fiddlr

Thanks for the responses.

I don't want to use a web server, if I had to go to that extent, I would go native. Is there any way anyone knows of to send the bluetooth commands from the javascript? As originally postulated, it would have to go through a phonegap type layer.

Baxter, I programmed in java back in the day, so I suppose I could go back to that. I'm really having fun using web technologies though, and would hate to get my hands dirty doing native code for iOS as well as Android.

do all of your command messaging via Bluetooth Chris

What exactly did you mean by this? What technologies on the smartphone side would be in use for this?

That would be the plan. However, wouldn't I need to have a web server running for that (the ajax call) to happen?

I saw this shield http://www.makershed...ld_p/mkrbl1.htm for sale. Do you have any better recommendations for a decent shield? $35 seemed a bit expensive when I see others for $15 or less, and even see chinese BT USB dongles for $5 or less shipped.