Name: openPicus BlueMore500 Bluetooth UART Module
Brand: openPicus
SKU: BLUEMORE500
Price: 34.84 GBP
Availability: InStock

openPicus FlyPort: network modules built on Microchip PIC24

FlyPort is openPicus's family of self-contained network modules, built around a Microchip PIC24 microcontroller with a Wi-Fi, Ethernet or GPRS interface. A FlyPort runs your application and its TCP/IP stack on the module itself, so a sensor or actuator can be put on a network without a separate host processor. openPicus was an Italian company and no longer trades; The Debug Store still stocks the FlyPort Wi-Fi modules, starter and carrier boards, an Ethernet module and the Bluetooth modules listed below.

How FlyPort works

A FlyPort is a 26-pin module that combines a 16-bit Microchip PIC24 microcontroller, a network interface and an open-source framework based on FreeRTOS. You write your application in C, using the framework's functions for the network stack, web server and I/O, and download it over a serial bootloader that is preloaded on the module. The module then sits on a Nest, a carrier board that supplies power, the USB or serial link and access to the I/O signals.

The FlyPort carries the application and network stack; the Nest provides power, programming and connectors.

From the openPicus IDE to a running FlyPort

The openPicus IDE builds your C application together with the framework into a firmware image, which the serial bootloader loads into the FlyPort over a UART link. A USB Nest powers the module and provides that link from a single USB port, so no separate programmer is required. The IDE is a Windows application that works with the Microchip C30 compiler.

One USB port powers the module and loads the firmware through the preloaded bootloader.

openPicus modules and boards at a glance

Product	Type	Network	Key point
FlyPort-PCB	Module	Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)	Antenna built into the PCB
FlyPort-EXT	Module	Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)	uFL connector for an external antenna (antenna not included)
Ethernet Programmable Module, no RJ45	Module	Ethernet	See product page
FlyPort-Starter	Starter kit	Wi-Fi	USB power and firmware download, signals on screw terminals
FlyPort-USB-Nest	Carrier (Nest)	n/a	Powers the module and loads firmware from one USB port
Flyport Lighting interface board	Carrier (Nest)	n/a	See product page
Flyport to Arduino shield socket	Adaptor	n/a	See product page
USB Mini Programmer	Programmer	n/a	See product page

For Bluetooth serial links, the catalogue also lists the BlueSmall240 SMT module (about 100 m range, set up with AT commands) and the BlueMore500, which carries a BlueSmall240 for UART cable replacement at 3.3 V logic levels.

Key specifications

Microcontroller: 16-bit Microchip PIC24F (PIC24FJ256 family) on the Wi-Fi module, with 256 KB flash and 16 KB RAM.
Wi-Fi: Microchip MRF24W transceiver, certified 802.11 b/g/n.
Connector: 26-pin header, module size about 35 x 48 mm.
I/O: digital inputs and outputs (some PWM-capable), four 10-bit analogue inputs, UART, SPI and I2C.
Power: 3.3 V or 5 V supply on the Wi-Fi module.
Programming: serial bootloader preloaded, so no Microchip or third-party programmer is needed.
Licensing: hardware schematics under CC BY 3.0, software framework under LGPL 3.0.

openPicus IDE and framework

The openPicus framework is open-source, based on FreeRTOS, and manages the TCP/IP stack and embedded web server so that your code deals with the application.

Network functions: HTTP, TCP and UDP, plus web server, email and socket applications.
Language and tools: C, built with the openPicus IDE and the Microchip C30 compiler on Windows.
Availability: openPicus has ceased trading and its website and wiki are no longer maintained, so keep a copy of the IDE and documentation for long-term projects.

Typical applications

Network-connected sensors and actuators on an existing Wi-Fi or Ethernet network
Home and industrial automation
Telemetry and remote monitoring
Micro web servers for configuring or reading a device

Frequently asked questions

Is openPicus still trading?

No. openPicus was an Italian hardware company and no longer trades. The Debug Store still stocks FlyPort modules, Nest boards and accessories, as listed on this page, while stock lasts.

What is a Nest?

A Nest is an openPicus carrier board that a FlyPort module plugs into. It supplies power, the programming link and access to the I/O. The FlyPort-USB-Nest powers the module and loads firmware from a single USB port.

Which FlyPort Wi-Fi module should I choose?

Choose the FlyPort-PCB if the built-in PCB antenna gives enough range, or the FlyPort-EXT if you need to fit an external antenna on its uFL connector (the antenna is not included).

How do I get started?

The FlyPort-Starter provides USB power, firmware download through the serial bootloader and screw terminals for the signals. Install the openPicus IDE, build an example and load it over USB.

Do I need a special programmer?

No. The serial bootloader is preloaded on the module, so a USB-to-serial connection such as the USB Nest is enough to load firmware, with no Microchip or third-party programmer.

Do you stock the GPRS FlyPort?

No. openPicus also made GPRS versions, but they are not in our catalogue. The Wi-Fi modules and the Ethernet module without RJ45 connector are the FlyPort modules we list.

Source: openPicus product documentation (archived) and Microchip component information. Need help choosing a model? Ask our engineers.

openPicus BlueMore500 Bluetooth UART Module

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openPicus BlueMore500 Bluetooth UART Module

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openPicus BlueSmall240 Bluetooth SMT Module

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openPicus Ethernet Programmable Module - No RJ45

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openPicus FlyPort-EXT

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openPicus FlyPort-PCB

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openPicus FlyPort-USB-Nest

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openPicus USB Mini Programmer - openPICus

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