Arduino Nano 33 IoT - DIYables Bluetooth App Slider
Overview
In this tutorial, we are going to learn how to use the Bluetooth Slider feature with the Arduino Nano 33 IoT. The slider gives you two independent controls on your smartphone that you can drag to send values (0–100 by default) wirelessly to your Arduino via BLE. You can use these values to adjust LED brightness, set motor speed, position a servo, or control anything that needs a variable numeric input — all without touching the board.
Note: The Arduino Nano 33 IoT only supports BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). It does not support Classic Bluetooth. The DIYables Bluetooth App supports both BLE and Classic Bluetooth on Android, and BLE on iOS. Since this board uses BLE, the app works on both Android and iOS.
Features
- Dual Sliders: Two independent slider controls
- Configurable Range: Set minimum, maximum, and step values
- Real-Time Updates: Slider values sent instantly on change
- PWM Ready: Map slider values directly to PWM output
- Works on Android & iOS: BLE is supported on both platforms
- No Pairing Required: BLE auto-connects without manual pairing
- Low Power: BLE consumes less power than Classic Bluetooth
Hardware Preparation
Or you can buy the following kits:
| 1 | × | DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays) | |
| 1 | × | DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays) |
Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .
Additionally, some of these links are for products from our own brand, DIYables .
Arduino Nano 33 IoT Code
Detailed Instructions
Follow these instructions step by step:
- If this is your first time using the Arduino Nano 33 IoT, refer to the Arduino Nano 33 IoT getting started guide.
- Connect the Arduino Nano 33 IoT board to your computer using a Micro USB cable.
- Launch the Arduino IDE on your computer.
- Select Arduino Nano 33 IoT board and the appropriate COM port.
- Navigate to the Libraries icon on the left bar of the Arduino IDE.
- Search "DIYables Bluetooth", then find the DIYables Bluetooth library by DIYables
- Click Install button to install the library.
- You will be asked for installing some other library dependencies
- Click Install All button to install all library dependencies.
BLE Code
- On Arduino IDE, Go to File Examples DIYables Bluetooth ArduinoBLE_Slider example, or copy the above code and paste it to the editor of Arduino IDE
/*
* DIYables Bluetooth Library - Bluetooth Slider Example
* Works with DIYables Bluetooth STEM app on Android and iOS
*
* This example demonstrates the Bluetooth Slider feature:
* - Control values using sliders (0-100)
* - Support for dual sliders
* - Configurable range and step
*
* Compatible Boards:
* - Arduino UNO R4 WiFi
* - Arduino Nano 33 BLE / BLE Sense
* - Arduino Nano 33 IoT
* - Arduino MKR WiFi 1010
* - Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect
* - Any board supporting the ArduinoBLE library
*
* Setup:
* 1. Upload the sketch to your Arduino
* 2. Open Serial Monitor to see connection status
* 3. Use DIYables Bluetooth App to connect and control sliders
*
* Tutorial: https://diyables.io/bluetooth-app
* Author: DIYables
*/
#include <DIYables_BluetoothServer.h>
#include <DIYables_BluetoothSlider.h>
#include <platforms/DIYables_ArduinoBLE.h>
// BLE Configuration
const char* DEVICE_NAME = "Arduino_Slider";
const char* SERVICE_UUID = "19B10000-E8F2-537E-4F6C-D104768A1214";
const char* TX_UUID = "19B10001-E8F2-537E-4F6C-D104768A1214";
const char* RX_UUID = "19B10002-E8F2-537E-4F6C-D104768A1214";
// Create Bluetooth instances
DIYables_ArduinoBLE bluetooth(DEVICE_NAME, SERVICE_UUID, TX_UUID, RX_UUID);
DIYables_BluetoothServer bluetoothServer(bluetooth);
// Create Slider app instance (min=0, max=100, step=1)
DIYables_BluetoothSlider bluetoothSlider(0, 100, 1);
// Variables to store current slider values
int currentSlider1 = 0;
int currentSlider2 = 0;
// PWM output pins (for LED brightness control example)
const int PWM_PIN_1 = 9;
const int PWM_PIN_2 = 10;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
