Bluetooth issues in Windows 10

SSShadii · 08 May 2020

Hi, I'm using a Bluetooth 4.0 dongle plugged into a separately powered USB 3.0 hub, which is connected to the PC with a USB 3.0 cable into a USB 3.0 port (i.e. USB 3.0 the whole way to the PC). I'm getting terrible range though. My Xbox One controller starts to become unresponsive at about 8-10 feet. I have a cheap wireless keyboard and it starts to act up at the same distance. If I move them both like 1.5 feet forward, no problems.

I'm thinking about upgrading the Bluetooth adapter, but I'd like to be sure it would fix the problem first as a Bluetooth 4.0 dongle is supposed to get upwards of 30 feet. It doesn't sound like it is the dongle to me. Could this be a power thing, or a data transmission thing? USB 3 doesn't specify a maximum distance, but I believe my cable is within USB 2.0 max distance, so I don't see that being a problem either.

Also, the dongle to the couch is unobstructed. Any ideas how to fix this?

Not sure which computer specs are relevant, but:
Windows 10 Pro: Most current build
Ryzen 5 3600x
ASUS Prime X570-P motherboard
16 gb 3200 Hz ram
Raedon 590

Caledon Ken · 09 May 2020

For clarity is your wireless keyboard a bluetooth wireless keyboard? (Most aren't)

Have you tried Bluetooth dongle connected directly to computer?

Have you separated your bluetooth adapter away from other radio sources like your wireless mouse / keyboard. Maybe pull that radio for a test.

Berton · 09 May 2020

Caledon Ken said:

For clarity is your wireless keyboard a bluetooth wireless keyboard? (Most aren't)
Have you tried Bluetooth dongle connected directly to computer?
Have you separated your bluetooth adapter away from other radio sources like your wireless mouse / keyboard. Maybe pull that radio for a test.

Good points.

I think you'll find the Mac iMacs use Bluetooth keyboards and mice.

Direct from the computer's port should be definitive.

There is an issue with microwave ovens and Wireless/Wi-Fi adapters as they are on the same 2.4GHz band but haven't seen it affect my Bluetooth mouse when the Wireless connection has been affected [about 18 feet from the oven]. Most Notebooks having Bluetooth have it as part of the Wireless adapter.

SSShadii · 09 May 2020

The keyboard is 2.4G wireless. I also have a Bluetooth HID device that only works with a specific device hooked up to the same USB 3 hub, so there are three wireless devices: The 2.4G keyboard, the Bluetooth 4.0 dongle, and the HID device. I notice the same thing on the keyboard and the devices hooked up to the dongle, so I am assuming it has to be a hub issue.

Does this mean anything to anyone? Is there a power setting for the hub that could need to be adjusted?

Berton · 10 May 2020

A USB Hub is simply an extension of the USB port it's plugged into so as to get more ports. The only issue I've had with them is matching the type of port and appropriate cables for the connection.

There are front-panel hubs that fit in place of a 3.5" floppy drive or second ODD for convenience and use a cable to the motherboard or a cable to a port on the back of the computer.

And the amount of power needed can be a factor so for anything other than a mouse and keyboard I use the Self-Powered type.

Caledon Ken · 10 May 2020

May I suggest again, disconnect all other radios, test.

Then test directly attached to computer.

My belief is there is interference between devices. Since they are impacted the all act the same.

SSShadii · 10 May 2020

Caledon Ken said:

May I suggest again, disconnect all other radios, test.
Then test directly attached to computer.
My belief is there is interference between devices. Since they are impacted the all act the same.

OK, I did try this, and yes, it seems that there is interference from the HID device. When I disconnect it, the keyboard and Bluetooth dongle work fine from the USB hub. When I plug the keyboard and Bluetooth into the computer directly, with the HID directly plugged in to the USB hub, it also works.

What is going on here though? Is this interference coming from the HID device antenna, or some interference happening at the hub? Can I run the HID device inline to another USB hub (i.e. Hub with the bluetooth and keyboard dongle -> second powered hub -> HID device)?

I do get passable reception from the bluetooth dongle on the computer directly, but, it is in a closet, and therefore isn't great. Does modding the bluetooth dongle for an external antenna actually work? I could easily attach a coaxial port to the onboard antenna and run an antenna out of the closet. Something like this:-

YouTube
YouTube

Caledon Ken · 10 May 2020

I can't say what is root cause, sorry.

This HID device, is it another dongle / radio. Or when you say you plug it in, is this a cable that extends out to this HID device?

SSShadii · 10 May 2020

Caledon Ken said:

I can't say what is root cause, sorry.

This HID device, is it another dongle / radio. Or when you say you plug it in, is this a cable that extends out to this HID device?

It's one of these (Mayflash Dolphin Bar):

Robot Check

It is connected to a 6 ft cable, and is about 3-4 ft. above the hub where the bluetooth and keyboard dongles are.

What about the "solder an antenna onto the bluetooth dongle" approach? Is that BS? Sounds fun to do...

Berton · 10 May 2020

What one of the videos showed was doing it with a Wi-Fi dongle, looked like a couple I have and they don't include Bluetooth.