How to wire a Wii's Bluetooth Module to a PC USB Port

akatoosh · 02-27-2018, 03:12 PM **#221**

(02-27-2018, 08:06 AM)trihy Wrote: Yes, I was more conservative and buyed some cheap case at electronic store. Was about 1.50 dollars.

I used this https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-how-to-wire-a-wii-s-bluetooth-module-to-a-pc-usb-port?pid=461992#pid461992

That's a cool idea, I might go with that. How big?

trihy · 02-28-2018, 11:30 AM **#222**

It s the smallest case they had, its 50mm x25mm x10mm. It fits the wii bt module and the 3.3v regulator, not much space left.

Set@moN

Hi Everybody. At last I am sure that I need Bluetooth Passthrough for my wiimotes to take advantage of real wiimote experience and found this thread. Very nice to see you made it and success. I already ordered 2xWml C43 modules and 2x3.3v Regulator for my bluetooth dongle. First of all I prepared a good housing for my dongle. Here It is at below; Just waiting orders then solder wires.

Plastic housing is an old battery charger compartment. It is so small just 48x68x18mm and I think size is ok for to fit dongle and regulator together inside. Also put a sync button which I got it from a broken mouse to top of case. I will share the results with you soon. Take care...

trihy · 03-01-2018, 05:02 AM **#224**

Great. It will fit pretty fine there.

akatoosh · 03-03-2018, 07:41 AM **#225**

Looks like I'll need a finer tipped iron. Got it working somewhat but the connections are bad. I did end up finding a BT dongle on ebay that uses the BCM2045 chipset (same as the Wii.) Will report back with the result, but would it be reasonable to expect it to work the same, or is there something special about the Wii chip?

trihy · 03-03-2018, 10:43 AM **#226**

I had some bluetooth adapters with the same chip than on the wii module and they didnt remember pairing. So, same chipset, different implementation, no go.

Use a 30 or 40w solder and dont leave much time on bt pads, the came off easily.

akatoosh · 03-03-2018, 01:36 PM **#227**

(03-03-2018, 10:43 AM)trihy Wrote: I had some bluetooth adapters with the same chip than on the wii module and they didnt remember pairing. So, same chipset, different implementation, no go.

Use a 30 or 40w solder and dont leave much time on bt pads, the came off easily.

Alright, bummer. Thanks for the tip. Will be going out this weekend to grab one.

akatoosh · 03-06-2018, 04:23 AM **#228**

(03-03-2018, 10:43 AM)trihy Wrote: I had some bluetooth adapters with the same chip than on the wii module and they didnt remember pairing. So, same chipset, different implementation, no go.

Use a 30 or 40w solder and dont leave much time on bt pads, the came off easily.

Yeah, and you were right, the dongle doesn't remember any remote pairings. Speaker are also totally garbled.

trihy · 03-07-2018, 10:03 AM **#229**

Yes, thats trial and error, maybe some adapters Works, but only 100% working is the wii bt module.

04-06-2018, 11:31 AM **#230**

Hey guys I just finished mine up. I had a problem with a torn sync pad, so if this happens to you (with any of the test pads) you can simply use the alternative points that link directly on the connector! There is no need to buy a brand new wifi adapter after a torn test pad if you can manage to solder onto these legs on the connector. You have to be really steady because the legs of the connector are extremely tiny and if you bridge any of those legs on the connector and don't fix it, it could break something when you power the module up (Read: Do not consume alcoholic beverages before participating). it's extremely hard to see if you've bridged them or not, professionals would use a microscope (or take a pic with a really high res phone/camera and zoom into the image), I couldn't tell so I used a multi meter to test for continuity between the end of the sync wire that I soldered onto the sync leg, and the respective test pads that link to each leg on either side of the sync leg. This way, i could hear a beep if the sync leg was bridged with the legs next to it. (the Data2 pad or the 3.3v pad.) They were not bridged so i plugged it in it worked great! Smile

if you bridge any of the legs, drown them all in flux and add fresh solder to your iron tip while brushing them quickly with your iron until the bridge fixes itself (if this doesn't work add more flux). Don't let anything get too hot, take breaks and let it cool down (especially when trying to remove bridges). It's a tiny wifi module and too much heat will lead to damaged components or easily torn pads. Clean up the flux afterwards.

Thanks to the Wii trimming guide for showing us which points on the connector are what: https://bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/the-definitive-wii-trimming-guide.198/
At first i wasn't sure if the trimming guide was right for me because the board behind the connector didn't look anything like my wifi module, but all the legs did indeed correspond correctly.
It might be easier to remove the connector all together and then solder the wires on if you don't plan on ever using it in a Wii again. Drown it in solder and brush it off. 32AWG is best, i used 30AWG, you could probably use some of the metal ground wire in any cable if you need to.
I was too cheap to buy a project box so i encased it in hot glue. Smile