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Bluno - An Arduino UNO Compatible Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) Controller

SKU: DFR0267

Bluno integrates the TI CC2540 BLE chip into an Arduino-compatible platform, providing features like wireless programming, Bluetooth HID support, and IBeacon compatibility. It requires Android 4.3+ or iOS 7.0+ devices and is not compatible with other brand BLE modules due to firmware differences. The device supports a transmission range of over 70 meters in open spaces and around 20 meters in office environments, powered via USB or external DC. With output currents of 40mA for I/O pins and 200mA for power pins, Bluno is ideal for projects requiring robust BLE communication and compatibility with Arduino Uno pin mapping.

Angled shot of back of Arduino UNO BLE wireless controller with ports-DFRobot product sku:DFR0267 image.

Downloadable Resources

  • Docs
  • Tech Specs
  • Blog
    • 1. Example Code for Arduino-Basic Serial Echo

    This section is focused on the basic function of Bluno. You can easily develop your own Android application based on this Demo. This Sketch only do one thing that replies the same message received from Serial port.
    2. Arduino-Wireless Programming

    This article explains how to perform wireless programming on Arduino using BLE technology. It provides detailed instructions for configuring devices as CENTRAL and PERIPHERAL, using AT commands, and uploading sketches wirelessly.
    3. Configure the BLE through AT command

    This article is a detailed guide on configuring BLE modules through AT commands, with step-by-step instructions for firmware versions 1.8 and earlier, utilizing the Arduino IDE and serial monitor for effective Bluetooth communication.
    4. Update BLE Firmware on Bluno

    This article guides users through the process of updating BLE firmware on Bluno boards, detailing steps for both early (version 1.7 or before) and recent (version 1.8 or later) firmware versions, using methods compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
    Reference

    This comprehensive reference for AT commands on BLE devices covers everything from changing working modes and connection intervals to setting device names and managing binding configurations, providing developers with the tools to efficiently optimize Bluetooth connectivity and device interaction.

    Specification

    Parameter Value
    Microcontroller Atmega328
    On-board BLE chip TI CC2540
    Baud Rate 9600 - 115200 bps
    Power Supply USB Powered or External 7V~12V DC
    Output Current (I/O pin) 40mA
    Output Current (Power pin) 200mA
    Transmission range(Open Space) more than 70m
    Transmission range(Office) about 20m
    Bootloader Arduino Uno
    Size 60mm x 53mm
    Weight 30g

    Supported:

    • Android System 4.3+ with BLE4.0 module inside with original firmware with BLE driver.
    • e.g. Nexus 4+，Xaiomi 2s，Samsung Galaxy s4，Samsung Galaxy note 3 etc.
    • iOS 7.0+ devices: iPhone 4s+, iPad 3+, iPad Mini, iPod 5th Gen (iPhone 4s is not 100% supported.)

    If you want to use a computer to communicate with Bluno, a BLE link or USB BLE link is needed, the BLE on your computer is not compatible!

    Pinout

    Pinout

    FAQ

    • How would I set up one BLE device to be MASTER and automatically create a connection to another BLE device in slave mode?
      There are two methods to accomplish your idea as you could find some hints in AT command list above: How to Configure the BLE through AT command? 1. As you mentioned, as long as two modules are set to Master and Slave, they will build connection automatically. But since the BLE can only support one-one connection, not mesh network, so you could use method2 to avoid the problem while multiple BLE devices working at the same place. 2. Another way is to bind their Mac address. e.g. Use AT+MAC=? to check BLE A's address --> Send AT+BIND=0x00******1 to BLE B to bind BLE A. And then in the same way, bind A to B. (A and B should be set to master and slave separately.)
    • I cannot upload any new sketch to Bluno on my PC.

      The correct steps to upload a sketch using Arduino IDE. Except that, you could also check the possible reasons and solutions below:
      1. Driver not installed (Cannot see Arduino UNO(COM*) in Device Manager) - Install the Arduino board driver manually.
      2. Driver installed automatically by some BT software (Show up as Bluetooth device but not COM* port in Device Manager) - Uninstall the device and install the Arduino board driver manually. 3. Forget or mi** to select correct Board and Port(Failed to upload sketch) - Select correct Board and Port in Menu bar -> Tools.
      4. Serial port was occupied (Error: avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 2 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x7d) - Remove the wires on serial port, i.e. Digital pin 0,1, if there were. - If the LED Link was ON, please disconnect the connection **ween Arduino card and your phone/PC /BLE device, make sure the LED link is OFF.
      5. Some inappropriate settings by AT command. - Please read Q1 (above), Step1&2. 6. Bootloader lost or other possible reason - You can get a replacement if it's in warranty. Or you can also try to fix it by yourself.

    • Why does the application show "serial timeout" when trying to upload new firmware to Bluno?
      There are two possible reasons about this error info.
      1. The software might be failed to recognize the serial port if you have unplug Bluno from your PC while the software in running and re-plug it to your PC again. If so, please restart the software again and try.
      2. Bluno is NOT in Update Firmware Mode if you don't see the 2 LED (PAIR&LINK) flashing, i.e. you forget to press the button BOOT before you plug Bluno to PC.

    • Computer stopped recognizing the Bluno/ unknown device in Device manager. e.g. I have been using it for the past two days and was previously successful at programming and running simple projects with the Bluno. However, yesterday my computer stopped recognizing the Bluno. When plugged in the orange "on" LED turns on and the green "L" LED blinks three times. The orange LED stays on indicating it has power. The computer (Surface Pro 3, Windows 10) does not recognize the device in any COM Ports and it is not seen as an unknown device.

      The bootloader was lost. If you can get a CC debugger, you could follow How to flash a new CC2540 chip with DFRobot BLE service? to fix that.

    • How to use the Ibeacon function?
      You could turn on/ off Ibeacon function/ change major/minor by AT command. Or download an App for Ibeacon finder to check the BLE devices as Ibeacon tag. But it doesn't support the functions like change uuid, battery level information etc. A good news is that a firmware will be released freely for developers, you could add more interesting functions in Bluno!

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