Bluetooth Microphone reality
Submitted by Martin Markoe on Mon, 09/24/2007 - 11:43.
Lunis of KnowBrainer wrote:
"we recommend that you stay away from Bluetooth because we haven't seen a Bluetooth microphone that can match any of the other wireless systems we typically recommend and Bluetooth microphones often have to be paired again and again. In our opinion, Bluetooth simply isn't ready for prime time. However, the Plantronics Hybrid Plantronics CS55 wireless telephone/microphone has established itself and has a 300 foot range. It also doubles as a wireless headset for your telephone. The Plantronics CS50-USB wireless microphone costs a little less but doesn't double as a wireless headset for your phone and only has a 200 foot range."
We have provided over 1,100 VXI Bluetooth headsets the past 2 years. The return rate is less than 2 percent. The VXI B10-GTX headset only has to be paired once (not over and over) unless you use other Bluetooth devices that conflict. The microphone is moderately noise canceling as it uses the same microphone element as the respected VXI TalkPro microphones. The VXI Bluetooth signal was modified by the VXI development team to closely match Dragon NaturallySpeaking's audio format.
eMicrophones' weeb page for the VXI Bluetooth microphones has simple to follow directions for setting up, pairing and using the microphone. CLICK HERE to see these.
eMicrophones tested the Plantronics wireless CS-50 and CS-55. They are not for sale on our web site as our real life testing indicated the other wireless microphones we offer perform better.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Recognition Accuracy"
Interesting. Any idea on
Interesting.
Any idea on re-charge time? The reason I ask is less about the possible solution in this thread, and more about my own application.
I do instructor led training.
Currently I am carrying a Nady setup in a separate travel case. It gets a little bulky and cumbersome with the transfomers, cables, etc. Just using my laptop as a receiver and mini-mixer would cut down weight and bulk. And all the 9V batteries that get used up.
The idea of two of them (I have a class I team teach) would really simplify life. Given 75 foot range on a standard Bluetooth, I'm willing to guess I could double that. In this article, http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how20/51460e0796b84010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdr...
the tinker got a 1 mile range. I'll remember that if I get so popular I have to teach in a statium.
Tcat.net Training...Remembered (TM)
Tcat wrote: Any idea on
Any idea on re-charge time? The reason I ask is less about the possible solution in this thread, and more about my own application.
The VXI Bluetooth gets 5-6 hours of straight dictation time. We frankly are able to use it all day long because we just tap the multifunction button to take it out of dictation mode when not dictating. I truthfully do not know how long it takes to recharge because we just put it in the recharging cradle overnight.
Currently I am carrying a Nady setup in a separate travel case. It gets a little bulky and cumbersome with the transfomers, cables, etc. Just using my laptop as a receiver and mini-mixer would cut down weight and bulk. And all the 9V batteries that get used up.
if you do not have a lot of background noise, you might want to consider the Revolabs xTag wireless microphone. It is extremely lightweight and has a nice full rich sound. It charges via the USB port in the little charging cradle that is also the receiver. 30 minutes in the charging cradle gives it an 80% recharge.
The idea of two of them (I have a class I team teach) would really simplify life. Given 75 foot range on a standard Bluetooth, I'm willing to guess I could double that.
The eMicrophones Bluetooth USB dongle gives a true 100 m (over 300 feet) range to the Bluetooth wireless headset.
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Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
I am using DNS 9 Preferred
I am using DNS 9 Preferred and a VXi BlueParrot headset, my own experience is to be considered something of a halfway house between the two viewpoints expressed.
I am using a slightly different dongle (XoVox), but I don't think this has much effect on the overall result.
I was previously using a wired Parrot VXi headset and I would be hard-pressed to find any difference in overall recognition quality. Add the convenience of no wires and you could definitely put forward a case for going Bluetooth. However, there are several downsides.
You cannot dictate all day on a full charge, although an hour on charge at lunchtime is usually enough to get you through the rest of the day. As regards pairing the device, the instructions provided could be a little clearer, but in the end I succeeded without too much trouble. At the beginning of each day I have to pair the device by entering the 0000 code, other than that, I don't really experience any problems whilst dictating. The only thing I have still not resolved is the fact that I don't get to see a headset icon in the traybar and when I click on the "my Bluetooth network places" icon that appears on the desktop or try to open it by right clicking on the mouse, nothing happens. I cannot understand why as I believe the software was installed correctly and the headset is certainly working, I remember however that this was the case with my original Bluetooth headset (that proved to be defective) and one day this icon simply appeared for no apparent reason.
If I use the headset with Skype or another VOIP program, after about 30 seconds the headset switches itself off. This always happens and I'm forced to use a wired headset for this purpose. I would add that I am not using any other Bluetooth devices at this time, the only possible conflict could be with my wireless router although I have not noticed any practical signs of a conflict.
I would be interested to hear the experiences of other users, it sounds like a lot of these headsets have been sold, but I don't remember too many complaints about them on this forum, of course there may be a lot of dissatisfied customers who simply don't read this forum.
Graham
Graham wrote: I am using a
I am using a slightly different dongle (XoVox), but I don't think this has much effect on the overall result.
XoVox uses the same dongle. However, they use a custom driver interface. We use the one supplied by the manufacturer and it works just fine. If you go to our webpage for the Bluetooth USB dongle you will be able to download the latest drivers. This very well may solve any of the problems you are experiencing.
You cannot dictate all day on a full charge, although an hour on charge at lunchtime is usually enough to get you through the rest of the day.
That is reasonable for the vast majority of people.
As regards pairing the device, the instructions provided could be a little clearer, but in the end I succeeded without too much trouble.[/quote}
We wrote our own instructions to make it even easier. We're not talking about our instructions are you? We rarely get a phone call or e-mail message that someone is having a problem pairing the device.
At the beginning of each day I have to pair the device by entering the 0000 code, other than that, I don't really experience any problems whilst dictating.
The updated drivers may very well solve this problem. It is something we rarely hear about.
I would be interested to hear the experiences of other users, it sounds like a lot of these headsets have been sold, but I don't remember too many complaints about them on this forum, of course there may be a lot of dissatisfied customers who simply don't read this forum.
