Post by thread:[OT]: Bluetooth

Here are the options I have seen so far: 1) Pre-made module - Everything included, just hookup I2C or a UART to it and go. certified 1.1 stack, and FCC compliance all built-in. 2) Half-made module - Everything but software - Write your own BT stack and then try and get it certified to be compliant. 3) DIY - Buy a chipset and make it yourself - Write your own software again, and also go out and get FCC approval for your device. I am just chomping at the bit to do some bluetooth....but the stuff I've seen so far is too expensive. The pre-made modules seem like the way to go, because I am not to thrilled about writing my own stack from the spec.....but then... it's like $70-100 for the modules...even in quantity. Ok....so I design a device with a $70 bt module in it...great...then what. I just tripled the manufacturing cost of the embedded product, just so I can have bluetooth? Seen any other options I should be contemplating? I would love to add bluetooth to a device, providing I could get the cost of adding it down to less than $20 per unit. -Ted {Original Message removed}

Hi Ted, I am using pre-made bluetooth modules using CSR chipset, http://www.csr.com, on one of my clients. They are buying at about $12-13 in 1K quantities. The total chipset cost is only about $10 if mounted/soldered by themself. But needs calibration, testing and separate BQB approval for the hardware. Reggie {Original Message removed}

Reggie, Thanks for the reply. It's funny you should mention the CSR product. I was literally just browsing their website right when I noticed your post. It looks pretty nice. Did you have to buy some kind of developers kit? If so...how much did that run? I have seen some modules where the kit is like $6k, and you have to program the darn thing in assembly. Thanks, - Ted {Original Message removed}

Hi Ted, I ordered the development kit (bluelab) 2 years ago. Costs about $1K that time. I think their entry level kit is now about $3K now. It is based on gcc C compiler. Development is in cygwin environment. Comes with a bluetooth module, ready made example programs for headset, audio gateway, serial port replacement, webserver/fileserver and some test programs. I have no need to add a pic for functionality because it can run independently using VM (virtual machine) mode with access upto RFCOMM library. Most of the pre-made modules and USB dongles I've seen are based on CSR chipset. regards, Reggie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ted Larson" <spam_OUTtedTakeThisOuTLARSONLAND.COM> To: <.....PICLISTKILLspam@spam@MITVMA.MIT.EDU> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2003 2:36 PM Subject: Re: [OT]: Bluetooth {Quote hidden}> Reggie, > > Thanks for the reply. It's funny you should mention the CSR product. > I was literally just browsing their website right when I noticed > your post. It looks pretty nice. > > Did you have to buy some kind of developers kit? If so...how > much did that run? I have seen some modules where the kit is > like $6k, and you have to program the darn thing in assembly. > > Thanks, > > - Ted > > > {Original Message removed}