getting started with nRF8001 development kit

[PhilippS]

Hello,

I have a nRF8001 Development Kit and I have some problems to get started with it.

I want to use the PCA10000/nRF51822 Development Dongle with my laptop and the nRF2740 module with the nRF8001 connected to a microcontroller. Later the laptop should be replaced by a phone but I asume for getting started the PCA10000 is a good choice? I want to connect it with my phone and see if the PCA10000 works correct and then program the microncotroller and send data with the nRF8001 instead of using the phone.

The microcontroller should send some sensor data over the nRF8001 to the PCA10000.

I have some problems with the usb dongle. I read the other questions here about the same issues but didnt find an answer for my problem.

When using the Master Control Panel I get the message "No response from master emulator".

I tried to use the nRF Connect for Desktop. After I agreed to program the latest connectivity firmware it shows that it is not able to find COM#.

I read that i should erase and program the firmware with nRFgo studio. Where can i find the right firmware and how can i program it (Program SoftDevice/Program Application or Program Bootloader)? I cannot find any Master Emulator Firmware (MEFW) files.

I need some help about where I should start. Thank you!

[Kenneth]

Using Master Control Panel (MCP) or nRF Connect for desktop is useful during development, and may in some cases give better control than using a mobile phone. I am not entirely sure what is the problem here, you should be able to program the required firmware for instance from File->Flash programming in MCP. Though you should make sure to close for instance nRFgo Studio, since nRFgo Studio may claim the COM port.

Best regards,
Kenneth

 

[PhilippS]

Hello Kenneth.

I reinstalled MCP and nRF Connect. With MCP I am able to program the firmware (File-Flash programming). The firmware is MEF nRF51822 0.11.0. After programming I have the choice to unsecure the device. The Log of the MCP shows following:

Programming started.

Programming complete.

Loading...

No response from master emulator.

If I try to scan for devices and press the "Start discovery" button and get following message: "No command complete event received" and the Log shows "Device discovery failed to start".

If I try it with Bluetooth Low Energy App in nRF Connect the program asks if I want to program the latest connectivity firmware. After accepting it says "Not able to find COM#".

I closed MCP when I tried with nRF Connect and closed nRF Connect when trying with MCP.

I just plugged in the usb dongle. Is there something I have to do before using the PCA10000?

Thank you for your help!

[Kenneth]

I installed a fresh copy of MCP from: http://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/nordic/Products/nRF51822/nRF-MCP-x64/46143 

Plugged in PCA10000 to a USB port. Opened MCP and File->Flash programming, programmed either of the MWFW 0.9 or 0.11. Then I plugged out and in the PCA10000. Waited a few seconds before clicked on the Reset button in MCP, then I could successfully Start Discovery. Maybe you can try the same procedure?

Both nRF Connect and nRFgo Studio were closed the whole time. 

[PhilippS]

I followed your instructions but it was not successful. After programming the firmware there is just the green led on and it shows the same messages again.

I tried your instructions at another laptop and it works. After programming green led is on and also the second led lights white. The Log show also the device address, firmware version, ready, server has started, device discovery started.

I don't know why it works on one laptop and not on the other. On the laptop on which it works, there was never any Nordic software installed before (nRF Connect or nRFgo Studio).

Thank you for your help!

[Kenneth]

My suggestion is to open Control Panel in Windows, and go to Add or remove programs. Then remove software from SEGGER and Nordic, restart and re-install MCP.