Wiimote Friends

This is summary of the six most common Bluetooth stacks. I will try to cover the fundamentals of each Bluetooth stack and known challenges/issues. Most Bluetooth radios are bundled with their own software & drivers (Bluetooth stack), some interchangeability is possible but it is mostly trial and error.

The Wiimote was NOT designed to be connected to a PC so connection is not as easy as we would like. WiimoteConnect with the Microsoft stack is currently the easiest and best setup. However, the latest version of Bluesoleil is quite easy to connect and Widcomm is the most stable although requiring a few steps to connect.

There is no need to enter any pairing code because the Wiimote was not designed to pair to a PC.

 - Microsoft (XP/Vista/MAC Bootcamp)
 - BlueSoleil
 - Widcomm
 - Dell/HP/ect Laptop Inbuilt Stack
 - Toshiba
 - Logitech Stack

Most Bluetooth devices are bundled with their own software, some interchangeability is possible but is mostly trial and error.

A summary of compatible devices can be found here:
http://wiibrew.org/wiki/List_of_Working_Bluetooth_Devices

If you have anything to add to this knowledge base please PM me.

If you have a BT connectivity issue please:
1. Check your device is compatable (see links above)
2. Read this guide to make sure correct stack version etc & no logitech
3. Follow the correct connection protocol (ses links with each stack)
4. Read the self help guide & do what you feel confident doing http://www.wiimoteproject.com/bluetooth-and-connectivity-help-center/bt-problems-a-self-help-guide-**-please-read-before-posting-problem**/
5. Post your problem to the Bluetooth help centre http://www.wiimoteproject.com/bluetooth-and-connectivity-help-center/


Windows Default Bluetooth Stack
Overview:

• Pre-installed on all XP/Vista Machines
• The only functioning Bluetooth stack installed with Mac-Bootcamp.
• Insert new Bluetooth USB radio, if compatible the 'Microsoft drivers' you will see it identify and install the drivers for the Bluetooth stack and you are away.
• If Microsoft does not detect the Bluetooth USB radio you can follow this http://www.shootingsoftware.com/Widcomm.htm
• A very stable stack
• Takes a few steps to connect
• Easy Wiimote connection and the advantage of working with Thex's WiimoteConnect a very good connection utility. http://www.wiimoteproject.com/wiimote-and-bluetooth-connectivity/wiimoteconnect-(searching-beta-testers)-update(0-5)!!-please-test-it/
  
  • Windows knowledgebase: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/67cdb8d4-c3fe-43db-a00e-53159bf8695b1033.mspx
  Best Connection Protocol
  http://boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Connecting_the_Wiimote_to_a_XP/Vista/Mac_Bootcamp_Microsoft_Bluetooth_stack
  **solution to connecting Widcomm 5.5+: http://www.wiimoteproject.com/bluetooth-and-connectivity-knowledge-center/broadcom-5-5-0-xxxx-connection-solved!/
  
  
  BlueSoleil
  Overview:
  
  • Packaged with many Bluetooth USB radios and can be purchased online http://www.bluesoleil.com
  • Primarily designed for connecting with mobile and audio devices, therefore quite a loose connection protocol and easy Wiimote Connection.
  • Must use full version 6.2.227.11 or newer (costs $29.95US)
  • The trial version has demonstrated instability with connections
  • Versions between 2.4.000.00 and 6.2.227.11 may create a critical issue known as "The Blue Screen of Death"
  • Reconnects with two mouse clicks
  Best Connection Protocol
  http://boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Connecting_the_Wiimote_to_a_Bluesoleil_Bluetooth_stack
  
  
  Widcomm
  
  • Manufactured by Broadcom
  • Packaged with many high end Bluetooth USB radio
  • Extremely stable stack but much more stringent connection protocol, therefore more steps in connecting the Wiimote
  • Once established, it has very few reported problems
  • Can be 'fixed' to work with nearly all BT USB devices http://www.telusplanet.net/public/wladykad/
  • The latest version of Widcomm has proven to be problematic. We have requested support from Widcomm.
  Best Connection Protocol
  http://boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Connecting_the_Wiimote_to_a_Widcomm_Bluetooth_stack
  
  
  Dell/HP/ect Laptop Inbuilt Stack
  
  • Repackaged #Widcomm coupled with a 'Bluetooth bus enumerator' (a device that connects the Bluetooth radio to the motherboard)
  • Vista Laptops and later XP Pro laptops are increasily packaged with #Microsoft Bluetooth stack coupled with a 'Bluetooth bus enumerator'
  • Same issues/connection as #Widcomm and #Microsoft stacks respectively
  • Be very careful with changing the Bluetooth stack as you can easily lose the Bluetooth radio perminantly. We suggets this only as a very last resort.
  • Not compatible with #BlueSoleil.
  • This may help some HP and others with Broadcom switch to Microsoft Bluetooth Stack: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=c00711848&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN
  • HP directions to change stack from Widcomm to Microsoft
  • Read: 'How do I know which stack I have?' to find out if you are #Widcomm or #Microsoft stack.
  Best Connection Protocol
  http://boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Connecting_the_Wiimote_to_a_Widcomm_Bluetooth_stack
  http://boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Connecting_the_Wiimote_to_a_XP/Vista/Mac_Bootcamp_Microsoft_Bluetooth_stack
  
  
  Toshiba Laptop Inbuilt Stack
  
  • Only works with Toshiba laptops
  • Quite a loose connection protocol and easy Wiimote Connection.
  • Could be purchased for other Bluetooth radios a few years ago.
  • Easy and high success connection protocol
  • Increasingly rare stack
  • Reconnects with a single mouse click
  Best Connection Protocol
  http://boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Connecting_to_the_Toshiba_Bluetooth_stack
  
  
  Logitech Stack
  Overview:
  
  • Logitech bundled this with some of their early Bluetooth Mice & Keyboards. It was packaged with the 'Setpoint' (Logitech drivers and application bundle)
  • Only works with Logitech devices and the Logitech Bluetooth Hub (a massive ugly Bluetooth radio)
  • Will NOT connect to Wiimote (or any other Bluetooth device), but your Logitech devices WILL connect to all other Bluetooth stacks
  • This is a rare application, often accidently loaded when setpoint was loaded for a non Bluetooth device
  • If you suspect you have the Logitech stack installed simply search for: "LBTServ.exe". If you locate this file in a 'Logitech' directory then yes, you have it installed. If you leave it installed it will likley conflict with your operational Bluetooth radio.
  If you have loaded and NEED the key remapping functionality of Setpoint:
     1. Disconnect & uninstall all Logitech hardware
     2. Disconnect & uninstall all Logitech software
     3. Install your new Bluetooth radio or remove and reinstall if already installed
     4. Connect & test Wiimote
     5. Download & install the latest software drivers direct from Logitech
     6. Connect & test Wiimote
  
  If you have loaded and DON'T NEED the key remapping functionality of Setpoint:
     1. Disconnect & uninstall all Logitech hardware
     2. Disconnect & uninstall all Logitech software
     3. Plug your Logitech Hardware in and let the Windows Plug & Play drivers install
     4. Install your new Bluetooth radio or remove and reinstall if already installed
     5. Connect & test Wiimote
  
  
  Benpaddlejones
  

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