Few getting started questions for the experts

[dariusBotha]

Hello everyone, I hope you are good.

I am starting out with the nRF52811 and I'm completely new to the SoC world. I have a few questions regarding what I would realistically need to create a low power Bluetooth (BLE) beacon that transmits every say 500ms or 1000ms - sounds trivial haha. Of course the receiving side would pick this up and do processing or whatever - that's not important now. 

My questions then are:

• Would the nrF52811 suffice for this on its own? or would I need any additional components/processors/antennas etc. - and if I do what would those be?
• Would a standalone solution like the ANNA-B112 that uses a nRF52832 be a better option for what I'm trying to achieve? and why would it be better? - due to no external stuff needed?

I am going to start developing on the evaluation boards, but I need to find out what I would realistically need to move away from the evaluation kit and implement this transmitter-solution.

Thank you for your time to try and assist a complete newb.

Much appreciated,

Darius

[Kaja]

Hi Darius,

yes you need additional components, you can consider using a 3rd part module 

See our reference design and see our DK; https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/struct_nrf52/struct/nrf52811_dev_kit.html?cp=4_4_4 



Get started

Best regards,
Kaja

[dariusBotha]

Thank you for your reply - it really helped to point me in the right direction.

I have another question for you if that would be ok:

How do I transition from the DK to an actual module - meaning how do I program the SoC? Can that be done before it is assembled to the PCB or afterwards? And if it needs to be done when it is assembled, how would that work? which pins would I need to connect to a connector and what would I need as an interface to flash the SoC?

I apologise for the many questions, I am new to this and am just trying to wrap my head around the process and the steps involved.

Thank you in advance.

kind regards,

Darius

[Kaja]

Here is how you can program a custom board with a DK:


Best regards,
Kaja

[dariusBotha]

Thank you for your time and effort. 

Much appreciated.