Hi,
I want to ask, whether its at all possible to connect to vex iq brain from Windows PC? I spent some days reading about Bluetooth LE and its support on Windows (8 and 10), and I feel that the connection is just theoretically not possible, because Windows does not implement BLE GATT server functionality (even Windows 10).
So, why VEX Robotics claim support of Windows 8+ on this page: Smart Radio - VEX Robotics
You are right, but the reason is slightly different. Windows 8 might be able to implement the GATT server (I guess it even does, e.g. for exporting the time service), but it AFAIK doesn’t support the peripheral role. The VexIQ brain with a SmartRadio behaves as BTLE central device and thus can only connect to peripheral devices. The VexIQ controller with a SmartRadio is such a peripheral device (and you can, with proper SW, connect the VexIQ controller to a Windows 8+ machine), but to talk to the brain, you’d need either an OS support for peripheral role (such as in iOS, Android 5.0+, BB10) or a bridging device that behaves as a BTLE peripheral towards the brain, but as USB-connected brain towards the PC.
Yes, Win8 and even Win10 can’t act as a BLE peripheral. Win10 makes a step forward allowing to advertise with “manufacturer data”. But, this is still not a full GATT server.
and you can, with proper SW, connect the VexIQ controller to a Windows 8+ machine
This is also false. To be able to connect a device to Win8+ PC, the device need to implement pairing protocol. VEX IQ controller does not implement pairing (as noted in Smart Radio Developer Guide). My Win10 is able to see the controller, but can’t pair with it. And so, the device just not visible in API.
Anyway, VEX Robotics should not claim support for Windows 8+. I’ve ordered smart radios a year ago, and they are still actually unusable.
Good news about Windows10!
What’s new in insiders preview build 15007 for PCs?
This is the first build you can try out the new APIs that enable GATT Server, Bluetooth LE Peripheral role and unpaired Bluetooth LE device connectivity.
Read more at Microsoft released Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15007