Can I use an nRF52805 module like BC805M for a HID device? How?

[CataCluj]

Dear Sir/Madam,

While I did take a course in Bluetooth I am still a beginner.

I know some boards have HID "support" (RN42 for example) I find it hard to believe that it's not something that can be added to any module.

If so, what is the minimal/simplest path to use a BC805M  for sending Mouse/Keyboard commands from the UART/GPIO to a Bluetooth-connected phone or computer?

I mean what IDE do I need to use, programming pod, library, maybe example code.  Maybe evaluation board, although I believe I can connect the module myself to the rest of my device.

If the nRF52805/BC805M is not right for me (I need smallest, cheapest MODULE, not chip), can you please recommend another, again with IDE to use, etc.

Thanks and best,

Cat

[Simonr]

Hi Cat

You can still use SEGGER Embedded Studios, but the Visual Studio Code extension is made specifically for NCS. In the nRF5 SDK, we also have support for IAR, Keil µVision 5, and GCC if you prefer either of those.

Best regards,

Simon

[CataCluj]

We (not just me; see comments to https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/guides/short-range-guides/b/getting-started/posts/developing-for-the-nrf52805-with-nrf5-sdk) need working examples of projects using the NRF52805 and soft devices with technology you currently support.

The above post references an SDK version that can't be obtained anymore (WHY?) and the instructions don't work with currently obtainable SDKs.

Some suggested using your newer "stuff" but it includes RTOS so it's too big to fin in the 52805.

Somebody should create and test a new procedure on developing for the NRF52805 with soft devices, with or without your DK, and then Transferring an emulated project to nRF52805 hardware.

I've wasted SO much time trying all sort of things; I'm really tempted to move away from Nordic.  The cheapeness of the 52805 was an attraction but if I can't use it or I waste so much time it's not worth it!

[CataCluj]

I should have said that that article was very comprehensive and well written it's just SO ANNOYING THAT SOMEBODY DECIDED WE SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET 17.0.0. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!

[Simonr]

Hi again

I'm sorry that you're frustrated. SDK v17.0.0 was removed from our pages as there were some bugs that were necessary to fix. From the SDK v17.0.2 release notes: 

This SDK release is a bug fix release replacing nRF5 SDK v17.0.0.
This version contains the latest MDK (v8.35.0) with a bug fix that properly handles errata
on future devices with unknown HW ID.
If you are using v17.0.0 for development, it is strongly recommended to switch to v17.0.2.

There shouldn't be any difference using newer SDK versions for nRF52805 development either, as long as you make sure you use MDK v8.35.0 or newer.

Best regards,

Simon

[CataCluj]

I didn't think you removed it without a good reason.

But you should have updated pages that refer to it.

There are pretty big differences.

You or somebody should try it.

Where does the MDK version come in?  Is it another thing I need to worry about? SDK, MDK, what else?

I should just have to download one thing.  Atmel did things right. Why can't you?