Web Site: www.parallax.com Office: (916) 624-8333 Forums: forums.parallax.com Fax: (916) 624-8003 Sales: sales parallax.com Sales: (888) 512-1024 Technical: support parallax.com Tech Support: (888) 997-8267 RN-42 Bluetooth Module ( 30086) The RN-42 Bluetooth Module provides a reliable low-cost method for wireless communication interface between two devices such as a microcontroller, PC, cell phone or another module. This module can pair up with devices supporting Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile) to establish a serial interface. The RN-42 Bluetooth Module is breadboard friendly and is compatible with all 5 V and 3.3 V microcontroller platforms. Features Fully qualified Bluetooth 2.1/2.0/1.2/1.1 module Low power Auto-discovery/pairing Auto-connect master mode Compatible with 5 V and 3.3 V microcontrollers LED indicators for status/connection 9600 default baud rate Jumper-select 115K baud rate or adjust to custom baud rate in software Key Specifications Power Requirements: 5.0 VDC or 3.3 VDC ~5 mA sleep ~15 mA idle ~20 mA transmit ~50 mA max Communication Interface: 5 V / 3.3 V asynchronous serial interface with RTS/CTS flow control, from 1200 bps to 921K bps Operating temperature: -40 to +185 F (-40 to +85 C) Dimensions: 2.33 x 1.16 x 0.45 in (59.18 x 29.46 x 11.43 mm) Application Ideas Remote control a robot via PC, cell phone or another microcontroller Cable replacement (wireless serial interface) Measurement and monitoring systems Industrial sensors and controls Copyright Parallax Inc. RN-42 Bluetooth Module ( 30086) v1.0 2/6/2013 Page 1 of 6 Quick-Start Circuit Figure 1: 5 V microcontroller Figure 2: 3.3 V microcontroller Set the module voltage to 5 V or 3.3 V to match your microcontroller system, using the voltage selection jumper as shown above. Connect VIN and GND as shown above, and then connect RX, TX, RTS and CTS to available I/O pins on your microcontroller. If you do not wish to use flow control you can connect RTS/CTS together instead. Important Information BE SURE VOLTAGE JUMPER IS SET PROPERLY (5 V OR 3.3 V) BEFORE APPLYING POWER Please see the RN-42 Advanced User Manual for complete command listing. The 4 unused pads in the top left corner are for factory firmware programming and are not useful to the end-user. Specifications Symbol Quantity Minimum Typical Maximum Units V Supply Voltage 4.8 5V 5.2 V IN V Supply Voltage 3.2 3.3 3.4 V IN I Supply Current 5 15 50 mA VIN Operating Range 36 55 60 Feet 1. When supply voltage jumper is set to 5V 2. When supply voltage jumper is set to 3.3V 3. Approximate readings in office environment, throughput and range may vary depending on environmental conditions and RF interference Copyright Parallax Inc. RN-42 Bluetooth Module ( 30086) v1.0 2/6/2013 Page 2 of 6