Mobile Fun Blog

How to solve A2DP problems with the Jabra BT320s

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

If you are experiencing issues while trying to listen to your music on your Jabra BT320s, this troubleshooting guide should point you in the right direction.

On some handsets, users may find that although they can make and receive calls perfectly fine, they may not be able to hear music in stereo if at all. In order to resolve this there are 2 possible fixes:

Fix 1: Hard reset of BT320

• Delete the pairing from your phone. If you are not sure how to do this, please consult your phones user manual.
• Turn off the headset.
• Plug the charger into the headset 3 times, keeping it plugged in for 4 seconds each time before unplugging it.
• Pair the headset to your phone.

Fix 2: Software Update
If the Hard reset hasn’t solved your problem you may need to update the software in your headset. The cable required to update the headset is not included with the headset and is not currently available from Mobile Fun. The cable is the same as a Sony DSC-S650 Digital Camera.

• Download and install the Jabra Software Update Tool.
• Follow any on screen prompts.
• When the update is finished, pair the headset to your phone.

It is extremely important that you do not turn off your computer or unplug the headset during the update process as this could cause irreversible damage to your headset. Mobile Fun will not accept any responsibility for any damage caused to your headset during a software upgrade.

(4 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)

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How to set up Sat Nav on your Windows based Smartphone

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

To set up your Windows Mobile device to work with most Satellite Navigation applications you will first need to configure your Bluetooth GPS Receiver.

Windows Mobile 5.0

• To start the set up, launch the "Bluetooth Manager" on your device. To do this tap Settings > Connections > Bluetooth on the start menu
• On the Bluetooth options screen you need to turn on bluetooth and make sure that your device is discoverable.
• Click on the devices tab at the bottom of the screen and then select new partnership. Your device will now search for your GPS receiver.
• Once the search has completed, select the GPS device you wish to use, You will then be prompted to enter the passkey. This is usually 0000, but varies from device to device, so keep your instruction manual for your GPS receiver close to hand.
• The next screen will ask you to select the services you wish to use with this device.
• Tick the box next to serial port and then click on finish.
• Now click on the "com ports" tab at the bottom of the screen, you will have two options here, new incoming port and new outgoing port. You need to select new outgoing port.
• On the next screen you will need to select the GPS device that you have just added and press next.
• You now need to choose a com port from the drop down list and press finish. Make a note of the com port number that you have assigned to the GPS receiver as you may need this later on in the set up process.

Your GPS is now set up to talk to your handheld device. You may need to change a few more settings depending on the software you are using. If you are unsure consult your user guide.

Tom Tom Navigator

To use TomTom Navigator you will need to tell the software which GPS receiver to use.

• Launch the application and then go to the preferences screen. Click on the Show GPS Status screen.
• Click on configure and scroll through to select "Other Bluetooth GPS", this brings up a list of all the available connections on your device.
• You need to select the com port you assigned to the GPS receiver earlier on in the set up process. If you can’t see the full name of the port, tap and hold the name to reveal it.
• You will know that your GPS is correctly configured when you see the UTC time in the top right corner and you get a black and yellow spinning icon.

If for any reason the icon isn’t spinning and you can’t pick up a GPS signal, there is an alternative set up option you can try:

• Click again on the configure button, and this time scroll through and select "Other Cable NMEA GPS" (Don’t worry about the name, we’ll tell it to use Bluetooth later on)
• Select the baud rate, if you are unsure set the rate to 4800.
• You should now see the same list of available ports that we saw earlier on. Select the appropriate one for your GPS receiver, remember you can tap and hold the name of the port to see its name in full.
• You should now see the yellow and black icon spinning on the screen.

If this still hasn’t worked then you may need to contact TomTom technical support for more advanced help.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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How to use your Bluetooth Headset with Skype

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

To use your Bluetooth headset with VOIP programs such as Skype, you will need to pair your headset with your PC, authorise it to access Skype, and then configure Skype to use Bluetooth audio devices. The process is fairly straight forward, but varies slightly depending on the dongle and driver that you are using.

The steps below assume that you have installed the software that came on the CD with your Bluetooth Dongle, not the generic Windows drivers, and that Skype is already installed on your PC running Windows XP SP2.

