Arduino Fingerprint Scanner Module GT-511C3, GT-511C1R

Fingerprint scanners are definitely interesting but not many things are known these stuffs as Open Source hardware in this niche still quite less and the module is quite complex. Here is a guide on buying Arduino fingerprint scanner module GT-511C3, GT-511C1R buying guide and basic details to not get ripped off. GT-511C3 or GT-511C1R is the part number of the stuff – if you are lucky then it will be Made in Japan or Taiwan. This is what SparkFun sells. This is not what AdaFruit sells or may be the thing is same – at least they look different. This is cheapest possible thing in the market yet costs $26 on average.

Arduino Fingerprint Scanner Module GT-511C3, GT-511C1R

It is really a costly thing in electronics segment and keep in mind – it is not usable with Mac or Linux PC like regular USB Fingerprint scanners as far I gathered info. The Fingerprint Scanner Module can be connected to Linux PC or Mac via a USB to TTL adapter but thereafter I do not know. There is only demo software for Windows PC. It is purely for Arduino, Raspberry Pi development boards. Here is the original manufacturer’s site of the product :

There is datasheet too, which is detailed and obviously in normal English language :

It has a 4 pin JST-SH series connector with 1mm pin spacing on the board. The wire, plug or something like that should come in package. Among the 4 pins with maximum 3.3V voltage :

1. Pin 1 is transmit pin of the UART (UART Tx)
2. Pin 2 is the receive pin of the UART (UART Rx)
3. Pin 3 is the common GND pin.
4. Pin 4 is the 5V input to the module used to power it.

You can read the comments by the buyers on SparkFun’s product page :

Codes, demo on Youtube available. Here is SparkFun’s GitHub repo :