while (!Serial);
Serial.println("DIYables Bluetooth - Slider Example");
// Initialize PWM pins
pinMode(PWM_PIN_1, OUTPUT);
pinMode(PWM_PIN_2, OUTPUT);
// Initialize Bluetooth server with platform-specific implementation
bluetoothServer.begin();
// Add slider app to server
bluetoothServer.addApp(&bluetoothSlider);
// Set up connection event callbacks
bluetoothServer.setOnConnected([]() {
Serial.println("Bluetooth connected!");
// Send initial slider positions
bluetoothSlider.send(currentSlider1, currentSlider2);
});
bluetoothServer.setOnDisconnected([]() {
Serial.println("Bluetooth disconnected!");
});
// Set up slider callback for value changes
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
// Store the received values
currentSlider1 = slider1;
currentSlider2 = slider2;
// Print slider values (0-100)
Serial.print("Slider 1: ");
Serial.print(slider1);
Serial.print(", Slider 2: ");
Serial.println(slider2);
// Map slider values (0-100) to PWM range (0-255)
int pwm1 = map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 255);
int pwm2 = map(slider2, 0, 100, 0, 255);
// Control LED brightness
analogWrite(PWM_PIN_1, pwm1);
analogWrite(PWM_PIN_2, pwm2);
// TODO: Add your control logic here based on slider values
// Examples:
// - Servo control: servo.write(map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 180));
// - Motor speed: analogWrite(MOTOR_PIN, pwm1);
// - Volume control: setVolume(slider1);
// - Brightness control: setBrightness(slider2);
});
// Optional: Handle requests for current slider values (when app loads)
bluetoothSlider.onGetConfig([]() {
// Send the stored slider values back to the app
bluetoothSlider.send(currentSlider1, currentSlider2);
Serial.print("App requested values - Sent: Slider1=");
Serial.print(currentSlider1);
Serial.print(", Slider2=");
Serial.println(currentSlider2);
});
// You can change slider configuration at runtime:
// bluetoothSlider.setRange(0, 255); // Change range to 0-255
// bluetoothSlider.setStep(5); // Change step to 5 (coarser control)
Serial.println("Waiting for Bluetooth connection...");
}
void loop() {
// Handle Bluetooth server communications
bluetoothServer.loop();
// Optional: Update slider positions based on sensor input
// Example: Send current values periodically
/*
static unsigned long lastUpdate = 0;
if (millis() - lastUpdate >= 5000) {
lastUpdate = millis();
bluetoothSlider.send(currentSlider1, currentSlider2);
}
*/
delay(10);
}
- Click Upload button on Arduino IDE to upload code to Arduino Nano 33 IoT
- Open the Serial Monitor
- Check out the result on Serial Monitor. It looks like the below:
COM6
DIYables Bluetooth - Slider Example
Waiting for Bluetooth connection...
Autoscroll
Clear output
9600 baud
Newline
Mobile App
Note: The DIYables Bluetooth App supports both BLE and Classic Bluetooth on Android, and BLE on iOS. Since the Arduino Nano 33 IoT uses BLE, the app works on both Android and iOS. No manual pairing is needed for BLE — just scan and connect.
- Open the DIYables Bluetooth App
- When opening the app for the first time, it will ask for permissions. Please grant the following:
- Nearby Devices permission (Android 12+) / Bluetooth permission (iOS) - required to scan and connect to Bluetooth devices
- Location permission (Android 11 and below only) - required by older Android versions to scan for BLE devices
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone
- On the home screen, tap the Connect button. The app will scan for BLE devices.
- Find and tap "Arduino_Slider" in the scan results to connect.
- If not found, please update the firmware for the Bluetooth module following this guide on How to Upgrade the Firmware on Arduino Nano 33 IoT
- Once connected, the app automatically goes back to the home screen. Select the Slider app from the app menu.
Note: You can tap the settings icon on the home screen to hide/show apps on the home screen. For more details, see the DIYables Bluetooth App User Manual.
- Drag the sliders to change values
Now look back at the Serial Monitor on Arduino IDE. You will see:
COM6
Bluetooth connected!