It is usually the other way around. You do not hear from satisfied customers but the one or two dissatisfied customers often make it clear they are having a problem.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Quote: It is usually the
It is usually the other way around. You do not hear from satisfied customers but the one or two dissatisfied customers often make it clear they are having a problem.
ROTFLMO! Gawd. That should be in glittering lights!
Thank you Martin for the links.
This could really lead to dropping 10 KG of baggage.
Over the past 7 or so years, I have had mixed, yet mostly good results with Bluetooth stuff. My biggest challenge with the VHF stuff is getting stomped on by first responder freqencies. I'll put up with some of the weird ways of being with BlueTooth to lighten the load and get away from getting stomped.
I'm packing out of MX now for my (wireless) presentation @ MS. Maybe this will be the last time I haul the mixer and all the VHF stuff. Having something that would work with Dragon AND my presenations would rock.
Tcat.net Training...Remembered (TM)
Marty, thanks for the info,
Marty, thanks for the info, am dashing out the door now, but at your site the page you mention seems to refer to Vista drivers only (I am using XP), however if I click on the link anyway I then get to the Anycom site but I'm not sure which driver I need.
The instructions I mentioned are those supplied by the manufacturer and not yours (I bought from Graham Hendry in the UK).
Graham
Graham wrote: but at your
but at your site the page you mention seems to refer to Vista drivers only (I am using XP), however if I click on the link anyway I then get to the Anycom site but I'm not sure which driver I need.
The download description mentions XP Service Pack 2 as well as Vista.
The instructions I mentioned are those supplied by the manufacturer and not yours (I bought from Graham Hendry in the UK).
Graham Hendry is very customer friendly. We personally are social outcasts and do not like talking to customers.
Therefore, when we test a product that has a more than normal level of difficulty, we write up what we think are very clear and concise directions. By doing so, we hope purchasers will not bother us.
Of course anyone, even our friend Graham's customers, should feel free to download our instructions. We suspect the reason KnowBrainer has had returns of the Bluetooth is because he focuses on other products.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Am having to type this, I
Am having to type this, I downloaded your driver and installed, all seemed OK after running the audio setup wizard but I soon noticed that recognition was horrendous, tried training again but I didn't even manage to finish it as what I was saying wasn't being recognised or was being misinterpreted as a command and in the end everything locked up and the training wizard vanished, at this point I don't know whether to create a new user, reinstall the old driver or try something else.
Graham
emiliaserv wrote: I
I downloaded your driver and installed, all seemed OK after running the audio setup wizard but I soon noticed that recognition was horrendous,
Did you install the XP driver or the Vista driver? Did you reboot? Did you rerun the Audio Setup Wizard?
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Graham, One other thought
Graham,
One other thought comes to mind. Did you uninstall the original Bluetooth software through Control Panel?
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Installed first driver on
Installed first driver on this page:
http://www.anycom.com/products/bluetooth_it_pc_accessoires/anycom_usb_25...
Using the control panel I removed the XoVox software (however during installation I was told that a previous version existed) installed the XP driver and rebooted, reran ASW and everything seemed OK, although no headset icon in traybar it did appear in the My Bluetooth Places folder.
I tried training a brand new user and immediately noted that there were problems, on playback it sounded like Pinky and Perky had been dictating (i.e. 3 times normal speed and there was a lot of interference).
When I get home this evening I am going to remove all traces of all bluetooth software and try again from scratch, however my initial impression is that the driver doesn't seem to be compatible with my particular dongle, I don't know if Graham (the other one) is reading this thread but I wonder whether he (or anyone else for that matter) has tried your (recommended) driver with the XoVox dongle.
Graham
Graham, I haven't tried the
Graham,
I haven't tried the XoVox dongle with the Vista drivers that eMicrophones supplies. XoVox make changes to the firmware and software so there could be clashes.
Have you tried the downloading the latest Vista drivers from XoVox (dated 2/4/07)?
http://www.xovoxcommunications.com/products/support.htm
Graham (the other one)
www.itspeaking.co.uk
emiliaserv wrote: Installed
Installed first driver on this page:
http://www.anycom.com/products/bluetooth_it_pc_accessoires/anycom_usb_250_usb_adapter/?id=102&partno=CC3036&tab=support
Did you see the following on the Download instructions?
"Installation note: If your dongle came with Software v4.0.1 please run the Firmware upgrade after you installed the new Software."
Also, at the bottom of the page is:
"FAQ
Manual removal of ANYCOM Blue USB Software"
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
I'm not sure I understand
I'm not sure I understand Graham's comment as I thought the driver I was installing was for XP and that there is a different one for Vista, as Marty suggests I am now reading the FAQ about manual removal but I do not understand "If your dongle came with Software v4.0.1 please run the Firmware upgrade after you installed the new Software", if the previous software is removed before installation of the new driver (am I right that this is the "Firmware upgrade"?) why would I have to install the old software if it has to be removed? I fear I am missing something obvious here, the new driver seems to be version 5, I had previously installed the XoVox software from the supplied CD but even if it was version 4, in view of that stated above it would seem irrelevant.
Thanks for clearing up this point.
Graham
PS
I looked in the registry and could not see any of the entries that the instructons tell me to remove!
I certainly cannot say that
I certainly cannot say that it was easy, however I appear to have successfully removed the old software/drivers and installed the new version, recognition is back to normal (at least so far), still no sign of the headset icon in the traybar, however that is the least of my worries.
Graham
PS
Early days, but if anything recognition appears to have improved
emiliaserv wrote: I
I certainly cannot say that it was easy, however I appear to have successfully removed the old software/drivers and installed the new version, recognition is back to normal (at least so far), still no sign of the headset icon in the traybar, however that is the least of my worries.
Graham
PS
Early days, but if anything recognition appears to have improved
Great news about possible increase in recognition accuracy and that you more importantly got it working correctly. We have upgraded several machines and software and never experienced what you experienced. We always removed the old software using Control Panel - Add or Remove Programs.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
I did try using the Control
I did try using the Control Panel to remove the old software, however this was not sufficient. I kept getting told that an old version was already installed, in the end I just told the wizard to overwrite and this appears to have done the trick.
