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 CTR-BlueLync is our next
generation Bluetooth enabled link. The new design provides much more flexibility than CTR-BlueAir by providing a
common Bluetooth based platform that supports multiple radio interfaces
and accessories.
CTR-BlueLync is based on the
BlueSMiRF Bluetooth module from
www.sparkfun.com. This module, shown at the left in this photo, contains the basic elements to provide
a Bluetooth based wireless serial port.
 The
CTR-BlueLync unit, as the name suggests,
provides the "link electronics" required to connect the
BlueSMiRF module to your radio's serial port. Its unique construction and
simple assembly
requires only basic electronic assembly skills.
We have discontinued building these units so you must "roll your own" interface by purchasing the
BlueSMiRF
RF module then using the schematics, board layouts,
and assembly manuals provided on this web site.
Far Circuits
carries the circuit board kits (under "Keyers") and the
BlueSMiRF modules can be found at
www.SparkFun.com. Contact these
vendors directly for prices and availability.
The completed interface fits neatly in a Hammond 1551H
plastic enclosure. The heads from clear plastic thumb tacks make
excellent lenses for the BlueSMiRF LEDs.
Click on one of the links below for more
information on a specific CTR-BlueLync unit.
Elecraft
Icom CI-V
Kenwood
Icom PCR1000
Serial
Yaesu
Assembly Manual
A note about
BlueSMiRF modules
Spark Fun recently introduced two
new BlueSMiRF modules to replace their older BlueRadios based
version. To complicate matters, they didn't differentiate between the
various BlueSMiRF versions available!
To clarify this situation, here's a breakdown of what's out there:
-
BlueSMiRFs purchased before October 2007 use the BlueRadios
chip. All CTR-BlueLync modules supplied by use used these modules. Spark
Fun has discontinued this module.
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There are now two BlueSMiRFs on Spark Fun's web site:
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SKU# WRL-00582 uses a Roving Networks chip.
This unit has a 100 meter range and performs basically the same as the
original BlueSMiRF module. The main difference is that it uses a
different command set that requires you to set the unit's baud rate in
the Bluetooth Options menu and
save it to flash RAM. This is the recommended
module for use with CTR-BlueLync.
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SKU# WRL-08332 uses a Phillips chip. This unit has a
30 meter range and is 15 USD cheaper than the Roving Networks unit. It's
main disadvantage is that it is not programmable over the air (via the
Bluetooth link). This means that you have to set its properties using an
RS-232 interface and terminal program before you can use it with
BlueLync. For this reason, this module is
not recommended for CTR-BlueLync.
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