Connect a bluetooth keyboard after restart?

WetGeek

I'm temporarily using a bluetooth keyboard with my new workstation, as my other choice is a wired keyboard, and I dislike that choice. But every time I reboot the machine, I can find no way to connect it via the Solus login screen.

So far, I've used the on-screen keyboard to log in, but I'd much rather use the bluetooth keyboard for that. Does anyone know of a way to connect it from the Solus login screen?

Afterwards, of course, I can connect it via the bluetooth icon in the system tray.

Brucehankins

WetGeek is Bluetooth powered on after a reboot? Check the Bluetooth config file, if not you can add [Policy] AutoEnable=true to the policy section and [General] DisoverableTimeout = 0 to the general section if you want it to always be discoverable.
I know on my Plasma machine, Bluetooth is off by default on boot. This was the case before installing tlp and Powertop also.

WetGeek

Nevermind ...

I bought another one of my favorite keyboards, just like my Bluetooth one except a wifi 2.4 model that has a small USB receiver. It doesn't need to connect after a reboot (I just tested it, and I'm typing on it now).

If anyone does happen to know how to connect a Bluetooth device from the logon screen, I'd file away that information in case I need it again some day, but don't anyone spend any time researching an answer. 😊

EDIT: Just in case anyone is looking for a better keyboard, the ones I use are from Arteck. They're small on the desktop, being the equivalent of a laptop keyboard on a stainless steel base. They're USB rechargeable, and last a very long time on a charge. About $22 USD at Amazon.

The main reason I use these on my desktops is because I spent most of my time typing on a laptop keyboard. This way, all my keyboards feel about the same.

Solarmass

WetGeek except a wifi 2.4 model that has a small USB receiver.

I guess it's not wifi but RF 2.4 😉

WetGeek

Solarmass I guess it's not wifi but RF 2.4

And you'd probably be right! The main advantage for me is, it's NOT Bluetooth.

Solarmass

WetGeek Yea, I have a wireless keyboard too with 2 modes: Bluetooth and RF 2.4. I don't use Bluetooth mode (I think you can't access bios when using Bluetooth).

WetGeek

WetGeek The main advantage for me is, it's NOT Bluetooth

Actually, I meant to say "wireless," bit it came out as "wi-fi."

ReillyBrogan

FWIW 2.4Ghz keyboard can have interference issues with USB 3 ports (seriously, it's a thing). So if you have connection issues and you're within a reasonable distance from the dongle try switching to a USB2 port that's not near USB3 ports or add an extender to push the dongle a few inches away from the port.

Solarmass

ReillyBrogan or add an extender to push the dongle a few inches away from the port.

I have a pretty long extender, it significantly improves reception.