Accessing all mesh devices from mobile phone

[ftjandra]

Hi,

I've used the nRF51822 in the past to make sensors that connect to a mobile device. Basically it worked just like every other non-mesh BLE device:

1. It advertised itself to be scanned by the mobile device

2. Mobile device connects.

3. Data can now be sent back and forth.

I want to make a new sensor that uses the nRF52840 in a mesh configuration in order to increase range. I've played around with the light switch mesh example and have it sending bytes instead of just an onOff bit. Is it possible to make the mesh nodes 'equivalent' to my old sensors (i.e. could I connect to them without modifying the mobile app)? Basically, what I am trying to accomplish is to make all the mesh nodes appear as if they are close by even though some may be far away and 'hopping' through the mesh. All while still being 'backwards compatible' to my old sensors. Is this possible?

Thanks.

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Hi.

Are you planning to have the new sensor operate in the same way as the old sensors you have? i.e that the sensors are BLE devices, but have the possibility to send data to a Mesh network? Or do you want the new sensor to be developed as a Mesh node, provisioned into the Mesh?

Best regards,
Joakim

[ftjandra]

I want to see whether it's possible to do the first, i.e that the sensors are BLE devices, but have the possibility to send data to a Mesh network?

Thanks.

[ftjandra]

I think I can make it work with a proxy node. In the light switch mesh example, it looks like both the switch and the light are running the proxy service. How can I send it some data? I don't see how to send any data via the nRF Mesh app.

Also, looks the proxy service supports notifications so that the phone can be automatically kept up-to-date without having to query it all the time, correct?

Thanks.

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Are you using nRF Mesh for Android or iOS?

Yes, that should be correct.

Best regards,
Joakim

[ftjandra]

I am using nRF Mesh for iOS.

Thanks.

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Ok, let me get a hold of an iOS device and I'll provide you with some instructions.

Best regards,
Joakim

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Hi again.

On iOS, with a provisioned light switch server(LSS);
Find the node in the network list in nRF Mesh
Go to elements and find the Generic OnOff Server
Under controls you can send a SET message (On / Off) to the LSS controlling the LED of the LSS.

Best regards,
Joakim