Build Guide: BLE Pager

Build Guide: BLE Pager

Jul 17, 2024

The BLE Pager is used as a companion radio to the various Android apps. This now includes: Ripple Messenger, Ripple Commander, and the new 'R2' apps in the beta ZIP download: R2 Messenger, R2 Commander.

Components

This is quite a simple build, and is mostly a Heltec StickLite V3 + a 650mAh Lithium battery, in a nice 3D-printed case.

The 'slim' case - https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/e/278427

(Alternatively, the previous version case - https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/e/167771 )

Heltec StickLite V3 - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdfdaWr

650mAh lithium battery - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEyqG1N

Active peizo buzzer - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlYeV3N

On/off switch - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC3EYv9

6x6mm Push button - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeAM8AX

3x M2 bolts, 12mm in length

Firmware

The (classic) Ripple pager firmware is downloadable here: https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/e/167038

EDIT: The firmware has been updated (13 Nov '24) after discovering a very strange clock bug.

If you are trying out the new R2 beta kit, the 'R2 pager' firmware is included in the ZIP file.

If you need help in how to flash the firmware to the Heltec, see the guide here: https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/flashing-firmware-bin-esp32

The Build

First, 3D print the two case parts, which form the top and bottom. Place the 'SP-top' part face down, as you will be mounting the components into this side. This is what the completed wiring will look like:

First, connect the antenna SMA pigtail to the u.fl connector on the Heltec (the one closest to the USB connector). Turn the Heltec over and use some double-sided tape to secure in place onto the case, making sure the USB-C connector is at the bottom (see pic above).

The Heltec should include a wiring harness with the red and black wires. Plug this into the connector pictured at the bottom of the Heltec, then using a soldering iron, connect the black wire to the Lithium battery black wire (use tape of heat shrink to protect the join), then wire the red wires of from the Heltec and the battery to the on/off switch. Slide the on/off switch into the slot near the top of the case (as per picture), then secure in place with some hot glue.

Insert the 6x6mm push button into the slot on the left-hand side (is a blue button in picture above), and secure into place with some hot glue. Solder two wires (green coloured in picture above), one going to 3.3V pin of Heltec, and other going to GPIO4.

Insert the buzzer into the holder near top of the case, and secure with some hot glue. Solder a wire from the buzzer (+) to GPIO2 (yellow wire in pic), and buzzer negative to and of the Heltec GND pins (black wire in pic).

Finishing Up

Place the SMA connector into the slot at the top, loosening the nut on the other side if necessary. (unscrew the antenna to make this step easier). The hex-shaped lower part of the SMA connector should slip into the gap and lock in, such that it won't rotate.

Place the battery on top of the Heltec, then secure the lower case part on top. It all should line up flush with the other case part. If not, check if there are wires being pinched that are preventing the two parts from touching.

Use 3x M2 bolts (12mm length) to secure the two case parts together.

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