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Setting up HLK-RM04 low-cost embedded UART-ETH-WIFI module

Installing and seting up the HLK-RM04 UART-ETH-WIFI module

  1. Binu
    HLK-RM04 is a low cost UART-ETH-WIFI module. It can used to connect any microcontroller to internet/LAN. I just tried it for my latest Home automation project. Its a simple and cheap module for connecting the microcontroller using wifi. The HLK-RM04 is basically a Linux powered Router with serial port output.

    Even i have used several serial-wifi modules before. But they are more complex and not stable, they often get disconnected from the network and draw more power. But this HLK-RM04 module is more stable/cheap/less power consumption. Its running in my home for more than 10days without any problem.

    The first time user of HLK-RM04 may get confused with this module to get connected to your network. Even i struggled a little. So i am explaining here about setting up the module.
    The HLK-RM04 is available alone and with base board. Check this images for the modules with and without base board

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    HLK-RM04 with base board
    HLK-RM04 with base board.jpg
    HLK-RM04 base board
    HLK-RM04 base board.jpg
    HLK-RM04 Module
    HLK-RM04 module.jpg

    The HLK-RM04 module is almost half price with base board. You need the base board only if you use the Ethernet cable. If you want to use wifi then there is no need for the base board. But if you are a beginner then better you buy with base board. But you can setup the module even without the base board. I am going to explain to setup the module without base board.

    Basic Connection needed to setup the HLK-RM04
    circuit.jpg
    There are several methods to configure the module, i am using the wifi method and using a windows smartphone to do it. Connect the power supply (+5v to pin 1 and Gnd to pin2) and switch it now.

    Switch ON the wifi on your smartphone
    wp_ss_20140616_0001.png
    You can find the module as an Wifi AP Named HI-LINK_463F, Connect it to your phone. It will ask for the password, the default password is 12345678
    wp_ss_20140616_0002.png
    It will say that it does not have internet connection as shown in the figure. But you can still connect to it
    wp_ss_20140616_0003.png wp_ss_20140616_0004.png
    Now just open the browser and type 192.168.16.254 on the address bar. Now the page will ask the username and password which is admin for both.
    wp_ss_20140616_0005.png wp_ss_20140616_0006.png
    Now you can see the settings page as shown below.
    wp_ss_20140616_0007.png
    There are 3 modes of operation, which is given below.
    1. Ethernet mode -Which uses the ethernet connection using Base Board.
    2. WIFI Client mode -Which act as wifi client and connect to our Home wifi Router. I am using this mode.
    3. WIFI AP mode - Which is Router mode.
    Now select the second mode from the dropdown box at Netmode. Click the Scan button to scan all the wifi signals shown in the following figure.
    wp_ss_20140616_0008.png wp_ss_20140616_0009.png
    Now use the SSID name which is your home router. My ssid name is "myhome" and select Encrypt type and give the password for your home network. Also select the IP type as static and enter the Following IP address. You have to use the Gateway IP which is the IP address of your Home router. Also you can change the Baud rate of the serial port at this page.
    wp_ss_20140616_0010.png
    After entering all values click the Save button. Now you will be disconnected and the router will reboot as wifi client and will connect to your home wifi network. Now you goto the wifi menu and connect to your home network.
    wp_ss_20140616_0011.png
    If you have entered the correct details then if you just type the new IP address on your browser with the username and password as admin and you can see the module page as shown below.
    wp_ss_20140616_0012.png wp_ss_20140616_0013.png
    This is the way you can setup the HLK-RM04 module with your Home network. If you entered anything wrong and need to reset the module to factory settings press the buttons S1 and S2 simultaneously for more than 5 seconds and repeat the step from the beginning.

    if you need my help post it on the forum at http://www.8051projects.info/thread...-low-cost-embedded-uart-eth-wifi-module.5959/
    MANPREET SINGH likes this.

Recent Reviews

  1. Royto
    Royto
    5/5,
    Nice project
  2. Love Diwan
    Love Diwan
    4/5,
    This article helps me in configuring how to connect the module to wifi but there is one bug when you open 192.168.16.254 >>> and select the device as wifi client and scan for network. you must have atleast two networks in the proximity else it won't connect to that network
  3. Akshay123
    Akshay123
    5/5,
    vERY nICE
  4. Vince Ting
    Vince Ting
    5/5,
    Great news that you managed to find a more effective and efficient way to connect micro controllers
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