[RepeaterBook] Connected via bluetooth ok but when i tap repeater, freq does not change

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jeff nederman
7 months ago In RepeaterBook
connected via bluetooth ok but when i tap repeater, freq does not change

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Hello! I understand you’re connected to your radio via Bluetooth through the RepeaterBook app, but tapping the repeater does not change the frequency on your radio. Let's see if we can get that working smoothly.

Before we dive in, could you please tell me a bit more about your setup?
- What model of radio are you using?
- Have you successfully paired it with the RepeaterBook app before?
- When you say the frequency does not change, does anything at all happen on the radio or app when you tap the repeater?
- Also, is your radio's band set correctly (for example, the 2-meter band if you are trying to set a 2-meter repeater)?

This info will help me pinpoint the issue.

Meanwhile, here’s a general step-by-step guide to ensure everything is set up correctly for the frequency change via Bluetooth:

1. Verify Bluetooth Pairing
Make sure your radio’s Bluetooth is correctly paired with your Windows device running the RepeaterBook app.

2. Set the Correct Band on the Radio
The radio only accepts frequency changes on the active band. For example, to program a 2-meter repeater, the radio must be on the 2-meter band before you tap the repeater in the app.

3. Check Radio Compatibility and Settings
Confirm that your radio model supports remote frequency programming via Bluetooth with RepeaterBook. Supported radios include models such as ICOM 705, ID-52, ID-5100, and ID-4100. You may also need to configure certain settings on your radio (like CI-V address for ICOM radios).

4. Restart the RepeaterBook App and Radio
Sometimes, restarting both the app and radio clears any glitches.

5. Try an Alternative Connection Method
If Bluetooth alone is not working, some users find success using a USB CAT cable or a Bluetooth interface designed specifically for their radio.

6. Update the App and Radio Firmware
Ensure both the RepeaterBook app and your radio’s firmware are up to date, as the latest releases include bug fixes and new compatibility.

If you have tried these and still face issues, I can guide you through advanced settings or checking for any Bluetooth protocol mismatches or software limitations.

Could you confirm your radio model and what steps you’ve already tried? That’ll help me give you targeted advice.

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

id 52 set to fm mode and currently displaying a freq in the band, bluetooth is paired

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Thanks for the details! Since you're using the ICOM ID-52, set to FM mode, and paired via Bluetooth—this lines up well with what RepeaterBook Connect supports.

A key setting to check for the ID-52 to accept frequency changes via Bluetooth from RepeaterBook is the CI-V address. The CI-V protocol is what RepeaterBook uses to communicate frequency changes to the radio.

Here’s what to do step-by-step:

1. Set the CI-V Address on your ID-52
- On the ID-52, go to the settings menu.
- Find the “CI-V Address” setting (sometimes called “Remote Control Address” or similar).
- Set the CI-V address to A6 (hexadecimal value). This is the standard address RepeaterBook expects for the ID-52 to work properly over Bluetooth.

2. Confirm Bluetooth Connection Method
- On the ID-52, make sure you’re using Bluetooth set in a compatible mode (usually referred to as “Pairing Reception” or similar).
- Within RepeaterBook, under the Bluetooth radio list, confirm you've selected the ID-52 from the list to use the specific profile needed.

3. Active Band and Mode
- Confirm the radio’s active band matches the band of the repeater frequency you want to set (e.g., 2m or 70cm).
- Since you’re already in FM mode and on a valid band, this is good.

4. Restart Both Devices
- After changing the CI-V address, restart your ID-52 radio and your Windows device with RepeaterBook open. Then reconnect Bluetooth fresh.

5. Test Frequency Change Again
- Open RepeaterBook and try tapping a repeater again. The radio should automatically switch to that repeater’s frequency.

If these steps don’t get the frequency changing, let me know if there are any error messages or if the radio shows any activity when you tap. We can also check advanced settings or if any firmware updates are needed.

For your reference, there’s a useful video on fixing Bluetooth connection with the ID-52 and RepeaterBook that explains setting the CI-V address to A6 here: ID-52 PLUS RepeaterBook Connect Bluetooth Fix - YouTube

Are you comfortable navigating the radio's menus to set the CI-V address? If you like, I can guide you step by step through that as well.

