New to HTPC... OpenELEC fighting my Bluetooth

[FC Bayern]

So I've been lurking these forums the past month before undertaking my first HTPC build. Thanks to those of you who are frequent contributors here, I've learned a lot! I've built my HTPC and am running OpenELEC from a USB 3.0 thumb drive... It's awesome, It's wife-approved, and I love the fact that its so appliance-Esq...

My problem is that OpenElec doesn't recognize that there is a Bluetooth/wireless module connected to my motherboard. I have this board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-526-_-Product

Likely not relevant but the CPU is a Pentium G3220. The HTPC is hard wired to Ethernet (never going to be wireless)

Currently I'm controlling everything via usb mouse / keyboard; however I really wanted to use my PS3 remote / Smart Phone via bluetooth to control the HTPC (and complete the appliance feel); however, I'm a complete Linux noob and have tried researching this particular board + OpenElec but haven't stumbled upon anything noteworthy. I was hoping one of you with greater expertise in these things could help.

 

[FC Bayern]

I'd like to add that I'm willing to buy a Bluetooth 3.0 dongle that is guaranteed to work with OpenELEC and your Smartphone (What Android app is the best btw?) / PlayStation 3 remote if someone knows of one...

I don't want to start purchasing one only to find out that OpenELEC doesn't like that one either.

 

[poofyhairguy]

First things first: welcome to the club. Openelec rocks.

Secondly, by far the best Android app is Yatse. It is how I control my boxes most of the time because the wife loses the real remote. You don't need bluetooth, it works (GREAT and FREE!) via wifi.

Finally I know NO way to control the box by a PS3 remote. Because you shouldn't do it, lol. That is a game console remote. You have a wife man! Get her a Logitech Harmony 600+ and a USB IR sensor and the wife approval will SHOOT through the roof. Seriously.

At the very least get something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16880101008

That would be Plug and Play. Like you do nothing but plug it in and hand it to her.

PS: If you really want bluetooth let me know and when I get home I will look and see what Bluetooth dongle I am using for console emulation in Openelec. A PS3 controller does kick ass as a retro gaming remote.

 

[FC Bayern]

First things first: welcome to the club. Openelec rocks.

Secondly, by far the best Android app is Yatse. It is how I control my boxes most of the time because the wife loses the real remote. You don't need bluetooth, it works (GREAT and FREE!) via wifi.

Finally I know NO way to control the box by a PS3 remote. Because you shouldn't do it, lol. That is a game console remote. You have a wife man! Get her a Logitech Harmony 600+ and a USB IR sensor and the wife approval will SHOOT through the roof. Seriously.

At the very least get something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16880101008

That would be Plug and Play. Like you do nothing but plug it in and hand it to her.

PS: If you really want bluetooth let me know and when I get home I will look and see what Bluetooth dongle I am using for console emulation in Openelec. A PS3 controller does kick ass as a retro gaming remote.

Thanks for the suggestions poofyhairguy. I would indeed like to know the Bluetooth dongle you use, if nothing more than as a backup. I don't have to have the PS3 remote working on the HTPC. May even look to the IR remote you posted if all else ends up failing.

I will give Yatse a shot first when I get home. I do have a wireless router; however, the HTCP is connected via Ethernet to the router (and the wireless/Bluetooth module on my motherboard isn't recognized by OpenElec for some reason).

I would think this won't be an issue since its all the same network but just wanted to confirm.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Thanks for the suggestions poofyhairguy. I would indeed like to know the Bluetooth dongle you use, if nothing more than as a backup. I don't have to have the PS3 remote working on the HTPC. May even look to the IR remote you posted if all else ends up failing.

I will give Yatse a shot first when I get home. I do have a wireless router; however, the HTCP is connected via Ethernet to the router (and the wireless/Bluetooth module on my motherboard isn't recognized by OpenElec for some reason).

I would think this won't be an issue since its all the same network but just wanted to confirm.

It shouldn't be an issue what-so-ever. As long as they are on the same network Yatse should work great. I bet once you see that app you will be like "what remote?"

I am pretty sure this is my bluetooth adaptor:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/iogear-b...reen/5559535.p

I will double check though.

 

[FC Bayern]

It shouldn't be an issue what-so-ever. As long as they are on the same network Yatse should work great. I bet once you see that app you will be like "what remote?"

I am pretty sure this is my bluetooth adaptor:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/iogear-b...reen/5559535.p

I will double check though.

Yatse worked great! Indeed I don't believe a remote is required beyond it. Thanks again!

 

[poofyhairguy]

You are welcome! If you need anything else bug me!

Have fun.

 

[VeryCharBroiled]

Secondly, by far the best Android app is Yatse. It is how I control my boxes most of the time because the wife loses the real remote. You don't need bluetooth, it works (GREAT and FREE!) via wifi.

thanks for mentioning that. it works GREAT. much better than the (then) XBMC "official" remote app I tried a year ago or so.

it can even control my Dish STB in Kodi (via the colossus PVR card in the HTPC).

 

[poofyhairguy]

Yatse is great. It even plays ball with a MySQL setup perfectly.