WP43S linked to computer?

[brouhaha]

(04-21-2014 04:38 AM)unfrostedpoptart Wrote:  I've only had my WP34S for a couple of days but I'm already reading all the WP43S threads!

I had an idea that I think would be very useful: in addition to its normal, stand-alone mode, you could use a low-power, slow link, like Bluetooth 4, to connect to a PC/Mac. This would allow the great UI of the calculator keys but add the ability to copy/paste the X register (maybe others?) between the calculator and the computer's clipboard. I would use this quite a lot!

The DIY543 prototype hardware includes a USB full speed (12 Mbps) port. Adding Bluetooth to the design would slow down the hardware development even more, so we're not going to do that.

There is a footprint on the DIY543 PCB for a header with the signals necessary to connect to a Bluetooth dual-mode HCI module, such as the Panasonic PAN1326. For Bluetooth LE the current drain might be OK with CR2032 coin cells, but for standard Bluetooth is is 40 mA, which will drain the coin cells rapidly.

The prototype hardware that we'll provide to firmware developers is designed for the CR2032 coin cells, but can be kludged for a series pair of AA or AAA cells. It is not yet decided whether production calculators will use CR2032 coin cells or AA or AAA cells, though I'm leaning toward AA.

Since the firmware will be Open Source, in principle anyone could add the Bluetooth LE support.