Slider 1: 50, Slider 2: 0
Slider 1: 75, Slider 2: 0
Slider 1: 100, Slider 2: 25
Autoscroll
Clear output
9600 baud
Newline
- Adjust the sliders and watch the values change in real time in the Serial Monitor
Creative Customization - Adapt the Code to Your Project
Configure Slider Range
// Constructor: DIYables_BluetoothSlider(min, max, step)
DIYables_BluetoothSlider bluetoothSlider(0, 100, 1);
// Change range at runtime
bluetoothSlider.setRange(0, 255);
// Change step size
bluetoothSlider.setStep(5); // Coarser control
// Read configuration
int minVal = bluetoothSlider.getMin();
int maxVal = bluetoothSlider.getMax();
int step = bluetoothSlider.getStep();
Handle Slider Changes
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
currentSlider1 = slider1;
currentSlider2 = slider2;
Serial.print("Slider 1: ");
Serial.print(slider1);
Serial.print(", Slider 2: ");
Serial.println(slider2);
// Map to PWM and control output
int pwm1 = map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 255);
analogWrite(PWM_PIN_1, pwm1);
});
Send Current Values to App
bluetoothSlider.onGetConfig([]() {
bluetoothSlider.send(currentSlider1, currentSlider2);
});
// Or send anytime:
bluetoothSlider.send(50, 75); // Set both sliders
Handle Connection Events
bluetoothServer.setOnConnected([]() {
Serial.println("Bluetooth connected!");
bluetoothSlider.send(currentSlider1, currentSlider2);
});
bluetoothServer.setOnDisconnected([]() {
Serial.println("Bluetooth disconnected!");
});
Programming Examples
LED Brightness Control
const int LED_PIN_1 = 9;
const int LED_PIN_2 = 10;
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
int brightness1 = map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 255);
int brightness2 = map(slider2, 0, 100, 0, 255);
analogWrite(LED_PIN_1, brightness1);
analogWrite(LED_PIN_2, brightness2);
Serial.print("LED 1: ");
Serial.print(brightness1);
Serial.print(", LED 2: ");
Serial.println(brightness2);
});
Servo Control
#include <Servo.h>
Servo servo1, servo2;
void setup() {
servo1.attach(9);
servo2.attach(10);
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
int angle1 = map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 180);
int angle2 = map(slider2, 0, 100, 0, 180);
servo1.write(angle1);
servo2.write(angle2);
Serial.print("Servo 1: ");
Serial.print(angle1);
Serial.print("°, Servo 2: ");
Serial.print(angle2);
Serial.println("°");
});
}
Motor Speed with Direction
const int MOTOR_SPEED_PIN = 9;
const int MOTOR_DIR_PIN = 8;
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
// Slider 1: speed (0-100%)
// Slider 2: direction threshold (below 50 = reverse, above 50 = forward)
int speed = map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 255);
bool forward = (slider2 >= 50);
analogWrite(MOTOR_SPEED_PIN, speed);
digitalWrite(MOTOR_DIR_PIN, forward ? HIGH : LOW);
Serial.print("Speed: ");
Serial.print(slider1);
Serial.print("%, Direction: ");
Serial.println(forward ? "Forward" : "Reverse");
});
Advanced Programming Techniques
Slider with Dead Zone
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
// Add dead zone around center (45-55 = stop)
if (slider1 >= 45 && slider1 <= 55) {
Serial.println("Center - stopped");
analogWrite(MOTOR_PIN, 0);
} else {
int speed = map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 255);
analogWrite(MOTOR_PIN, speed);
}
});
Rate Limiting
unsigned long lastSliderAction = 0;
const unsigned long SLIDER_COOLDOWN = 50; // 50ms minimum
bluetoothSlider.onSliderValue([](int slider1, int slider2) {
if (millis() - lastSliderAction >= SLIDER_COOLDOWN) {
lastSliderAction = millis();
// Process slider value
analogWrite(PWM_PIN, map(slider1, 0, 100, 0, 255));
}
});
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
1. Cannot find the device in the app
- Make sure the Arduino Nano 33 IoT is powered on and the sketch is uploaded
- Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is enabled
- On Android 11 and below, also enable Location services
- Try restarting Bluetooth on your phone
2. Slider changes not received
- Check Bluetooth connection status in the app
- Verify the onSliderValue callback is set up correctly
- Check Serial Monitor for any error messages
3. PWM output not working
- Verify the pin supports PWM on the Nano 33 IoT (pins 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, A5)
- Check wiring connections
- Test with a simple analogWrite sketch first
4. Slider resets to 0 on reconnect
- Implement onGetConfig callback to send stored values on reconnect
- Store slider values in variables that persist across connections
5. Connection drops frequently
- Move closer to the Arduino (reduce distance)
- Check for interference from other BLE devices
- Ensure stable USB power supply
6. Upload fails or board not recognized
- Install the latest Arduino SAMD Boards package via Boards Manager (≥ 1.8.13)
- Try a different USB cable or port
- Press the reset button on the board before uploading
Project Ideas
Lighting Control
- Dual LED brightness controller
- RGB LED color mixer (use two sliders for hue/saturation)
- LED strip brightness and color temperature
- Stage lighting dimmer
Motor Control
- DC motor speed controller
- Dual servo positioning
- Pan-tilt camera mount
- Robot wheel speed
Audio
- Volume control
- Tone frequency and duration
- Equalizer bands
Next Steps
After mastering the Bluetooth Slider example, try:
- Bluetooth Joystick - For 2D directional control
- Bluetooth Rotator - For angular/rotational control
- Bluetooth Temperature - For temperature gauge display
- Multiple Bluetooth Apps - Combining slider with other apps
Support
For additional help:
- Check the API Reference documentation
- Visit DIYables tutorials
- Arduino community forums