To determine which Bluetooth drivers you are using, you will need to access Device Manager. To do this, press the "Windows" and "Pause Break" keys on the keypad simultaneously. This will then open System Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, and then you will see a button to launch Device Manager – click it. This will then open a new window listing all devices connected to your computer. Towards the top of this list you will see Bluetooth Devices, click the plus sign to expand the list. The top line should say Bluetooth Enumerator, the second line will tell you which driver you are using and will be either Broadcom/Widcomm, Toshiba, or BlueSoleil. Make a note of your driver manufacturer and close all windows. If you see Microsoft listed, it means you have the generic Windows drivers installed, and probably won’t work with Skype unless you update the drivers. For information on how to do this, read our post on updating your Bluetooth drivers.

Please note that drivers are specific to the dongle you are using, and you can only use the driver manufacturer that is supplied with your dongle. You cannot, for example, use a Toshiba driver with a BlueSoleil supported dongle.

Broadcom / Widcomm – Skype Compatibility Rating 5/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing.
• Right click the Bluetooth icon by the clock and select add a bluetooth device. This will then launch a wizard to guide you through the pairing process.
• The wizard will search for available devices, select the headset you want to use and click on next.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the services you want to use. Mono Bluetooth Headsets will list only Hands-Free Unit, Stereo Bluetooth Headsets will also list Stereo Audio.
• Ensure all boxes are ticked and then click next.
• Click OK on the pop up and then click finish on the confirmation screen. You may then see a further pop up confirmation message. Click ok.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the type of headset. Regardless of your headset, select personal handsfree device with no display.
• You will then be asked to confirm what applications the headset will primarily be used for. Make sure Skype is ticked – click next,
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve allowed it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the BTSTAC~1.exe file name, then on the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked,
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth".
• Check the "Ring PC Speaker" box if you want incoming calls to ring through the PC speakers as well as ring in the Bluetooth Headset then click on save,
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

Toshiba Drivers – Skype Compatibility Rating 4/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing. You can do this through the Toshiba Bluetooth Control panel.
• You’ll see the name of your Bluetooth headset, and three buttons underneath – new connection, detail and delete. Make sure the headset is disconnected and then click delete.
• Launch Skype.
• Go back to your Bluetooth control panel and click on new connection.
• On the wizard that appears, you need to select CUSTOM mode.
• Turn your headset on and put it into pairing mode then press next. Your PC will then search for Bluetooth devices in range, if it doesn’t find your headset on the first scan, click refresh to do another search.
• Select your headset from the list of discovered devices and click next.
• On the next screen you may be prompted to select the type of device you wish to connect. You should see two or three options – Audio Sink, Handsfree, Headset. (Audio Sink may only show up if you are using a stereo headset.)
  You need to select Handsfree on this screen and click next.
• You will now be prompted to enter Pin or Passkey, this can be found in your user guide.
• The next screen you see should ask you if you want to use this in cooperation with a VOIP application. You need to make sure that this box is ticked. If its not, you won’t be able to use it with Skype.
• On the final screen you will be given the option to rename your headset and place a shortcut to the connection on the desktop.
• Click finish.
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve confirmed it you’ll see a brief confirmation message in the main Skype window.
• Click on this message and make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth wave" – Click on save.
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

BlueSoleil – Skype Compatibility Rating 2/5

BlueSoleil drivers aren’t the best for working with Skype. The latest version of the drivers, 5.0.5, doesn’t support VOIP services such as Skype unless you pay for an upgrade. You can download version 3.2.2.8 from the BlueSoleil web site which does support VOIP at no extra cost, but I found it to be more difficult to use than Toshiba and Broadcom. The following guide is based on Software version 3.2.2.8.

• Pair your Bluetooth Headset to your PC as normal and then launch Skype.
• To begin setting up Skype, click on Start -> All Programs -> IVT BlueSoleil -> BlueSoleil VOIP Plug In.
• After a few seconds you should see a pop up notification by the clock asking to allow access to Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve clicked on it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the .exe file name.
• On the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• Connect to headset, (either by pressing call button on headset, or by right clicking on the headset icon in the bluetooth control panel and selecting connect.)
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth SCO" – Click on save.
• In some cases, "Bluetooth SCO" may not work, in which case set these to Bluetooth AV.
• Make a test call. BlueSoleil is a little slow, and you will find that your call initially is played through your PC, but will be transferred to the headset after a few seconds.

