To see this information in a different form, check out our website at http://doteverything.co/

Specs

-ATmega328P with breakouts for SPI programming -Button -MCP1640C (with output bypass capability) configured to boost to 3.4 V -Kingbright RGB LED -CR2032 Li-Ion battery holder -nRF8001 Bluetooth Chip

The board holds an ATmega328P with external pins and fuses set up for SPI programming. This means that it can be programmed with an Atmel compatible programmer like the USB Tiny, but programs cannot be loaded using the Arduino bootloader (which requires the Rx and Tx pins to be free). This does not mean that Arduino programs cannot be loaded, just that they must be loaded by a slightly different method than they are uploaded to Arduino. The processor is completely compatible with Arduino Duemilanove/Uno code. There is no 16 MHz crystal, so the chip should be run off the 8 MHz internal RC clock, and fuses are set for this mode (factory default). This is for power and space savings. However, breakout headers for the XTAL pins are available in case you accidentally set the fuses to use the external crystal. Both interrupt capable pins are in use- the first for communication with the Bluetooth board, the second to respond to the button. There is an RGB LED with each color running on a PWM capable pin. At 100% duty cycle, the resistances are chosen to display white light consuming about 4 mA total when on. To extend battery life the user should re-balance the RGB at a lower PWM duty cycle. Adding a diffuser to the LED is also suggested. There is a voltage boost circuit that boosts voltage to 3.4 VDC in order to help balance RGB colors. This boost circuit can be operated in bypass mode where the battery directly powers the circuit. Bypass or boost mode is chosen by setting a pin on the processor. It is recommended to bypass the boost when the LEDs are off, and turn on the boost when the LEDs are on, but only if color mixing is needed. The bluetooth board can operate directly off battery as well. One ADC pin is connected directly to the battery to monitor battery level/battery life.

There is a battery carrier for a standard CR2032 coin cell Li-ion battery. Currently battery life is about 6 days on standby for a new battery, but the user can improve this by putting the processor into sleep mode (this feature is still in development at Iota Labs).

The Bluetooth board is made by Adafruit and implements the Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy standard. It should be possible to get extremely long battery life out of this board (on the order of months, years if you are able to implement an on/off switch). The included code implements all low-level communication to the board, and requires no modification to send and receive ASCII characters over the bluetooth connection.

*What is Dot?*

Dot is a small bluetooth chip hooked up to a microprocessor, LED, and button. The goal of this hardware is to control digital information without having to use your phone for every action. We IoTaLabs are a group of technical enthusiasts constantly building projects in this space. For Dot, we wanted to give other people the opportunity to work with this exciting hardware and apply it to their own projects and needs. We constantly update the hardware and software of the project and will give you all the technical support you need to fulfill your hacking desires. You can customize the firmware or we can help customize it for you. We can also share our application and API with you in order make software integration seamless.

Here are some of our uses for Dot

Signal

Use DOT's multi-color LED as a physical, passive signal that allows you to access any information at a glance. All signals are location and contextually aware, allowing you to obtain information when and where you need it most. No more distracting screens and intrusive notifications.

Button

After receiving any signal, act upon that information with our built-in button. Control any device or send any information with a simple click.

Location Relay

Using our advanced bluetooth triangulation algorithm, precisely determine your location within an area and set up event triggers. This allows you to control the technology around you simply by walking into a room.

Example Use Cases

Reminder Dot

Make DOT your personal check engine light for anything you want to remember. For example, put DOT on your fish tank and it will light up when you need to feed your fish. Your eye will catch the LED in the background and passively inform you of your task.

Weather Dot

Put a DOT on your closet door and it will change colors based on the weather outside. You can customize it so that it is blue for rainy, purple for jacket weather, etc. You'll never have to use your phone to get the weather again.

Sustainability Dot

Put a Dot next to your shower. It will shine red when you are using too much water, making sure you are conserving at all times. Do the same for electricity and heating by utilizing data taken from your energy provider.

Roommate Dot

Put a DOT on your room's door to light up when you are home. Set your personal status with the LED to busy or free in order to avoid being bothered when you are studying.

Lighting Dot

Use DOT's location sensing to turn your lights off and on automatically whenever you enter or leave a room in your house.

Amazon/Instacart Dot

Put your DOT on your fridge or next to any consumable. When it runs out, press the DOT and have it automatically ordered online.

Safety Dot

Walking home at night? Carry around a Dot and press it when you're in danger. It will instantly notify the police and loved ones of your situation. Don't fumble with your phone when the seconds matter.

Remote Dot

Control any device with DOT's button. Turn on your T.V., pause Netflix, go to the next Spotify song, or take a picture with your phone.

These are just a few of Dot's millions of use cases. How would you use it?

For guides on adding Bluetooth to your Arduino Project check out our blog at http://doteverything.co/blog.html

Please let us know if you have any questions. We have a 24/7 slack channel where we discuss all of our hacking ideas. If you want to join, just email us at team@doteverything.co. Or if you just have a quick question, leave a comment or email us.