Big picture view of using nRF52 as a BLE MIDI add-on

[David Elvig]

I have the nRF52 Dev Kit running now on Mac OS with SES. (for reference to this topic: click here)

My end result is to use the nRF52 chip as part of a MIDI wind controller. I use the Teensy Arduino compatible MCU for the bulk of the wind controller, including creating MIDI messages that can be sent to a MIDI synthesizer over USB MIDI or via serial (UART).

I want to leverage the MIDI over BLE specified at MIGI.org

I expect I'll use BLE to communicate:

• MIDI messages out to a synthesizer (e.g. Garageband on the iPhone or Mac)
• Firmware updates in to the nRF52 chip and to the Wind Controller MCU from a Web App
• Wind Controller battery status to a host (such as the iPhone)

I am assuming the following:

• I need to incorporate the nRF52 chip into my board design (just the chip... no external antenna)
• I need to flash the nRF52 with all of the needed BLE services and characteristics somehow - ideally, from the Teensy MCU

Questions

• Am I on the right track above?
• Can anyone recommend a consultant (paid or otherwise) who could coach me on this?

[David Elvig]

OK, I think I can mark this Answered.

I have follow-on questions, but the "Big Picture View" is clear to me now.

In summary:

I was able to get the nRF52 Dev Kit (PCA10040) programmed to advertise as a MIDI-over-BLE device (though not yet a complete one)

Components of the solution:

• Mac OS 10.13.3
• Segger Embedded Studio V3.34
• SDK 14.2.0
• NRF Connect 1.8.2
• Apple's GarageBand

Key resources:

• this gitHub site from Bjorn Spockeli 
• This training video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP8RYgYGRvI&hd=1&feature=youtu.be&t=254

As a newcomer to BLE, the 50 hours spent, and the path taken in this thread, contributed to understanding the components and key resources above.

Other components of the larger solution will likely include an SPI interface between my chosen MCU and the nRF52.

Mange Tak to both Bjorns

Dave

[Bjørn Kvaale]

Great to hear that it worked it! Good luck with further development!