Can nrf8001 be used for both ends of beacon?

[pvogel]

I have seen I can use the nRF8001 to broadcast as a beacon, can a second nRF8001 pick up this beacon? If not, what is the smallest device that will do the job?

[run_ar]

The nRF8001 is a peripheral/Broadcaster only. If you need a Central or Observer(scanner) you should look at the nRF51 or nRF52. I would use the nRF51/52 as both beacon and scanner as this means you will only have to familiarize yourself with one API/SDK and toolchain.

[run_ar]

All the central role examples are scanning for peripherals, so these can be used as a starting point for an observer. There is also a separate scanner implementation in \nRF5_SDK_11.0.0_89a8197\examples\ble_peripheral\experimental_ble_app_multiactivity_beacon\hrs_scanner