Tag Archives: Bluetooth

Fresh Bluetooth Developer Toolkit line tackles IoT security, interoperability

Posted on by

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) released several updates to its developer toolkit line-up, which enables developers to build smarter when creating things like mobile apps and low-cost beacons, as well as gateways that control IoT sensors. “What developers can do today with Bluetooth far surpasses what they could do just a few years ago,” said Steve Hegenderfer, Director of Developer Programs, Bluetooth SIG. “Whether it’s connecting a Bluetooth device to the web, using beacons … More → Continue reading Fresh Bluetooth Developer Toolkit line tackles IoT security, interoperability→

Panel Meter-To-Bluetooth Hack Hijacks The Display Segments

Posted on by

There are a proliferation of cheap digital meter modules available online for pocket money prices. Current, voltage, frequency, or combinations thereof can all be yours for just a few dollars and a wait for shipping. Unfortunately though these meters are all self-contained units. They do not have a serial port or other interface through which you can log their readings.

This failing was not an obstacle for [Scott Harden], though. He simply added a Bluetooth interface to his combined voltage and current meter module by using an ATmega328 microcontroller to capture the signals sent to the module’s display LEDs and …read more

Continue reading Panel Meter-To-Bluetooth Hack Hijacks The Display Segments→

ESP32 Hands-On: Awesome Promise

Posted on by

The ESP32 is looking like an amazing chip, not the least for its price point. It combines WiFi and Bluetooth wireless capabilities with two CPU cores and a decent hardware peripheral set. There were modules in the wild for just under seven US dollars before they sold out, and they’re not going to get more expensive over time. Given the crazy success that Espressif had with the ESP8266, expectations are high.

And although they were just formally released ten days ago, we’ve had a couple in our hands for just about that long. It’s good to know hackers in high …read more

Continue reading ESP32 Hands-On: Awesome Promise→

Hacking a Dollar Store Bluetooth Device

Posted on by

Hardware hackers are always looking for devices to tear apart and scavenge from. It’s hardly a secret that purchasing components individually is significantly more expensive than the minuscule cost per unit that goes along with mass manufacturing. Bluetooth devices are no exception. Sure, they’re not exactly a luxury purchase anymore, but they’re still not dirt cheap either.

Luckily for [Troy Denton], it seems dollar stores have started carrying a Bluetooth camera shutter for just a few dollars (it was three bucks, perhaps the dollar store actually means divisible-by). The device is designed to pair with a smart phone, and has …read more

Continue reading Hacking a Dollar Store Bluetooth Device→

The dangers of connecting phones to connected cars

Posted on by

As smart, connected cars get more ubiquitous, they are often the only option you get when renting a car from a rental agency. With all the reports about car hacking, you might be worried whether someone could manipulate the vehicle you’re renting, but in the real world, that danger still seems far off. A more near and present danger is that of inadvertently sharing your personal data with the car, and therefore with its owners … More → Continue reading The dangers of connecting phones to connected cars→

Hand Waving Unlocks Door

Posted on by

Who doesn’t like the user interface in the movie Minority Report where [Tom Cruise] manipulates a giant computer screen by just waving his hands in front of it? [AdhamN] wanted to unlock his door with hand gestures. While it isn’t as seamless as [Tom’s] Hollywood interface, it manages to do the job. You just have to hold on to your smartphone while you gesture.

The project uses an Arduino and a servo motor to move a bolt back and forth. The gesture part requires a 1sheeld board. This is a board that interfaces to a phone and allows you to …read more

Continue reading Hand Waving Unlocks Door→

Convert Any USB Keyboard to Bluetooth

Posted on by

[DastardlyLabs] saw a video about converting a PS/2 keyboard to Bluetooth and realized he didn’t have any PS/2 keyboards anymore. So he pulled the same trick with a USB keyboard. Along the way, he made three videos explaining how it all works.

The project uses a stock DuinoFun USB mini host shield with a modification to allow it to work on 5V. An Arduino mini pro provides the brains. A FT-232 USB to serial board is used to program the Arduino. A standard Bluetooth module has to have HID firmware installed. [Dastardly] makes a homemade daughterboard–er, shield–to connect it to …read more

Continue reading Convert Any USB Keyboard to Bluetooth→