Looking for a bluetooth module

[Gamboa]

Hi list,

I am looking for a bluetooth module to communicate between two PCBs that I have to design. Communication will basically be from PCB1 to PCB2 passing information packets and PCB2 will respond that it has received the information. I am also looking for there to be stock since several thousand units will be manufactured. If anyone knows any module and can provide information, I thank you in advance.

Regards,
Gamboa

[Craig]

Hi Gamboa

Have a look at UBlox @ the NINA Range of BLE Modules they use AT Commands to Communicate and make life a lot simpler and are controlled via Usart.

Regards

Craig

[TimB]

First off does it have to be Bluetooth?

The really cheap option is an nrf24l01 and you can buy them cheap and in bulk, Aliexpress has loads of boards built.

I currently use a microchip Bluetooth one way to mobile phones. There are loads of options. Considering what you require I would go for the nrf24l01 option.

As for stock. You may find stock one day and it will be gone the next. Same goes for all components.

[Yves]

Hello Tim and all,

I find the nrf24l01 as a very interesting option to use this wireless transmitters to transfer data from an instrument I'm currently developing to a PC's USB port. Can you please indicate what is require on the PC side to acquire simple data values and fill up data in a format like excel from the transmitter. Also do you mind to share some Pic code like 18F USART to communicate to those little beast?

Cheers,

Yves     

[TimB]

Yves

I and others put a lot of work into coms to a PC via the USB port. I have PCB's etc that use a SMT nrf24l01 and USB pic that fit inside a commercially available dongle enclosure.

I dropped it in the end as my system needed to talk to Phones via bluetooth. Even that though was problematic. The issue was that PC's are crap at Bluetooth and I wanted 100% simple reliable coms. No drops nothing.

In the end I went for a Bluetooth module by Microchip as it was full certified RN4870VRM that talks to the phones to get around the PC we used a Dongle https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001529756677.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dA8u5MB using the NRF52840 to act as a serial port that listened to the incoming BLE data and sent it to the PC.

Personally in your case I would use the nrf24l01 as there is easy code to talk to it. As the USB would be HID it be dead simple for the user. Plug in a go.

If your interested I'm sure Les would be happy to undertake the job to get it all up and running, since it was actually Les who wrote most of the code.

Tim

[Yves]

Thank you Tim for your explanation. I think it is the way to go for my project. Maybe Less or other Positron Picsters may have some code already in their sleeve to give me a push start on the  nrf24l01 module.

Regards,

Yves

[Gamboa]

Thankyou Craig.

Thank you Tim. It has to be bluetooth communication as required by the client.

Regards,
Gamboa

[TimB]

Ok the RN4870VRM is set up to talk between themselves more than anything. There are loads of other modules out there. I just used them as I like Mchip. They were not too expensive. They did what I needed and he range is great.

One thing you must be aware of. Only use the latest firmware version.

[joesaliba]

Hello Tim and all,

I find the nrf24l01 as a very interesting option to use this wireless transmitters to transfer data from an instrument I'm currently developing to a PC's USB port. Can you please indicate what is require on the PC side to acquire simple data values and fill up data in a format like excel from the transmitter. Also do you mind to share some Pic code like 18F USART to communicate to those little beast?

Cheers,

Yves     

I remember on the old forum there was someone wrote code for the nrf24l01. Not sure if I have a copy somewhere.

Joe

[Mapo]

from the old forum, but I haven't tested

nrF2401.zip

[Yves]

Thanks Mapo,

The 2 bas files are compiling fine with the new Positron. Now I will have to get the nrF2401 chip/board to test it as Proteus 8 don't have it in library to try a simulation unless unless someone has it.

cheers.

Yves