Further good news, I just spoke to my father on Skype for 7 minutes, the headset behaved impeccably and did not switch itself off after 30 seconds as usually happens.
I have often found that
I have often found that after using Control Panel, it was still necessary to remove traces of the registry entries of removed programmes.
To avoid doing this manually a quick way to do this is to use the free CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/), or $20 RegScrub (http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Web_Authoring/Misc__Programming_Tools...)
Quentin
If you really want a clean
If you really want a clean uninstall of NaturallySpeaking skip the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Control Panel. DNS9.5 Remover will remove the additional pieces of NaturallySpeaking that get left from the Uninstall utility.
Lunis Orcutt - Developer of KnowBrainer (DNS Command Software)
Now Providing FREE (1st 5 min.) Tech Support 615-884-4558
A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Vendor
The problem was slightly
The problem was slightly different, the instructions for removing the old Anycom software gave a list of registry entries to delete, when I inspected the registry I could not see any of them at all so there was apparently nothing to delete anyway.
This morning I feared we were back to square one, when I opened DNS it refused to load the user files complaining that the Bluetooth headset was not installed (or a very similar message), I then switched on the headset and was able to start work, however recognition was once again non-existent.
I closed DNS and then opened it again with the headset already switched on, this seemed to do the trick and recognition returned to normal almost immediately. I did not have this problem with the XoVox software.
Graham
This subject was not removal
This subject was not removal of DNS, but the removal of Bluetooth software
(Sorry this was not a reply to emiliaserv, but was in reply to KnowBrainer on the immediately preceding posting. For some odd reason it did not come out where it should have!)
Quentin
emiliaserv wrote: Further
Further good news, I just spoke to my father on Skype for 7 minutes, the headset behaved impeccably and did not switch itself off after 30 seconds as usually happens.
That is even better news. It dispels the myth being promulgated that Bluetooth is flaky. Apparently, if you use good hardware and good software and have knowledgeable support, Bluetooth is a viable option.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Have been waiting to see how
Have been waiting to see how things go before reporting further and unfortunately they are not good at all, am back to typing as recognition is appalling.
To go back to where we left off, I had installed Marty's recommended drivers and that same day accuracy was exceptionally good (Skype also working without the mic switching itself off), when I started DNS the next day things had already started to go downhill. I had trouble getting the headset to pair and recognition came and went, one minute very good, the next minute terrible.
In the end I decided to take Graham's advice so I uninstalled all the drivers/firmware/software and then installed the XoVox drivers/firmware/software. Initially recognition was poor but then suddenly improved and was perfectly acceptable. The problems begin when switching on the headset, be it at the start of the day or when it has been temporarily switched off with DNS still running.
Just to give some idea of how frustrating this is becoming, when I pair the headset I get various messages saying a device is trying to connect and requesting the code, when I type in the four zeros the headset connects but I still get the same message again. Eventually another message asks me if this device can always connect automatically, I say "yes" but the next time I connect we go through all this procedure again.
Recognition is very patchy and seems to be deteriorating, also the playback volume is sometimes normal (or even too high) and other times far too low. I tried playing around with the various audio settings in the control panel but this doesn't seem to do much good. I have the speakers set as a “headset”, I also tried stereo/mono laptop speakers, but again whatever I choose doesn’t seem to make any difference
Besides running the audio setup wizard on numerous occasions (usually getting a score of between 17 and 19), I tried creating a brand new user but if anything it is worse than the old one. Playback indicates the beginning of any utterance is not being heard clearly and there seem to be two people talking at once (hope this makes sense). I did try switching into Dragon Pad where accuracy is usually pretty good at all times, but even here it is woeful.
I really don’t know what to try next, the headset is virtually brand new as the old defective one was replaced (I hope this one doesn’t have a defect) and whilst recognition has sometimes been acceptable, on the whole it has deteriorated to appoint where using DNS is no longer feasible. The only other hardware is the dongle, whilst I do have a wireless router, I even tried switching it off to see whether there could be a conflict but nothing changes.
Hope someone can come up with a suggestion because Bluetooth is creating me far too many problems to earn a prime-time recommendation.
Graham
Hmm, I think I may have
Hmm, I think I may have found the reason for the poor recognition, I moved the microphone slightly up and away from the corner of my mouth and the transformation is almost miraculous, playback is crystal clear and so far this message is completely error-free.
Am now going to switch back to my "old" user and see if that works correctly.
A further report will follow in due course
Graham
Graham wrote: Hope someone
Hope someone can come up with a suggestion because Bluetooth is creating me far too many problems to earn a prime-time recommendation.
I find it interesting and sometimes accuracy is exceptional and then all of a sudden goes downhill. It shows that at some point the Bluetooth is working and working properly. As you have replaced the headset, that is unlikely the problem. Your wireless router works on a different frequency range and that is likely not the problem. My question, is it possible another person using a Bluetooth device is within range (100 m) and may be interfering?
I would look at frankly, is the XoVox dongle. Why do you not see if you can return it to them and ask them to test it. If the tests okay, then it is something local on your system. As a matter of fact, if you have another computer at another location perhaps, you can try it there?
I can understand your frustration. However, the problem is not Bluetooth but the Bluetooth implementation, the hardware you are using or the local Bluetooth environment. Once you localize the problem you should be able to successfully use the items. If you purchased the VXI Bluetooth (or any product) from eMicrophones you would be able to exchange it without restocking fees for another item. Having met Graham Hendry I would not be surprised if he has a similar policy.
Martin
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Back to the keyboard, I
Back to the keyboard, I would not discount Gremlins ...
I moved the microphone position very slightly and it suddenly started working perfectly, I swapped over to the old user and this continued. Thought I had cracked it, but no, switched off the headset for half an hour and when I turned it back on recognition was the pits again. Tried juggling the microphone position but it made no difference, playback is as previously mentioned (no longer crystal clear) and if that is what DNS is hearing it is really no surprise that it can't understand me. I can be pretty certain there are no bluetooth or other wireless connections anywhere near my house.