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

when i select "Pairing Reception" it starts a timer waiting for pairng reqest what am i missing

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Thanks for sharing that detail about the "Pairing Reception" mode starting a timer and waiting for a pairing request. This is expected behavior, but the key part is that your RepeaterBook app on your Windows device must initiate the pairing during that countdown.

Here’s what you should check and do next for the pairing to complete successfully:

1. Initiate RepeaterBook Connect on the Windows Device
- On your Windows device where the RepeaterBook app is running, open the app and go to the section to connect your radio over Bluetooth.
- You should see an option like "Connect" or "Scan for Radios"—select your ID-52 radio.

2. Start Pairing from the App Side Right After Enabling "Pairing Reception" on the Radio
- Once you select “Pairing Reception” on the ID-52, start the connection or pairing in the RepeaterBook app immediately within that timer window.
- The radio waits for that pairing request during the timer; if it doesn’t receive it, the timer expires and pairing fails.

3. Keep Bluetooth Enabled and Close to the Radio
- Make sure your Windows Bluetooth is active and you are close enough to the radio to have a stable connection.

4. Remove Old Bluetooth Pairing Entries
- On Windows, check the Bluetooth settings and remove any old/disconnected pairings for the ID-52. Then try fresh pairing.

5. Check for Updates
- Ensure both your RepeaterBook app and the radio firmware are updated, as these improve Bluetooth stability and fix pairing edge cases.
<brIf the timer still expires without pairing, the issue might be that the RepeaterBook app is not sending the pairing request promptly or the Bluetooth connection is unstable.

Would you like me to guide you through the exact steps to initiate pairing from the Windows RepeaterBook app side? Also, do you see the radio appear in the Bluetooth devices scan on your PC? This info will help narrow it down.

If needed, we can also look into whether any Bluetooth profiles or firewall settings on Windows are interfering.

Looking forward to your reply!

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

android device not windows

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Ah, thanks for clarifying that you’re using an Android device instead of Windows! That changes the approach a bit for pairing and frequency control with the ID-52 via Bluetooth in the RepeaterBook app.

On Android, the process to connect your radio through Bluetooth and use the “Pairing Reception” mode on the ID-52 involves these key points:

1. Enable Bluetooth on Android and Pair the Radio from Android Settings
- Go to your Android device’s Bluetooth settings. Make sure Bluetooth is ON.
- Look for your ID-52 radio in the list of available devices and pair it there first (this is a standard system-level pairing outside the app).
- After pairing at the system level, close the settings.

2. Set the ID-52 to ‘Pairing Reception’ Mode
- On the ID-52, select “Pairing Reception.” This makes the radio listen for a connection request. It will display a timer counting down.

3. Initiate Connection Inside the RepeaterBook App
- Open the RepeaterBook app on your Android device.
- In the app, go to the Bluetooth connect section (often labeled “Connect to Radio” or similar).
- You should see your ID-52 radio listed because it is already paired at the system level. Select it to connect. The app sends the connection request while the radio is waiting during “Pairing Reception.”

4. Successful Connection and Frequency Changing
- Once connected, try tapping a repeater in the app. The frequency should update on your radio automatically.

Additional Tips:
- Make sure the RepeaterBook app has Bluetooth permission enabled in Android’s app settings.
- Keep your Android device close to the radio to avoid Bluetooth signal issues.
- If the pairing timer on the radio counts down and no connection happens, try restarting both the radio and the app, then repeat the steps.
- Update your RepeaterBook app from Google Play to get the latest Bluetooth fixes and compatibility improvements.

You can review official Android app troubleshooting tips and permissions information here on RepeaterBook’s wiki: RepeaterBook App FAQ 1.

Would you like me to walk you step-by-step through pairing and connecting on your Android device? Let me know how it’s going!

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

I got a message that its paired but still no work

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Thanks for letting me know you got the message saying your device is paired but it’s still not working to change frequencies. That means Bluetooth connection is established, but there’s likely an issue with the communication or setup between the RepeaterBook app and your ID-52 radio.

