Added modules: IR, NFC/RFID and RF (Sub-GHz)

[Angelk90]

Key Use Cases

• IR (infrared): By pressing a widget, the Bangle sends a power code, turning it into a universal wrist remote control for TVs, projectors, and other compatible devices.

• NFC / RFID: By holding your wrist close to a door or reader, the Bangle can emulate a badge, simplifying access to compatible systems.

• RF / Sub-GHz transceiver: The Bangle can be used as a personal remote control for radio frequency devices, such as opening or closing the gate.

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Integrating these modules would significantly increase the versatility of Bangle.js, transforming it into a wrist-worn tool capable of interacting with a wide range of devices and everyday scenarios.

[gfwilliams]

I was considering for the next Bangle.js having an optional 'thick back' that you could screw on that would allow you to include an extra PCB with new functionality - and I think a lot of these things would fit nicely in with that.

... whether enough people would want them that it'd be worth me making and selling them is another matter, but I imagine it's the kind of thing where someone might make one and post up the designs or even sell new backs themselves.

It may be I can fit NFC in the new watch, but folks always ask whether it could do wireless payments and the answer is probably not, just because that's locked down by the card companies.

sub-ghz will need a bigger aerial which could make it harder - but I imagine it'd be possible to have something there - but I think having these things built in to each device by default is probably not possible.

[Angelk90]

Looking at the dimensions of Bangle.js 2, the antenna should be as long as Bangle.js 2 itself, positioned in height, perhaps even a little longer.

So the dimensions of Bangle.js should increase, with a slightly larger face.

I don't know where to place it.
The battery is large compared to Bangle.js 2 itself, looking at the image, so I would place it on the side, with a clear area near the edge, as far away from the battery as possible.

Perhaps on the side where the Bluetooth antenna connector is.

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From what I see Puck.js has both NFC and IR.

If Puck.js had a dedicated smartphone app, it would be possible to record various IR commands (e.g., turning on the TV, changing channels, adjusting volume, turning on the air conditioning, etc.).
The app would store the commands directly on the smartphone and, when needed, simply send them to Puck.js, which would transmit them via infrared.

This feature could also be implemented on Bangle.js, which I hope.
It would be very useful, given that smartphones no longer have built-in IR emitters.

Currently, from what I've seen, using Puck.js requires a web browser to execute commands.
With an app, however, everything could be managed more conveniently and directly, making the device much more practical.

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Example of app UI:

[gfwilliams]

the antenna should be as long as Bangle.js 2 itself

I'm afraid if I made the Bangle wider to add the aerial in every device, far more people will be fed up and not buy it than those that care about having a 433Mhz transmitter.

But that would be the great thing about having replaceable backs - you could have a Bangle that was 5mm thicker and had all this stuff, and most other people that don't care can have the normal thinner one.

If Puck.js had a dedicated smartphone app

You mean like this? https://benjaminbenben.com/puckmote/

Not an app, but you don't need an app on the phone, just a webpage.

That can load the commands onto the Puck.js for when it's pressed. But yes, you could have an app that ran on the Bangle that then sent the commands to Puck.js - it's just that there really hasn't been the demand for it. But if you want it, you can make it - that's the whole idea of these devices.

[enaon]

With an app, however, everything could be managed more conveniently and directly, making the device much more practical.

as for this, you are again some years too late :)

go to deepSeek, not chatGPT, and ask it to read the espruino docs, an make a nice looking webApp for the android, that can be installed as an app, no internet connection needed etc. I can make it, it can writhe 1500 lines of code in go, make no mistakes, and make it looking GREAT. I know, because I did it, I have great looking companion phone app for my bangle now. You are correct, 2-3 years ago that as not possible, it needed a lot of effort and knowledge, and it would still look bad, but now it is.

[Angelk90]

@gfwilliams : The choice is yours, i can only offer my opinion.

In the end, what's your idea?

1. What kind of modules would you like to add?
2. Do you intend to integrate all of this via external support, keeping Bangle.js 2 as it is today?
   If so, how do you plan to do it?

[gfwilliams]

As far as I remember the biggest requests I've had for additional modules are:

• bigger battery
• WiFi
• GPS if not in the next Bangle
• ECG heart rate/blood pressure/O2

But really that's been it. Something like LoRa would be cool, but there haven't really been that many requests.

Bangle.js 2 will stay as it is today. The optional larger back may come to Bangle.js 3 - probably initially just as a CAD file that can be 3D printed/modified, but maybe I'll see what demand is like and whether it makes sense for me to offer specific ready to go options or even sell Bangles with them preinstalled.

[enaon]

there was a texas instruments watch , the chronos ez430 https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/t/texas-instruments/ez430-chronos

that came with a companion cc1101 pc dongle, the watch it self it could do sub 1ghz, open simple garage doors etc. Unfortunately the watch band was molded together with the watch it self, so after a few years it broke.

sory for spam Angelk90, your chatGPT comments brought back memories :)

[gfwilliams]

Just to add to this, Bangle.js supports controlling Home Assistant either via BTHome or Gadgetbridge.

Generally now a lot of your devices are going to be smart, so if you get them connected with Home Assistant, you can then control them from your wrist via Bangle.js (or anything else too!)

[enaon]

and two more photos, for the nostalgy, and the engineering part. They had done a great jjob on making the chronos dev frendly, it came with two dongles, one for programming it with ,and one to make a wireless bridge to an arduino etc. On the wirelesses ones, one can see how small the sub 1G antenna was. I think one was 433 and the other was 800MHZ.

but the BangleJS2 is better.

[enaon]

Just to add to this, Bangle.js supports controlling Home Assistant either via BTHome or Gadgetbridge.

Generally now a lot of your devices are going to be smart, so if you get them connected with Home Assistant, you can then control them from your wrist via Bangle.js (or anything else too!)

this is so true. I have cbus from clipsal in the house, installed before Home Assistant was created. I can control everything from the bangle, lights, locks, outlets, using a dsd6 as a bridge between the clipsal PACA and the bangle. It is custom and security matters, so I have not uploaded the codet, but the point is that espruino is very powerful in making custom solutions.

[Angelk90]

In my house, the TV and air conditioners still work with infrared remote controls.

[gfwilliams]

You could use something like Puck.js (or other devices exist too) to make those devices controllable from Home Assistant - there's a thread on the HA website with suggestions and how well they worked: https://community.home-assistant.io/t/which-hardware-to-buy-ir-blaster/627106/5