It is of course possible that the dongle is defective, however if this were the case I would expect poor recognition the whole time, until I started messing about with the software and drivers I was having connection problems but recognition was on the whole perfectly acceptable, at the moment is is either top notch or non-existent, there is probably a very simple explanation to all this but I am fast running out of ideas.
Graham
Graham, Any chance the
Graham,
Any chance the intermittent performance could be related to RF interference? I know that Bluetooth radios can interfere with Wifi devices operating in the 2.4 gHz range.
I am not sure if the reverse is true.
Are you working near any wireless routers, wifi-enabled cellphones, cordless 2.4 gHz telephones?
Stan (who's trying to solve a similar problem)
Now you know why all of our
Now you know why all of our Bluetooth microphones are on closeout specials. We found Bluetooth microphones to just be too frustrating and unreliable in the long run.
Lunis Orcutt - Developer of KnowBrainer (DNS Command Software)
Now Providing FREE (1st 5 min.) Tech Support 615-884-4558
A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Vendor
KnowBrainer wrote: Now you
Now you know why all of our Bluetooth microphones are on closeout specials. We found Bluetooth microphones to just be too frustrating and unreliable in the long run.
Hmm??? A user of the Revolabs xTag wireless, is reporting terrible problems on the KnowBrainer web site. You wrote, "Sensitivity is preset with this microphone but it sounds like you are either a quiet orator or there is a problem with your microphone."
I guess you better blow them out at a loss as well.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
I barely had time to read
I barely had time to read Marty’s latest message that was originally sent at 8.19 (my time) before it was removed and replaced with another sent at 8.26. In this message it was stated that just 2 dissatisfied Bluetooth users were not enough to warrant axing it completely (and I fully agree) however he went on to say that the XoVox dongle is not recommended. I don’t know whether he stands by this comment (having removed it immediately perhaps not), all I can is that Graham Hendry recommends and is still selling it:
http://www.itspeaking.com/speech-product.asp?prod=103
Being my “local” dealer (as Birmingham is nearer to me than the States) I have always bought my SR equipment from his company and my purchase of BT headset/dongle was based on his advice that I sought beforehand.
Graham
PS
Put me down for a Revolabs xTag wireless if they're going at half price
emiliaserv wrote: all I can
all I can is that Graham Hendry recommends and is still selling it:
Should have said I don't recommend the XoVox software rewrite of the drivers.
Put me down for a Revolabs xTag wireless if they're going at half price :)
You'll have to ask KnowBrainer about that.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
We are averaging 3 xTag
We are averaging 3 xTag sales per day with 20 going out to Australia just yesterday and 17 going out last weekend. We've been selling this microphone for several months and have only seen a handful of defective units. We don't anticipate a sale anytime soon. On the other hand, literally 50% of the VXI TalkPro B150 GTX Bluetooth wireless microphone were returned for a number of reasons including pairing issues, substandard accuracy or just not working well with a number of native computer Bluetooth drivers. The whole point of purchasing a Bluetooth microphone for a tablet computer is so that you don't have to have a dongles or wires sticking out of a USB port. Even when the VXI Bluetooth microphone is at its best (equivalent in accuracy to the TalkPro Xpress) it simply isn't as accurate as the Sennheisers, Senneheiser knockoffs, theBoom or xTag microphones.
Lunis Orcutt - Developer of KnowBrainer (DNS Command Software)
Now Providing FREE (1st 5 min.) Tech Support 615-884-4558
A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Vendor
Thanks for sharing this
Thanks for sharing this information, even though it is somewhat disturbing, my original VXi headset was replaced under warranty due to an inherent fault in the charger, how have other Bluetooth headsets fared?
Funnily enough, today things have been going very well, recognition was instantly high and even after switching off for half an hour, when I resumed dictation no deterioration was noted and it has stayed that way at least up until now
Graham
Dictated using DNS 9 Preferred and a VXi BlueParrot headset
KnowBrainer wrote: We are
We are averaging 3 xTag sales per day
A wise consumer will find out all there is to know about a product as good as the Revolabs xTag. Clicking the previous link is a good start to make comparisons.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
As I mentioned before, I
As I mentioned before, I have a wireless router but even when I turned it off it didn't seem to make any difference and Marty says that as it operates at different frequencies there shouldn't be any conflict. Actually I also have a Logitech wireless keyboard but again I doubt this is the problem.
There as so many variables that it it hard to pinpoint where the problem might lie, I would really need to try a different headset and dongle also in other locations before trying to reach a more definite conclusion.
I am still hoping to hear from satisfied Bluetooth headset users, surely there must be some out there
Graham
I have been using the
I have been using the BlueParrot B1000-GTX System with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred for over a year with no problems. Performance has been entirely satisfactory (good sound quality; good recognition; instantaneous pairing with the base unit).
However, when I attempted to use the microphone alone (same mike you are using) in conjunction with my Compaq notebook computer, I encountered many of the problems that you describe. Finally HP/Compaq came out with some updated drivers which worked OK.
Encouraged by the good results I was having with the Compaq computer, and wanting greater portability, I purchased the smallest IBM ThinkPad available, and now my problems are back. I have had to resort to using the base unit, which defeats the goal of portability since it has to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
Since the microphone/Compaq combo works OK in the same location where I'm having problems with ThinkPad, I think electrical environment can be ruled out as the cause and driver incompatibility can be targeted.
As to my appraisal of Bluetooth -- "When she is good, she is very very good, but when she is bad, she is horrid".
Charles
Charles Devonshire
Charles Devonshire wrote:
I have been using the BlueParrot B1000-GTX System with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred for over a year with no problems. Performance has been entirely satisfactory (good sound quality; good recognition; instantaneous pairing with the base unit). However, when I attempted to use the microphone alone (same mike you are using) in conjunction with my Compaq notebook computer, I encountered many of the problems that you describe. Finally HP/Compaq came out with some updated drivers which worked OK.
We concur. The problem is not the VXI Bluetooth microphone but drivers and implementation of Bluetooth by some notebook manufacturers.
