VS Code nRF Connect extension "Connected Devices" not capturing my device.

[FinnBiggs]

Hello folks,

I've got a tricky one! I'd like for my board (xiao_ble_sense from Seeed studio) to show up on my connected devices page.

========== Configuration ==========

I'm working in VSCode v1.85.2

nRF Connect Extension Version v2023.11.301

SDK v2.5.0 and Toolchain v2.5.0

===============================

My nRF52840 DK shows up fine when connected to my computer in the "Connected Devices" section.

However my  Xiao_BLE_Sense doesn't show up in the CONNECTED DEVICES list no matter what I do.

I have a feeling that I need to do some kind of JLink configuration to make the device accessible in that way.

For now, I've just been programming the device by putting it in bootloader and copying the zephyr.uf2 build files onto the board, but it would be a great QOL boost for me to get the connected device and ACTIONS tab (Erase and Flash, in particular) working.

Got any advice?

Thanks,

    - Finn

[DBS06]

To get the Xiao_BLE_Sense shown up in NCS you need a debugger connected to the board, because NCS needs a debugger to read out the device properties and status.

The Zephyr Documentation gives a good hint how to do this: https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/boards/arm/xiao_ble/doc/index.html

There are two ways to do this:

• Option 1: solder the SWD pins on the back of the board (see here: https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/XIAO_BLE/) and connect them to a Segger Debugger. You can also use the Debugger from the nrf52840-DK, if you don't have one (mentioned here: xiao ble sense not connecting in vs code with nrf connect extension)
• Option 2: if you don't want to solder on your board, you can use the Seeeduino XIAO Expansion Board (https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/Seeeduino-XIAO-Expansion-Board/), which has a spring connector for the SWD Pins. Then you could connect a Segger or the Debugger from the nRF52840-DK.

A hint from my side: if you decide to solder the SWD pins to a connector, do not use jumper wires, because they are to stiff, and the pads could easily break out of your Board, if force is applied to them. Use the thinnest magnet wire you can find (see here https://steamtraininfo.com/scenery-lighting/solder-magnet-wire).

I hope I was able to help!