nrfjprog - ERROR: There is no debugger connected to the PC

[K.Eranda]

Hello!

I’m quite new to the nRF microchips and am trying to programme my nRF52-DK board following this guide (https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/pdf/getting_started_keil.pdf).

I’ve gotten to section 8 on page 16 where I’m trying to erase the board with nrfjprog but I get this error message:”ERROR: There is no debugger connected to the PC.” when I run the command “nrfjprog --family nRF52 --eraseall” as shown in the tutorial. Ive also tried “nrfjprog --eraseall” but I get the same error and “nrfjprog --ids” returns nothing.

I have version 10.9.0 for the nrfjprog and 6.80a for the JLinkARM.dll – which I got using the command “nrfjprog --version”:

Using nRFgo Studio shows no board connected:

When connecting the board a removable device named JLINK does indeed appear and copying an example (Blinky) hex file into it runs it so it doesn’t seem to be an issue with the board or the cable?

I have uninstalled and installed several times the latest versions of the following programmes in 32 and 64 bit (my pc is 64) but there is no change:

• nRF Command Line Tools (10.9.0)
• nRFgo Studio (1.21.2)

I’ve also tried the IF BOOT/RESET button press while power cycling to get “BOOTLOADER” removable device open and copying the J-LINK interface MCU firmware bin file (version 170742) into it which successfully seems to execute but again no dice in getting past the error message mentioned above.

I don’t think the chip is bricked since all the LEDs turn on and the last “Blinky” example I ran (by copying the hex file into the JLINK removable device) is still running when its powered on.

 

I’ve scoured google and the forums but none of the solutions worked. I’m hoping you guys can help me solve this issue

Thanks a lot in advance

[Amanda Hsieh]

Hi, 

I’ve also tried the IF BOOT/RESET button press while power cycling to get “BOOTLOADER” removable device open and copying the J-LINK interface MCU firmware bin file (version 170742) into it which successfully seems to execute but again no dice in getting past the error message mentioned above.

 I think you mean this 170724 J-LINK interface MCU firmware from https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Development-Kits/nRF52-DK/Download#infotabs. Please turn off and on the power after copying the firmware to the “BOOTLOADER” removable device, and try again. 

Please let me know this can help or not. Thanks. 

-Amanda H. 

[K.Eranda]

Hi Amanda, thanks for the reply, 

Indeed that is the file I meant and what I tried previously with no success. I attempted again just to make sure using the links and steps you provided but still get the same error.

-K

[Amanda Hsieh]

Hi, 

Could you test with a different computer? Since the J-Link MSD drive is showing, it sounds like there could be some J-Link software or driver issues.

-Amanda H.

[K.Eranda]

Sorry for the late reply, I've tested it on a separate laptop and it works so it does indeed seem to be a software/driver issue. Unfortunately, I can’t use this laptop going forward so will need to get my standard one working.

I’ve uninstalled all the Segger and NRF drivers, deleted all folders from the install locations and reinstalled the command line tools but I still keep getting the error.

Do you have any idea what I might be missing on my standard PC that its causing this issue?

[Amanda Hsieh]

Hi, 

Not sure what causes the driver issue on the PC. 

Are you able to use J-Link Commander to connect the board? What is the log you see? 

You might try other J-Link software versions like v6.40. 

-Amanda H.