Mmmmm, bacon.....
What?
Oh. Beacons? Yes, beacons!
Beacons are low power, low cost Bluetooth LE devices that can be used for a very simple job: to advertise a URL to users running an app on their mobile device within range of the device!
Technically, beacons can also be used for a few different scenarios where a localized, wireless data broadcast is desirable, such as indoor location tracking, point of sales/marketing, and experience personalization.
We'll create two version -- first, a simple beacon that can run on any CircuitPython capable nRF52840 board. Second, a custom version for the CLUE board that also shows QR codes and allows you to scroll among multiple beacon URL choices to advertise!
![Angled Shot of the Adafruit ItsyBitsy nRF52840 Express - Bluetooth LE.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4481-09.jpg)
![Animated GIF showing CLUE board displaying data from the many on-board sensors.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4500-04.jpg)
![Angled shot of a Adafruit Feather nRF52840 Express.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4062-02.jpg)
![shot of a Black woman's neon-green manicured hand holding up a Circuit Playground Bluefruit glowing rainbow LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4333-11.jpg)
You'll also want a USB cable for programming it and power, or you can use a LiPoly battery for remote powering.
![USB cable - USB A to Micro-B - 3 foot long](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/592-01.jpg)
![Angled shot of a Lithium Ion Polymer Battery 3.7V 500mAh with JST-PH connector.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1578-03.jpg)
![Top view of Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger - v1 above a 2-pin JST cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1304-06.jpg)
![Adafruit LiIon/LiPoly Backpack soldered onto a Pro Trinket, plugged into a solderless breadboard.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2124-07.jpg)
Additionally, you'll need a mobile device running an Eddystone beacon discovery app, such as Physical Web:
Page last edited March 08, 2024
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