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?

RE: 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 — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:15:30 GMT

We can close this case now.

RE: 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?

awneil — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:18:00 GMT

In addition to what the others have said:

J-Flash lite is free for development use.

Also SES and Keil can do programming.

RE: 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 — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 14:43:22 GMT

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

RE: 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?

Richard D. — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 22:53:27 GMT

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

RE: 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?

Nguyen Hoan Hoang — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 22:45:14 GMT

Try the IDAP-Link CMSIS-DAP JTAG. It can flash Softdevice + App + DFU without needing to do the mergehex. Also supports parallel flashing using multiple board. Supports all nRF5x series.