DFU not working on Thingy

[HarryO]

Using the Thingy app on Android, when I connect to the Thingy, it says 'Firmware Update ...'. I click on confirm, come in the Firmware Update screen, click on the blue button at the bottom right, nothing happens.

Similar with the Thingy app on an iPad, on the Firmware Update page, when I click on Start at the top right, a spinner is shown to the right of DFU STATUS, Enabling bootloader is unmuted, and then nothing happens anymore.

How to update the firmware?

[Simon]

Take a look at this case, and Joakim's answer. It seems like Firmware Update doesn't work using the Thingy app, and you need a programmer to do it.

Please let me know if you have more questions.

Best regards,

Simon

[HarryO]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the response. I saw the other case, but I am not aware that I had a custom ANT firmware. Besides, the link to the nRFgo Studio is not working.

Is it not possible to update the firmware without buying an additional piece of hardware?

Kind regards,

Harry

[Simon]

I was too quick to answer, in the case I referred to, the customer had a Thingy without the correct firmware. If you have bought a brand new Thingy, this shouldn't be an issue. It should have the correct firmware, and Firmware Update should be possible. Where did you get your Thingy? Has anybody used it before you? Then there is a possibility that some other Firmware is flashed onto the chip.

Initially I encountered the same issue as you, I used the firmware from github, and wasn't able to perform the Firmware Update for some reason. However, if I flashed the hex file provided in this link, it worked all fine.

[HarryO]

OK, so how do I flash that file?

[Simon]

In order to flash a file onto the Thingy, you would need a programmer. The Thingy does not come with with one, but you can use the programmer of an nRF52 DK. Take a look at this case for an explanations on how to do it.

Best regards,

Simon

[HarryO]

So it not possible to update the firmware without buying an additional piece of hardware :-(

[Simon]

There are two ways of updating the firmware, either through DFU or through a programmer.

If you have the correct Firmware installed, it should be possible to update it through the DFU. Since it doesn't work I assume the problem is due to the Firmwate at the Thingy.

In the Nordic Thingy:52 Userguide there are two ways of updating the firmware (section 6.3), have you tried both methods? If you put the Thingy in bootloader mode, can you find the device advertising as "ThingyDfu"?

I don't have the Thingy at hand right now, and am not able to test it myself, but can do some more digging tomorrow.

Best regards,

Simon

[HarryO]

Yes, tried both, but could not get the Thingy in bootloader mode. When I keep the button pressed while switching on and off, it still advertises as Thingy.

[HarryO]

I also tried it using the web browser athttps://developer.nordicsemi.com/thingy/52/#/view1, when I open the page it says "Firmware update required". I choose the file downloaded from the link you gave before (complete-zip), click on "Enter DFU mode". After a few seconds, a new button shows up, 'Start firmware update', when I click, I have to pair again, but it only shows 'Thingy - paired'.

Seems like somehow my Thingy won't get into DFU mode.

So how would it work with  a programmer, I have obtained the nRF52 DK now, but unclear how this would connect to Thingy.

[Simon]

The status for this case is for som reason set to "Verified Answer", and due to this I am not being updated on new messages posted on this thread. I have now changed the status, and will look into your problem the next week.

[Simon]

HarryO said:

So how would it work with  a programmer, I have obtained the nRF52 DK now, but unclear how this would connect to Thingy.

 See this case on how to program the thingy. I would recommend you to use SEGGER Embedded Studio as IDE.

Best regards,

Simon

[HarryO]

OK, the picture was really helpful, it show how to connect a cable to the nRF52 DK, the pins were hidden under a cover. I ordered sucha cable, have to wait a few days for it.