New Bluetooth TPMS in Development

**Lok** · 06-04-2012, 10:45 AM

Sorry for the lack of updates. We have currently working on the application development side of the project right now and also working on getting the necessary certifications for the actual device. Since we are using Bluetooth as well as RF communication we need to go through FCC testing and also SIG testing and approval. These are both very expensive and time taking processes so please sit tight as we do our best to get this device approved and ready for sale to the general public. We will most likey be doing a beta test soon as we have in the past for the USB TPMS to help with the testing phase. Current USB TPMS users will be able to use their exisiting sensors so only a reciever will be needed, so the transition should be fairly simple. As soon as I have something to share with you I will be sure to post. Thank you for your patience.

**VegasGuy** · 06-04-2012, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by ndabunka

I now see from the clarification that the sensors in this thread are NOT bluetooth sensors so they would not do any good for my applicaiton. In fact, so far it appears that nobody makes BT TPMS sensors (at this time). It sure would be a LOT more convenient to simply allow handheld devices to leverage a signal that they already receive (such as BT) rather than having to route the signals through soem 3rd-party box (like in this thread) but that isn't the way of this world (apparently).

If anyone here learns of a BT-enabled TPMS, please message me.

You would probably have to use the Bluetooth serial profile in order to connect multiple devices of the same type (profile). That means the circuitry required on the sensor and the complexity associated with managing and polling 4 or more serial ports would make the system more complex and less reliable than what you have here. The other problem might be the reliability of the bluetooth signal in a rapidly rotating wheel. I don't know that BT was ever envisioned for use in that king of dynamic signal environment. Definitely outside the normal usage envelope.

VegasGuy

**Enforcer** · 06-04-2012, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by VegasGuy

You would probably have to use the Bluetooth serial profile in order to connect multiple devices of the same type (profile). That means the circuitry required on the sensor and the complexity associated with managing and polling 4 or more serial ports would make the system more complex and less reliable than what you have here. The other problem might be the reliability of the bluetooth signal in a rapidly rotating wheel. I don't know that BT was ever envisioned for use in that king of dynamic signal environment. Definitely outside the normal usage envelope.

VegasGuy

I wish newbies would learn to read a whole thread before posting.

Originally Posted by Lok

Originally Posted by Sonicxtacy02

To make sure i understand this, the new system will use bluetooth to communicate to the app, but the sensors will still utilize RF in the manor the USB kit does?

That is correct, sensors will still communicate to the reciever via RF as they have in the past. Reciever will communcate to the app via Bluetooth.

**steven765** · 07-03-2012, 06:13 PM

It occurred to me the 433 MHz band is the unlicensed band. And I assume the bluetooth chip is a pre-assembeled unit. So um why bother with approval?

**malcom2073** · 07-04-2012, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by steven765

It occurred to me the 433 MHz band is the unlicensed band. And I assume the bluetooth chip is a pre-assembeled unit. So um why bother with approval?

Typically when you include a bluetooth module in any final product, you need to get the entire product approved.

**Lok** · 08-29-2012, 04:18 PM

Hey guys, I apologize for the time it is taking to develop this product. I expected this to take far less time and money but we are new to the bluetooth development world and we did not realize the number of costs associated with development (compliers, signal analyzers, dev kits). We have been able to get past the first set of obstacles and our biggest hurdle now is the Bluetooth approval process (~$20,000). We have a production level prototype in the works (pcb is ready but I am waiting on parts, I will post pictures soon) and we have begun working on a simple app to help us see how well the device is communicating over bluetooth in respect to range, reliability, and functionality. I hope to have some updates for you guys in a few weeks. Thanks!

**ndabunka** · 10-26-2012, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by VegasGuy

You would probably have to use the Bluetooth serial profile in order to connect multiple devices of the same type (profile). That means the circuitry required on the sensor and the complexity associated with managing and polling 4 or more serial ports would make the system more complex and less reliable than what you have here. The other problem might be the reliability of the bluetooth signal in a rapidly rotating wheel. I don't know that BT was ever envisioned for use in that king of dynamic signal environment. Definitely outside the normal usage envelope.

VegasGuy

Not certain why you think one would need a serial profile nor why that would be even (modestly) complex. I only want this for motorcycles (2 wheels) and can use two different arguments/variables BUILT INTO the pair of BT TPMS themselves. Since they would then sync to a iPhone/Android, etc while in an area without any other BT components (other bikes, etc), one could "pair with them fairly easily. Since the range of the BT design is limited to 20 feet, few issues. Most are trying to LOCK in buyers to extra parts that simply aren't needed. 2 BT TPMS sensors and an apple app written for iPhones & Andriod is all that is needed and millions could be sold quickly & easily. Maybe I should build the chip like the OP of this post has done.