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General discussion

Help Choosing a Class 1 Dongle

Feb 22, 2010 1:38AM PST

I recently purchased the Microsoft Notebook Presenter 8000 Wireless bluetooth mouse.

I am looking for a suggestion on the right long-range/class 1 bluetooth dongle (adapter) to purchase. Looking for 300+ feet.

There are a lot out there.... not sure which one to get. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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None out there.
Feb 22, 2010 1:44AM PST

The problem is the mouse would need the same class (super class?) to get the longer distance. Any FCC certified dongle that went that far is likely illegal to sell in the USA.

I'd look at other solutions. Let's try some USB extender to get the bluetooth dongle close to your presenter.

http://www.nti1.ca/usbc5.html

Ask them if you can use two in a row.
Bob

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Positively?
Feb 22, 2010 2:08AM PST

I was told by (frys.com) that the mouse can achieve that distance, and I found a couple of class-1 (300+ range) dongles online...

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=baracoda+class+1+bluetooth+dongle&cid=4606717957333649186&sa=title#p

Those and the mouse are 2.4ghz... I am just hesitant to order one.

I appreciate the cat-5 extender suggestion, I really don't want to complicate the setup until I find out most definitely that a long-range bluetooth adapter doesn't exist, or will not work with this mouse.

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Let's say that was true.
Feb 22, 2010 3:12AM PST

Why not buy it and hold their feet to the fire when it doesn't work out?

"Those and the mouse are 2.4ghz"

That's proper as they need to be on the same channels to talk.
Bob

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Lynksys?
Feb 22, 2010 3:47AM PST
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up to 100 Meters
Feb 22, 2010 5:19AM PST

That's under IDEAL CONDITIONS. Only the unseasoned would ever tell you this would work with any reliability.

Maybe I wasn't clear. That dongle is one half the radio system. Your mouse has to tout that range too!
Bob

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Just so you know I know.
Feb 22, 2010 5:30AM PST
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Matching pair?
Feb 22, 2010 11:47PM PST

bob thanks - yes I know what you mean the mouse also has to be capable of the long range. I seem to be having a hell of a time here... because I can find Class-1 range (300+ feet) dongles everywhere... my problem is, I can't seem to find any mice to go with.

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yes, ideal conditions....
Feb 22, 2010 11:56PM PST

...and of course, when I say I am looking for the long range - I don't expect to see 300 feet. 200-250 would be nice.

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Let me be honest.
Feb 23, 2010 12:06AM PST

I've written apps that use bluetooth. I have used hundreds of different machines, dongles and more. Not a single unit works reliably at 100 feet. This is why my idea is to extend the USB to near where the presenter is and save them from an ugly fate.

If you find anyone that will warranty this will work, get it in writing and hold their feet to the fire to deliver.

Here I can only share what I would do when faced with this.

BTDT BOB.

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Now I see
Feb 23, 2010 1:25AM PST

Bob... I was completely misinformed in thinking that a mouse could pair at that distance. I did not realize that those dongles at that distance were reserved for other technologies. I was not trying to combat your knowledge, I just have a lack of in this department.

Most definitely need to get the usb connection closer to the presenter.

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No need.
Feb 23, 2010 2:20AM PST

Keep questioning me. I have the inside track on things bluetooth and communications over bluetooth.

All the claims are under ideal conditions. Temperature, humidity, line of sight, no interfering signals and probably fresh lithium batteries.

Only hoping to save someone else from spending money and then wondering why it didn't work out.
Bob