Devices

Device Configuration Guide

This guide explains how to add, configure, and manage Bluetooth devices in BVM.

Adding Devices

Automatic Detection

1. Connect your Bluetooth device to your Android device.
2. Open BVM - press the "+" button to add the paired devices as "managed device" to BVM.
3. Managed devices appear in the dashboard, expand the device entry and tap "Configure" to start managing the device.

Device States

All devices appearing in the dashboard are "managed". Each managed devices is either currently connected or should show a "last connected" value.

Volume Configuration

Available Volume Types

Each device can have individual settings for five volume streams:

1. Music Volume

   • Controls media, games, and app sounds
   • Most commonly used volume type
   • Enable this first for basic functionality

2. Call Volume

   • Controls phone call audio level
   • Useful for headsets and car systems
   • Independent from media volume

3. Ring Volume

   • Controls ringtone volume for incoming calls
   • Requires notification policy access
   • May affect vibration settings

4. Notification Volume

   • Controls message and app notification sounds
   • Requires notification policy access
   • Not all devices support separate notification volume

5. Alarm Volume

   • Controls alarm clock volume
   • Note: Some alarm apps use music volume instead
   • Useful for bedroom speakers

Feature Configuration

Observe Changes

• What it does: Monitors and saves volume changes while connected
• When to use: For devices where you frequently adjust volume
• How it works: Any volume change is automatically saved

Save on Disconnect

• What it does: Captures current volumes when device disconnects
• When to use: When you want final volumes saved automatically
• Benefit: No need to manually save volume preferences

Nudge Volume

• What it does: Slightly adjusts volume down then up by one step
• When to use: If volumes aren't being set reliably
• Purpose: Works around Android volume reporting issues

Keep Awake

• What it does: Prevents device from sleeping while connected
• When to use: For devices used during activities (exercise, driving)
• Note: May increase battery usage

Autoplay

• What it does: Simulates media button presses when device connects
• Configurable keys:
  • Play
  • Play/Pause
  • Next
  • Previous
  • Stop
  • Rewind
  • Fast Forward
• Use cases: Auto-resume music in car, start podcast playback

Launch Apps

• What it does: Opens selected apps when device connects
• Examples:
  • Launch Spotify with headphones
  • Open Maps with car stereo
  • Start workout app with sports earbuds
• Configuration: Tap to select multiple apps

Volume Lock

• What it does: Prevents any external volume changes
• When to use: To maintain exact volume levels
• How it works: Instantly reverts unauthorized changes

Rate Limiting

• What it does: Limits how fast volumes can change
• Default: 1000ms (1 second) between changes
• Purpose: Prevents volume adjustment conflicts
• Configurable: Set custom delay in milliseconds

Show Home Screen

• What it does: Returns to home screen after processing
• When to use: To exit apps after device connects
• Limitation: May not work on all Android versions

Timing Configuration

Understanding Timing Settings

BVM uses three timing controls to ensure reliable operation. The defaults should be good for most devices, but how fast a Bluetooth device connects and how long the system takes to react to that connection, can vary. It is important that BVM acts after the system makes any changes so that it can counter-act any undesired changes.

Timings

Reaction Delay

• Default: 4000ms (4 seconds)
• Purpose: Wait time before BVM acts on device connection
• Adjust when:
  • Decrease for faster response
  • Increase if device isn't ready for volume changes or if the system still changes the volume after BVM already made changes.

Adjustment Delay

• Default: 250ms
• Purpose: Time between individual volume adjustments
• Adjust when:
  • Decrease for instant volume sets
  • Increase for gradual, visible changes.

Monitoring Duration

• Default: 4000ms (4 seconds)
• Purpose: Time to block external volume changes after adjustment
• Adjust when:
  • Increase if other apps interfere
  • Decrease for quicker manual control
• Alternative approach: Check options "Volume lock" and "Volume rate limiter"