Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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You can get the schematic, code, gerber files and more here: patreon.com/posts/138098669

Previous video: youtu.be/D86an4uN7FE

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In this episode of DIY or Buy we will be having a closer look at BLE beacons. I think the most popular example is an Air Tag. Basically a low power thingy that lasts for years that you can find with your smartphone. It is pretty handy and comes with lots of features. But can it be done cheaper by creating a DIY circuit? Let's find out! ;-)

Websites that were shown during the video:
atmosic.com/products/the-atm33-series
nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Bluetooth-Low-Energy?lang=en#infotabs
nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52840
docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf52840/page/ref_circuitry.html
nrf52.jpconstantineau.com/docs/programmer

Thanks to JLCPCB for sponsoring this video.
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0:00 What Handy Gadget?!
1:22 Intro
2:12 All Features of a Smart Tag
3:01 What is BLE?
3:53 Power Demand of Buy
4:49 What Microcontroller for DIY?
5:53 First BLE Test!
7:02 Creating the PCB
8:59 First Tests & Fails
9:45 Final Test
10:29 Verdict