How do I set-up a Bluetooth virtual serial port on Mac OS X 10.3.x (Panther) ?

  • First you will need to load Apple's Bluetooth Serial Utility which is usually located in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder.
  • Then click on New to create a new Bluetooth virtual serial port:
  • This brings up another dialog which allows you to set the name, direction and security settings of the connection:
  • At this point you may want to set the security settings according to your liking (remember to have paired your phone to your Mac if you want security enabled).
  • What is important at this stage is the direction of the connection. piAccess Link works with either direction. But, you have to remember that if you set the direction to Outgoing you will need to initiate the communication from your Mac, whereas if you set the direction Incoming you will be able to initiate it from your phone. For more info check the relevant FAQ.
  • At this point, you need to switch on Bluetooth and run the piAccess Link application on your phone.
  • To associate the serial connection to your phone and the piAccess Link service, click on Select Device.
  • From there, press Search and after the search is complete, from the left list select your phone.
  • Then from the right list, select piAccessLink Service. Doing so, makes an association between the created Bluetooth virtual serial port and the remote end point service on your phone, to which it will connect every time an application opens that serial port:
  • Completing this procedure, allows you to use the newly created virtual serial port with piAccess Link.