{"id":1007,"date":"2024-12-09T11:13:12","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T11:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bleuio.com\/blog\/?p=1007"},"modified":"2024-12-09T11:28:17","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T11:28:17","slug":"creating-a-ble-chat-application-using-bleuio-usb-dongle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bleuio.com\/blog\/creating-a-ble-chat-application-using-bleuio-usb-dongle\/","title":{"rendered":"Creating a BLE Chat Application Using BleuIO USB Dongle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has become a core technology in the modern world, enabling secure and efficient communication for IoT devices, wearables, healthcare gadgets, and more. One of the fascinating applications of BLE is in creating private communication systems. In this tutorial, we will explore how to create a BLE chat application using the BleuIO USB dongle<\/a><\/strong>, a powerful yet simple device for BLE application development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Project?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With increasing concerns about privacy, BLE chat offers a solution that keeps communication entirely local. Unlike internet-based messaging systems, BLE chat does not rely on servers or cloud storage, ensuring that no data leaves your devices. This project demonstrates a simple prototype of such a BLE-based communication system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How It Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The project involves two laptops, each connected to a BleuIO USB dongle. For simplicity, we designate one laptop as User 1<\/strong> (Central role) and the other as User 2<\/strong> (Peripheral role). Here’s a high-level breakdown of the workflow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Setup:<\/strong>
    Each laptop runs a script to initialize its BleuIO dongle. User 1 starts in a dual role and acts as the central device. User 2 also sets its dongle in a dual role but begins advertising itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Connection:<\/strong>
    Once User 2 starts advertising, it displays its MAC address. User 1 uses this MAC address to connect to User 2.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Messaging:<\/strong>
    After establishing a connection, the users can send and receive messages in real time. The communication is direct and local, with no reliance on external servers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Setting Up the Project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The source code for this project is available on GitHub: BLE Chat Source Code<\/a>. You can explore, experiment, and build on it to fit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Steps to Set Up the Project:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Clone the Repository<\/strong>
      Open a terminal on both computers and run
      git clone https:\/\/github.com\/smart-sensor-devices-ab\/ble-chat.git<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Install Dependencies<\/strong>
      Navigate to the project directory and install the required Node.js dependencies
      cd ble-chat <\/code>
      npm install<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Run the Server<\/strong>
      Start the server by running
      node server.js <\/code>
      Ensure the server is running on both computers. The terminal should display messages confirming the dongle is detected.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Running the Scripts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Once the servers are running on both computers, follow these steps to use the BLE chat application:
      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. User 1 Setup:<\/strong>\n
          \n
        • Open the browser and navigate to http:\/\/localhost:3000<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Click “Chat as User 1.” This will initialize the BleuIO dongle in dual role mode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • User 2 Setup:<\/strong>\n
            \n
          • On the second computer, open the browser and navigate to http:\/\/localhost:3000<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Click “Chat as User 2.” This will initialize the BleuIO dongle in dual role mode and start advertising. You\u2019ll also see the MAC address of the dongle displayed on the screen. \"ble<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Connecting the Devices:<\/strong>\n
              \n
            • Copy the MAC address from User 2\u2019s screen and enter it on User 1\u2019s screen in the provided input field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Click “Connect” on User 1. Once the connection is established, you\u2019ll see a confirmation message.
              \"ble<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Start Chatting:<\/strong>\n
                \n
              • Use the chat interface on both devices to send messages back and forth. Messages sent from one device will instantly appear on the other device\u2019s screen.
                \"ble<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Output<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                In the video below, we demonstrate how this project works with two BleuIO dongles connected to two different computers. To provide a complete view, we are sharing the screen of the second computer to showcase how the chat functions in real-time.
                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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