Arduino Code and HC-06 Bluetooth AC Bulb Video

Arduino Code and HC-06 Bluetooth AC Bulb Video

In this tutorial, we will explore how to control an AC bulb using the HC-06 Bluetooth module and an Arduino. The project allows you to turn the bulb on and off using commands sent via a Bluetooth-connected device. This remote control feature makes it a practical and fun project for beginners looking to integrate Bluetooth functionality into their Arduino projects.

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you will be able to set up the hardware, write the code, and control the light from your smartphone or tablet. If you need further clarification, be sure to check out the video associated with this tutorial (in video at 0:00).

Hardware Explained

The main components of this project include the HC-06 Bluetooth module, an Arduino board, and a relay module for controlling the AC bulb. The HC-06 module is responsible for establishing a Bluetooth connection, allowing your device to communicate wirelessly with the Arduino. It has four pins: VCC (power), GND (ground), TX (transmit), and RX (receive).

The relay module acts as a switch to control the AC bulb. It connects to the bulb's power line, allowing it to either complete the circuit (turn on the bulb) or break the circuit (turn off the bulb) based on signals received from the Arduino. The Arduino serves as the brain of the operation, interpreting commands sent from the Bluetooth module and controlling the relay accordingly.

Datasheet Details

Manufacturer	HC
Part number	HC-06
Logic/IO voltage	3.3 V – 6 V
Supply voltage	3.3 V – 6 V
Output current (per channel)	20 mA
Peak current (per channel)	50 mA
PWM frequency guidance	Not applicable
Input logic thresholds	0.2 V (low) / 0.7 V (high)
Voltage drop / R_DS(on) / saturation	0.5 V
Thermal limits	85 °C
Package	Module
Notes / variants	Bluetooth 2.0

Ensure proper voltage levels to avoid damaging the module.
Use proper heat sinking if the module is used in high-load applications.
Keep the TX and RX pins correctly connected to avoid communication issues.
Double-check relay specifications to match the AC bulb's voltage and current ratings.
Implement proper isolation to enhance safety when working with AC voltage.

Wiring Instructions

To wire the HC-06 Bluetooth module and relay to the Arduino, start by connecting the VCC pin of the HC-06 to the 5V pin on the Arduino and the GND pin to the Arduino's ground. Next, connect the TX pin of the HC-06 to digital pin 10 on the Arduino and the RX pin to digital pin 11. This setup allows the Arduino to communicate with the Bluetooth module.

For the relay module, connect the control pin (often labeled as IN) to digital pin 2 on the Arduino. The VCC pin of the relay should also connect to the 5V power supply, and the ground pin should go to the common ground. Make sure to connect the AC bulb wires to the relay's normally open (NO) and common (COM) terminals to control the power to the bulb effectively.

Code Examples & Walkthrough

The Arduino code begins with including the SoftwareSerial library, which allows for serial communication on other digital pins. The Bluetooth module is initialized with the TX pin connected to pin 10 and the RX pin connected to pin 11:

SoftwareSerial BT(10, 11); // creates a "virtual" serial port/UART

This setup enables the Arduino to communicate with the HC-06 module effectively. The control pin for the relay is defined as follows:

#define SW 2 // define pin 2 as control pin

The setup() function initializes the Bluetooth connection and sets the relay control pin as an output:

void setup() { pinMode(SW, OUTPUT); BT.begin(9600); }

In the loop() function, the Arduino checks for incoming Bluetooth commands. If a '1' is received, the relay is activated to turn the light on:

if (a=='1') { digitalWrite(SW, LOW); BT.println("Light on"); }

Conversely, if a '2' is received, the relay is deactivated to turn the light off:

if (a=='2') { digitalWrite(SW, HIGH); BT.println("Light off"); }

For further details and the complete code, please refer to the full program loaded below the article.

Demonstration / What to Expect

Once everything is set up correctly, you can turn the AC bulb on and off using the Bluetooth commands. Typing '1' will power the bulb on, while typing '2' will turn it off. Make sure your Bluetooth device is paired with the HC-06 module before sending commands. If the commands are not recognized, check your wiring and ensure the HC-06 is properly connected (in video at 3:30).