Where to start with nRF52832

[turkeylegs]

Hi, I'm kind of a newbie, haven't had much experience with embedded outside of arduinos etc.

So I started to look at this: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/nrf52832-breakout-board-hookup-guide

From sparkfun, since you can hook it up to a breadboard. The goal is somewhere down the line to get a smaller SMD module to put on a PCB.

I have a few questions:

1. Most of the way down, it says to get a nrf52 development kit. Why is this necessary?

2. I understand the DK has a NRF52832 already on board. So what exactly is the point of the breakout board if you need to get the DK anyway?

3. Is it possible to follow this http://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.nordic.infocenter.sdk5.v15.0.0%2Fgetting_started_installing.html and use the SDK without the development kit? Or will I inevitably need to use the development kit?

[ewizardii]

As a quick response:

1. With a NRF52DK you can do further development beyond that of the Arduino system, you can flash the device with custom firmware e.g. RTOS or use the Nordic SDK

2. The breakout board can be used in your own custom applications

3. There are other ways to program the breakout kit from sparkfun I believe openocd will work - but as someone new I'd just recommend getting the DK if you can it makes things way easier, and I have used it to flash other boards (e.g. redbear, and I'll probably use it to flash the Sparkfun)

p.s. I have been working with this system for only a month, and like you actually I own two of the sparkfun breakout boards; I didn't like they don't support DC-DC for low power testing so I haven't been using them. All my current testing is taking place on the DK. 

Anyways hope this helps.

[turkeylegs]

Hey thanks a bunch. If I were to use the sparkfun board, what else would you recommend to get it to work?