Serialio

How to disable the Bluetooth-SPP engine on the idChamp RS3

This support article demonstrates how to disable and re-enable the Bluetooth-SPP engine on the idChamp RS3.

Before We Start

Due to popular request, Serialio has released the RS3 Disable SPP-HID Android application that allows our customers to disable the Bluetooth-SPP engine on their idChamp RS3 Dual Engine RFID Scanners. This solution is primarily for those who use their idChamp RS3 exclusively in BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) mode and would like to turn off the Bluetooth-SPP engine to avoid conflicts and confusion. Before you disable the SPP engine, there are a couple of considerations you should make.

1. Disabling the SPP engine will also disable the amber LED when powering your RS3 off or on

2. If you later wish to re-enable the SPP engine, you must use the configuration cables for the idChamp RS3 (sold separately or as an add on item)

RS3 Configuration cables:

3. Re-enabling the SPP engine requires that you use a terminal application to reset the factory defaults

4. Because you must reset the factory defaults to re-enable the SPP engine, you will also lose all other saved configurations and settings (such as prefixes, suffixes and data formatting)

Disable the SPP Engine

1. Download the RS3 Disable SPP-HID Android application.

Note: This app will not be available on the Google Play Store; only directly from Serialio.com.

2. Install it on your Android device. You may have to add an exception for installing applications from unknown sources.

3. Launch the RS3 Disable SPP-HID application.

4. Power on your idChamp RS3.

5. Once you see the RS3’s Bluetooth name in the “Found SPP Devices” section, tap on it to pair with it.

6. The application will pair with the RS3 and immediately enter command (CMD) mode.

7. You will be asked twice to confirm that you are sure you want to disable the SPP engine and that you understand the consequences.

8. After confirming your decision to disable the SPP engine, the RS3 Disable app will turn off the SPP engine.

9. You can verify that the session was successful by checking the “Session Devices” section. You should see your RS3’s Bluetooth name and “Session successful.”

Re-Enable the SPP Engine

To re-enable the idChamp RS3’s SPP engine, you must have access to the configuration cables for the RS3 and a computer (Mac, Linux or Windows) with a terminal application installed. Here at Serialio, we often use the JavaTerm application, but this is not required. As long as your terminal application’s settings are configured for communication with the idChamp RS3, you can use whichever application you prefer. We recommend TeraTerm, YAT or PuTTy.

1. Power off your idChamp RS3.

2. Set the DIP switches to SPP mode.

3. Plug your RS3 into your computer via the configuration cables.

4. Power on your idChamp RS3.

5. Launch your preferred terminal application.

6. Connect to the COM port assigned to your RS3.

7. Make sure the communication settings are set to 9600/N/8/1

8. Type in the following commands to reset the RS3’s factory defaults.

Note: You will lose all custom configurations and settings. $$$
SF,1
R,1

9. Once your idChamp RS3 powers back on, you’ll notice that the blue LED for the SPP engine is visible again.