The TinyBlueX is a Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled microcontroller module that combines an ATtiny85 microcontroller and CC254x Bluetooth Low Energy chip. The TinyBlueX is compatible with the Arduino platform (IDE) and the BLExAR iOS Arduino app. The TinyBlueX is very low power and has a low profile, which makes it great for very low power internet of things (IoT) applications with analog and digital sensors. The TinyBlueX can read sensors and transmit the data back to an iOS device, while also being able to read iOS commands and control LEDs, indicators, and motors. Pins 2,3,7 are available on the ATtiny85 aboard the TinyBlueX, allowing users to control/read up to 3 different devices or sensors. In this tutorial series, the TinyBlueX will be explored by instructing users on how to upload code to the module, how to control LEDs, and how to send data back to an iOS device using the BLExAR app.
Read MoreIn this tutorial, the ATtiny85 is reintroduced, this time as a Bluetooth-enabled device. First, some of the basics of burning the bootloader to the ATtiny85 and using the Arduino board as an in-system programmer (ISP) are explored. Then, a CC2541 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module is used to communicate with an iOS device using the BLExAR app. Lastly, temperature and humidity data is read by the ATtiny85 and transmitted via Bluetooth to the smartphone.
Read MoreIn this tutorial, I will dive into the variations of CC2541 BLE board such as the AT-09, MLT-BT05, HM-10, JDY-08, etc. I will use either the specific module name or a blanketed “CC2541-based module” reference to refer to the BLE modules. The general process for interfacing with each module is nearly the same, however, some particularities define how each responds and functions depending on the given firmware. I will also be using the BLExAR app for iOS to communicate with the CC2541 modules.
Read MoreIn the tutorial, the simplest integrated IoT mesh network is explored, where Argon (WiFi + BLE) and Xenon (BLE) Particle boards are used to create an ultrasonic range detector (HC-SR04) that notifies an LED whether a threshold value has been crossed in front of the sensor. When the threshold is reached, a ‘trip’ is communicated to the mesh network and notifies the system via Bluetooth and WiFi.
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