I've read a number of posts asking about how to make Bluetooth
sync,
transfer files, and
browse the internet with BT enabled desktops and laptops. Today I borrowed a BT USB adapter for my laptop so I could see firsthand what all the hubbub was about. I came to find that the setup was not difficult after properly configuring both the laptop and the Axim.
Here is a reference guide for all the BT users to go by to get their X51v (and likely X5x series on
Windows Mobile 5) to work. Note that my dongle is an el cheapo TrendNET
TBW-101UB with
BlueSoleil software; some tasks will be simplified (host serial port config) since the exact procedure will be different among the various client softwares out there. I am using
ROM A06 on the Axim and
Activesync 4.1 on Windows XP SP2.
Step 1: Update Drivers
The drivers for my USB Bluetooth dongle were incapable of communicating with the Axim at first. I downloaded updated drivers and was able to connect with them. Update your BT drivers if you haven't already from the manufacturer's site. This would be from your laptop manufacturer if BT is built-in and from the third party if BT is an add-on.
Step 2: Initialize BT on the Devices
Turn on BT on the Axim and make the device discoverable. Turn on BT on your host computer and make it discoverable. On the host computer, search for new BT devices. It will find the Axim. Tell the host computer to set up a new connection to the Axim, or pair it. You should set up a passkey. After the pair is established on the host, the Axim should ask you if you want to add the host to the device list. Say yes, and it will prompt you for a passkey. Type the passkey you chose and hit next. If the Axim did not ask you to add the host, you can manually do it from BT settings-->Devices tab-->New Partnership. It will scan for the host and request the passkey. Enter it and the host appears in the Devices list on the Axim.
Step 3: Set up BT Ports
The BT software on my host automatically setup serial ports to use for connections. Some of you will have to manually set up the incoming and outgoing serial ports. Establish the ports on your host computer for the Axim to use in your BT management utility. You will NOT have to set up Incoming/Outgoing ports on your Axim.
In the host computer's Activesync, go to File-->Connection Settings... Check the box to allow connections to one of the following and choose the incoming port you set up. On the Axim, search for available services on the host through the Devices tab of the Bluetooth settings. Activesync was available for me so I checked it and hit save. If Activesync is not available in the services list, redouble your efforts in the host BT serial port configuration options and ensure you chose the correct serial port in the host's Activesync Connection Settings.
Step 4: Set up Activesync on the Axim
Open Activesync on your Axim and go to the Menu. Tap Connect Via Bluetooth. Your Axim and host will initiate an Activesync connection. To transfer files, use the Explore button from the host computer's Activesync window or browse the device from your My Computer. Once a sync session is established, the Axim will use it to browse the internet through the host's internet connection.
Enjoy!!!
*If you have suggestions for additions/clarifications to this guide, please PM me.