This explains why KnowBrainer has had so many returns. When eMicrophones hears from a customer having problems with a microphone we troubleshoot it and offer a workable alternative. When the problem is suspected to be the Bluetooth implementation we offer to send the Bluetooth USB dongle to see if it cures the problem. I cannot remember anyone returning their beloved VXI B150 Bluetooth headset after receiving the dongle. Perhaps if KnowBrainer offered the USB dongle alternative he would not have so many returns.
Martin
Since I last wrote
Since I last wrote perfromance has continued to be patchy, often playback volume has been very low (same when listening on Skype) and all manner of juggling with various settings in all applications dosen't seem to have any effect, as I could hear nothing (although the microphone is working OK - aside from times when recognition is poor for other reasons, what I say is being heard by Dragon and other Skype users) in the end I decided to remove the Broadcom software and try the Anycom again.
I have now installed version 5.1.0.4200 but it simply refuses to find the headset after pairing, the BT icon is red (on the blue background) instead of white and nothing I try seems to have any effect as I am told no BT devices can be found.
Any more bright ideas on how to solve this wireless nightmare?
Thanks
Graham
emiliaserv wrote: Since I
Since I last wrote perfromance has continued to be patchy, often playback volume has been very low (same when listening on Skype) and all manner of juggling with various settings in all applications dosen't seem to have any effect, as I could hear nothing (although the microphone is working OK - aside from times when recognition is poor for other reasons, what I say is being heard by Dragon and other Skype users) in the end I decided to remove the Broadcom software and try the Anycom again
We're glad to hear that you are having generally good speech recognition results with the VXI Bluetooth microphone.
We are not surprised by your problems with Skype. Even with non-Bluetooth audio input sound cards, there seem to be many problems when people use Skype. It seems as if Skype is trying to grab the audio and causes contention for control of the audio input device.
I certainly feel for you all the problems you have been having. The only thing I can say is if you were just using the AnyCom adapter and Dragon NaturallySpeaking, you are unlikely to have the problems we report.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
I also get the low/no volume
I also get the low/no volume when using playback within Dragon, I wonder if you can confirm exactly what files/software I will need if starting from scratch after removing all traces of BT, I downloaded and installed this:
http://www.anycom.com/products/bluetooth_it_pc_accessoires/anycom_usb_20...
anycom-bluetooth-usb200-250-windows-v5-1-0-3900.exe
Filesize: 57.006 kb
Version: 5.1.0.3900
but probably need something else as well, as at the bottom it says:
Installation note: If your dongle came with Software v4.0.1 please run the Firmware upgrade after you installed the new Software.
I find this statement somewhat confusing, do I need to install verion 4 software first and then this new version 5, if so where can I get version 4 as I can't seem to see it at the website.
Thanks again
Graham
emiliaserv wrote: I
I downloaded and installed this:
anycom-bluetooth-usb200-250-windows-v5-1-0-3900.exe
Filesize: 57.006 kb
Version: 5.1.0.3900
but probably need something else as well, as at the bottom it says: Installation note: If your dongle came with Software v4.0.1 please run the Firmware upgrade after you installed the new Software.
On the page for the download it says:
"Description: ANYCOM Blue USB-200/250 Software
New in this Version:
- Updated firmware
- Improved ActiveSync support
- Removed support for Windows 98SE/ME (please use BTW 5.1.0.2500)
- Misc. bug fixes
The firmware is within the download.
I find this statement somewhat confusing, do I need to install verion 4 software first and then this new version 5, if so where can I get version 4 as I can't seem to see it at the website.
As your original software was the rewrite by XoVox to mask the type of Bluetooth they were supplying, you have two choices in my mind:
1. Go back to the original software
2. Install the new software and the Firmware upgrade included in the download. There is a software forum (linked on the same page as you got the download) at:
http://forum.anycom.com/index.php?board=27.0
The topic at the top of the list says, "Firmware Update for USB-200 (Flash) & USB-250 (18/09/07)." I suggest you register for the forum and read through the messages.
Martin
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
emiliaserv wrote: I also
I also get the low/no volume when using playback within Dragon, I wonder if you can confirm exactly what files/software I will need if starting from scratch after removing all traces of BT, I downloaded and installed this:
http://www.anycom.com/products/bluetooth_it_pc_accessoires/anycom_usb_20...
anycom-bluetooth-usb200-250-windows-v5-1-0-3900.exe
Filesize: 57.006 kb
Version: 5.1.0.3900
but probably need something else as well, as at the bottom it says:
Installation note: If your dongle came with Software v4.0.1 please run the Firmware upgrade after you installed the new Software.
I find this statement somewhat confusing, do I need to install verion 4 software first and then this new version 5, if so where can I get version 4 as I can't seem to see it at the website.
Thanks again
Graham
From my experience with BT, you cannot completely remove all it's components.
What is the name brand on your dongle? What does it say on the label on the reverse side? What software came with the dongle?
Those may be keys to getting this all figured out. The Anycom firmware is intended for their dongle. In my limited experience, I found out their forum less than helpful when you have a real problem. Their on-phone tech support is much better.
The reason for the odd after statement about version 4 software is that you must 'flash' the dongle for it to be used with drivers above version 4. I think this is only for the Anycom dongle and software.
Skip
It is a 3023, at the site
It is a 3023, at the site Marty mentioned someone said to reinstall the software again and sometimes it works, did this and the installation went OK, mic works but there is still no sound, according to the Control Panel I am now running firmware 2.1.224.353 and 5.1.0.3900 (elsewhere under system devices I see 5.1.0.3400 - go figure). Certainly there seem to be plenty of complaints at the Anycom forum regarding compatibility with a wide variety of BT devices.
My system has Realtek HD Audio, I tried updating this but it makes no difference, I just wonder if the lack of audio could be a hardware problem (headset or dongle)
Graham
emiliaserv wrote: It is a
It is a 3023, at the site Marty mentioned someone said to reinstall the software again and sometimes it works, did this and the installation went OK, mic works but there is still no sound, according to the Control Panel I am now running firmware 2.1.224.353 and 5.1.0.3900 (elsewhere under system devices I see 5.1.0.3400 - go figure). Certainly there seem to be plenty of complaints at the Anycom forum regarding compatibility with a wide variety of BT devices.
