HC-08 BLE and Rainbow LED Tutorial

13/11/2017

Ready to start incorporating Bluetooth into your projects? Or maybe, you just want to take a Bluetooth module for a spin. Well, you've come to the right place! 

 

This tutorial will get you started with a Bluetooth application for your smartphone or tablet, that will allow you to control modules from afar. Afterwards, you'll be able to control an addressable RGB LED ring with your phone. 

 

We provide an example code that will show you how to code cases and how to change each individual LEDs color with a press of a button! 

 

The hardware we use:

 

 

Click here to jump to our step-by-step guide on Instructables. Show us GIFs of your creations!

 

 

Here's a condensed version of the tutorial:

 

 

Step 1: Connect your modules together (assuming you've soldered first cables to your LED first)

 

HC-08   >   Arduino Uno

TXD   >   RXD

RXD   >   TXD

GND   >   GND

3V3   >   3V3

 

LED Ring   >   Arduino Uno

DIN   >   Pin 6

GND   >   GND

VCC   >   5V

 

Step 2: Set up your software

  • You'll need to download Adafruit's Neopixel Library
  • Open the example code we provide
  • You'll also need a Bluetooth application for your smartphone or tablet, we used Serial Bluetooth Terminal
  • And of course, the Arduino IDE

 

Step 3: Upload the code we provided

  • Make sure the RX isn't connected to the Arduino Uno when uploading or the code won't work. Reconnect it before trying cases.
  • Check out our tutorial for tips on the included code and how to adjust individual LED hues

 

Step 4: Use your smartphone/tablet to control the LED lights

  • Connect your module and device over Bluetooth through the app of your choice
  • Enter in case letters, A-E, and change the hues. In our example, A is green, B is red, C is blue, D is white, and E is programmed to appear as a rainbow

 

Enjoy! How many rainbows do you see?

 

 

To see the full tutorial with more in-depth explanations, check out our Intructable.

 

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