Let down by Belkin

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waclark

19 posts

Geek

#551 24-Sep-2003 09:27

Greetings,

Here is the response I just recieved from Belkin regarding driver updates for the F8T001 version 1 USB Bluetooth adapter.

"Thank you for contacting Belkin Components.

Unfortunately there are no plans to update the drivers for the older adapter to support bluetooth headsets. Only the newest adapters will.
If you have any further questions or concerns please contact us at (310)898-1100 x2263, between the hours of 5am and 5:30pm pacific standard time.

Technical Support Department
Belkin Components "

This is especially disappointing since Belkin advertised this adapter as supporting Bluetooth 1.1 devices. I can tell you this will be the last Belkin product I ever buy.

Tony Clark
Mill Creek, WA

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
79289 posts

Uber Geek

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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1537 24-Sep-2003 10:11

Thanks for the update Tony. Sad to hear this coming from Belkin - usually they're good on supporting their products.

waclark

19 posts

Geek

#1541 24-Sep-2003 11:22

Yes it's a shame. Especially when the new version looks like a good product. The finally got rid of that antenna which always seemed to get in my way...:)

Maybe they'll reconsider.

TC

waclark

19 posts

Geek

#1563 26-Sep-2003 09:38

Just so you all know here is an email I got from the Bluetooth development manager at Belkin. I though it was very nice of Blekin to follow up in this manner and definietly goes along way towards keeping me as a Belkin customer.

"Hello Tony,
Please allow me to explain.

Bluetooth 1.1 is a protocol that our products comply to.
Driven on top of the Protocols are Bluetooth Profiles, Which for the most part, are software driven features.
The original F8T001 launched as a BT v1.1 compliant product but did not include the Headset profile. We did not advertise this feature.
At the time the Profile was still in it's infancy for USB products. As the profile matured, Widcomm (the softwre provider) added Headset Profile to their next generation software. Unfortunately Widcomm added a security feature to this new software as well that would only allow the new software to run with Hardware that had a security key imbedded in firmware. This means the "old" HW could not be compatible with the new Software.
Another issue with the F8T001 v1 was that it used the 1st generation Bluetooth Chipset from Broadcom. As the Headset Profile was introduced we discovered that the Processor in the Broadcom Bluetooth Chip was not fast enough to accommodate Audio (headset profile). So even if the Software worked the chipset would not support it. As soon as we became aware, we started a new development of F8T001v2. The new product is now fully compatible with the latest chip from CSR and latest profile sets from Widcomm.

Since Bluetooth is a fast growing technology we can not guarantee that even this current hardware will be able to support future profiles. That is just the reality of a fast paced technology.
I hope you understand our position as the leaders in the Bluetooth Market. Belkin has always strived to deliver the latest, most low cost, and best product offering.

Carlos del Toro
Product Manager- Bluetooth
Belkin Corporation
501 West Walnut Street
Compton, CA 90220"

Cheers
Tony Clark

chrismax

146 posts

Master Geek

#1611 29-Sep-2003 11:08

Thanks for the follow-up. I'd always heard good feedback on Belkin, so was disappointed in their original response to you.

Also, the author provides a great example to users of the sometimes complex relationship between hardware and software to support Bluetooth profiles. It's not just the software!!

Captain Obvious

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1763 7-Oct-2003 19:50

"The original F8T001 launched as a BT v1.1 compliant product but did not include the Headset profile. We did not advertise this feature."

That's interesting. I've just purchased a Belkin F8T001 version 1, and I'm absolutely certain that the Headset profile is on the box.

I've been trying to get the latest Widcomm drivers to play ball with this card, but it keeps BSOD'ing. At least now I know why.

I'll return the adapter and get my money back, as it looks like what it said on the box doesn't match what the capabilities of the product.

waclark

19 posts

Geek

#1771 8-Oct-2003 04:03

Take a look at the box. If indeed you have a version 1 I think you will find that it does not mention Headset anywhere. The version 2 box does specifically call out Headsets which is what prompted me to contat Belkin in the first place.

Captain Obvious

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1772 8-Oct-2003 04:16

It's definitely a version 1 unit, as it has the antenna you can lift up, and it's powered by a Broadcom chipset. The picture on the box also matches, but mentions the headset profile. It also says it can work 100 metres away.

I think that somehow the boxes got mixed up.

No matter, it's going back tomorrow. Dunno what I'll do, I may wait around for the Logitech Bluetooth desktop set. I need a new mouse anyway.

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Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

marilu2547

4 posts

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#1882 17-Oct-2003 08:35

I use Belkin my self and never have a problem, Belkin just released a new Bluetooth adapter witch is the F8T001 V.2 and contains with Version 1.4.2.10 the latest Widcomm stack and works great with my Bluetooth headset (Jabra) and my Microsoft Bluetooth mouse and Keyboard. If you have problems contact Belkin they have been a real help in setting up my Bluetooth adapter with my Bluetooth devices.