How to Use HT-HC01P Breakout Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The HT-HC01P Breakout Board, manufactured by HelTec Automation (Part ID: HT-HC01P PCB), is a compact and user-friendly breakout board designed for the HC-01P Bluetooth module. It simplifies the process of interfacing with the HC-01P by providing easy access to its pins and enabling seamless connections for prototyping and development. This breakout board is ideal for wireless communication projects, IoT applications, and Bluetooth-enabled devices.

• Wireless data transmission between devices
• IoT projects requiring Bluetooth connectivity
• Remote control systems
• Bluetooth-based sensor networks
• Prototyping and testing Bluetooth communication modules

The HT-HC01P Breakout Board is designed to work with the HC-01P Bluetooth module and provides the following technical features:

The breakout board exposes the following pins for easy interfacing:

1. Powering the Module: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. UART Communication: Connect the TXD pin of the breakout board to the RX pin of your microcontroller and the RXD pin to the TX pin of your microcontroller.
3. Enable the Module: Ensure the EN pin is pulled HIGH to activate the module. You can connect it directly to VCC or control it via a GPIO pin on your microcontroller.
4. Bluetooth Pairing: Once powered, the HC-01P module will broadcast its Bluetooth signal. Use a Bluetooth-enabled device to search for and pair with the module.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure that the UART pins (TXD and RXD) are compatible with the voltage levels of your microcontroller. Use a level shifter if necessary.
• Baud Rate: The default baud rate is 9600 bps. Ensure your microcontroller's UART settings match this value.
• Antenna Placement: Avoid placing the module near metal objects or inside enclosures that may block the Bluetooth signal.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power source to avoid communication issues caused by voltage fluctuations.

Below is an example of how to connect the HT-HC01P Breakout Board to an Arduino UNO and send data via Bluetooth.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// Define RX and TX pins for SoftwareSerial
SoftwareSerial bluetooth(2, 3); // RX = Pin 2, TX = Pin 3

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  // Initialize Bluetooth communication
  bluetooth.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Bluetooth module ready. Waiting for data...");
}

void loop() {
  // Check if data is available from the Bluetooth module
  if (bluetooth.available()) {
    char received = bluetooth.read(); // Read the incoming data
    Serial.print("Received: ");
    Serial.println(received); // Print the received data to Serial Monitor
  }

  // Check if data is available from the Serial Monitor
  if (Serial.available()) {
    char toSend = Serial.read(); // Read the data from Serial Monitor
    bluetooth.write(toSend); // Send the data via Bluetooth
    Serial.print("Sent: ");
    Serial.println(toSend); // Print the sent data to Serial Monitor
  }
}

1. Module Not Powering On

   • Cause: Incorrect power supply or loose connections.
   • Solution: Verify that the VCC and GND pins are properly connected and the power supply is within the specified range (3.3V to 5V).

2. No Bluetooth Signal Detected

   • Cause: The EN pin is not pulled HIGH.
   • Solution: Ensure the EN pin is connected to VCC or controlled via a GPIO pin set to HIGH.

3. Communication Issues

   • Cause: Mismatched baud rate or incorrect wiring.
   • Solution: Confirm that the baud rate of the microcontroller matches the module's default baud rate (9600 bps). Double-check the TXD and RXD connections.

4. Weak Bluetooth Signal

   • Cause: Interference or poor antenna placement.
   • Solution: Relocate the module to a position with minimal interference and ensure it is not enclosed in a metal case.

Q: Can I use the HT-HC01P Breakout Board with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the breakout board is compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems. Ensure the UART voltage levels match your microcontroller.

Q: How do I change the baud rate of the HC-01P module?
A: The baud rate can be changed using AT commands. Refer to the HC-01P module's datasheet for detailed instructions.

Q: Is the breakout board compatible with other Bluetooth modules?
A: The HT-HC01P Breakout Board is specifically designed for the HC-01P module. Compatibility with other modules is not guaranteed.

Q: Can I use this module for audio transmission?
A: No, the HC-01P module is designed for data transmission only and does not support audio streaming.