Disabling the Stowaway Sierra Keyboard

When the Stowaway Sierra keyboard is no longer needed, the keyboard driver may be disabled by tapping the Disable button on the BT or Config page. The Connection is not set up message will then be displayed on the BT page.

NOTE: Disabling the keyboard will break the bond between the keyboard and the mobile device.

NOTE: Disabling the Stowaway Sierra keyboard will not automatically turn off the Bluetooth radio. Conversely, turning the Bluetooth radio off while the Stowaway Sierra keyboard driver is still enabled will not work. Because of the behavior of the Bluetooth stack, the Bluetooth radio will automatically turn back on after a few seconds. To turn the radio off, the Stowaway Sierra keyboard must be disabled first.

To re-enable the connection, tap the Connect button on the BT page or tap Enable on the Config page. See Configuring the Keyboard to Your Device for complete instructions.

Secure Connection Overview

When a secure connection is established, the paired devices share a permanent security bond. This bond is established when two devices create and exchange a Link Key, this process is also known as pairing. Link Keys are based on a unique Bluetooth Device Address, an internally generated random number and a user defined Passkey.

With a Bluetooth connection, transmissions may be intercepted. In order to limit this exposure, a secure connection should be set up. This encrypts data sent from the keyboard to the mobile device, creating a virtual cable. This means that there is a 1:1 relationship between the mobile device and the keyboard and it will not respond to connection requests from other devices. The mobile device on the other hand will retain the ability to create new pairings with other devices.

The mobile device searches the Bluetooth radio band until it finds the keyboard. If the Secure box is checked it will prompt for a Passkey. Once completed, each time the mobile device and keyboard are powered on within range of each other, the devices will be reconnected with a key press.

Stowaway Sierra Owner’s Manual for Windows Mobile

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