[Updated] Wireless GH60

[agodinhost]

Hey guys...

https://www.adafruit.com/products/1535/

Really interesting!
The RN-42 HID version costs more than 20 bucks and this one that you linked is a bit cheaper.
I'll get one or two of these in order to make some tests - they say you can build one Bluetooth keyboard in less than one hour! It's just a shame that we will still need the uC board (this one is only the blue tooth module - as far as I understood). It seems that it already cames with the level converter - I'm guessing it by the pictures I saw. I would not be surprised IF the Bluetooth module used in this board came up to be the RN-42 itself ...

I'm trying to read it's tutorial in order to see the whole picture.

And yes, my vacation time is over and now I'll be back to try to finish this project ...

[agodinhost]

I was wrong in my guess, it does not uses the RN-42.

From it's manual:
" The module consists of a CSR BlueCore with custom firmware on a breakout PCB."
 

This CSR module most probably is that Chinese cheaper one I linked previously!!!
Obviously they don't say exactly what CSR module they are using on it, gosh.

However the documentation seems a bit thin, I'm still reading it to make sure that I'm seeing everything that I should see ...

I read into this documentation a section teaching how to upgrade the Bluetooth module firmware - seems that it is required in order to use their custom firmware. Would be awesome to know which module exactly they are using ... Raspberry PI specific, nothing to do with the BT module itself.

For my own reference (https://forum.sparkfun.com/viewtopic.php?p=91380).

[csmith1991]

I've been watching this thread for awhile now. On a whim I was looking for a bluetooth module for a completely unrelated project. Found this: http://kcwirefree.com/kc22.html. It has a HID profile, and has some nice quantity discounts should this make it to a GB. Thought it'd be worth mentioning.

[hasu]

Interesting. KC is offering firmware and update tool. The module receives raw HID frame and seems to meet our requirement but document is a tad scarce.

As for pricing RN-42 is fairly cheap, I think.
Roving is a subsidiary of Microchip now and we can get it for $15.27 or less  from their DIRECT shop.
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=en558330
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=RN42

[agodinhost]

Interesting. KC is offering firmware and update tool. The module receives raw HID frame and seems to meet our requirement but document is a tad scarce.

As for pricing RN-42 is fairly cheap, I think.
Roving is a subsidiary of Microchip now and we can get it for $15.27 or less  from their DIRECT shop.
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?dDocName=en558330
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=RN42

Yup, for small quantities the RN-42 seems to be the cheapest option until so far.

I've been looking for some other alternatives but no success.

Tried the BT 43:
==========
Hi Woody,

Many thanks for giving us the chance to propose our Bluetooth solutions for your project needs.
We're a wireless module manufacturer with wifi and BT solutions and we also write and maintain our own BT certified stack.

We also sell the BT-243 USB stick which is a very good way to quickly evaluate the functionality of the modules.
It's very quick, simple and convenient to just plug the USB stick into a PC's USB port and run something like Windows HyperTerminal then start to send it AT commands.
No need to solder up wires to a bare module before you can start testing

Regarding your request for pricing:

Modules    10-24    25-49    50-99    100-499    500-1k
BT43-LT  $16.55    $15.45    $14.15    $12.75    $11.70

Please include your FedEx/UPS/TNT/DHL/other carrier account number to cover the shipping cost.
--------------------------

I've tried to contact Blue Packet to see the prices of the BPM730 module however nobody there seems to care about small sales quantities ...

My dream is to get the firmware source code to update the CSR HC-06 module into one HID enabled module (I bet it was what the Bluefruit EZ-Key guys did)

I saw a few vendors at alibaba but most of then are selling the CSR HC-06 saying it is HID enabled (by the pictures I saw) and I'm kinda afraid of fake or modules without HID

[Strelok]

I found this:

http://imgur.com/a/rfWYr

[agodinhost]

I found this:

http://imgur.com/a/rfWYr

Awesome work.
It's more or less what I wanna do.
Left to right:
1) The bigger green board seems to be the keyboard controller
2) The arduino pro mini (I would use the micro - I do prefer the atmega32u4)
3) The resistors there are being used as level converter (step down/step up)
4) The bt module with level conversion/ldo
5) Dunno what is this last board - I'm assuming it's a simple usb shield ...

Until so far I slowed down this project because of the GH60 delivery date
however I will take it back soon.

Our solution will be kinda simpler - we don't need a second uC (like the guy did into the project you linked).

