How to Use Flora Bluefruit LE: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Flora Bluefruit LE is a versatile wearable electronics platform designed by Adafruit Industries. It integrates the power of the Flora motherboard with Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) technology, enabling wireless communication and control for a variety of wearable projects. This component is ideal for creating interactive garments, smart accessories, and innovative textiles that can connect to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

• Wearable technology projects
• Interactive costumes
• Smart clothing and accessories
• Remote sensor monitoring
• Wireless control for LEDs and other electronic components

• Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 4.1 Low Energy (LE)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V (regulated from a 3.7V LiPoly battery or USB)
• Output Power: +4 dBm
• Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz ISM band
• Sensitivity: -93 dBm
• Microcontroller: Atmel ATmega32u4
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega32u4) of which 4 KB used by bootloader
• SRAM: 2.5 KB (ATmega32u4)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega32u4)
• Clock Speed: 8 MHz

Note: This table is not exhaustive and only includes a selection of the available pins.

1. Powering the Flora Bluefruit LE:

   • Connect a 3.7V LiPoly battery to the BAT pin for portable applications.
   • Alternatively, power the Flora via the USB connection.

2. Establishing a Bluetooth Connection:

   • Pair the Flora Bluefruit LE with a Bluetooth-enabled device.
   • Use the Adafruit Bluefruit LE Connect app or custom software to communicate with the Flora.

3. Programming the Flora:

   • Use the Arduino IDE to write and upload sketches to the Flora.
   • Select "Adafruit Flora" from the Tools > Board menu.

4. Connecting Sensors and Actuators:

   • Utilize the I/O pins to connect sensors, LEDs, and other components.
   • Ensure that the connected components are compatible with the operating voltage and current limitations of the Flora.

• Always disconnect the battery before sewing to prevent shorts.
• Keep the battery connection secure to prevent power interruptions.
• Use conductive thread sparingly to avoid short circuits and ensure reliable connections.
• Test each connection with a multimeter before finalizing your design.

• Device Not Pairing: Ensure that the Flora Bluefruit LE is in pairing mode and that your device's Bluetooth is turned on.
• Sketch Not Uploading: Check the USB cable and ensure the correct board is selected in the Arduino IDE.
• Unexpected Behavior in Wearable Projects: Verify all connections, especially if conductive thread is used, as it can create intermittent contacts.

• Reset the Flora: Briefly press the onboard reset button to restart the Flora.
• Check Battery Charge: A low battery can cause erratic behavior; recharge or replace the battery.
• Inspect Connections: Look for loose threads or wires, and ensure all connections are secure.

Q: Can the Flora Bluefruit LE be washed? A: The electronics should not be submerged in water. Remove any power sources and electronics before washing the fabric components.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the Flora Bluefruit LE? A: Firmware updates can be done over the air using the Adafruit Bluefruit LE Connect app.

Q: What is the range of the Bluetooth connection? A: The typical range is up to 10 meters (33 feet), but this can vary depending on environmental factors.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include <Adafruit_BLE_UART.h>

// Create the bluefruit object, using software serial on pins 10 and 11
SoftwareSerial bluefruitSS = SoftwareSerial(10, 11);
Adafruit_BLE_UART bluefruit = Adafruit_BLE_UART(&bluefruitSS, -1, -1);

void setup() {
  bluefruit.begin();
}

void loop() {
  // Listen for any packets coming in over BLE
  bluefruit.pollACI();

  // TODO: Add your own code to interact with the incoming data
}

Note: This example assumes you are using an Arduino UNO to communicate with the Flora Bluefruit LE. The actual Flora board would be programmed differently, as it has a built-in microcontroller.

Remember to keep code comments concise and within the 80 character line length limit.