Let’s try these focused troubleshooting steps:

1. Check CI-V Address on ID-52 (again)
- Ensure the CI-V address is set to A6 exactly. This is essential for RepeaterBook Connect to send commands correctly.
- Sometimes it can revert or appear set incorrectly—double-check this in the radio’s menu.

2. Disable CI-V Echo on the Radio
- On the ID-52, locate the “CI-V Echo” setting (if available) and turn it off. Echo can interfere with proper communication, blocking frequency changes.

3. Verify Bluetooth Permissions on Android
- Open your Android device Settings → Apps → RepeaterBook → Permissions.
- Confirm Bluetooth (and location, if prompted) permissions are enabled. Missing these prevents the app from fully controlling the radio.

4. Use “Pairing Reception” at the Same Time as Connecting in App
- On your ID-52, select “Pairing Reception” to start the timer.
- Immediately in the RepeaterBook app, connect to the radio while the timer counts down. If you wait too long, the radio stops accepting the connection.

5. Restart Both Devices
- Turn off and back on your radio and your Android device. Rebooting helps clear any residual Bluetooth bugs.

6. Update Firmware and App
- Ensure your ID-52 is running the latest firmware (check ICOM’s website).
- Update RepeaterBook from Google Play to the latest version, as fixes related to Bluetooth connections are routinely released.

7. Check for Conflicting Bluetooth Connections
- Make sure no other apps or devices are currently connected or trying to connect to your radio’s Bluetooth. Sometimes multiple controllers cause interference.

If none of these steps work, there is a helpful video showing fixes and detailed settings for the ID-52 with RepeaterBook Connect here: ID-52 PLUS RepeaterBook Connect Bluetooth Fix - YouTube [1]. It walks through CI-V address setting and pairing in detail.

Please try these and let me know what happens when you attempt to tap a repeater frequency after connecting. I’m here to help you get this working!

Are you satisfied with this troubleshooting so far, or would you like me to walk through each step in more detail?

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

it connected with passkey etc. stayed connectyed for 3 seconds then dropped. tried it twice3, same thing A6 is correct.

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Thanks for the update that the ID-52 pairs with the passkey but then drops connection after about 3 seconds, even when trying multiple times with the correct CI-V address (A6). This suggests the Bluetooth pairing itself is successful, but the communication link is not holding for RepeaterBook to control the radio.

From the latest RepeaterBook Connect FAQ and related info, here are some focused steps to address this flaky connection issue:

1. Confirm Location and Bluetooth Permissions on Android
Make sure the RepeaterBook app has all necessary permissions, especially Bluetooth and location access—both are required by Android for stable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connections. Missing permissions can cause dropouts after pairing.

2. Check for Bluetooth Interference or Multiple Connections
- Turn off Bluetooth on other nearby devices that may previously have been paired to the ID-52 to avoid interference.
- Disconnect/remove any other paired devices in Android’s Bluetooth settings for the ID-52. Multiple connection attempts cause the radio to drop.

3. Try a Fresh Start Sequence
- Power off and then power on the ID-52.
- Enable “Pairing Reception” mode on the radio.
- Immediately select the ID-52 in RepeaterBook’s app Bluetooth connect screen to initiate connection within the pairing timer window.

4. Verify Firmware Version and Update if Needed
An older firmware version can cause connectivity drops. Visit ICOM’s support for ID-52 firmware updates to ensure you are running the latest release that improves Bluetooth stability.

5. Check RepeaterBook App Version and Update
Make sure your RepeaterBook app is updated to the latest version from Google Play, which fixes several Bluetooth connection bugs, including drops after pairing.

6. Review Any Battery Optimization or Background Restrictions
On Android, battery optimization settings can sometimes kill background Bluetooth connections. Exclude RepeaterBook from battery optimization in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → RepeaterBook.

If after all that, the connection still drops after a few seconds, a workaround some users found is using a dedicated Bluetooth CAT interface cable (if supported by your radio model) instead of direct Bluetooth pairing, as it tends to be more reliable.

