[FTC]: Bluetooth issues

[saaby]

My team is having issues connecting our NXT brick to our computer via bluetooth. Anyone have any suggestions for how to fix or why we are having this issue? Our bluetooth connects very randomly and sometimes just disconnects, this is our main problem.

[ttldomination]

What programming platform are you using?

[saaby]

RobotC

[emmell]

There are a lot of possible issues with the Bluetooth connections that you haven't detailed. So let me start by asking you some questions (other teams, please check these out as well):

Are you using the correct firmware on the NXT?
Are you using a hub to attach to the bluetooth dongle or is plugged directly into the computer?
What Operating System are you using? Does it have the latest updates?
Are you able to connect to any other Bluetooth devices with your computer?
Have you rebooted the computer recently? Rebooted the NXT recently?
Are you only trying to talk to the NXT through one program at a time (ie. through ROBOTC only and not the FMS or through the FMS and not ROBOTC).
Have you looked at all the documents found on the FTC site (at http://www.usfirst.org/community/ftc/content.aspx?id=11126 - there's a whole section on Bluetooth issues).
Have you looked through the forums at www.robotc.net?
Have you gone through any of the posted webinars or looked through any of the documentation at www.ftctraining.com?
Are you using a Dell laptop with built in Bluetooth? (if yes, don't do that - Dell BT doesn't work with NXT).
Have you looked at Ken's blog (at www.firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com)?

I don't mean this to sound rude or callous. We are all learning how to work with this new platform and we all have different challenges this year. However, just stating "my bluetooth can't connect" is not very helpful to us in trying to help you fix your problem.

Teams: Use all the resources at your disposal. Read the manuals. Go through the training. Follow the instructions. 9 times out of 10, you'll be able to solve your own issues - and you'll feel better about it when you do.

Good luck to all of you,

[jbbjjbt]

Even if you are not planning on trying the FMS (which I think you should) go to ftctraining.com:

http://www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/content/events/ftc/labview/index.htm

and look at the document titled:

Using the FTC Field Management System Documentation (.pdf)

It has the best and most current information on bluetooth issues. Also the FMS is easier to hook up than the FTC Controller Station.