[csmith1991]

I found this:

http://imgur.com/a/rfWYr

He outlined what he did to make this: http://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1qz5jd/i_couldnt_find_a_mechanical_bluetooth_keyboard/cdi18o0

[agodinhost]

Another BT IC to work with:
nRF8001
more techie bla bla bla

Thanks to our pal kolonelkadat.

Until so far:
- This IC does have HID
- BT 4.0
- low power
- one SDK with lots of samples

- can be found easily?
- It's cheap?
- Cheaper than the RN-42?

I found a few dev boards using this IC on ebay by 30 bucks!! (not sure if they are the "enhanced" version yet)

I think that I'll be able to use this IC instead of our loveable RN-42. Any thoughts?

Anyway I'm still looking for something using this IC, something already coded (whom knows?)

In parallel I'm getting back the RN-42 BT project ...
Komar/WFD just emailed me to inform that my GH60 proto were packaged and deployed then I think that now is a good time to get back to it isn't?

[komar007]

The price of nRF8001 is rather sensible, it's hard to obtain, like most nordic chips, but I think it might be a good choice. The question is, how many extra components it needs to work. I haven't checked the specs yet.

[agodinhost]

The price of nRF8001 is rather sensible, it's hard to obtain, like most nordic chips, but I think it might be a good choice. The question is, how many extra components it needs to work. I haven't checked the specs yet.

I'm assuming it does recognizes AT commands (like most normal modems in the market).
The level converter, charger/booster and lipo would be the same.
I'm still reading all data.

Just found another IC that seems to have the HID stack, the CC2540!
The BLE SDK (part of CC2540 documentation) says it does have HID support. I found some cheap modules on ebay, something close to 10 bucks!
This guy is the new kid in the block, IMHO! Kinda a baby yet - This SDK with HID support was launched on 12-nov-2013.

I think that someone in heaven is listening to my prayers!!!
HID HID HID HID HID HID
 

By the way - I just saw another arduino board on ebay using this CC2540 and our ATmega32U4 - called Blueduino)
It seems to be quite cool ...

[huynx]

Nice to hear about CC2540, or CC2541
I see this sample project: HIDEmuKbd

[bcg]

FYI, don't know if you guys have looked at it already but I integrated Adafruit's Bluefruit with hasu's firmware:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50183.0;topicseen

Its really easy to use, you don't need any other components other than the atmega32u4 to drive it.  I has a built in regulator already so it will thrive on 5v if that's what you're operating at already

Think its only certified for the US right now, but it uses a very similar (or the same) protocol as the RN-42 HID stack which is a bit harder to use (ie I think you'll need extra components) but it is still relatively inexpensive.  hasu is working with that one for the HHKB controller i believe

[multipla]

How's the status on this?

[JonasDK]

How's the status on this?

 As i know this isn't moving before the final PCB is revealed.

[clickclack123]

I'm curious whether it is possible to do nkro over a bluetooth connection?? Anyone know?

[hasu]

Maybe possible. Not sure. Just a guess from a glance at spec.

[wan40657819]

rx and tx pin of ATMega32u4 are used by matrix but it is still possible to connect the hid bluetooth module with software serial.
the pcb of mobile charger could be used instead of the charger and booster.some of it are quite small
sorry for my poor english

[SeeThruHead]

Just stumbled across this. Recently returned a Minila Air. Very excited to see this come to fruition.

[agodinhost]

Just stumbled across this. Recently returned a Minila Air. Very excited to see this come to fruition.

The GH60 is almost out there - then we will be back to business ...
 

[malu1989]

I just read the hole thread and I like it.
The only thing I'm missing, is an On/Off switch to turn it completely off when you take it with you.
Perhaps it is possible to add some holes on the extension PCB so you can connect a switch if you
want to.

[agodinhost]

I just read the hole thread and I like it.
The only thing I'm missing, is an On/Off switch to turn it completely off when you take it with you.
Perhaps it is possible to add some holes on the extension PCB so you can connect a switch if you
want to.

It's true, I haven't thought about that.

We will have to choose the switch footprint - I don't like of most of the smd switches - they tend to break easily ...

Do you have any suggestion?

[malu1989]

I haven't thought about a specific switch yet. Just thought you could add some solder pads. Then you could solder some wires and add a switch that can be screwed to a hole in the case or something like that.

