Which Bluetooth dongle is compatible with Linux-libre?

6 replies [Last post]
Julius
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Joined: 03/09/2024

Hi all. I am using a Vikings X200 and used to have working Bluetooth, but some weeks ago the Bluetooth support suddenly disappeared. When looking for USB dongles, I saw that some require firmware and I expect won't work.

Could anybody recommend me a Linux-libre compatible Bluetooth dongle? Many thanks in advance!

jxself
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Joined: 09/13/2010

https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-usb-bluetooth-40-micro-adapter-tpe-usbbluv4

Although an explanation for why your existing bluetooth seemed to "suddenly disappear" might be in order.

Julius
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Joined: 03/09/2024

Thanks, I'll look into that one! I guess I will order a CSR8510 based dongle within the Netherlands.

I haven't really taken any time to look into what happened. I was thinking it could either be a driver issue related to a kernel update or maybe the hardware just stopped working. I don't see it either in `lspci` or `lsusb` which would suggest me that the hardware gave up...

PublicLewdness
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Joined: 03/15/2020

Another option is from Technoethical:

https://tehnoetic.com/adapters/tet-bt4

They're based out of Romania if that makes things easier for you.

Julius
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Joined: 03/09/2024

I ended up getting a LogiLink BT0015. Apparently it has a higher power class than the TP-Link dongles. When I plugged it in, Bluetooth was back immediately!

Many thanks!!

Ark74

I am a member!

I am a translator!

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Joined: 07/15/2009

I'm using a UB4A from TP-Link recognized as:

Bus 003 Device 002: ID 0a12:0001 Cambridge Silicon Radio, Ltd Bluetooth Dongle (HCI mode)

Which confirms what's stated on the h-node page:

https://h-node.org/bluetooth/view/en/167/Cambridge-Silicon-Radio-Ltd-Bluetooth-Dongle--HCI-mode-

Julius
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Joined: 03/09/2024

Yep, I have the same here:

Bus 003 Device 002: ID 0a12:0001 Cambridge Silicon Radio, Ltd Bluetooth Dongle (HCI mode)