How do I get started?

[Nate920]

So I got a nRF52840 DK and I have not idea how to get started. As in how do I even get the example code to run. I have no idea what software and tools are needed or how to install them. The getting started pages are not helpful. I've read through them and I'm still confused.

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello Nate,

I am sorry you feel that way. Lets have a look at this together.
Which pages have you been reading up on?
Have you seen the Infocenter page Getting Started page for the nRF52 DK?
Particularly it sounds like step 3, installing software, might be what you are looking for. After that, the Start Developing tab will take you to the SDK you intend to work with, and explain how to use it.
I recommend verifying that your installs and usage is correct by building and flashing the ble_blinkey example from the BLE SDK.

Do let me know if you should have any questions or encounter any issues!

Best regards,
Karl

[Nate920]

Hello Karl,

So I have segger downloaded and nRF connect for desktop and mobile both downloaded. Some of the questions I currenlty have

1.) Is there any other software I need?

2.) In Getting Started Assistant for nRF connect

How do I download 'Initialize west and clone the nRF Connect SDK manifest repository' The instrucitons are not working?

What do I put for the sourcecode_root and nsc_tag?

2.)  the nRF52840 DK get started page mentions a "how to program the optional demos into your nRF52840 DK" section but I can't find anything by that name. Where is it?

3.) I tried using the Bluetooth Low Energy module from nRF connect to connect to my phone or laptop. I couldn't find and neither could they find the nRF 52840

Thank you for your time and help,

-Nathan

[Karl Ylvisaker]

Hello Nathan,

Again, which pages have you been reading up on?
nRF Connect SDK is primarily meant for the nRF53 and nRF9160 series, as stated in its documentation.

Did you see the Getting started page for the nRF52 DK that I linked you? 
All your questions about required software is answered in the Nordic Tools and Software referenced in step 3.
At minimum you will need a development IDE - we recommend Segger Studios -, the SDK, and nRF Command Line Tools.

If you regardless of this would like help to install the nRF Connect SDK do let me know, and we'll take a look.

Nate920 said:

the nRF52840 DK get started page mentions a "how to program the optional demos into your nRF52840 DK" section but I can't find anything by that name. Where is it?

I am not sure what you are referring to, since I dont explicitly know the pages you are talking about, but if it is this page you are referring to, then please read the section Program Optional Demos. This approach is only for flashing precompiled examples.
Once you have installed the aforementioned software you may program your device with the examples from the SDK using Segger Studios.

Nate920 said:

Thank you for your time and help,

No problem at all, I am happy to help!

Let me know if you should have any other questions or if you encounter any other issues,

Best regards,
Karl