How to Use bluno beetle: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Bluno Beetle is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328 and equipped with a TI CC2540 Bluetooth 4.0 chip. Manufactured by DFRobot, this component is designed for makers and hobbyists who require wireless communication for their projects. It is particularly well-suited for wearable devices due to its small size and low power consumption. The Bluno Beetle can be used for a variety of applications, including robotics, smart home devices, and interactive artwork.

• Microcontroller: ATmega328
• Bluetooth Chip: TI CC2540
• Operating Voltage: 5V (via USB) or 3.3-4.2V (via BAT)
• Input Voltage (VIN): 3.7-5V
• Digital I/O Pins: 6
• Analog Input Pins: 4
• PWM Channels: 2
• UART Interfaces: 1
• Micro USB Connector: 1
• Integrated Li-Polymer Battery Charger
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328) of which 4 KB used by bootloader
• SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
• Clock Speed: 16 MHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.0 (also known as Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE)

1. Powering the Board: The Bluno Beetle can be powered via the USB connection or with a 3.7V Li-Polymer battery connected to the BAT connector. Ensure that the power source does not exceed the recommended voltage levels.

2. Programming the Board: The board can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. Select "Arduino Uno" as the board type, and choose the appropriate COM port for the USB connection.

3. Connecting Bluetooth: To pair the Bluno Beetle with another Bluetooth device, power the board and search for available Bluetooth devices on your smartphone or computer. The default name is "Bluno".

4. Using I/O Pins: Connect sensors, actuators, or other components to the digital and analog pins as required for your project. Be mindful of the voltage and current limitations of each pin.

• Always disconnect the power source before making or altering connections.
• Use a current limiting resistor when connecting LEDs to the output pins.
• Avoid placing the board in environments with extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Ensure proper antenna placement for optimal Bluetooth range and performance.

• Device Not Pairing: Ensure the Bluno Beetle is in pairing mode and that no other device is currently connected to it.
• Cannot Upload Sketch: Check the USB cable and ensure the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
• Unexpected Behavior: Reset the board using the RST pin or re-upload the sketch to ensure the program is running correctly.

Q: Can the Bluno Beetle be used with a 5V sensor? A: Yes, but ensure that the sensor is connected to the 5V output pin and not directly to the board's power input.

Q: How do I update the BLE firmware? A: Firmware updates can be done through the DFRobot website, following their specific instructions for the Bluno series.

Q: What is the range of the Bluetooth connection? A: The typical range is up to 30 meters without obstacles, but this can vary based on environmental factors.

// This example code is designed to quickly deploy an example sketch to a Bluno Beetle
// It will blink the onboard LED connected to pin D13.

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Initialize the LED pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH);   // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);              // Wait for a second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);    // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);              // Wait for a second
}

Remember to add comments to your code to explain each function and to maintain readability. This example is a simple starting point to ensure your Bluno Beetle is functioning correctly. For more advanced BLE functionalities, refer to the DFRobot Bluno series library and examples.