Linux.com Article DB: The Commands Remain the Same: BlueTooth Technology and Linux

Upgrading your Kernel for Bluetooth

Okay, so you have a Bluetooth device and the urge to use it on Linux but don't know how? Listed here are a few basic steps that will make the Linux kernel recognize your new device. Most Bluetooth devices require Kernel 2.0.2 and up, though the latest version is recommended. So in case you are stuck up with an older version of the kernel, download the latest from http://www.kernel.org . For those who love to keep their systems updated, you still need to configure your kernel to recognize the device. You can certainly skip the initial steps and jump directly to Step No: 2 where your will shall be taught to recognize the device. Commands listed here will install the kernel from scratch. Meaning, your old kernel settings will not be retained. If you wish to retain those settings, copy your old kernel config file and type "make oldconfig". In addition to retaining the old existing options, you will be given the option to use the new kernel features.

Download the latest version from kernel.org and untar it to your default home/temp directory. It's not necessary to be root to untar files, but to update/install the kernel, it's mandatory to be root.
tar zxvf linux-2.4.xx (xx is the version) /path/to/your/home/directory

cd /path/to/your/home/directory

make xconfig
This command will allow you to configure your kernel graphically. Most of us are familiar with the "make menuconfig" command. Configuring via "X" tells us whether a particular module needs to be installed or not in an easy manner. To enable Bluetooth support from your kernel it's essential that you download and install the corresponding stack. Unless you do that, in text mode (menuconfig) there will be no Bluetooth option, whereas in graphical mode (xconfig) the option will persist but will be grayed out. This helps us understand exactly how a device needs to be configured. Again, kernel hackers may argue with this statement, stating they can make the Bluetooth support option ungrayed by tweaking around. Agreed, but this is not the right way to do it.
If you need to know more about the HCI drivers and other software details required for your Bluetooth device, goto the following directory. /path/where/new/linux/exists/drivers/bluetooth

make dep make bzImage make modules make install make modules_install

cp /path/where/new/linux/exists/arch/i386/boot/bzImage /boot/vmlinuz-2.4.10
pico /etc/lilo.conf Edit the vmlinuz section and replace last part of it with vmlinuz-2.4.10
lilo -r This will write the new lilo to your disk
reboot You need to reboot your system to get the newly installed kernel to rock your system...
Just in case, you need to know the version of newly installed linux, or if everything has gone proper, type "uname -r" and you shall get your linux version.

Note: The commands listed here are general commands and have been tried out on RedHat 7.1. This is not a how-to for upgrading/installing the kernel. Steps are given so that the reader can get an overview of how to get Bluetooth and the Kernel work in tandem. For details, please read the corresponding how-to's and man pages.

Bluetooth Enabled Products Available In The Generic Market

Listed here are a few futuristic models that use Bluetooth technology. Their availability is currently limited to a few countries and their prices are bit steep. However, as the devices gain popularity and time advances, these units will become more available and affordable.

Anoto: A piece of paper, the Anoto pen and a web server, combine these and whatever you write on the patterned paper will be scanned by a digital eye. The system will make enough calculations to estimate the precise position of what you are scribbling out and transfer the information to your PDA or PC via the Bluetooth radio transreceiver.

Visit http://www.anoto.com for more information.

Ericsson R520
Model Name : Ericsson R520m

R520m is by far the most revolutionary mobile by Ericson. This 113 gm wonder has the unique distinction of being the last mobile both designed and manufactured by Erricson. It not only supports Bluetooth but also WAP and GPRS. It offers a decent data transfer rate of approx 100k through Bluetooth technology at a distance of 10 mtrs .

This hi-tech device offers more features than you will ever need and for just 249.99 pounds ;-) GO GET IT ! Medical Field

Though each technology changes our life in some way or the other, when the same device is used in the medical field to save/enhance human life, its significance has no bounds.

QRS Diagnostic, LLC and Advanced Medical Electronics Corporation are already developing Bluetooth enabled devices. Prototypes of the like of a Electrocardiograph, glucometer and weight scale are already under development.

About the Authors

Devang Shah (CEO - Devolve Inc. a zero million dollar company) is an electronics engineering student, and takes keen interest in emerging technologies. His other areas of interest include Robot Building, Flash Designing, Mountaineering, Astronomy and watching movies. Currently in search of Miss. "Right" ....... He can be contacted at devang@computer.org

Anurag Phadke a.k.a. brainless is currently enjoying his 24/7 DSL connection on his new IBM Thinkpad i 1300 series. His other obsessions include playing Online Yahoo Games and whilst not online he loves to watch cartoons, Tom & Jerry being his favorite. He can be contacted at cbca@mantraonline.com

Originally Published: Tuesday, 16 October 2001	Author: Devang Shah and Anurag Phadke
Published to: enhance_articles_hardware/Hardware News	Page: 6/6 - [Printable]
The Commands Remain the Same: BlueTooth Technology and Linux Linux.com is pleased to publish this well researched look at the emerging field of wireless networking, focusing on Bluetooth technology and Linux. Learn all about Bluetooth and even modifying the kernel (when needed) to support it.