My system has Realtek HD Audio, I tried updating this but it makes no difference, I just wonder if the lack of audio could be a hardware problem (headset or dongle)
Graham
That's not the same version I have. The CC-3023 equates to a USB-200, the one I received from eMicrophones is USB-250.
It seems they use the same software from what I can tell.
So you've lost your audio as well? Is it completely lost or just not in the BT headset?
Skip
My dongle is this
My dongle is this one:
http://www.itspeaking.com/speech-product.asp?prod=103
There is no/extremely low audio in the BT headset, if I use the built-in speakers or another (low-quality) wired headset the audio is at a hearable level, I would add that I am now back in the UK for a few weeks so I don't think we can blame the location for outside interference.
AFAIK, but I expect Marty will confirm, the software is the same for 200/250, as I remember the flasher I used asks you to specify the model but I don't think that was the case when using the big 55 MB installation.
Graham
emiliaserv wrote: There is
There is no/extremely low audio in the BT headset
There are two small buttons above the multifunction button. These control the volume to the earphone.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Hey Marty has anyone ever
Hey Marty has anyone ever told you that you're a genius?
Up until a couple of weeks ago the volume level was OK and I have not touched the two small buttons (that are actually below the multifunction button). Anyway, I tried pushing the top button and nothing happened, then the bottom button and again nothing happened, the headset then switched itself off. After connecting again, I then pushed the top button again and this time the volume noticeably increased up to the correct level, the headset then switched itself off again.
I have now connected again and things now seem OK, I am dictating this message and recognition is good. Fingers crossed!
A further (good or bad) report will follow in due course.
Graham
emiliaserv wrote: Hey Marty
Hey Marty has anyone ever told you that you're a genius?
I just told my wife someone said I was genius. She said, "Here, take out the garbage." Heck I'll bet Albert Einstein also had to take out the garbage.
I have now connected again and things now seem OK, I am dictating this message and recognition is good. Fingers crossed!
A further (good or bad) report will follow in due course.
I can't wait.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
My Bluetooth Places
Don't get me wrong, once the headset is actually working there are no real complaints to be made, recognition is perfectly acceptable and the headset can also be used for Skype and similar programmes without finding that it switches itself off almost immediately.
As I say, "once the headset is actually working ...", today everything went according to plan and dictation has been painless, today is an exception because when I booted up this morning the "My Bluetooth Places" icon appeared in the traybar, this is the crux of the matter, when it appears I simply press the headset button, click on the Bluetooth icon, enter the Bluetooth code and watch the icon change colour to confirm that the headset is connected. Unfortunately, most days the My Bluetooth Places icon fails to appear in the traybar and I have to go through all the rigmarole of opening the Bluetooth folder and trying to pair the headset (it is always, repeat always, necessary to do this twice, the first time it never works, following which various screens appear asking for information about the type of use, etc. and eventually the headset in this folder turns green. I can now dictate, but as soon as I put the headset on charge, everything is lost, when I try to reconnect I have to go through the whole procedure again, most of the time the My Bluetooth Places icon will not appear in the traybar, very occasionally it does as if by magic.
Therefore, if I could find out why the icon only appears sporadically, it would solve nearly all my problems, something appears to be blocking it, but I have no idea what it can be. I have looked at virtually everything connected with Bluetooth and checked all the settings, but found nothing, there is another Bluetooth icon for devices and there is a setting that allows this to be displayed in the traybar, I did not find anything similar for My Bluetooth Places.
Of course it may be an unsolvable software problem (I have tried several different drivers but nothing seems to make any difference), however the fact that the headset can work perfectly on occasions makes me think there is some sort of conflict that could be resolved.
As always thanks for any suggestions
Graham
Dictated using DNS 9 Preferred and a VXi BlueParrot headset
Graham, I agree, you are
Graham,
I agree, you are having some kind of conflict. I suspect it could be your Skype or another program that uses the audio. It may very well be the last program you use that when you start up and is looking for the audio. One way to troubleshoot this in Microsoft's XP is go to the Start button, click Run and type in MSCONFIG. Click on the Startup tab and see if you can figure out which programs that use audio start up automatically? I would take the check mark off everything. You will need to restart your computer. See if the Bluetooth comes up every time you start the computer. If it does, you can reenable each startup program one at a time until you find the offending software.
When Bluetooth headsets first came out there was a problem with some of the older Bluetooth drivers. In general, this has not been a problem the last year to year and a half. You may want to see if you can find updated Bluetooth drivers for your system.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Bluetooth with ViaVoice.
Bluetooth with ViaVoice.
Marty, have you tried Bluetooth with ViaVoice, and if so does it work with it?
Quentin
Blue Parrott B150-GTX blues
I've been dreaming of dictating wirelessly for years, and finally a Dragon Naturally Speaking approved headset in my price range (<$150)
I have it paired with my ThinkPad X61 with the latest drivers, but can't even do Skype! I sound like Darth Vader. I've read elsewhere that the sample rate is slow, but that if I train it on Dragon, I will get excellent recognition rates.
How is this possible? I would assume that anything I would dictate with would have to be good enough to Skype with. Am I wrong in my assumption?
By the way, the sound quality is the same on my desktop with a Bluetooth dongle, and on my laptop with built in Bluetooth, so I don't think there is any configuration problem.
Finally, is it necessary to upgrade from Dragon 8 to 9.5? I assume they both are going to "hear" the same signal anyway, although 9.5 might be able to handle the muddy signal better.
Any thoughts? I'm afraid that upgrading to 9.5, I could have stayed with 8 and bought a $300 wireless headset and been happier in the long run.
From my first impressions, I'm inclined to agree that Bluetooth just isn't there yet.
--
Doug H
Leaving aside Bluetooth, I
Leaving aside Bluetooth, I think most people would agree that Dragon 9 is much better than version 8 and it is worth upgrading anyway. What's more, version 9 actually has Bluetooth support, so it would probably alleviate at least some of your problems. Also, make sure you have the latest drivers for the dongle.
