On Tue, 19 Sep 2006 22:51:28 -0700, Vitaliy wrote:
> We're currently shopping for a BT>RS232 converter to use as a
> serial cable replacement, with a BT>USB module similar to this one
> on the other end:
>
> http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=150
>
> The product we're plugging it into has +5V on pin 9 to power the
> module. The module has to be "transparent" as far as the device and
> the host application running on the PC are concerned.
>
> After doing some research, I can't believe how limited our options
> are. The modules I was able to find cost $49 in OEM quantities
> (compare that to $15 for BT>USB in _single_ quantities!).
>
> We will likely require thousands of these BT units, so it probably
> makes sense to either manufacture a BT>RS232 converter ourselves,
> or build a different version of the device with BT built-in. My
> experience with Bluetooth is rather limited, can someone point me
> in the right direction? Perhaps there are schematics for something
> like this already out there? I'd also love to hear about your
> experiences with different BT chips.

About this time last year I worked on a project that embedded a
bluetooth module. We found some modules for about $20 in 1000's.
Seems like 10K is the sweet spot and you can get something for more
like $15 then. You'll still have to do RS232 level conversion and a
3.3V local supply but that should be easy and inexpensive. Other than
that it should be transparent to the application.

We used the Blueradios module that Sparkfun uses because it's the
same footprint as the Roving Networks module. The A7 Engineering
module is attractive too, about $20 @1000 pcs. Almost all the modules
I looked at use the CSR chipset, it seems to be the most popular.

Here are some links to OEM bluetooth module suppliers, hopefully
they'll be helpful:

http://wintecind.com/oem/bluetooth.htm
http://www.flexipanel.com/BluetoothModules.htm
http://www.blueradios.com/hardware.htm#BRC11
http://www.benelec.com.au/AVL_GPS_Products/02945001.htm
http://www.lesswire.com/products/net_comp/oem_adapter.htm
http://www.c-com.com.tw/c-com-products-btm-103.htm
http://www.zbausa.com/blue_topaz_bluetooth_mini_module.asp
http://www.bluegiga.com/default.asp?f=2&t=1&p=1200&subp=200
http://www.tdc.co.uk/bluetooth/bt_tdk.htm#bism
http://www.rovingnetworks.com/modules.htm
http://www.a7eng.com/products/embeddedblue/embeddedblue.htm

Matt Pobursky
Maximum Performance Systems








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