cheap homemade programmer for nRF51822

[cybero]

Hello everyone,

I have had an idea for a cheap homemade programmer for nRF51822. I don't know if it could work, it's just an idea I would like to discuss with you.

I have a Waveshare nRF51822 eval board which brings: board+module nRF51822. You can buy just the board if you want.

So, using this Waveshare board + protoboard + QFN48 TO DIP48 adaptater + J-Link, is it possible to program a nRF51822 ?

What we would make is just to replace the nRF51822 module for the QFN48 TO DIP48 adaptater + protoboard.

Does it have sense for you? Would it work?

[Nguyen Hoan Hoang]

If you have the JLink, it would work. Just make sure all the power requirements are met. I haven't tried but don't think crystals are require to program. I think the chip can run on RC osc.

[Asbjørn]

Yes, the setup you describe would work to program the chip. Though it should be mentioned that most likely the radio performance will be reduce in the kind of setup you suggest compared to an integrated circuit board. Because the programming adapter is not intended to be used for development, just for programming. So I don't think the combination you suggest would be a good development platform, but it should work for programming chips.

[cybero]

Hello Asbjørn. Yes, I just want it for programming so that I don't have to buy an expensive programmer. About using it for developing purposes, is there any kind of external antenna that can connect to the breadboard just for testing the chip ?

[Asbjørn]

You could solder something on, but it would not be a good solution nor is it something that I would recommend. At best you would be able to get a few packets through to verify that the programming went well, but you won't be able to have a steady link with soldering an antenna to the programming adapter.

[cybero]

That's exactly what I want to know, to verify that the programming went well. That's enough for me. It would be great if you could recommend me any antenna. Thank you Asbjørn.