nRF51 Dongle for Linux

[horacelai]

Hi,

I recently got the nRF51 Dongle for testing of a board with bluetooth interface. I am trying to get this dongle installed in Linux.

I found this link for the SDK https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/Bluetooth-Smart-Bluetooth-low-energy/nRF5-SDK which does not work. I got that link from https://gist.github.com/bertrandmartel/a38315c5fe79ec5c8c6a9ed90b8df260

Any advice?

Horace

[awneil]

Have you seen this:

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/47329/connection-3b-armv8-and-nrf-52840-dongle

[Simonr]

Hi Horace

That SDK is very old, and I suggest you use a newer version. SDK version 12.3 is the newest one supporting the nRF51 series. Both v. 12.3 and older/newer versions are available here: http://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF5_SDK/

Best regards,

Simon

[horacelai]

Hi,

Are there any documentation somewhere with a guide on installation steps for this nRF51 dongle for Linux, as well as running some example code to verify that it is working?

I am very lost as to how to go about this.

Horace

[Simonr]

Hi Horace

Try checking out the Dongle Programming Tutorial. It is for the Dongle 52, but it is mostly the same procedure to program it. For an example code to verify that it works I would suggest using the nRFConnect for Desktop programmer application and upload and write the LED_Softblink example hex file onto your Dongle. This should set the white LED to pulsate when programmed correctly.

NOTE: Remember to use the PCA10031 files, as that is the version compatible with the Dongle 51.

Best regards,

Simon

[horacelai]

Hi Simonr,

I was wondering if the nRF5_SDK is suitable for the nRF51 dongle? The only ones on that list with version 12.3 is the nRF5_SDK, which is why I am asking.

Horace