We wanted to use the NRF51-DK to flash a few nRF51822 based beacons using the SWD interface, but the recommended Segger J-Flash program is way too pricey for research. Is there an alternative?

[Steve]

We wanted to use the NRF51-DK to flash a few nRF51822 based beacons, using the SWD interface. The docs recommended using the Segger J-Flash program, but that program is now asking for a pricey license. This is incosistent with our need for cheap tools in research mode. Is there some way around using Segger to flash these parts?

[Richard D.]

Have you tried using Nordic's nrfjprog.exe?  It's included in the command line tools download (free)

[Steve]

Thanks Richard, I found the program but don't have a clue how to use it. Tried "%  nrfjprog.exe --program <filename>.hex" but just got "ERROR: The area to write is not erased." It looks like I need an erase option, but how do I choose one? I don't want to brick the parts by fumbling around. Also, how do I configure for the specific part and connections?

Thanks to help from Scott Bland, I have the correct command line now:

nrfjprog.exe --chiperase -f NRF51 --program <filename>.hex