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BLE Beacon

Prerequisite​

Before compiling the RUI3 BLE Examples, you must check the procedures described in the Prerequisite section of RAK4631-R QuickStart Guide. You will also need to install and configure the Arduino IDE, as described in the RAK4631-R Software section.

Loading the Example​

This project is available on Arduino IDE RAK WisBlock RUI examples.

  1. Launch Arduino IDE then go to: File -> Examples -> RAK WisBlock RUI examples -> Example -> BLE_Beacon.
Figure 766: RAK WisBlock RUI BLE Beacon example
  1. Once the example code is open, you can now select the correct serial port, as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 767: Selecting the correct serial port
  1. The last step is to upload the code by clicking the highlighted Upload icon.
Figure 768: Uploading the BLE Beacon example code

Example details​

This sketch sends configurable advertising beacons.

Configurable Parameters​

Major​

Major values are intended to identify a subset of beacons within a large group. Set major API.

if (!(ret = api.ble.beacon.ibeacon.major.set(588))) {
    Serial.printf("Set BLE Beacon parameter is incorrect! \r\n");
    return;
}

Minor​

Minor values are intended to identify and distinguish an individual beacon. More details on set minor API.

if (!(ret = api.ble.beacon.ibeacon.minor.set(299))) {
    Serial.printf("Set BLE Beacon parameter is incorrect! \r\n");
    return;
}

Major and Minor are unsigned integer values between 1 and 65535.

TX Power​

The TX power level in 2's compliment, indicates the signal strength one meter from the device. More details on set TX power API.

if (!(ret = api.ble.beacon.ibeacon.power.set(-68))) {
    Serial.printf("Set BLE Beacon parameter is incorrect! \r\n");
    return;
}

UUID​

The purpose of the UUID (Universally Unique IDentifier) is to distinguish beacons in your network from all other beacons. Set UUID API.

if (!(ret = api.ble.beacon.ibeacon.uuid.set(beaconUuid))) {
    Serial.printf("Set BLE Beacon parameter is incorrect! \r\n");
    return;
}

To send a beacon using RUI3 API you need to switch to Beacon mode.

 api.ble.settings.blemode(RAK_BLE_BEACON_MODE);

Scanning Beacons​

You can scan the beacons sent by the BLE_Beacon project using the nRF Connect for Mobile tool.

Figure 769: nRF Connect for Mobile tool scan