[agodinhost]

I haven't thought about a specific switch yet. Just thought you could add some solder pads. Then you could solder some wires and add a switch that can be screwed to a hole in the case or something like that.

That works too.

[malu1989]

Just a few thoughts i ran into.
Did you think about how to switch the power supply to the controller.
When the USB is connected i think it is better to disconnect the power from the Lipo to the controller.
Otherwise you could have power running into your USB port destroying it.
So you would need some kind of automatic source select.
You also have to pay attention to not connect the power out from the Lipo to the loading input.
Is there a decision to use 5V or 3V3 yet?

[agodinhost]

Did you think about how to switch the power supply to the controller.
When the USB is connected i think it is better to disconnect the power from the Lipo to the controller.
Otherwise you could have power running into your USB port destroying it.
So you would need some kind of automatic source select.

I'm not totally sure but I think the booster/charger that we choosed already does it.
We still have to review the firmware in order to send the scancodes via BT report instead of USB callbacks.

Take a look at here to see where I did stop.

You also have to pay attention to not connect the power out from the Lipo to the loading input.
Is there a decision to use 5V or 3V3 yet?

5v. With 3,3v we would have to downclock the atmega32u4. My idea is to use one 5v charger/booster connected into the 3,7 lipo (link above).

[agodinhost]

I'm alive, still.

My chinese / japanese friends out there: I'm looking for the Broadcomm BCM20730 datasheet. It's kinda hard to find this datasheet, most stuff that I found is in japanese / chinese (really dunno).

This module is used into some apple keyboards. Anyone? Please?

I'm also looking for someone with one RN-42HID module and a CSR programmer (please, PM me).
ty

[hasu]

Can you post the link of the japanese datasheet? I can read Japanese and I have RN-42 modules. what do you want in fact?

[agodinhost]

Hi Hasu.

I'm looking for any info regarding the HID layer implementation. I bought 5 of these little modules from aliexpress however the vendor didn't provided any info.

I've found this pdf, but I coun't manage do download it.

I've found also this other links below, it seems to be some kind off thread talking about this datasheet. I'm not sure if they really have this doc:
http://www.btspeaker.cn/plugin.php?id=attachcenter:page&aid=66
http://www.btspeaker.cn/thread-47-1-1.html
http://www.52rd.com/bbs/Archive_Thread.asp?SID=214206&TID=3
http://lanya123.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=4852

There is a lot of garbage in my search, I just googled "BCM20730 datasheet" and it came back with a lot of chinese links ...

There is a lot of guys looking for this datasheet by what I saw into those links above.
Any help will be welcome!
 

Can you post the link of the japanese datasheet? I can read Japanese and I have RN-42 modules. what do you want in fact?

[hasu]

They are all Chinese sites and I couldn't navigate them at all

[congia]

... There is a lot of garbage in my search, I just googled "BCM20730 datasheet" and it came back with a lot of chinese links ...

There is a lot of guys looking for this datasheet by what I saw into those links above.
Any help will be welcome!
 

A Chinese friend of mine helped me to navigate through the maze of Chinese links and get Broadcom Bluetool  Going through the fairly skim documentation of thousands of commands that you can send to the module, I think, unless you're a Bluetooth genius, it's going to take a lot of time to get started. IMO, it would be easier to make clones of the RN42-HID instead. It may not be as energy efficient per say (Bluetooth 2.0 vs 3.0), but it would be easier.

[paublo]

Hi Guys,

FYI and waiting for update of Bluetooth keyboard.

Regards,

From China.

[paublo]

Datasheet of BCM20730

[congia]

I recently got a couple of TP-BCM730 (the ones from DX.com that uses BCM20730) and laid out a breakout board for the modules. I just put in an order for the PCBs (https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/fkYORRsk). Hopefully, I can get a basic interface working with this module once I've got the breakout board.

[hasu]

Intresting module. Keep us updated!

Quoted from document, do you already know how to program the matrix? It seems external EEPROM/Flash stores keymapping info but I don't know how I can program it.

Programmable keyscan matrix interface, up to 8 × 20 key-scanning matrix

Or can I use the module with UART HCI?

[congia]

The module is programmed using HCI or proprietary UART commands using Broadcom BlueTool, which is extremely expensive and extremely hard to find if you decide not to buy millions of Broadcom modules and sign a contract with them. Attached to the post is a document I found on programming the module.  [Guide] Program BCM20730 Dev.Bo.pdf (194.13 kB - downloaded 895 times.)

