Easiest way to extract the data

[DanisXZ]

Hi,

I'm working on a project involving a BLE peripheral/server with a custom profile. My goal is to extract data from the BLE server and plot it on a PC using a Python script. I'm looking for the quickest and easiest method, specifically on the "Central+Client" side.

I'm aware that I can employ an nRF52832 DK board, develop a "Client+Central" code to connect to the peripheral, extract data, and then transmit it to the PC via UART. However, this approach involves coding on the nRF52832 side. I also have an nRF52840 dongle available. Can you suggest a more efficient way to achieve this without additional coding on the BLE side for Client ?

Are there any inbuilt examples which can extract from custom profile/characteristics ?

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello,

Are there any inbuilt examples which can extract from custom profile/characteristics ?

Unfortunately we do not have such an example, since you would need to implement how the device should interact with the custom profiles and services.
However, your description of the functionality sounds almost exactly similar to the functionality shown in the nRF Connect SDK BLE Nordic UART peripheral/central examples, which receives the data from its peer over the Nordic UART service (nus) using notifications, and outputs it through UART, which you may then create a python script that receives it on the computer side through the UART.
The main difference between the example and your description is the service in the example being the NUS, while you would need to implement your custom service to take its place.

Please give this a try, and let me know if you should have any additional questions or in the case that anything should be unclear! :) 

Best regards,
Karl

[DanisXZ]

Thanks, will try this and let you know

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Great! :) 

Please do not hesitate to let me know if you should encounter any issues or questions.

Best regards,
Karl

[DanisXZ]

Hi Karl,

Just one more thing regarding data extraction. I can extract the data using "nRF Connect for Desktop" and nRF52DK by manually enabling notifications, and I can see the data in the nRF connect desktop window.

 Is there any way I can make use of this ? Can a python script access this Or send commands like the tool sends to the nRF52 DK board ?

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello,

DanisXZ said:

Just one more thing regarding data extraction. I can extract the data using "nRF Connect for Desktop" and nRF52DK by manually enabling notifications, and I can see the data in the nRF connect desktop window.

Great, I'm glad you've got the application successfully up and running and verified! :)

DanisXZ said:

 Is there any way I can make use of this ? Can a python script access this Or send commands like the tool sends to the nRF52 DK board ?

Yes, the data received over BLE will be output by the device over UART, and so you may create a python script that interfaces with the COM port to receive and send data over the BLE link through the connected DK.

Best regards,
Karl

[DanisXZ]

Hi Karl,

Sorry, I think I did not explain that well.

What I meant is, I could use the PC tool "nRF Connect for Desktop" (SS below).

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello,

Aha I understand, thank you for clarifying.
There is no real way to route the received data from nRF Connect for Desktop into another program, if this what you mean.
What is your intentions with this data, do you just want to keep the readings for later review, or do you intend to process them?
In case of the former, you could just export the log file from the nRF Connect for Desktop.
In case of the latter, the best approach would be to create a Python script that interacts with the device through the serial port, like described in my previous comment.

Best regards,
Karl