Connecting Keyboard Like Devices via USB or Bluetooth To Mogul

[MogulMogul2]

Connecting Keyboard Like Devices via USB or Bluetooth To Mogul
I have searched through the posts here and other forums and have not found a precise or complete answer to these questions. Any help would be appreciated. I'm not an expert.

Does the Mogul have USB host capability through the connector? There seems to be conflicting opinions. If it does what is needed to turn on the capability?

This is the scenario I am trying create without having to rebuild or build new devices. A cost effective solution is the goal.

Assume the data collection devices I want to connect to the Mogul have a standard USB connector and wiring the same as a USB 101 type keyboard ( though the devices are not keyboards ) and the signals coming out of the connector are the same. The data stream is ASCII character stream. The USB devices are self powered so they do not need to draw the 5 volts from the Mogul.

The goal is to connect such a device to the Mogul directly via the USB connector so that it looks like a keyboard OR connect the device to an external Bluetooth transmitter that looks like a Bluetooth keyboard.

The out put will be stored in standard applications such as Windows Mobile Office documents

Off the self product would be preferable to having to black box the project.

It would seem simple considering there are USB bluetooth transmitters at fairly low cost, but I have not been able to find one for this specific application. Hacking and existing bluetooth keyboard might work but it would be a bulky solution, a considerable downside as well as expense for each of the devices.

Thanks in advance

[weakkneed]

There is a thread on the forum (search for Redfly) where a laptop like device(no cpu just keyboard and 7" vga screen) is attached through usb or bluetooth so it is definitely possible.

[weakkneed]

http://celiocorp.com/index.php

Try the link above to see the Redfly device I mentioned. By the way, the screen is 8" not 7" as I mentioned.

I went to the website for the Redfly device and noticed this link for a prepackaged interface to do what you want.

http://celiocorp.com/pdfs/smartphone_interface.pdf

[MogulMogul2]

Thanks for the quick response and lead. I had not seen the RedFly device before ... it certainly has its applications. Mine is much more mundane and simple ( on the surface ).

The RedFly device contains all the communications capability and more; reconfirms my sense that it is possible. There are a number of off the shelf devices such as barcode scanners and keyboards that run over bluetooth. What I have not been able to locate specifically is a bluetooth transmitter that is stand alone and will take a keyboard ( ASCII data stream ) input ( usb connector ) and send it to the Mogul so that it is recognized as a generic keyboard. This would not necesssarily be limited to the Mogul, the Mogul specific part of it would be a direct USB connection which would be acceptable but not a elegant as Bluetooth. I'm trying to avoid a portable router hooked up up to a car battery as and alternative.

Thanks for the input, it is appreciated.

[weakkneed]

This sounds like a mobile sales meeting application to sync multiple sales data. You're not looking for a high tech way to deal drugs are you? LOL

[MogulMogul2]

Ha! No it's not sales related at all or related to the other subject you eluded to. Think of it more of a scientific application involving data collection from various devices. The GPS feature now implemented makes direct connection to the Mogul ideal as well as Wifi or Internet connection to send the data in near real time.

I believe that this would have appeal to a number of end users for a number of different data collection activities that are not "standard" with a dedicated single use device such as a keyboard, barcode, RFID, or symbol scanner.

I would be more specific but my contracts do not allow disclosure of a specific nature. If you think about New Mexico, think of all the possibilities; you have heard of Roswell and the Plains Of St Augustine, Electronic Voice Phenomenon ( EVP ), Trinity Site at White Sands, Oil, Gold, on and on.

[Protonus]

Did you ever find anything further on this? Thanks in advance.

[MrObvious]

The problem I think is that the Mogul doesn't have TV out. The Touch Diamond/Pro do if IIRC.

[schettj]

you can, of course, use a bluetooth keyboard with the mogul.