Dongle sends serial data over Bluetooth

20 January 2010 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Bulgin’s new self-pairing Bluetooth cable replacement device eliminates data cables and allows equipment with RS485 or RS232 data ports to communicate using wireless Bluetooth technology. The IP68 rated, environmentally sealed enclosure protects against dust and moisture, so the units can be used in numerous harsh or hostile applications. The PX0885 can be mounted internally or externally for flexibility, convenience and also for optimum range.

Wireless point-to-point or multidrop data connections can be made between serial interfaces or ‘dumb’ devices and work transparently without any need for a PC, PLC or Bluetooth software. Master and slave units automatically establish a data link between themselves; no intervention or special serial commands are required, enabling cable replacement or data network extension. The master automatically connects with up to six slave units to form a multidrop network.

The communication baud rate, parity, stop bits and flow control can be re-configured using a downloadable software application. Half- and full-duplex RS232, RS422 (4-wire) and RS485 (2-wire) modes can be selected. Factory default settings are: 9600, N, 8, 1 without flow control, and the products will self-connect and work straight out of the box without any intervention or adjustment.

Typical applications include wireless metering and telemetry, temporary and permanent installations, water industry, environmental monitoring, energy management, factory monitoring, plant and machinery, transport/traffic systems and vehicle communications between tractor and trailer. These units can be used when cables are difficult, impractical or expensive to install, for example between different buildings, between walls or floors, around other obstructions, or open field sites. With a wireless communication range of up to 100 metres, significant savings could be made over a hard-wired solution in terms of installation time, disruption and cost.

An interface connector adapter board, PX0884, is available, providing convenient screw terminals for connection to serial data lines and power supply, and also an industry standard RS232 9-D connector. DIP switches allow selection of RS232/RS485 and half/full duplex modes, and alteration of 9-D connector pinout for DTE or DCE compatibility.

Further reading:

Mobile satellite connectivity available in SA
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Space42 has commercially launched its next generation mobile satellite service, Thuraya 4 NGS, available in South Africa as of February 2026.

Read more...

---

Next-gen Wi Fi 6E connectivity for embedded systems
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, the company’s first Wi-Fi 6E connectivity co-processor.

Read more...

---

Quectel redefines connectivity with RG660Qx 5G Series
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Purpose-built to meet the demands of next-generation IoT and wireless broadband, these modules leverage the cutting-edge Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G Modem-RF systems to deliver enterprise-grade performance.

Read more...

---

Contactless IO-Link couplers
IOT Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The IO-Link couplers from Phoenix Contact are industrial contactless couplers designed to transmit power and IO-Link data across a small air gap without physical connectors.

Read more...

---

Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption
iCorp Technologies Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.

Read more...

---

SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose?
RFiber Solutions Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.

Read more...

---

Multi-band GNSS patch antenna
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Taoglas AHP2356A is a compact, high-performance active GNSS patch antenna designed for next-generation positioning systems requiring precision, reliability, and multi-constellation support.

Read more...

---

Cellular routers for explosive areas
Phoenix Contact Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Updated versions of the Cellulink outdoor cellular router product range from Phoenix Contact are now available; they have been specially developed for use in Zone 2 potentially explosive areas.

Read more...

---

Power the next wave of IoT innovation
Links Field Networks Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Links Field Networks’ portfolio includes connectivity platforms, edge devices, and network management tools designed to support secure, resilient IoT deployments across a range of use cases.

Read more...

---

Move to smart agriculture
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for precision agriculture, the RAKwireless SensorHub is a modular, industrial-grade IoT platform that collects real-time environmental and soil data across farming operations.

Read more...

---