Can I use my nRF51822 EK (PC10001) to debug a custom PCB board?

[Wobs]

It's possible with some vendors to have an "out" mode and use the devkit as a debugger for custom PCB designs. Is it possible with the EK?

[Ole Morten]

Unfortunately, it is apparently not allowed by Segger's license to use the programming chip on the Evaluation Kit to program other boards. If you need to program custom boards, you need to get hold of a separate programmer. Two common options for getting this is

1. to get an nRF51822 Development Kit, which includes a J-Link Lite capable of programming custom boards as long as they run on 3.3 V, or
2. to get a regular J-Link.

A development kit should be about USD99, while a J-Link is EUR248 according to the list here. For the latter you'd also need an adapter to the small Cortex-M plug, similar to this one.

[Ole Morten]

To clean things up, I'd be happy if you could evaluate the answer you have received and accept it if you feel it's sufficient. If not, it might be useful to expand your question a little and provide further information.

[Stephan]

Or 3. to get a reguler J-Link EDU, which comes at 60$ for private use only! :)

[Wobs]

Actually, if you supply your board with 3.3V externally when programming / debugging, it works!