[birdn]

Device info -
Carrier: Verizon
Model info and OS version: Blackberry Torch 9850 running 71 Bundle 457 (v7.1.0.163, Platform 5.1.0.137)

I have successfully paired an Iogear mini multi link Bluetooth keyboard (model GKB601B) to my smartphone. However, when I attempt to type using the keyboard no characters display. For example, if I try and text a contact no characters display in the To: field, or in the body of the message.

I have done the following:
Ensured I have working batteries in the keyboard.
Pulled the battery and restarted the smartphone.
Deleted and paired the device from the Bluetooth connection.
Unchecked the Encryption tick box - under the Device Properties.
Set the Trusted status to Yes - under the Device Properties.
Bluetooth connections are set to On.
Discoverable is set to No.


I have successfully paired the device to my Blackberry Playbook Tablet. The keyboard is multi-link style keyboard and allows users to switch from one desired device to another by pressing the function key + 1-6 key on the keyboard. I'm able to successfully make this switch when both the tablet and smartphone are on.

The quickstart guide does indicate that the paired device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) must support USB HID keyboard in order to have the keyboard function respectively. I've tried various searches through Google and Bing to determine if that might be my problem but haven't had much success with those types of search results.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[birdn]

Update:

This Bluetooth keyboard automatically generates a passcode for most other Bluetooth hosts. For example, on my Playbook the keyboard generated a passcode that displayed on the tablet, once I typed the passcode into the keyboard and pressed enter the pairing was successful. This morning I successfully paired an iPhone 4s with the keyboard after entering the numeric passcode (which generated on the phone). I could type successfully as well.

When I paired the BlackBerry phone yesterday it did not display an auto-generated passcode. But rather prompted me to enter a passcode. Once I pressed enter on the BlackBerry phone it waited until I entered the same passcode on the keyboard and pressed enter. This may/may not help.

The pairing, on the surface, doesn't seem to be the problem -- its trying to use the keyboard as an external input device that won't work. I've looked through the various options and settings for the phone but can't find anything that looks like it needs to be enabled in order to allow the keyboard full functionality.

One thing I have noticed is that when I'm in the Bluetooth Connections>Options>Bluetooth Options I see the following services enabled (the tick-box has been checked):

Headset
Handsfree
Serial port profile
>Desktop Connectivity
>Wireless Bypass
>Data Transfer
Dial-up networking
Audio source
A/V remote control target

I don't see anything that appears to be a keyboard/input device or service.

[tsac]

I have a Shasta BT keyboard and the drivers do not exist for any BB beyond 8310.
I cannot find any indication this keyboard is supported also. No one seems to be able to get it working with a new BB from various posts on the internet.