BlueSMiRF v2 not entering command mode from laptop

Hello!

I am trying to get accustomed to how the bluesmirf v2 works by connecting it to my laptop over bluetooth. I am able to get the bluetooth connection (solid green light), but I don’t see any response from my commands in my terminal. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong to get into command mode.

I am connecting over bluetooth via the laptops outoing COM port (COM6 for me) and have tried both 9600 and 115200 rates with the data bits set to 8 data, 1 stop, no parity, no flow control. I have tried different terminals (putty and teraterm) as well (local echo turned on). I have even tried a loopback test and am receiving the characters I type in back into the terminal. I am aware of the 60s command mode window and think that I am within it when I send the $$$ command.

Is it not possible to enter command mode over bluetooth, do I need to use a wired connection? Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated!