BLUETOOTH MODULES Arduino

Hi Guys,

I would like to ask if Bluetooth Modules that state: "for Arduino" are any different from those that do not state this.
If they are different, does that mean that they have different programs to program the Bluetooth Modules that do not state: "for Arduino" or does that mean that some configuration needs to be done so that the Bluetooth Modules will be compatible with Arduino Boards?

would you mind putting up examples? Maybe we can explain better... there are so many modules and chips out there it's hard to answer such a question without being more specific.

Okay so I would like to know if BGM12x Blue Gecko SiP module is compatible with Arduino Nano/Uno/Mega.
If it is, do I need to do any configuration? If yes, how do I configure it? (Through AT commands?)

Blue Gecko SiP module:
https://www.everythingrf.com/products/rf-modules/silicon-laboratories-inc/528-395-bgm12x

Not sure if this is clear enough. Feel free to clarify if need be. And sorry for the trouble. Thanks for all your help!

Hi Z,

Couple comments... yes you can use this with an Arduino... it would require actually building a module with antenna circuit since your link is a chip. Another comment is that it a SoC meaning it has a built in M4 cortex and can pretty much outperform most Arduinos so if you get this going I don't see the benefit of using an Arduino.

Programming is another story, some chips like the NRF ones are compatible with Arduino IDE through the work of folks and can be found online. I'm not sure about this one.

If the main reason for picking this one is range then I suggest you look into Zigbee - it's Arduino ready (all the hard work has been done for you). If you want to develop your own chips and bring it into the Arduino world please share with everyone.

Hi Wolframore,

Thank you so much your help!
So that means that I can use the processor on the Bluetooth modules to replace Arduino microcontrollers?
Also, I would like to clarify if the Bluetooth Module will be surface mounted on to PCB?

Thank you! And sorry for the trouble!

Zephyrus2099:
Hi Wolframore,

Thank you so much your help!
So that means that I can use the processor on the Bluetooth modules to replace Arduino microcontrollers?
Also, I would like to clarify if the Bluetooth Module will be surface mounted on to PCB?

Thank you! And sorry for the trouble!

This is the correct assumption... the built in M4 is very powerful. People are building devices that are very capable with single chip with bluetooth. Just about every manufacturer has a SoC chip. I'm working with one but it is a steep learning curve and a lot of time and work... and money. That's why I suggested a Zigbee.

Thank you so much for your replies!!

There is another thing I would like to clarify. For Bluetooth Modules like the HC-06 Bluetooth Modules that have "little legs" (Not sure what they are called), is it possible to connect more than one to the Arduino Nano (which has one TX and RX)? Would all the Bluetooth Modules perform the same actions?

First the HC-06 and the HC-05 are related. The HC-05 are master/slave units. The HC06 work as slave only. So I only get the HC-05 being more versatile. I don't understand why you would want 2 bluetooth units on one Ardunio.

A Bluetooth "mesh" which could do what you might be thinking of doing with one bluetooth module per device. I have not delved too much into this yet and find it to be a mystery. I have seen examples of this working. I missed the seminar on this... will have to catch up.

Zephyrus2099:
is it possible to connect more than one to the Arduino Nano (which has one TX and RX)? Would all the Bluetooth Modules perform the same actions?

Yes as long as you use some sort of softwareserial library OR use a multi UART microcontroller like a Mega or a Teensy. You also would need to not only pair, but bind and link each of the modules with their respective bluetooth device/counterpart. See this tutorial for more info.

Thank you both for your replies!
And great tutorial btw!@Power_Broker

So if my application is to create a device to send out commands to multiple devices(with HC-05 Bluetooth Modules) would a Bluetooth Mesh be better?

This is the Bluetooth Mesh Module I am considering:

Mesh would simplify things by using one BT module per device. It depends on the project what you require.