Bkool trainer owners enjoy full smart trainer functionality via ANT+ on Zwift for PC and Mac, but Zwift for iOS is currently unable to control Bkool trainers. Why is this, and what can you do about it?
Bkool trainers can be controlled (after a firmware update) using ANT+, but as you probably know Zwift for iOS only supports Bluetooth at this time. (Related news: Zwift has announced they will support ANT+ for iOS in the next version of the Zwift app, coming in the next ~30 days.)
Bkool trainers can also be controlled via Bluetooth, but Bkool uses their own secret, proprietary Bluetooth protocol to accomplish this, with the result that their trainers currently only work via Bluetooth with Bkool’s own simulator software.
Jon Mayfield, Game Master at ZwiftHQ, made it clear where Zwift stands on this in a recent Facebook post:
If they send us their Bluetooth protocol I’ll add it. We don’t really have open communications though as we’re essentially competitors.
He also added:
We’ve also reached out to them again this week to see if they’ll share the Bluetooth info. I wouldn’t blame them for not sharing, but it’d be nice for their hardware customers.
So what can Bkool owners do? Contact Bkool and ask them to release their Bluetooth protocol to ZwiftHQ. Hit them up on their website, via Facebook, Twitter, etc (links at bottom of this page.) The squeaky wheel gets the grease, folks. Get on it!
Hi. Do you know how the bkool/ant+/ios setup will work?
hello
I use zwift on ios with my bkool pro without problems.
Congratulations for your application
Gaëtan
How do you do that?
you must upgrade your bkool pro with the latest firmware available at the startup of the bkool software.
Hi, will an update pop up automatically or do I need to do something special while starting the software? (i am on a mac)
Is it controlling the trainer (changing resistance on hills) or just showing you power numbers at a steady resistance?
It is my understanding that you can’t control the Bkool with Zwift for iOS at this time.
I have just added the latest update and yes you are correct, you can connect your BKool Pro fine but Zwift on iOS (iPad Pro 9.7) does not control the trainer. I hope Bkool release the BLE info so it works as expected. Invested in the hardware already and want the option of both software platforms so I can ride with friends around the country.
Eric – thanks for pushing this, the days of closed protocols should be over!
Agreed. And I hope Kurt Kinetic is reading this too, since they’re doing the proprietary BLE thing as well. 🙂
Or altenatively ask them to implement Bluetooth by the standard.
Yes, that would be good too (and best in the long run)–just less probable, I think, since it would mean changing their software.
I have bkool pro too. Really hope this issue gets resolved..
For the price it’s a fantastic trainer, I definitely think it would help sales too, not hinder it!
Will those Ant+ changes that are due allow bkool trainer to be electronically controlled?
I have a bkool and a 4iiii Viiiiva heart rate which converts any Ant+ signal to bluetooth. My Ipad air2 recognizes my bkool, or seems to a least just fine. Is it actually being controlled by Zwift or not?
Is the tension changing on hills? Or are you just seeing power numbers? My guess is the latter…
Doesn’t the 4iiii Viiiiva heart rate sensor act as a bridge between ant+ and BLE?
Yes, BUT it doesn’t take the Bluetooth signals and talk BACK to the ANT+. Does that make sense? It’s a one-way thing, basically. So Zwift can’t talk via Bluetooth to the Viiiiva, and the Viiiiva translate that to ANT+ commands to control trainer resistance.
did someone try the “ANT+ Wahoo Key”?… on the BKOOL homepage there exists a hint to use it for the iPad
I cant get zwift to recognise the wahoo Ant dongle, so it doesn’t fix the issue. It’s a real shame as the bkool trainer works fine with the PC, it would just be easier to use the ipad.
This should able to work, assuming you’ve the key and an old phone that can use it, or a converter so the key goes into your lightning port. Rather kludgy solution though.
With Zwift on the PC and a ANT+ dongle over ANT FEC protocol, will the bkool go trainer get resistance info from Zwift?
Yes.
Any news about controlling the Bkool Pro on ipad over blee? I want to buy this but the Bkool is a problem for me. The other option is the Tacx Vortex.
Someone tried the option Wahoo ANT dongle + 30 pin adaptor to lightning?
Anyone had any joy with this yet. Zwift can see my BKOOL Pro as a power/cadence sensor but can’t see the controllable trainer. I have iPad Pro + Wahoo ANT+ dongle (with extension cable) .Thanks
I can not detect controllable trainers with iphone 6 + iOS 11.1 + Bkool pro.
bluetooth or wahoo ant + Neither could be detected.
However, it seems as a power / cadence sensor.
Is there a way to solve the problem?
Well done for highlighting this issue. I admit I bought the Smart Pro exclusively to use with Zwift, which it did fine until my MacBook died on me, which has then forced me to seek alternatives. I assumed the iOS version would work, and was pulling my hair out until I read this. I’ve sent Bkool a few messages and posted on their Facebook page, so hoping something nudges them along here.
Hey guys any news here? I’m still not able to use my bkool smart 2 pro as controllable ober BLE connections with IOS. I’m thinking to give it back and take the vortex
All – it looks like Bkool have finally opened up their BLE protocol – we just need Zwift to add it in now – see https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360000089572-Bkool-Smart-Pro-2-BLE-compatible?page=1#community_comment_360000226472 Put your vote on to get it done.
I wish I had found this thread several weeks ago. I purchased a Bkool Pro trainer at Christmas and was tired of carrying my laptop from my upstairs office to the garage all the time so I bought a Apple TV 4K a couple of weeks ago. I knew the bluetooth limitations of IOS but I thought if I could at least get the power meter and controllable connections I’d be satisfied. Little did I know Bkool bluetooth doesn’t work with IOS. So on to what I thought would be the next solution, a NPE CABLE ant+ bridge. Just got it a few days ago and still do not have a controllable trainer using Apple TV and Zwift. I hope from reading the previous post there will be a solution soon.
About time Zwift and Bkool did the right thing by their customers. Apple TV is a massive step forward for Zwift and potentially the new boys on the block.