Member Since: 10 Aug 2012
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 331
Bluetooth serial connection to Faultmate MSV2
Whilst I love my Faultmate MSV2 I found I was always getting hung up on the cable to the PC so noted that BBS sell a Bluetooth module and thought it was very cool. Unfortunately the LM-058 which they sell is discontinued in the US and the shipping cost from Cyprus seemed painful so I looked around on the manufacturer's web site for alternatives and found the smaller cousin LM-048 which fleaBay conspired to sell me for $20.
The main problem I had to resolve was a somewhat flaky BT connection to the module, sometimes it would appear the virtual serial port closed itself (which I originally thought was the BBS software) resulting in lost connection to the functions in the Vehicle Explorer. A couple of other forum members mentioned they had experienced similar teething problems with the official BBS module but a new laptop fixed it.
As the most common brand of Bluetooth chip in laptops seems to be Broadcom, it seemed likely the problem was less to do with new laptop hardware but more the Bluetooth "stack" which handled the hardware/OS communication. In my case, my Lenovo didn't seem happy. I'd seen reports that BlueSoleil sell an independent solution but in the meantime I discovered that the Toshiba software was rated the best of the bunch and found in the darker corners of the Interweb a version which would install on any Broadcom equipped laptop.
So with protective goggles, lab coat and rubber gloves I went ahead and used my Lenovo as a test subject and I am pleased to say it resulted in a rock steady connection which even survived transfers of firmware between the PC and the MSV2.
Still waiting for the grin to wear off...
If anybody wants some help setting this up please PM me. Oh and far from BBS being annoyed at my sourcing hardware elsewhere, they were pleased that there was a possible solution for people who had bought their Bluetooth module from them and had problems with making it work....
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