What to get when implementing a Mesh network using Thingy 52's?

[Jan]

Hi,

I'm currently starting on my graduation internship. For my assignment, I have to implement a Bluetooth Mesh network using Thingy 52's. I'm currently researching what I should order for my project and I could use some help.

I will be implementing a Mesh network with about 10-20 Nordic Thingy's. I have already looked at this ( https://github.com/NordicPlayground/Nordic-Thingy52-mesh-demo ) GitHub page for reference and I have some questions.

1. Will I be needing a nRF52 DK for programming the Thingy's?

2. Is it advisable to get a nRF52840 DK aswell to use as sniffer? (Is that even possible?)

Thanks in advance!

PS: If there is anything else I should consider buying for a project like this please let me know!

Regards,

Jan Kappé

[Marjeris Romero]

Hi Jan,

That's great news. This seems like a really cool graduation project.

1. Yes, you will need the debugger chip of the nRF52 DK or another DK in order to program the Thingy, since the Thingy does not have its own debugger. You will also need a 2x5 1.27mm SWD wire to connect the "Debug out" header in the DK to the "Debug in" of the Thingy.

2. The nRF52840 DK has not yet support for the nRF Sniffer Tool, but you can use the nRF52 DK (PCA10040) instead.

So I think you will be fine with just one (1x) nRF52 DK. You can use it for both programming and then sniffing. If you want to program and sniff at the same time you can consider having two (2x) nRF52 DKs. With a (1x) nRF52 DK (PCA10040), (1x) a SWD wire like this one and a (1x) smartphone with the nRF Connect and nRF Mesh app installed I think you will be good to go!

Best Regards,

Marjeris

[Jan]

Hi,

Short question, is this demo still up to date? Or has there been a new version?

github.com/.../Nordic-Thingy52-mesh-demo