Getting back to my own experiences, after Marty's last suggestion, I began removing some of the start-up programs and then moved on to removing some of the services. It did not seem to make any difference, as a general rule, every other time I booted up, the My Bluetooth Places icon would appear, as time went by this percentage went down to about one in three. Eventually, I must have removed something that should have been left alone and I could not get the headset to work at all.
I removed all traces of Bluetooth (I believe even more thoroughly than in the past) and reinstalled the software, almost immediately the same pattern emerged as before, although I am finding it a little easier to start the headset in the absence of the My Bluetooth Places icon.
Therefore, I must conclude that whatever conflict exists is still there, I will probably be changing my laptop some time this year and top of the list of specs is definitely going to be integrated Bluetooth, hopefully getting rid of the need for a dongle will eliminate all the problems I am experiencing (well there's no harm in hoping anyway).
Graham
dhigby wrote: I have it
I have it paired with my ThinkPad X61 with the latest drivers, but can't even do Skype! I sound like Darth Vader. I've read elsewhere that the sample rate is slow, but that if I train it on Dragon, I will get excellent recognition rates.
The Lenovo ThinkPads have seen the majority of issues with pairing to Bluetooth headsets. As I've mentioned previously, the latest drivers released in the last month or so have apparently fixed this problem. In any event, it sounds as if your problem is not pairing, is this correct?
How is this possible? I would assume that anything I would dictate with would have to be good enough to Skype with. Am I wrong in my assumption?
Your assumption is incorrect. Dragon NaturallySpeaking uses a sampling rate of 11.025 kHz. If you make a sample recording (in Windows XP just use the Windows Sound Recorder) at 11.025 kHz, the sound will be very scratchy and uncomfortable to the ear. Apparently due to Dragon NaturallySpeaking's high accuracy, this is irrelevant.
Most Bluetooth headsets sample at 4 kHz. eMicrophones, Inc. was the alpha tester and then ran the beta tests for the VXI B-150 GTX. The first version of the VXI Bluetooth headsets was unusable because it sampled at 4 kHz. I pointed this out to the VXI R&D department and they were able to increase the sampling rate to about 8 kHz, much closer to Dragon's sampling rate. In addition, they added the Gentex microphone element which improved noise canceling to equal the well-respected VXI TalkPro headsets. Our original testing was done on Dragon version 8 which had no provision for microphones and signals. Happily, Dragon version 9 has the choice in Dictation source for a Bluetooth microphone. Just as importantly, when you create your new Bluetooth user profiel in version 9, when you click the Advanced button next to Vocabulary, there is a choice to select a Bluetooth 8 kHz Speech Model. Although you could struggle through the user training in version 8, it goes extremely smoothly in version 9 because of these two adjustments specifically headed for VXI Bluetooth.
By the way, the sound quality is the same on my desktop with a Bluetooth dongle, and on my laptop with built in Bluetooth, so I don't think there is any configuration problem.
Yes, we agree.
Finally, is it necessary to upgrade from Dragon 8 to 9.5? I assume they both are going to "hear" the same signal anyway, although 9.5 might be able to handle the muddy signal better.
As mentioned above, if you are willing to struggle through (you may have to just skip some of the training sentences) in version 8, the microphone should work just fine.
From my first impressions, I'm inclined to agree that Bluetooth just isn't there yet.
As your first impression was made with Skype and Angie did not have the understanding that was explained above, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you create a new user training profile and try it out.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Somewhat relieved
Martin,
I really appreciate your thorough and informative reply. It is exactly what I needed to hold out hope. Frankly, I don't care if the headset works with Skype or not, I only want it for dictation. I am very pleased with the style, format and battery life of this headset. Pairing and everything works smoothly too. With my ThinkPad password system, I've even trained it to automatically enter the pairing code if the box comes up again.
So, I will probably give it a try with Dragon 8, and keep my eye out for Dragon 10. I hate to upgrade and then find it's outdated in a couple months...
Knowing that the sample rate is slow, but that doesn't necessarily have to affect the quality is satisfying to know, and I will be happy with my new headset.
I am uninstalling and reinstalling Bluetooth everything--just in case it will help too. I'll let you know how it goes...
--
Doug
DNS 10 is a long way off
DNS 10 is a long way off. We don't expect to see it until the 1st quarter of 2009.
Lunis Orcutt - Developer of KnowBrainer &
Host
of the Http://www.KnowBrainer.com Speech Recognition Forum
A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Dragon
NaturallySpeaking Vendor
ALWAYS Ask If Your Speech Recognition Vendor Is
Nuance Certified
Are we discussing microphones or systems?
My recent experience:
Uninstalled old Bluetooth drivers from Lenovo X-61 notebook. Installed latest drivers available (December 2007) from Lenovo website. Successfully paired VXI B10-GTX headset with notebook. Trained new user with President Kennedy's inaugural address.
Results: horribly distorted (not just scratchy) sound using Windows sound recorder, and, as would be expected, terrible recognition with Dragon 9.5.
Same microphone paired with Blueparott base unit connected to the USB port. (Making this a GTX 1000 system.
Results: Beautiful sound with Windows sound recorder and excellent speech recognition with user having identical training.
Marty's contention is that the trouble noted in this particular case would be attributable to faulty implementation of Bluetooth in the notebook computer rather than to functional insufficiency of the microphone. This is, no doubt, true. But, from the point of view of a frustrate user --- So what!
Analogy: A baseball team I own has a losing streak. The manager explains that the losses cannot be attributed to the pitcher's performance, which is always excellent, but rather to incompetent catching. He assures me that there are plenty of teams out there with good pitcher/catcher combos and that, if he searches long enough, he will find a competent catcher.
My response: "So what! While you're spending your time and energy and my money, searching for a good catcher, we're continuing our losing streak."
Charles
Charles Devonshire
Marty's contention is that the trouble noted in this particular case would be attributable to faulty implementation of Bluetooth in the notebook computer rather than to functional insufficiency of the microphone. This is, no doubt, true. But, from the point of view of a frustrate user --- So what!
