HC-42 6pin Bluetooth 5.0BLE Serial Port Module
HC-42 6pin Bluetooth 5.0BLE Serial Port Module
HC-42 6pin Bluetooth 5.0BLE Serial Port Module
The HC-42 is a compact 6-pin Bluetooth 5.0 BLE serial port module designed for wireless communication between microcontrollers and host devices with minimal power consumption. Professional embedded systems engineers, IoT developers, and industrial automation technicians use this module to eliminate wired serial connections while maintaining reliable data transmission over distances up to 100 meters. This module solves the critical challenge of adding wireless connectivity to legacy serial devices and modern embedded projects without requiring complex protocol implementation or excessive power draw.
Product Overview
The HC-42 operates on the Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy specification, providing a robust wireless serial interface that communicates via standard UART protocol. The module features a 6-pin configuration that includes VCC, GND, TX, RX, and two additional control pins, making it compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontroller platforms. The BLE 5.0 standard ensures backward compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 devices while delivering improved range, speed, and power efficiency compared to earlier Bluetooth iterations.
What distinguishes the HC-42 is its integrated antenna design and optimized RF circuitry that delivers consistent signal strength without external components. The module operates at 3.3V logic levels with typical current consumption of 8-10mA during active transmission and less than 100uA in low-power idle mode, making it ideal for battery-powered applications. The onboard microcontroller handles all Bluetooth stack management, allowing developers to focus on application logic rather than wireless protocol complexity.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Bluetooth 5.0 BLE Serial Port Module |
| Brand | HC (Huicheng Electronics) |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy (BLE) |
| Pin Configuration | 6-pin (VCC, GND, TX, RX, Control pins) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V DC |
| Current Consumption | 8-10mA active, <100uA idle |
| Transmission Range | Up to 100 meters line-of-sight |
| Data Rate | 1Mbps (Bluetooth 5.0 standard) |
| Baud Rate | 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bps |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +60°C |
| Dimensions | 26mm x 13mm x 2.2mm |
Key Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 BLE Certified: Full compliance with Bluetooth 5.0 specification ensures compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and IoT gateways running iOS, Android, and embedded Linux systems
- Ultra-Low Power Consumption: Idle current consumption below 100 microamps enables multi-month battery operation in wireless sensor applications and wearable devices
- Plug-and-Play UART Interface: Standard serial communication protocol eliminates the need for complex driver development or protocol translation layers
- Integrated Antenna: On-board antenna design provides consistent 100-meter range without external RF components or PCB tuning
- Configurable Baud Rates: Support for 9600 to 115200 bps allows seamless integration with legacy and modern serial devices
- Compact 6-Pin Form Factor: Minimal footprint enables integration into space-constrained applications including wearables, handheld instruments, and IoT sensors
Applications and Use Cases
- Wireless Sensor Networks: Replace wired connections in distributed temperature, humidity, and pressure monitoring systems with BLE serial modules for real-time data collection across manufacturing facilities
- IoT Device Connectivity: Enable legacy industrial equipment lacking native wireless capability to connect to cloud platforms and mobile applications through simple serial-to-BLE bridging
- Wearable Health Monitoring: Integrate into smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical devices for continuous biometric data transmission to smartphones with minimal power consumption
- Home Automation Control: Create wireless remote controls for smart lighting, HVAC systems, and security devices by replacing infrared and RF modules with Bluetooth 5.0 serial communication
- Robotics and Drone Communication: Establish reliable wireless telemetry links between autonomous vehicles, quadcopters, and ground control stations using serial protocol over BLE
- Portable Testing Equipment: Add wireless connectivity to oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generators for remote monitoring and data logging without modifying original hardware
How to Use
Begin by connecting the HC-42 module to your microcontroller using the 6-pin interface: connect VCC to 3.3V power supply, GND to ground, TX pin to the microcontroller's RX pin, and RX pin to the microcontroller's TX pin. The remaining control pins typically handle reset and mode selection functions. Power on the module and verify the LED indicator blinks, confirming successful initialization. On your mobile device or host system, enable Bluetooth and scan for available devices; the HC-42 typically appears as "HC-42" or a similar identifier in the device list.
Once paired, open a Bluetooth terminal application on your smartphone or use a BLE serial port application to establish a connection. Configure the application to use the correct baud rate matching your microcontroller settings (default is typically 9600 bps). Any data transmitted from your microcontroller via the UART TX pin will be wirelessly transmitted to the connected device, and any data received from the Bluetooth connection will appear on the UART RX pin. Test the connection by sending simple AT commands or data strings to confirm bidirectional communication. For production applications, implement proper error handling, checksum validation, and connection timeout routines to ensure robust wireless serial communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HC-42 compatible with both iOS and Android devices?
Yes, the HC-42 uses standard Bluetooth 5.0 BLE protocol which is fully supported by both iOS and Android platforms. Any device running iOS 7 or later and Android 4.3 or later can connect to the HC-42 module. You will need to use a BLE serial terminal application available on both app stores to establish communication.
What is the maximum distance the HC-42 can transmit?
The HC-42 provides a line-of-sight transmission range of up to 100 meters under ideal conditions with clear air path. In typical indoor environments with walls and obstacles, the practical range is 20-50 meters depending on building materials and RF interference. Bluetooth 5.0 provides improved range compared to Bluetooth 4.2, especially in open spaces.
Can I use the HC-42 with 5V microcontrollers like Arduino Uno?
The HC-42 operates at 3.3V logic levels, so direct connection to 5V microcontrollers can damage the module. You must use a voltage divider or logic level converter on the RX pin to step down 5V signals to 3.3V. The TX pin output at 3.3V is typically tolerated by 5V microcontroller inputs due to their higher input threshold, but using a level converter on both pins is recommended for reliability.
What baud rates does the HC-42 support?
The HC-42 supports multiple configurable baud rates: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 bits per second. The default baud rate is typically 9600 bps. You can change the baud rate through AT commands or configuration settings in the module's firmware. Ensure your microcontroller and host device are configured to the same baud rate for proper communication.
How much power does the HC-42 consume during operation?
During active data transmission, the HC-42 consumes approximately 8-10 milliamps at 3.3V. In idle or low-power mode, consumption drops below 100 microamps. This ultra-low power consumption makes the module ideal for battery-powered applications. For a 2000mAh battery, continuous transmission would theoretically provide 200+ hours of operation, while idle mode extends battery life to several months.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
Why Buy from The Tech Depot
- Genuine Products: Sourced directly from authorized distributors with authentication
- Expert Team: Our technical team validates every product before listing
- Fast Shipping: Dispatched within 1-5 days from our Bengaluru warehouse
- Pan-India Delivery: 7-8 days to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata
- Payment Options: COD, UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, EMI available
- Technical Support: 24/7 expert guidance via email and WhatsApp
- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
Buy HC-42 6pin Bluetooth 5.0BLE Serial Port Module Online in India
Purchase the HC-42 6pin Bluetooth 5.0BLE Serial Port Module online at The Tech Depot, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat. Get the best price on HC-42 6pin Bluetooth 5.0BLE Serial Port Module with fast shipping and expert support.
Our team in Bengaluru is available 24/7 to support your journey from product selection to project completion.