how to get nrfConnect BLE to show ASCII string data for a custom characteristic?

[Anthony Ambuehl]

I have a custom characteristic on which I send ASCII strings as notifications similar to NUS.  Is there a way to have the Bluetooth Low Energy app in nrfConnect show the data in human readable format?

I tried setting the p_presentation_format to the ble_add_char_params_t  but it didn't seem to have any affect.

static const ble_gatts_char_pf_t logTxPresentationFormat =
{
.format = BLE_GATT_CPF_FORMAT_UTF8S,
};
static const ble_add_char_params_t logTxCharInit =
{
.uuid = LOG_UUID_TX_CHAR,
.max_len = LOG_MAX_DATA_LEN,
.init_len = 0,
.is_value_user = true, //value maintained in user space
.is_var_len = true,
.char_props.notify = 1,
.p_presentation_format = &logTxPresentationFormat,
.cccd_write_access = SEC_OPEN
};

[Simon]

Unfortunately, it does not seem like this feature is supported in the Bluetooth Low Energy app in nRF Connect for Desktop. However, if you download the nRF Connect App to your phone and connect to a ble_app_uart peripheral, it is possible to see the received notifications in ASCII format. However, I don't think it will work with custom characteristics.

I think you have to develop your own app to make this work.

I'll ask around and check if this is a feature that will be added in the future.

Best regards,

Simon

[Anthony Ambuehl]

It would be a nice feature to have.  :)

[Simon]

Yes, it would :) I have reported the feature request internally and will get back to you when I get a response.

Best regards,

Simon