Here is the official RepeaterBook Connect FAQ page which covers connection drops and passkey issues too, for your review: RepeaterBook Connect FAQ [1].

And this video is a good visual guide to troubleshooting ID-52 Bluetooth connection issues: ID-52 PLUS RepeaterBook Connect Bluetooth Fix - YouTube [2].

Would you like me to help you check Android permissions step-by-step or guide you through the fresh connection sequence with timing tips? Let me know what you prefer!

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

no I think I will fuss with it later. thanks for all your help. sometimes if you walk away and come back it will work out...

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Pierre

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7 months ago

I’m glad you’re taking a break—sometimes stepping away helps! When you’re ready to troubleshoot further with the RepeaterBook app, here are some general troubleshooting steps you can follow, adapted for your Android device and radio connection issues:

1. Check Permissions:
Make sure the RepeaterBook app has all Bluetooth and Location permissions enabled in your Android settings, as these are critical for Bluetooth communication.

2. Update App and Firmware:
Keep the RepeaterBook app updated via Google Play, and also check your ID-52 radio firmware is the latest version. Updates fix many connectivity bugs.

3. Proper Pairing Sequence:
- On your ID-52, set it to “Pairing Reception” mode, which starts the timer waiting for pairing.
- Immediately in the RepeaterBook app, select your radio from the Bluetooth list to initiate connection within the timer window.

4. Verify CI-V Settings:
Ensure the CI-V address on the ID-52 is set to A6. Also, disable any “CI-V Echo” or similar settings which may disrupt communication.

5. Avoid Conflicts:
Remove old or unused Bluetooth pairings of your radio on your Android device and nearby devices to avoid conflicts.

6. Battery Optimization Settings:
Disable battery optimization for the RepeaterBook app so Android doesn’t interrupt its Bluetooth connection.

7. Restart Devices:
Reboot both your radio and Android device before trying to connect again.

For detailed info, check out the RepeaterBook FAQ page which covers app troubleshooting and Bluetooth connections:
RepeaterBook App FAQ [1]

And this video is a great visual resource specific to the ID-52 Bluetooth fixes you might find helpful:
ID-52 PLUS RepeaterBook Connect Bluetooth Fix – YouTube [2]

If you’d like, when you come back to it, I can guide you step-by-step through any of these troubleshooting actions. Just let me know!

Are you satisfied with this overview, or would you like me to prepare a detailed walkthrough for any particular step?

J
jeff nederman
7 months ago

maybe ill try with an ic705 later. newer firmware

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Pierre

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7 months ago

Hello again! If you’re thinking about trying your ICOM IC-705 with the RepeaterBook app, the good news is that the IC-705 is officially supported by RepeaterBook Connect. This support includes both Bluetooth and USB connection methods, which gives you flexibility on Android devices with an OTG adapter or directly over Bluetooth1 6.

Regarding the latest firmware, keeping your IC-705 updated is important to ensure full compatibility and smooth operation with the app. ICOM regularly releases firmware updates that improve Bluetooth stability and expand features. You can download the latest firmware from ICOM’s official site and update your radio via microSD card and the radio’s menu7.

Users on recent forums and RepeaterBook groups have reported success connecting the IC-705 after updating to current firmware versions, but occasionally there can be small bugs or limitations that get ironed out over time2.

If you want to import repeater lists or program your IC-705 from RepeaterBook, the app offers direct integration allowing you to set frequencies and tone parameters easily once connected5.

To sum up:

- IC-705 is supported by RepeaterBook Connect via Bluetooth and USB.
- Use the latest firmware on your IC-705 for best connectivity.
- Keep your RepeaterBook app updated from Google Play.
- Connection steps are similar to other ICOM radios like the ID-52, but the newer firmware helps with smoother pairing and control.
- Detailed user experiences and updates can be found in official RepeaterBook FAQ and Facebook groups10.

If you'd like, I can help walk you through initial setup steps once you decide to try the IC-705 with RepeaterBook. Just let me know! Are you satisfied with this overview, or do you want more detailed guidance?

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