Bangle.js v2 - Hackable Javascript Smart Watch

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

ARM Cortex-M4

The ARM Cortex-M4 is a 32-bit processor core widely used inside microcontrollers, often with hardware support for signal-processing and control tasks. It provides enough processing power to run embedded programs that handle sensors, wireless communication, audio and similar workloads.

GLONASS

Russia’s satellite navigation system. A receiver that can also use GLONASS has more satellites to choose from, which can improve positioning reliability when the sky view is partly blocked.

GPS

The US satellite navigation system used by GNSS receivers to calculate position and time. Support for GPS is important because it is widely available and often used together with other constellations for more reliable positioning.

IP67

An ingress protection rating meaning the enclosure is dust-tight and can survive temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions. This matters when choosing a sensor for outdoor, wet, or wash-down environments.

LCD

LCD stands for liquid crystal display, a screen technology that uses a backlight and liquid crystals to show images or text. It matters because LCD modules usually need a display driver and enough controller pins or a bus interface to send image data.

magnetometer

A sensor that measures magnetic fields, often used to work out compass direction. It matters because nearby magnets, motors, or metal objects can affect readings and may require calibration.

nRF52840

The nRF52840 is a Nordic Semiconductor system-on-chip built around a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 processor, with built-in Bluetooth Low Energy and native USB. It is widely used in maker and wearable boards, where it offers BLE and USB support along with broad library coverage in common maker toolchains.

RAM

RAM (random-access memory) is fast, temporary memory a device uses for working data while it is running; in its common volatile form, its contents are lost when power is removed. Some devices offer a mode that applies settings to RAM only, which is handy for testing changes temporarily because they are not stored permanently and disappear at power-off.

SWD

Serial Wire Debug (SWD) is a two-wire programming and debugging interface used with many ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. It provides low-level access to program, recover or debug the microcontroller.

vibration motor

A small motor with an off-centre weight on its shaft, which shakes when it spins. It matters when choosing haptic feedback, alerts, or simple movement effects, as you need to match its voltage, current draw, size, and mounting style to your project.