Arduino Mini + Bluetooth module with HCI interface

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi!
I am planning to buy Arduino Mini and a bluetooth module so I could control it using Pocket PC.
I would like to know if these are compatible. I am quite beginner in this field, so I hope someone could help me. There is SparkFun BlueSMiRF modem, which is specially designed for Arduino boards, but unfortunately it is not sold in my country. And I dont want to buy it from e-shop, beacause the transport takes long time and will cost much.

A surface mounted module designed to be built into a device. The module is optimized for applications which communicate against systems with USB bluetooth stack, like Windows CE and XP. Available with or without built-in aerial. Transmission rate up to 3 Mbps and approx. 300 m range.

  • Interface: Bluetooth - HCI*
  • Bluetooth: Class 1 version 2.0+EDR*
  • Supply voltage: +5 V*
  • Supply current: [ch8804]30 mA*
  • Frequency: 2.400 to 2.485 GHz*
  • Power min/max: [ch8722]27 / +6 dBm*
  • Sensitivity: [ch8722]86 dB min*
  • Temp. range: [ch8722]40 to +85 °C*
  • Dim.: 17.7×46×5 mm*
  • Weight: 8 g*

What is HCI interface and is it compatible with Arduino Mini? And is it a bluetooth MODEM?

2

Without further data or part numbers, I would guess that this bluetooth module is NOT compatible.
The bluetooth Interface or Host Controller Interface is a complex interface and includes different UART or USB transports.
The bluetooth modules usually used on Arduino are specific to the RFCOMM serial protocol and have an AT or similar simple command set. It is sometimes confusing in the specs. because the HCI protocol is still used internal to the module and often listed in the protocols.