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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Mechboards on Mon, 25 February 2019, 08:03:33

Title: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Mechboards on Mon, 25 February 2019, 08:03:33
Hello everyone! A while ago we (ourselves and the designer, /u/yiancar) posted this thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/67ut2b/ic_slimline_bluetooth_keyboard_adapter/) explaining how we wanted to create a non-intrusive Bluetooth Adapter.
After that, we posted another update (https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/comments/7cvqe5/ic_update_2_bluetooth_keyboard_adapter/), that made us rethink the design
Now, we want to resurrect the idea
[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

PCB compared to first version
[attachimg=3]

Bluetooth 5/ Bluetooth LE
2.4Ghz band
1000mAh Battery
USB-A connector
1-2 days battery life
We decided to scale back the size of the battery due to everyones comments and made this more portable. We've been able to source a company that will produce us a custom enclosure to fit the PCB and battery perfectly. Hopefully this is a better outcome! Let us know your thoughts. This bluetooth adapter can also charge your tablet/phone like a normal battery pack!
We will have demo units available for users that have review/blog sites or influence in the scene. PM us if you want one!
We will run R1 soon Priced at £45+ shipping. EU Tracked £10. Will ship worldwide (£15) - Prices may change.

Register for product updates here - https://groupbuys.mechboards.co.uk/shop/bluetooth-adapter/
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Anakey on Mon, 25 February 2019, 08:43:31
might want to do more research on the delivery costs, given that shipping batteries is going to be a problem perhaps even ship a unit with just the pcb as long as it is a popular type of battery that is readily available might save the hassle if the units are confiscated because of the batteries.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Mechboards on Mon, 25 February 2019, 09:06:53
Quote from: Anakey on Mon, 25 February 2019, 08:43:31
might want to do more research on the delivery costs, given that shipping batteries is going to be a problem perhaps even ship a unit with just the pcb as long as it is a popular type of battery that is readily available might save the hassle if the units are confiscated because of the batteries.

Ah yes I forgot to mention this. We're hoping to use a readily available battery that could be bought from Amazon or something, so that we can ship the adapter WITH/WITHOUT the battery. This would get round this issue.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Bhk1004 on Mon, 25 February 2019, 10:11:18
Hmmm. Maybe a battery option that can be larger, or have the option of future updates. 1-2 days just feels weak.

Regardless I'm in. Was literally searching for this a week ago.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Sintpinty on Mon, 25 February 2019, 10:14:40
It looks like a good, clean product. Love the design.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Techno Trousers on Mon, 25 February 2019, 11:32:38
I guess it's too late to request a 2/4 AA batteries option?
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Visionaire on Mon, 25 February 2019, 11:35:16
Really neat idea. I'm interested.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: piit79 on Mon, 25 February 2019, 14:49:15
Very interesting, I was searching for this a while ago and was surprised I couldn't find anything.

Could you offer a cheap barebones/DYI PCB-only option please? I would like to try building it into a keyboard case or perhaps 3D print a custom enclosure to attach directly to the outside of  a case and use a properly sized battery to last at least a week (2 days is way too short).

Thanks!

Sent from my OnePlus 6T with a rubbish gimmicky bloody annoying unreliable in-display fingerprint reader using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: rondg on Mon, 25 February 2019, 14:53:48
What are the dimensions? With case and PCB only.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Bhk1004 on Mon, 25 February 2019, 16:54:54
Quote from: Techno Trousers on Mon, 25 February 2019, 11:32:38
I guess it's too late to request a 2/4 AA batteries option?

Ok with this as well. Might be better than a tiny battery that needs to be charged everytime you use.
Title: Re: [IC] External Bluetooth Adapter
Post by: Techno Trousers on Mon, 25 February 2019, 17:25:45
Quote from: Bhk1004 on Mon, 25 February 2019, 16:54:54
Quote from: Techno Trousers on Mon, 25 February 2019, 11:32:38
I guess it's too late to request a 2/4 AA batteries option?

Ok with this as well. Might be better than a tiny battery that needs to be charged everytime you use.
I have rechargeable AAs I use for everything I can. Much better than a hard wired battery that has to be replaced every couple of years.