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@RaphaelWimmer
Last active October 8, 2024 15:36
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Switch Creative BT-W5 between AptX Adaptive Low Latency and High Quality modes
#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Simple tool to switch the Creative BT-W5 Bluetooth Audio dongle between AptX Adaptive **Low Latency** or **High Quality** mode.
# Of course, only works with Bluetooth headphones that support AptX Adaptive, such as the Tranya X3
# Reverse engineered based on communication between Creative's desktop app for Windows and the BT-W5.
# Might also accidentally overwrite other settings as a whole config data array is sent without taking into account the existing config.
#
# Usage: sudo ./btw5-switch.py ll (for low-latency mode)
# sudo ./btw5-switch.py hq (for high-quality mode)
#
# requires either sudo or adjusting the permissions on the /dev/bus/usb/... device
import sys
import usb.core # requires PyUSB (e.g. via `apt install python3-usb` on Debian)
dev = usb.core.find(idVendor=0x041e, idProduct=0x3130)
if dev is None:
raise ValueError('Device not found')
cfg = dev[0]
intf = cfg[(0, 0)]
ep = intf[0]
i = intf.bInterfaceNumber
if dev.is_kernel_driver_active(i):
dev.detach_kernel_driver(i)
data_hq = [0x03, 0x5a, 0x6b, 0x03, 0x0a, 0x03, 0x40] # HQ
data_ll = [0x03, 0x5a, 0x6b, 0x03, 0x0a, 0x03, 0x20] # LL
if len(sys.argv) > 1 and sys.argv[1] == "hq":
data = data_hq
print("Enabling AptX Adaptive High Quality mode")
else:
data = data_ll
print("Enabling AptX Adaptive Low Latency mode")
data += [0x00] * (65 - len(data))
result = dev.ctrl_transfer(0x21, 0x09, wValue=0x203, wIndex=0x00, data_or_wLength=data)
@RaphaelWimmer
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Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the offer. I don't own a BT-W5 at the moment (it belongs to my son), so I have limited opportunity to refine the script. However, I have logged and annotated the USB traffic for switching to/from HFP mode.
I have also added some limited information on how to add support for it and other features to the script.
It should be relatively straightforward - but I'm not sure when I'll find the time to implement/test it.
Feel free to try it!

See here: https://github.com/RaphaelWimmer/btw5-switch

@Atomique
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No stress! Thanks a lot for your commit! If I have some sparetime I will try to find out more and hopefully can contribute somethingwith value here!

@JanProchy
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By any chance - can this work on windows? :)

@RaphaelWimmer
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By any chance - can this work on windows? :)

It should, as long as you install pyusb and libusb (see installation instructions at https://github.com/pyusb/pyusb).
Haven't tested it there, however.
Why would you want to do this, given that there is an official app for Windows?

@JanProchy
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My goal is to make an auto-switch so when you start some game, it will auto switch to LL, and after exit back to HQ.. And also i would love to make some hotkeys fot it..

I was trying to convert the script to power shell, but it is such a pain. I will try the python and let you know.. Ty :)

@hmnd
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hmnd commented Aug 14, 2024

Works beautifully! I wonder if I could extend this work to support managing paired devices too...

Thank you so much for sharing!

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