iBeacon ibec001 Bluetooth LE 4.0 Programmable Beacon Module Without Case

3 stars for the device and price, -2 stars for poor documentation and support. I am using this as a home project and tinkering around with. I was really disappointed with the lack of documentation provided with this device. I have clarified how to set the device up properly for other future purchasers. If you are looking for more documentation, it looks like these are provided by Minew Tech. I have not tested the distance of the device but plan on doing so. It appears you can set the broadcast power to increase and decrease the broadcast distance.If you are looking for an actual programmable BLE module (using J-Link interface) you may want to look elsewhere. While this device does have the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) pins they are not labeled. I have included and image with what I believe are the correct labels for each pin but I have not verified. To truly program this beacon you will need an external programmer, for example the nRF51-DK that includes the J-Link interface.How to set up the MiniBeacon:1. Download the "BeaconSET" App (App Developer: Yunli-Wuli Network) The "BeaconSET+" App did NOT work for my beacon, use the "BeaconSET" App first before trying the other "BeaconSET+" App.2. Turn ON the beacon by holding down the small button on the back for 3 seconds. The blue light on the front should stay light for 5 seconds (The light flashes 5 times when turned off)3. Find the beacon in the "BeaconSET" App4. If promoted for a password use "minew123" You can change the password as well.5. You can now "program" the beacon by changing the major, minor and other parameters for the beacon as well as get the device UUID.I really wish the seller provided this info and I didn't have to spend a bunch of time fumbling around to figure it out. Hopefully I saved others from a few hours of headache trying to set this thing up.

My beacon arrived with the battery holder completely flattened and one end broken loose. It also has NO button soldered, and the LEDs don't indicate anything. I was able to test it by providing 3V to the unpopulated header pads, but if I hadn't been scanning for a new beacon with my phone I would have thought it was dead. Also, who the H specified a CR2477 battery for this?? That battery is 3X thicker than a CR2032! The only saving grace for this purchase is that it is nothing like the device pictured; it is actually Nordic 51822 chip, which is what my other beacons use. If I didn't need a simple beacon for location purposes, this would go back.

Fortunately another reviewer left instructions. This unit works fine. No issues. No instructions, no battery included. Don;t buy unless you know what you're doing.

Description says the package includes battery and "beacon comes with full instructions on how to connect them to our Social Retail management platform". Which is total lie. All you get is a bare board in an antistatic bag. Total waste of my same day shipment under the assumption that it will be easy to get going. Its going right back to Amazon.

Doesn't come with the Lithium Battery as specified.