Using the BlueSMiRF

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Contributors: jimblom
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Introduction

The BlueSMiRFs used in this tutorial have been retired from our catalog. This tutorial is available for reference if you still need access to the concepts, methods, hardware connections, and example code.

We do have the BlueSMIRF V2 with headers and the BlueSMiRF V2 PTH version available! Make sure to check out the latest tutorial using the BlueSMiRF v2s!

Are you ready to hit the airwaves and add Bluetooth to your project? With the BlueSMiRF and Bluetooth Mate line of products, you're much closer than you think to replacing those pesky, tangled RX and TX wires with 2.4GHz wireless communication.

SparkFun Bluetooth Mate Silver

WRL-12576
13 Retired

SparkFun Bluetooth Modem - BlueSMiRF Silver

WRL-12577
15 Retired

SparkFun Bluetooth Mate Gold

WRL-12580
5 Retired

SparkFun Bluetooth Modem - BlueSMiRF Gold

WRL-12582
10 Retired

Each of these modules has a Bluetooth transceiver on it, meaning they're capable of both sending and receiving data. They're perfect for directly replacing a wired asynchronous serial interface. Free of wires, your devices can be up to 100 meters away from each other. On top of those benefits, these modules are also very easy to use. There's no messing with Bluetooth protocols or the stack, just send data over a serial interface, and it's piped through to whatever Bluetooth module to which it's connected.

In this tutorial we'll cover everything you need to know about these Bluetooth modules. We'll begin with an overview of the hardware, and the differences between each device. Then we'll get into hardware hookup and example Arduino code.

Materials and Tools

For starters, you'll need one of the four Bluetooth modems we'll be covering in this tutorial: the Bluetooth Mate Silver, BlueSMiRF Silver, Bluetooth Mate Gold, or BlueSMiRF Gold. The modules all function in the same way, so this tutorial is applicable to all four.

SparkFun Bluetooth Mate Silver

WRL-12576
13 Retired

SparkFun Bluetooth Modem - BlueSMiRF Silver

WRL-12577
15 Retired

SparkFun Bluetooth Mate Gold

WRL-12580
5 Retired

SparkFun Bluetooth Modem - BlueSMiRF Gold

WRL-12582
10 Retired

Wireless communication won't do you any good unless you have two devices that can talk to each other! These Bluetooth modems can talk to any other Bluetooth device that supports SPP. That (long) list includes other BlueSMiRFs or Bluetooth Mates, or Bluetooth modules embedded into your computer, or even your smartphone. If your computer doesn't already have a Bluetooth module in it, you can plug a Bluetooth USB Module into an available USB slot.

Bluetooth USB Module Mini

WRL-09434
3 Retired

We'll also need something to talk to the Bluetooth modem on the serial end. This will usually be a microcontroller of some sort. In this tutorial we'll be using an Arduino.

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

DEV-13975
$21.50
49

Finally, in order to interface to the Bluetooth modem, you'll need to solder headers or wires to it. You will need a soldering iron, solder, and general soldering accessories. This topic is covered further in the Hardware Hookup section.

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09325
$9.95
8

Weller WLC100 Soldering Station

TOL-14228
2 Retired

Suggested Reading

First and foremost, check out the Bluetooth technology tutorial if you want to learn some of the general concepts behind this nifty wireless standard.

Bluetooth Basics

August 26, 2013

An overview of the Bluetooth wireless technology.

It'd also be good if you're familiar with these concepts:

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

Serial Communication

Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!

What is an Arduino?

What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.

Serial Terminal Basics

This tutorial will show you how to communicate with your serial devices using a variety of terminal emulator applications.