I’ve recently featured Puck.js Bluetooth 4.2/5.0 Beacon on CNX Software, but there’s another similar option with RuuviTag, also powered by the latest Nordic Semi nRF52832 ARM Cortex-M4 SoC, and RuviiTag+ version that includes multiple sensors: 3-axis accelerometer, and temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor.
RuuviTag & RuuviTag+ specifications:
- SoC – Nordic Semi nRF52832 ARM Cortex-M4F micro-controller @ 64 MHz with Bluetooth Smart and NFC
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 4.2 Smart, Bluetooth 5.0 Ready; over 500 meters line of sight range (with -4dBm power); up to 1.4 km with +4 dBm
- Integrated NFC antenna
- Expansion – 8x through holes with 6x GPIOs, and 2x power signals
- Sensors
- On-chip temperature sensor
- RuuviTag+ – Bosch BME280 environmental sensor (pressure, humidity, and temperature), STMicro LIS2DH12 3-axis accelerometer
- Misc – User/reset button, 2x LEDs, 10-pin SWD debug connector
- Battery – CR2450 / CR2477 battery up to 10 years depending on application
- Dimensions – N/A
- Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C (requires a high temperature battery, CR2450HR, included in perks)
RuuviTag can be used as a standard Eddystone / iBeacon proximity beacon compatible with Android 4.3.2 or higher, or iOS 8.0 or higher mobile devices, but thanks to its sensors, you can also create a personal weather station (see web interface sample), and it’s also compatible with the Physical Web or Web Bluetooth. While no programming knowledge is required to get started, and firmware is upgradeable over the air with your smartphone, advanced users will be able to use with nRF52-DK evaluation board through a shield and Arduino IDE with access to I2C, SPI, and GPIOs, as well as a SWD bus to hack the tag. RuuviTag has been designed with KiCad, and is open source hardware with all hardware files released.
The project has raised over $100,000 so far on Kickstarter, where you can get RuuviTag for $20 or RuuviTag+ for $25 including worldwide shipping. Interestingly, Ruuvitag won’t be manufactured in China, but by Gravitech, a Thai manufacturer based in Bangkok, which previously handled TESPA Hawk IoT board based on ESP8266.. Delivery is scheduled for October 2016.
Thanks to Freire for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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The BME-280 does not include a gas sensor :-).
@DurandA
OK.. that explains why RuuviTag page does not mention it… But the page linked to Bosch BME280 reads “measures pressure, humidity, temperature, and gas” in one of its pictures (not text). Probably some image copied/pasted from some other products like BME680 then.