Showing as offline is normal since it is not connected even when paired (It's only connected once the connection has happened in ARC or the firmware updater).

Double check the com port is always the first thing I do if I have problems. Easy way to do this is to go to the desktop, open explorer and navigate to Control Panel (it's better than the Windows 8 devices panel you showed)

Under Hardware and Sound click on Devices and Printers. Right click on Linvor and choose properties Click on the Hardware tab You should see under Device Functions Standard Serial over Bluetooth link (COM#)

Whatever COM# is is the port to use.

Try that (it may take a few attempts, power cycling the EZ-B between attempts).

Post any debug messages that come up when trying to connect.

It does look like you are using the correct COM port if Windows has behaved as it should (not always guaranteed). The other things to check are.

1. Are you using the microsoft bluetooth stack? Or have Sony pre-loaded with something like the broadcom one?
2. Have you got any third party bluetooth software running? Sony software for managing bluetooth, something like that?
3. Check power - even fresh batteries can cause problems. When possible I personally use an old 12v AC power supply from an old router to give a constant 12v 2A supply.

Hello Rich thanks for the reply but I think you're not talking about Windows 8 as the paths you are indicating are other versions of Windows XP or maybe 7 and my case is specific about Windows 8. But let the answers to your questions:

1. Are you using the microsoft bluetooth stack? Or have Sony pre-loaded with something like the broadcom one?

Yes, I am using the only option that comes with windows 8.

2. Have you got any third party bluetooth software running? Sony bluetooth software for managing, something like that?

No, there is no third party software running only Windows 8 even.

3. Check power - even fresh batteries can cause problems. When possible I personally use an old 12v AC power supply from an old router to give a constant 12v 2A supply.

I'm using new batteries and the power supply that came with the kit EZ-Robot.

I tested on another laptop and gave the same result there is no connection between the kit and the EZ-Robot Builder software, or with the firmware update. I have also removed all other devices and just let the linvor and yet he appears to OFFLINE (Detail importantly it is the only device that aperece OFFLINE as all others do not show this message) I repeat my OS is Windows 8 and the orientation of the other systems unfortunately do not work for this version of Windows

Did you have another post with this issue? Where you mentioned it connected once, started firmware, then "locked up"? If so, your chip needs to be reprogrammed because the firmware was interrupted at the volatile point. When the message "copying from temp" happens, the program is being overwritten from the buffer. That is the only volatile point of the firmware upload process.

You will need to Contact Us to have your ez-b serviced. We also run a quick diagnostic to see if there are any other issues. The chip logs and records connectivity successes and failures, as well as other things. We can read that information back

Hello DJ Sures thanks for answering my question! No this is the first time I'm posting on this connection problem with Windows 8 and Bluetooth. DJ Sures has so far not been possible to make any kind of connection or to update the firmware and not to connect the EZ Robot Builder software. I think the problem is in Windows 8.

Thank you!

Verinaldo Dantas

Follows screen log:

It should show as offline, that is totally normal.

ARC and the firmware update work fine in Windows 8 so we know it is not an OS issue.

Since you have successfully paired with the EZ-B it shouldn't be an issue with the EZ-B either.

Check your drivers. The only item under bluetooth I have on my Windows 8 laptop (other than the 2 EZ-Bs) is Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator. You may find removing the low energy enumerator may solve it (that microsoft Bluetooth LE Enumerator), also the Qualcomm Atheros adaptor (you may need to uninstall and use microsoft generic drivers). In fact, everything except linvor and Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator (disable the others rather than delete to see if it helps).

It all seems like it should work. COM3 is the correct port (unless Windows has done something not normal - which happens) and you found it to pair it so it should work. We know that most issues are based on third party drivers and/or software.

Have you tried both COm ports? 3 and 4?

I've seen windows do funny things with them.

If so, it may have been a chip damaged by static during shipping. Out of a few thousand units, it happens on occasion. We would need to service it and send it back to you. Contact Us and we can set that up

Keep in mind that myself and Alan are both on holidays until July 10th. Even though we check email, we are not at the office to physically see your board until we are back.

Rich and DJ Sures, Thanks for the help!

Thanks for your help it was possible to connect the EZ-Robot and update the firmware can now start developing my project robot! Valuable tip: The determining factor for the bluetooth to connect was to remove and reinstall the drivers with updated drivers and port that appeared was to COM 4.

Below successful connection message!

Loaded firmware. Reboot EZ-B 6/30/2013 4:46:17 PM - Please cycle the power on your EZ-B and close this EZ-Robot OS Update Application.

It's time to build an EZ-Robot!

Thank you!

It just goes to show how funny Windows can be at times.

Glad you sorted it.