BluePacket also has an evaluation board for the BCM20730 but using their own module with different pin-out. I inquired about their EVM and programming custom matrix with a PS/2 mouse but they says that it has to be done individually for each module on their side and the cost of purchasing the EVM is very expensive, iirc, around $100-$300. It has only UART port, a few buttons, a PS/2 interface using their special firmware, etc. but no JTAG for ARM so I'm quite certain that UART is the only way to program it.

[congia]

I got the breakout boards a few days ago but I could not get the module to respond to any of the commands sent from Bluetool. It's hopeless thus far. I even tried soldering a pull-up resistor for the reset button despite the datasheet saying it doesn't need one - still doesn't respond to any commands.

The GND pins location checks out according to DX's datasheet for the module so the TX, RX lines should be right.

EDIT: It replies 0x0 (Success) to the reset command every now and then but that's it.

[I0x0I]

Hi, I'm new here and interested in making an open soure low cost bluetooth keyboard myself. I found some DIYers have already made a bluetooth GH60 board and they are selling it,  it comes with the bluetooth module, battery and the keyboard controller .Here's the link to the video, http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI1MzUxNjUyOA==.html?from=s7.8-1.2&x if the link doesn't work, I will try to port it to YouTube. The board looks pretty cool but it's a closed project and it's not cheap (about 60 bucks). Based on the picture of their bluetooth module, I guess they are using the CSR1011 module like this one http://www.trlinktek.com/pro.asp?pid=19. And I also found some sources of the CSR10XX keyboard examples http://www.pudn.com/downloads550/sourcecode/comm/detail2270551.html ,so I assume this can be done by compiling the source and flash it into the bluetooth module, which will required a development kit. Thought the module is cheap(6 bucks) the CSR development kit is very expensive(about 50 to 150 bucks), so I go on to find some other models. The NRF51822 seems to be a good choice as the development kit only cost 15 bucks and the module is still cheap, also, there're keyboard examples of the module https://github.com/finnurtorfa/nrf51/tree/master/lib/nrf51sdk/Nordic/nrf51822/Board/nrf6310/ble/ble_app_hids_keyboard. I will have a try on it in July, did you guys have any experience working on this module? Or probably the module can be simply flash by spi downloader, no need to use the development kit?

[congia]

Hi, I'm new here and interested in making an open soure low cost bluetooth keyboard myself. I found some DIYers have already made a bluetooth GH60 board and they are selling it,  it comes with the bluetooth module, battery and the keyboard controller .Here's the link to the video, http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI1MzUxNjUyOA==.html?from=s7.8-1.2&x if the link doesn't work, I will try to port it to YouTube. The board looks pretty cool but it's a closed project and it's not cheap (about 60 bucks). Based on the picture of their bluetooth module, I guess they are using the CSR1011 module like this one http://www.trlinktek.com/pro.asp?pid=19. And I also found some sources of the CSR10XX keyboard examples http://www.pudn.com/downloads550/sourcecode/comm/detail2270551.html ,so I assume this can be done by compiling the source and flash it into the bluetooth module, which will required a development kit. Thought the module is cheap(6 bucks) the CSR development kit is very expensive(about 50 to 150 bucks), so I go on to find some other models. The NRF51822 seems to be a good choice as the development kit only cost 15 bucks and the module is still cheap, also, there're keyboard examples of the module https://github.com/finnurtorfa/nrf51/tree/master/lib/nrf51sdk/Nordic/nrf51822/Board/nrf6310/ble/ble_app_hids_keyboard. I will have a try on it in July, did you guys have any experience working on this module? Or probably the module can be simply flash by spi downloader, no need to use the development kit?

Nordic and csr no, but I've got a working CC2541 firmware for keyboard and mouse hid bridge. It's somewhere on the forums. One issue to fix is reduce the current consumption and add LED report support. What I have is pretty barebone.

[I0x0I]

I've found something called BCM20730 SDK, which contains some tools like ARM Realview development suite, Cygwin, ADK and Bluetool. I have no idea what it is but it seems related to your module, do you want to check it out?

[congia]

Oh yes please.

[I0x0I]

http://pan.baidu.com/s/1dDcncGx

[cutterline]

Just found this discussion and I decided to join as I'm currently trying to hack BCM20730 based keyboard such as Filco MJ2 convertible/minila air and matias laptop pro (Yofree YFBT-07 same as Ouya controller can, this is confirmed as I have one). I'd like to give them another layout like colemak on the fly.