(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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How to make the most of your Fitted Car Kit

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

One of the biggest accessory purchases you can make for your mobile phone is to buy and install a fitted Car Kit. While each kit has its own features and benefits, there are a number of extras that you can purchase to help you get the most out of your Car Kit.

Elan Intelli-Mutes

Elan Intelli-Mutes: What are they and why do I need one?

The Intelli-Mute from Elan is designed to install your Car Kit quickly and hassle free. Instead of hardwiring your Car Kit into the vehicle’s power supply, the Intelli-Mute allows your Car Kit to be powered using your car stereo. All call audio is routed through the car stereo speakers, taking away the need to install a separate speaker in the passenger foot well, which can often lead to muffled or distorted sounds – especially at higher speeds. The volume of the call can be adjusted through your stereo controls or steering wheel audio controls (if fitted to your vehicle).

Intelli-Mute wiring Diagram

The Intelli-Mute is a three way lead, one end connects to your existing vehicle wiring, one to the Intelli-Mute control box and the third connects to the back of your car stereo. You will need to make sure that the Intelli-Mute that you order is the correct one for your stereo. If you are not sure what connection type your stereo has, please contact your local car dealership or stereo manufacturer. To complete the installation, you will also need an Accessory Harness specific to your Car Kit.

Elan Accessory Harness

Elan Accessory Harness: What are they and why do I need one?

The Accessory Harness is the lead that connects your Intelli-Mute control box to your Car Kit. As each type of Car Kit is different, they have harnesses specific to each type and have to be ordered separately. They are really simple to fit, one end connects to the Intelli-Mute control box, and the other end to the power and speaker connections of your Car Kit. Depending on your vehicle and the amount of space in your dashboard, the Intelli-Mute and harness are designed to sit behind your car stereo. If there isn’t room, the cables are long enough for you to be able to feed from behind the dashboard where there is more space. All you will need to do then is position the microphone (and display screen if present) and feed the cables through to the Car Kit control box.

What else might I need?

Brodit produce a range of in car accessories to help make using your phone in the car easy and safe.

Brodit ProClips

ProClips are brackets that clip securely to your dashboard, giving you a firm, flat surface that you can screw your chosen phone holder on to. When it comes time to change your car or remove the kit, the bracket can be removed easily, leaving no damage to your dashboard.

Brodit Car Holders

Brodit also make two types of in car holder, Active and Passive. Active holders have a charger built in to them which plugs in to your cigarette lighter. Passive holders will hold your phone securely and allow you to use your own charger. Both holders are normally available with a fixed or tilt/swivel base.

Car Chargers

Using Bluetooth car kits and headsets can sometimes increase the drain on the battery, and as most modern Car Kits don’t have a physical connection to your phone, its always a good idea to have a car charger.

If you don’t want the hassle of installing the Car Kit and all extra accessories, Mobile Fun now offer a fitting service for your car kit. Standard Installation includes a fully trained engineer installing the kit at your home or work address. Premium Installation includes the home visit, but also includes an Intelli-mute and Brodit ProClip for your vehicle (Car kit dependant).

(3 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)

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How to pair your Phone and PC

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

Before you can begin using programs such as Nokia PC Suite, you will need to pair your handset with your computer.

To begin pairing:

• Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device and make sure it is set to discoverable/visible/find me.
• Right click the Bluetooth icon in the system tray next to the clock.
• On the pop up menu that appears select add bluetooth device.
• Follow on screen prompts to search for devices.
• Select your phone from the list of discovered devices.
• When prompted for a PIN number, enter 0000 unless one is provided for you.
• On your handset accept the pairing request and enter the same PIN number as entered on the PC.

Windows will then check your device and install any drivers that are needed for your phone and computer to work together. While Windows is installing drivers for your phone, you may see some yellow notification bubbles by the clock, keep an eye on these as your response may be required to authorise access to your PC.

You may be asked for the driver disc that came with your mobile phone. If you don’t have the disc, download drivers and software from the manufacturers website.

(4 votes, average: 3.25 out of 5)

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