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Upgrading your Kernel for Bluetooth Okay, so you have a Bluetooth device and the urge to use it on Linux but don't know how? Listed here are a few basic steps that will make the Linux kernel recognize your new device. Most Bluetooth devices require Kernel 2.0.2 and up, though the latest version is recommended. So in case you are stuck up with an older version of the kernel, download the latest from http://www.kernel.org . For those who love to keep their systems updated, you still need to configure your kernel to recognize the device. You can certainly skip the initial steps and jump directly to Step No: 2 where your will shall be taught to recognize the device. Commands listed here will install the kernel from scratch. Meaning, your old kernel settings will not be retained. If you wish to retain those settings, copy your old kernel config file and type "make oldconfig". In addition to retaining the old existing options, you will be given the option to use the new kernel features. Download the latest version from kernel.org and untar it to your default home/temp directory. It's not necessary to be root to untar files, but to update/install the kernel, it's mandatory to be root. tar zxvf linux-2.4.xx (xx is the version) /path/to/your/home/directory cd /path/to/your/home/directory make xconfig This command will allow you to configure your kernel graphically. Most of us are familiar with the "make menuconfig" command. Configuring via "X" tells us whether a particular module needs to be installed or not in an easy manner. To enable Bluetooth support from your kernel it's essential that you download and install the corresponding stack. Unless you do that, in text mode (menuconfig) there will be no Bluetooth option, whereas in graphical mode (xconfig) the option will persist but will be grayed out. This helps us understand exactly how a device needs to be configured. Again, kernel hackers may argue with this statement, stating they can make the Bluetooth support option ungrayed by tweaking around. Agreed, but this is not the right way to do it. If you need to know more about the HCI drivers and other software details required for your Bluetooth device, goto the following directory. /path/where/new/linux/exists/drivers/bluetooth make dep make bzImage make modules make install make modules_install cp /path/where/new/linux/exists/arch/i386/boot/bzImage /boot/vmlinuz-2.4.10 pico /etc/lilo.conf Edit the vmlinuz section and replace last part of it with vmlinuz-2.4.10 lilo -r This will write the new lilo to your disk reboot You need to reboot your system to get the newly installed kernel to rock your system... Just in case, you need to know the version of newly installed linux, or if everything has gone proper, type "uname -r" and you shall get your linux version. Note: The commands listed here are general commands and have been tried out on RedHat 7.1. This is not a how-to for upgrading/installing the kernel. Steps are given so that the reader can get an overview of how to get Bluetooth and the Kernel work in tandem. For details, please read the corresponding how-to's and man pages. Bluetooth Enabled Products Available In The Generic Market Listed here are a few futuristic models that use Bluetooth technology. Their availability is currently limited to a few countries and their prices are bit steep. However, as the devices gain popularity and time advances, these units will become more available and affordable. Anoto: A piece of paper, the Anoto pen and a web server, combine these and whatever you write on the patterned paper will be scanned by a digital eye. The system will make enough calculations to estimate the precise position of what you are scribbling out and transfer the information to your PDA or PC via the Bluetooth radio transreceiver. Visit http://www.anoto.com for more information. Ericsson R520 Model Name : Ericsson R520m R520m is by far the most revolutionary mobile by Ericson. This 113 gm wonder has the unique distinction of being the last mobile both designed and manufactured by Erricson. It not only supports Bluetooth but also WAP and GPRS. It offers a decent data transfer rate of approx 100k through Bluetooth technology at a distance of 10 mtrs . This hi-tech device offers more features than you will ever need and for just 249.99 pounds ;-) GO GET IT ! Medical Field Though each technology changes our life in some way or the other, when the same device is used in the medical field to save/enhance human life, its significance has no bounds. QRS Diagnostic, LLC and Advanced Medical Electronics Corporation are already developing Bluetooth enabled devices. Prototypes of the like of a Electrocardiograph, glucometer and weight scale are already under development. Related Links Though the authors of this article have taken utmost care to ensure that every thing related to Bluetooth is covered in a well structured manner, there may be instances where we may have skipped out some part or places where ambiguity prevails. For more information or in-depth knowledge about Bluetooth we recommend the following sites: http://www.bluetooth.com http://www.research.ibm.com/Bluetooth/ http://www.palowireless.com http://www.brightcom.com About the Authors Devang Shah (CEO - Devolve Inc. a zero million dollar company) is an electronics engineering student, and takes keen interest in emerging technologies. His other areas of interest include Robot Building, Flash Designing, Mountaineering, Astronomy and watching movies. Currently in search of Miss. "Right" ....... He can be contacted at devang@computer.org Anurag Phadke a.k.a. brainless is currently enjoying his 24/7 DSL connection on his new IBM Thinkpad i 1300 series. His other obsessions include playing Online Yahoo Games and whilst not online he loves to watch cartoons, Tom & Jerry being his favorite. He can be contacted at cbca@mantraonline.com
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