BLE with ESP32 tutorial part 1: the Server
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6 months ago
Published on Apr 22, 2024
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Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Controlling ESP32 with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Introduction:
- This tutorial will guide you through controlling an ESP32 using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in combination with a mobile app.
- The tutorial is based on the video "BLE with ESP32 tutorial part 1: the Server" by MoThunderz.
- We will cover setting up the ESP32 server, creating a service and characteristic, sending data, and using descriptors.
Setting up the ESP32:
-
Install the necessary library for ESP32 BLE Arduino:
- Go to
Sketch
>Include Library
>Manage Libraries
. - Search for
esp32 ble Arduino
and install the library. - Restart your IDE for the changes to take effect.
- Go to
-
Access the example code:
- Go to
File
>Examples
>ESP32 BLE Arduino
. - Choose the
BLE Notify
example for this tutorial.
- Go to
-
Understand BLE properties:
- BLE has three main properties: Read, Write, and Notify.
- Notify sends data periodically from the server to the client.
Implementing the Server:
- Define the server and characteristic values in the code.
- Create a service and characteristic using unique UUIDs.
- Initialize the serial interface for debugging purposes.
- Start the service and advertise it for clients to connect.
Sending Data from ESP32:
- In the loop, periodically send data to the connected device using the
notify
function. - Update the value to be sent and add a small delay between notifications.
Using Different Data Types:
- You can send various data types like unsigned integers, strings, floats, and doubles using the
set value
function. - Ensure the data sent does not exceed the maximum byte size of 20.
Working with Descriptors:
- Understand the importance of descriptors like client characteristic configuration (2902) and characteristic user description (2901).
- Modify the descriptors to customize the behavior of notifications and add additional information to characteristics.
Verifying Data Transmission:
- Use a BLE scanning app on your phone to connect to the ESP32.
- Verify the data sent from the ESP32 matches the expected values in the app.
- Experiment with different data types and descriptors to understand their impact on data transmission.
Conclusion:
- By following this tutorial, you can control an ESP32 using BLE and create a custom server with unique services and characteristics.
- Experiment with different data types and descriptors to enhance your understanding of BLE communication.
- Stay tuned for more tutorials and leave your feedback for further improvements.
Additional Resources:
- Refer to the video "BLE with ESP32 tutorial part 1: the Server" by MoThunderz for a visual walkthrough of the steps.
- Explore the ESP32 BLE Arduino library documentation for more advanced features and functionalities.
Follow these steps carefully to set up and control your ESP32 using Bluetooth Low Energy effectively.