I designed a PCB board with an xbee socket but I put the cart before the horse. I thought I could get a bluetooth module with the features I wanted in xbee format. The features being dual mode: classic and BLE.

1) I've only found one by cytron and it is expensive and I just don't like it anyway.
2) I purchased a couple of the RN4678 modules by Microchip.
3) But now I have to deadbug these modules to my PCB board. Not a big deal for the current run of 10. Its only about 5 connections. I could design out the xbee socket for the next rev and put in solder pads.

But I was wondering if there is a source for unpopulated xbee format PCBs that I can mount these modules to. I still prefer to socket the bluetooth module as we are still in the prototyping stage even after the run of 10. I could make my own. I would think there would be a market for these as new modules come out all the time and breakout boards take time to come to market. Does the format of these modules have an actual name? Thanks.

 

Hi,
I know its not the answer to your question, but I've been playing with the rn4678, be aware the data sheet says flow control is disabled but is actually enabled by default! What fun!
Cheers Geoff

 

Thx for the tip. Do you think there's a small market for the adapter boards? I was thinking of making 2 types: xbee and breadboard. If I end up making them for myself, its not too much more effort to sell on Tindie. Thx.

 

There might be, I dead bugged mine as the pictail plus board microchip do is £70+ in the UK, I think you learn a lot getting them running and an adaptor for a breadboard would be handy doing that.
All comes down to cost I guess
Cheers Geoff