I am not sure what your point is? You have proved that the VXI works perfectly well when used with a valid Bluetooth radio which almost every single notebook computer and some USB dongles provide.
It is apparent that the problem is the Lenovo ThinkPad Bluetooth implementation. I used IBM ThinkPad's from 1996 to 2006 and loved them. They were much more expensive than other notebook computers but were well designed, ruggedly built and had support above and beyond anything anyone could expect. However, since the ThinkPad brand was sold by IBM and now controlled by Lenovo in China, the prices are still high, but the problems have also increased. Our recommendation is to stay away from Lenovo. We personally use a newer Toshiba which has been problem free with Vista for over a year. Several of the officers in my commercial building that I provide computer support for have been using new HP computers that also work faultlessly.
I can certainly understand your frustration. To direct the frustration at the component that is working is unfair. Most teams would replace the catcher if he wasn't doing a good job.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
My frustration was not, and
My frustration was not, and is not directed at the microphone. I made it a point to demonstrate that the microphone functions perfectly when paired with a compatible Bluetooth stack. My frustration is directed at what what I have experienced as the unpredictability, unreliability and relative complexity of the Bluetooth system itself. Hence, the subject of my comment: "Are we discussing microphones or systems?"
The point I tried to make (rather unsuccessfully)was that when the system fails to function, it is of minimal interest to me to prove which component is at fault if I'm not in a position to be able to replace that component. The Lenovo was a fairly recent investment and, for better or worse, I'm stuck with it for the time being. Hence the "so what" remark.
I had an HP computer before, and a whole year went by before HP finally came out with Bluetooth drivers that worked properly. The hours I spent during that first year trying to get the microphone hooked up with the computer could have been spent more productively. You, Marty, spent a good bit of your time on the phone with me trying to help, for which I'm grateful. But, even with the new drivers, I still got intermittent problems.
When I decided to go for a lightweight computer, one of the factors affecting my choice was my recollection of comments of Birger Petersen (I hope I'm spelling his name correctly) about how well his ThinkPads worked for speech recognition.
Hopefully, I'll find out that the problem is not with the computer, but with me. Maybe I'll find out what I'm doing wrong. I'm just tired of having to work so hard to get things right.
Charles
Charles Devonshire
When I decided to go for a lightweight computer, one of the factors affecting my choice was my recollection of comments of Birger Petersen (I hope I'm spelling his name correctly) about how well his ThinkPads worked for speech recognition.
On a sad note, Birger Petterson (friend and mentor) passed away November 2007. He was a Cornell University graduate in mechanical engineering. Besides being a WW II veteran in the Pacific, he owned the company and designed the storage mechanisms and valves for fuel transfer in the US space program.
Birger was the one who suggested to me that the Lenovo ThinkPads were not up to the previous models manufactured by IBM.
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Bluetooth Microphone Setting
We are not big fans of any current Bluetooth microphones and
discontinued selling the VXI line some time ago but we were wondering if you
remembered to choose Bluetooth Microphone as your Dictation source setting
under the DNS Open User/Source/New/Bluetooth
Microphone menu?
Lunis Orcutt - Developer of KnowBrainer &
Host
of the Http://www.KnowBrainer.com Speech Recognition Forum
A Nuance Gold Certified Endorsed Dragon
NaturallySpeaking Vendor
ALWAYS Ask If Your Speech Recognition Vendor Is
Nuance Certified
KnowBrainer wrote: we were
we were wondering if you remembered to choose Bluetooth Microphone as your Dictation source setting
under the DNS Open User/Source/New/Bluetooth Microphone
That is a good point. In addition, it is important to select the Bluetooth 8 kHz speech model. CLICK HERE for easy to follow directions for creating a Bluetooth User profile. This information is on the eMicrophones FAQ Dragon section.
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Yes.
Yes.
Let's make it work
Well, sounds like you have an identical setup to mine, Charles. I have the B150-GTX instead of B10-GTX, but looking at them on the web, they are identical, but the 150 includes the chargers?
Anyway, I'll buy a dongle if I have to, but it ticks me off that I spent an extra $50 to have Bluetooth built in to my system.
I did get Dragon 9.5, and successfully trained it, but haven't actually dictated anything yet. I expect problems because during the volume test, it lowered the bar all the way till the level was at zero. Then in the next screen, after the quality test, it gave me only 19. I went back to the volume test and did it over, and then it said the quality wasn't good enough.
My initial tests with Skype showed the same problem. Volume was way to loud which accounted for the distortion in my voice. It is kind of like when you have the volume on a CD player set too loud for the amplifier. No matter how you adjust the amp volume, the signal is always distorted. So I am wondering if something is wrong with this headset to start with.
If I were to get a USB dongle, what should I get?
--
Doug
dhigby wrote: I did get
I did get Dragon 9.5, and successfully trained it, but haven't actually dictated anything yet. I expect problems because during the volume test, it lowered the bar all the way till the level was at zero. Then in the next screen, after the quality test, it gave me only 19.
19 is a typical SNR # for this microphone in Dragon 8. Why don't you dictate something and then share your experience?
--
Martin Markoe, eMicrophones, Inc.
The best microphones for Speech Recognition
Read, "Key Steps to High Speech Reco
Bluetooth icon
Over the past couple of months I have continued to experience problems with the Bluetooth icon's failure to appear in the traybar. I tried all different combinations of adding and removing various applications from startup/services but with no reliable outcome. Sometimes the icon will appear even two days running when I boot up, whilst on other occasions I may not see it for a fortnight.
Extremely fed up with the situation, I decided to look for a workaround and am pleased to report that I have found one. Not the ideal solution, but it saves me having to go through all the setup process every time.
I established that the Bluetooth traybar icon is generated by BTTray.exe, whilst this is running, on most occasions the icon is not visible. Therefore, the answer is very simple. If I boot up and the icon does not appear, I just press Ctrl+Alt+Del and close BTTray.exe. I have created a shortcut on the desktop and I click on this to run the application, following which the Bluetooth icon appears and I simply have to pair with the four zeros. All in all I reckon this saves me about three minutes a day. Not much in itself, but it adds up to a lot of hours over the course of a year.