So far based from hacking attempt of previous gen of BCM keyboard with BCM2042. [1] [2]

We can conclude as long as you can program the EEPROM firmware you can do anything and possibly get the multi devices pairing like Filco's (need schematic confirmation though). Until I stumbled this thread, I was in a blind how I can try to program the eeprom but there is no datasheet/wiring diagram for make-do development board.

@Congia
Can you please try using Adk and RVDS(+Cygwin) and see if you can connect and program with your pcb?
I can't do anything right now because I don't have a debugger yet, waiting for bus pirate to come in 2-3 weeks  .

=====
On another occasion, there is also another good candidate based on nRF51882 with good documentation from seeed which needs FT232RL for developing. Datasheet
This is also used in Varmillo's bluetooth line up like VB87M

http://pan.baidu.com/s/1dDcncGx

I couldn't find bluetool, care to elaborate?
No cygwin as well but can be downloaded from cygwin.net

[congia]

I have no idea how to use RDVS to code for the 20730 tbh, like selecting target type, programming and debugging etc. No idea how to get started either. I'm sort of already given up on trying to use this module. I got a BusPirate but I also don't know how SPI could be used for this chip. Connecting BP to the module does nothing.

What I have been doing though, is improving my CC2541 hid bridge firmware so that it would use lower power and integrate LED reports into the sucker.

For the nRF51882 I think you would need a J-Link for programming. IIRC, the chip exposes its JTAG lines.

[cutterline]

I have no idea how to use RDVS to code for the 20730 tbh, like selecting target type, programming and debugging etc. No idea how to get started either. I'm sort of already given up on trying to use this module. I got a BusPirate but I also don't know how SPI could be used for this chip. Connecting BP to the module does nothing.

What I have been doing though, is improving my CC2541 hid bridge firmware so that it would use lower power and integrate LED reports into the sucker.

For the nRF51882 I think you would need a J-Link for programming. IIRC, the chip exposes its JTAG lines.

Ah I see, well I'm most probably gonna try dumping the firmware first and see what I can do. I'm not an expert as well so the chances of getting the give up boat are high.

For nRF51882 you only need FT232RL with some wiring, well that if the datasheet is correct though (or maybe only via UART not SWD).
It contains how to make make do dev board by yourself and I think the dev board itself is around $70 at mouser.

[congia]

Or you could just use RN-42HID. It is proven to work and quite mature. While individual module costs are rather expensive, it shares the same core as HC-05 serial Bluetooth modules so for educational purposes... You got the drift, as long as it stays educational though.

[cutterline]

Or you could just use RN-42HID. It is proven to work and quite mature. While individual module costs are rather expensive, it shares the same core as HC-05 serial Bluetooth modules so for educational purposes... You got the drift, as long as it stays educational though.

Nah, I had had problems with devices running below version 3 before, it's quite problematic with the later version so if I were to invest some time, I prefer v3 and up
I think HM-10(CC2540) is a better for me.

Regarding those 2 (BCM20730 and nRF51882), they should be worth the time as they are proven to be reliable by having commercial keyboard products in the market.
As you said, you can do all educational things on it, maybe I'll grab VB87M to see what the schematic it got and try nRF51882 if I have no luck with broadcom (most probably will).
 
Maybe GH60 wireless can be designed like Filco's or Matias's, they separate the keyboard matrix pcb and the MCU/BT module. It makes life a lot easier, if you like to tamper with it.

[kirkvomit]

Found this on taobao https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.241.B75Mcq&id=520030658772&ns=1&abbucket=16#detail

[cutterline]

Found this on taobao https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.241.B75Mcq&id=520030658772&ns=1&abbucket=16#detail

Looks promising but a review would be better to know whether it has issues or not.
I only found a video of it capable of switching devices like Filco's

[I0x0I]

Hi everyone! My bluetooth keyboard finally works . It took me a long time to make the motherboard for the bluetooth module and debugging.I am using a 51822 module provided by waveshare http://www.wvshare.com/product/Core51822-B.htm. The motherboard is totally homemade so it doesn't have a good looking . Since I am working on repairing a dell venue travel keyboard instead of the GH60, the smaller connector besides the keyboard connector is for the touchpad. Nordic has provided many example on how to use their chiphttps://developer.nordicsemi.com/, my case is building on the top of the ble_hid_keyboard example and the cherry example, I will publish my codes to github after cleaning it up.