HC-06 Bluetooth Module

The HC-06 Bluetooth module is similar to the HC-05 but with a few key differences. It is specifically designed to operate in slave mode only, unlike the HC-05, which can be set to either master or slave mode. The HC-06 is often used for communication between microcontrollers (like Arduino) and Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

Key Features:

1. Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate).
2. Mode: Slave mode only (cannot act as a master).
3. Communication Interface: Uses UART (Serial communication) with TX (Transmit) and RX (Receive) pins.
4. Voltage: Operates with 3.3V logic for communication but can be powered with 3.3V to 5V.
5. Data Transfer Speed: Typically 9600 bps (default baud rate).
6. Pairing: You can pair it with other Bluetooth-enabled devices to exchange data.

Applications:

• Wireless Communication: Allows communication between microcontrollers and Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• Control Systems: Used in robotics, home automation, or remote control systems where you want to control devices wirelessly.
• Wireless Data Transfer: For transferring sensor data to a smartphone or computer.
• Remote Control: Controlling appliances or robots from a smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device.

Wiring HC-06 to Arduino:

The wiring is very similar to the HC-05:

• HC-06 VCC → Arduino 5V
• HC-06 GND → Arduino GND
• HC-06 TX → Arduino RX (Pin 0)
• HC-06 RX → Arduino TX (Pin 1) (Note: The HC-06 RX pin operates at 3.3V, while Arduino TX typically outputs 5V. You may need a voltage divider or level shifter to step down the voltage from 5V to 3.3V for safe operation.)

Basic Code for Communication (Arduino Example):

This is a simple example to demonstrate how to send and receive data between an Arduino and an HC-06 Bluetooth module.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// Create software serial port
SoftwareSerial BTSerial(10, 11); // RX, TX pins

void setup() {
  // Start serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);
  BTSerial.begin(9600);  // HC-06 default baud rate

  Serial.println("Bluetooth communication started!");
}

void loop() {
  // Read data from Bluetooth and send to Serial Monitor
  if (BTSerial.available()) {
    char receivedChar = BTSerial.read();
    Serial.print(receivedChar);
  }

  // Read data from Serial Monitor and send to Bluetooth
  if (Serial.available()) {
    char inputChar = Serial.read();
    BTSerial.print(inputChar);
  }
}

AT Commands for HC-06:

The HC-06 module can be configured using AT commands for tasks like changing the name, pairing password, and setting other parameters. To enter AT mode, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect from the microcontroller (e.g., Arduino).
2. Connect the module to a serial interface (either USB-to-Serial adapter or Arduino, if using a software serial interface).
3. Send AT commands using a serial terminal program (such as the Arduino Serial Monitor).

Here are some basic AT commands:

• Check if in AT mode: Type AT and the module should reply with OK.
• Change Bluetooth Name: AT+NAME=NewName
• Change Baud Rate: AT+BAUD8 (For 9600 baud).
• Set Pin Code: AT+PSWD=1234
• Query the Current Baud Rate: AT+BAUD?

Example of Using HC-06 with a Smartphone:

1. Pair your HC-06 module with your smartphone.
2. Use a Bluetooth terminal app on your phone (like the "Bluetooth Terminal" app for Android).
3. Connect to the HC-06 and send/receive data.

Differences Between HC-05 and HC-06:

• Master/Slave Mode: The HC-05 can be both a master and a slave, while the HC-06 can only be a slave.
• Baud Rate: Both have similar baud rates, but the default baud rate for HC-06 is typically set to 9600.
• Configuration: Both modules support AT commands, but the HC-05 offers more flexibility since it supports master mode.

Origin: China

Brand: Generic