Certain ASUS F5 series notebooks -- like the ASUS F5GL, ASUS F5VL and F5R -- feature a built-in Bluetooth adapter that enables the computers to detect and communicate with local Bluetooth devices. Some settings, however, can interfere with or affect the behavior or functionality of the Bluetooth stack, preventing the ASUS F5 from making proper contact with local wireless devices.
Hot Key Configuration
ASUS F5 notebooks have a set of pre-configured hot keys that are used to change the behavior of the notebook or its installed hardware. Each set of hot keys performs a specific command. Holding down "Fn" and pressing "F2" toggles the radio tower on and off. If the radio tower is disabled, the computer's wireless or Bluetooth stack will stop working. Check the wireless indicator lights on the front of the PC to find out the state of the wireless and Bluetooth function on the notebook. If the radio tower is enabled, the indicator lights on the front of the notebook will glow solid green.
Wireless Switch
Some F5 models feature a wireless switch, located on the rear or side of the notebook, that turns the wireless card and Bluetooth adapter on or off. Sliding the switch to the left turns the notebook's wireless capabilities off; sliding the switch to the right turns the wireless capabilities on. If the wireless switch is on the "On" position, the Bluetooth adapter will resume function, and the wireless indicator lights -- as mentioned above -- will light up.
Notebook Configuration
Certain internal settings can prevent Bluetooth from working properly. On the Bluetooth Settings screen, accessible from the Control Panel, are several options that affect the performance of the Bluetooth stack. Disabling the options "Allow Bluetooth Devices to Find this Computer" and "Allow Bluetooth Devices to Connect to This Computer" will prevent wireless hardware from interfacing with the ASUS F5; check the boxes next to each option to enable communication between the F5 and nearby Bluetooth components.
Device Setup
Bluetooth peripherals communicate with PCs under specific circumstances, and if the basic requirements aren't met, the operating system will fail to locate the wireless device. Distance varies from device to device, but most Bluetooth peripherals must be no further than 9 feet from the ASUS F5. Devices should be turned on, awake and in discoverable mode. Note that microwaves, cellphones and other wireless hardware can interfere with the Bluetooth signal; move the notebook out of the room, if possible, if you believe a nearby device is interfering with the Bluetooth signal.
Tags: Bluetooth adapter, Bluetooth stack, indicator lights, radio tower, Allow Bluetooth, Allow Bluetooth Devices
