nRF51822 doesn't detect on Macbook Pro (Mid 2014) OSX 10.10.1

[Chirantan]

We are trying out nRF51822. My colleague has a top of the line Lenovo running Ubuntu and is able to detect the module when scanned. However, my macbook pro Mid 2014 (Which discovers other Bluetooth 4.0 modules) doesn't detect it.

My guess is that my Macbook (or any Macbook for that matter since mine's the latest) is incapable on the hardware side since it can officially only support Bluetooth 4.0.

This might be a very naive question, forgive me for that, but is it possible on the firmware level to switch to Bluetooth 4.0 on the same nRF51822? Or is there no way for this module to be discoverable on Macbooks?

[David Edwin]

I am trying to understand your question. Do you mean that when you scan for nRF51 devices from your Bluetooth panel on OS X 10.10.x you do not see those nRF51 device.

If so, you are correct. BTLE devices will not be discoverable from the OS X Bluetooth panel with a t least one exception. The exception being, BTLE devices that implement a HID over GATT Keyboard or mouse should be visible on the OS X Bluetooth panel. I would suggest that the HID over GATT mouse example be loaded on the nRF51 board so you can see the advertisements on your macbooks OS X control panel.

In summary: The OS X Bluetooth Control panel will only show devices that OS X directly supports i.e. HID ovet GATT BTLE devices. If your devices is not a HID over GATT mouse or keyboard, you will need to write an application to see that device.

[Chirantan]

Thanks for the response! I will try out the HID over GATT mouse example and post updates here.

[Chirantan]

We're trying to create a hex file out of the examples from the SDK. It's tricky because Keil only work on Windows. Any suggestions on how we can load the example onto the module using OSX?

[Chirantan]

Can anyone please help?

[David Edwin]

Suggest that you use the gcc makefiles included with the example or move the examples to crossworks. Look in this forum and blogs for crossworks and gcc support.