BLE UART example pairing? password?

[mbates14]

I noticed when using the UART BLE Example that there is no password or pairing request to connect to and use the device. 

Everything works fine, and I even implemented my own little password thing that has to present a password over the active connection before itll start sending data over the UART connection. 

The trouble is, there is no paring password or code, or password in order to connect. I cant figure out how to fix that situation, any ideas? 

This is causing me a problem in the Denial of Service area. Someone can connect to the device, and just leave it idle and connected, preventing an authorized user from connecting. This is starting to happen to me in school situations because of nefarious students. 

[awneil]

mbates14 said:

Someone can connect to the device, and just leave it idle and connected, preventing an authorized user from connecting

You could get around that by timing-out the wait for the password?

Maybe only have the device start advertising on some sort of "request" - eg, tap, button, etc ... ?

Or see this:

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/tutorials/b/software-development-kit/posts/implementing-the-device-manager

[mbates14]

Pardon me, but I am a horrible C programmer. I program in VB and B4X which is a BASIC thats transpiled into Java for compilation, as well as Xojo which is VB-like, etc... 

So some of this stuff just whizzes right over my head, I only know the bare basics. So, I wouldnt know how to implement a timeout and kick connection function, or know which system calls to look for, so I would need a little help in this area. 

Also, as far as a "request" that isnt possible either because the bluetooth module are up on 20 to 30 foot heights, sometimes outdoors on polls, or indoors inside a school on a wall. So that's out. 

[awneil]

Laird have some modules programmable with their smartBASIC:

https://www.lairdconnect.com/search?search_api_fulltext=smartbasic

Ruuvitags are programmable in Javascript:

https://ruuvi.com/ruuvitag-specs/

Some vendors have Python:

https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-the-nrf52/overview

https://docs.pycom.io/tutorials/all/ble.html

etc, etc, ...

[mbates14]

That doesnt help me with the nRF52832 thats why I am here asking for help. I am using the BT832XE from Fanstel as that is the longest range BLE module I can find with +20dbm of output power. Which is why I chose it for my product. 

Anyways, I will read the article and see if that helps. It doesnt specify what software IDE they are using, I am using the Segger stuff. 

[awneil]

Well, the Nordic SDK is a 'C' SDK - it does require a competent 'C' programmer.

Keil & Segger Embedded Studio (SES) are Nordic's "default" IDEs - all of the SDK examples come with a Keil Project and an SES project.