Hardware Assembly

General Connection

For a connection between two UART interfaces, the data and flow-control signals are cross-coupled. In addition, power must also be supplied to the BlueSMiRF v2.

Device 1	`RX`	`TX`
Device 2	`TX`	`RX`

UART data bus only

Device 1	`RX`	`TX`	`CTS`	`RTS`
Device 2	`TX`	`RX`	`RTS`	`CTS`

UART with flow control

JST Connector

In most circumstances, users will utilize the JST connector to interface with one of our high-precision GNSS breakout boards for RTK correction data. However, users can also use the JST breadboard cable to connect the BlueSMiRF v2 - JST to other boards.

JST connection with All-band GNSS RTK board — Connecting to an All-band GNSS RTK board with a JST adapter cable.

Compatibility - JST Connections

The simplest way to connect the BlueSMiRF to most of our GNSS breakout boards, is with our JST adapter cables:

Unfortunately, when we designed some of our earlier GNSS boards/products, the pin layout of the JST connection wasn't been standardized yet. Therefore, users will need to verify that the pin layout of the GNSS breakout board's JST connector is compatibile with our adapter cables.

JST pins for GNSS breakouts — The pin connections of a compatible JST connector

JST pin labels for GNSS breakouts — The pin labels for a compatible JST connector

Pin Number	`1` (Left)	`2`	`3`	`4` (Right)
Label	`+`, `V`, etc.	`T`, `TX`, etc.	`R`, `RX`, etc.	`-`, `G`, etc.
Function	Voltage Output 3.3 to 5V	UART Transmit	UART Receive	Ground

JST connection with serial adapter — Connecting to the Serial Basic breakout with a JST breadboard cable.

Pin Layout - BlueSMiRF

JST Connector — The pin connections of the JST connector on the BlueSMiRF v2.

Board labels — The labels for the JST-GH connector's pins, on the bottom of the BlueSMiRF v2.

Pin Number	`1` (Left)	`2`	`3`	`4`	`5`	`6` (Right)
Label	`3V3-5V`	`RXI`	`TXO`	`CTS`	`RTS`	`GND`
Function	Voltage Input 3.3 to 5V	UART Receive	UART Transmit	Flow Control Clear-to-Send	Flow Control Ready-to-Send	Ground

Male Header Pins

The pins of the BlueSMiRF v2 - Male Header are broken out into 0.1"-spaced male header pins on the outer edges of the board. In most circumstances, users will simply connect the BlueSMiRF v2 to the female headers of another board or utilize jumper wires to make the connection.

All-band GNSS RTK breakout board JST connector — Connecting to a header on the All-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Pin Layout - BlueSMiRF

Header Pin labels — The labels for the header pins, on the bottom of the BlueSMiRF v2.

Pin Number	`1` (Left)	`2`	`3`	`4`	`5`	`6` (Right)
Label	`GND`	`CTS`	Top: `VCC` Bottom: `3V3-5V`	`TXO`	`RXI`	`RTS`
Function	Ground	Flow Control Clear-to-Send	Voltage Input 3.3 to 5V	UART Transmit	UART Receive	Flow Control Ready-to-Send

PTH Pads

The PTH pads of the BlueSMiRF v2 - PTH Pins are broken out into 0.1"-spaced holes on the outer edges of the board.

New to soldering?

If you have never soldered before or need a quick refresher, check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering guide.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

Headers

When selecting headers, be sure you are aware of the functionality you require.

Hookup Wires

For a more permanent connection, users can solder wires directly to the board.

Soldering wires to the All-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Pin Layout - BlueSMiRF

PTH Pad labels — The labels for the PTH pads, on the bottom of the BlueSMiRF v2.

Pin Number	`1` (Left)	`2`	`3`	`4`	`5`	`6` (Right)
Label	Top: `G` Bottom: `GND`	Top: `CT` Bottom: `CTS`	Top: `V` Bottom: `3V3-5V`	Top: `TO` Bottom: `TXO`	Top: `RI` Bottom: `RXI`	Top: `RT` Bottom: `RTS`
Function	Ground	Flow Control Clear-to-Send	Voltage Input 3.3 to 5V	UART Transmit	UART Receive	Flow Control Ready-to-Send