola (one of the companies that participated in the development of Bluetooth). Bluetooth was originally conceived as a PAN (Personal Area Network), as such the original design only anticipated a range of a few meters. Since then various companies have expanded the range, but I would be reticent to rely upon the technology as a PC to PC interface beyond the original intended distance (and at that range its easier to run CAT5 cable). Going with one of the 802.11 technologies seems like a better way to connect PCs seperated by physical barriers.

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    ·1+1=10
  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2006-01-23 17:21
    Thanks for the post, Paul.

    The two computers I want to link are about 10-12 feet apart.· Would the DBT120 work?

    What is an 802.11 technology - never heard of it.

    Sid
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2006-01-23 17:27
    Sid,

    ·· 802.11 b/g refers to standard wireless networking such as you see with laptops.· You can buy wireless cards and even USB wireless network adapters for desktops and laptops alike.· My home network uses wired/wirless technology.· The laptops and my sons desktop are wireless, while my server is wired directly to the router, as is the printer (Network Printer).

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Tech Support
    csavage@parallax.com
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2006-01-23 17:45
    FWIW, Sid, I transfer files to and from my phone (via my PC) with the DBT120 -- I think if you configure both sides correctly you should be able to do what you want.

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2006-01-23 17:46
    I think whether Bluetooth will work for your specific application greatly depends on the composition of the barrier (wall). If it is wooden stud/sheet rock, then your chances of sucessful operation are fairly good (if you use a bluetooth unit designed to operate about 30' or so). If it is concrete or cinder block, the odds are deminished, and if there are metal studs in the wall, it likely won't work.

    A convenient work-around I have used more than once, is determining if there are electrical outlets on each side of the wall either between the same studs or adjacent studs, then purchasing 2 media outlets from the local hardware store with an electrical outlet and ethernet outlet (RJ-45), then connecting a pass-though CAT5 cable to both RJ-45 connectors (drilling a hole through the stud if one seperates the two outlets, or using the hole the electrician used to drop the power through if it is accessable), thereby creating an ethernet pass-through through the wall.

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    ·1+1=10
  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2006-01-23 17:52
    Thanks, Jon.· On that, I'll give it a shot.· Do I just follow the software instructions for configuration?

    Sid
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2006-01-23 18:14
    Yep. Then I set my phone to "discover" so it could be seen by the PC. Once a connection (with Password) was established, I could upload/download files to/from the phone just like another set of folders on my PC.

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2006-01-23 18:47
    How do you tell your phone where to download the file to?· Do you have a default "download" folder?



    Sid
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2006-01-23 18:53
    I don't -- the phone acts like a network drive for my PC. On the PC side I just grab and drag files from one folder (phone) to another (on PC).

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
  • John BondJohn Bond Posts: 369
    edited 2006-01-24 06:35
    Hi Sid

    I've never heard of a DBT120. Googling tells me it's a Bluetooth Dongle.

    We use a couple round the factory, the better ones claim a range of 50 yards. We've got good comms at 20 yards. The cheap ones claim 10 yards and we seem to get this OK (but not through walls). The difference in price between the good units and the cheap units is not much (even to us poor 3rd world people). Beats putting down wires in difficult and dirty areas.

    Setting the Bluetooth device the first time is usually frustrating but after that. its a piece of cake.

    Oh and downloading your Outlook Diary and Dixieland Jazz to your bluetooth phone is also quite easy.

    Good luck with your first set-up

    John Bond in Kwa Dukuza
  • NewzedNewzed Posts: 2,503
    edited 2006-01-27 17:21
    Well, I gave up on Bluetooth.· Bought two DBT120s, version B4, with CDROM Version 3.50.· Loaded but would not run.· After several calls to Tech Support, I found out I needed a Security Key.· Went to the site I was directed to, filled out the form, and it would not accept the device BD address.· E-mailed modulesecurity@broadband.com but never got an answer.· Deleted Bluetooth, installed a LinkSys Wireless-G Router and the Wireless-G Network Adapters and now I have all three computers networked, and it's working beautifully.· I can even access my mail on AOL from the shop computer.

    Just wanted to let you know about my Bluetooth experience.

    Sid
  • Jon WilliamsJon Williams Posts: 6,491
    edited 2006-01-28 01:20
    Yes, installing the DBT-120, especially on XP, is a MAJOR hassle. I, too, had to call Tech Support and, fortunately, had better luck than you. Once they gave me the correct information it took a while, but went much more smoothly.

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    Jon Williams
    Applications Engineer, Parallax
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