How to create customized software to program boards via bluetooth on nRF Connect

[karenl]

Hi, I'd like to add that "BLE capabilities for nRF Connect" to my customized software in the dongle, is there an example code or a template which I can add to my customized code such that it can do that? Because when I tried using the dfu sample codes that come with the SDK 17.1.0, I was stilled asked to program the device to something else.

[Einarh]

Hello

Can you please explain more clearly exactly what you want your program to do?

I'd like to add that "BLE capabilities for nRF Connect" to my customized software in the dongle

It's not really clear to me what you mean by this.

Best regards,

Einar

[karenl]

Hi Einar,

I've that quote from this post:  Example for Performing OTA DFU from NRF52840 Dongle to NRF52 peripheral ?

What I'd like to do is to use the dongle to transfer data via Bluetooth from my peripheral device to the computer (meaning I have my customized software on the dongle) while also using it to upgrade my firmware on the peripheral device when it needs upgrading. Because currently if I need to use the dongle to upgrade the firmware on the peripheral device, I need to reprogram the dongle with a special firmware from Nordic, and then put my own firmware back in afterwards. I would like to use just one firmware to do both. If that's possible.

Thanks,

[Einarh]

karenl said:

This is the error that I'm getting just by opening the folder pc-ble-driver.

What do you mean by "opening the folder"? You mean adding it as a project to VS Code? 

karenl said:

the SDK I downloaded: nRF5_SDK_17.1.0

Are you aware that nRF5 SDK is our old SDK, and we have a new one; nRF Connect SDK (NCS)?

Do you have any good reasons to use the old one?

[karenl]

Einarh said:

What do you mean by "opening the folder"? You mean adding it as a project to VS Code? 

No, I mean just choosing the open folder option, it's the same error I get from the step: 

$ cmake -G Ninja ..

in https://github.com/NordicSemiconductor/pc-ble-driver.

Einarh said:

Are you aware that nRF5 SDK is our old SDK, and we have a new one; nRF Connect SDK (NCS)?

No, I am not aware of it. Will try it now.

[karenl]

Hi Einarh, in this new SDK, which sample project can I use as a template/reference to create a firmware to transport files for OTA to another device?

[Einarh]

Have a look at this:

https://github.com/simon-iversen/ncs_samples/tree/master/central_smp_client_dfu

-Einar

[karenl]

Hi Einar,

Thanks for this, I've just been able to compile this, but when I try to test it on the dongle by programming it via the nrf Connect programmer, I could see the data appeared as orange at the bottom of the memory map, but the "write" icon was not activated. Do you know why that is?

Also, is there a way of programming the dongle without using nrfConnect Programmer?

Thanks,

[Einarh]

Hi

Have you done every step described here?

https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fug_nc_programmer%2FUG%2Fnrf_connect_programmer%2Fncp_programming_dongle.html

If you're still having issues, could you share a screenshot of the programmer application?

-Einar

[karenl]

Hi, Einar,

I have been using this program to program my device. But I usually see memory map with green, blue and orange regions, like the one on the right, not just the one orange region.

[Einarh]

The colors indicate what each memory section contains:

1) Are you sure you've selected the right device in the programmer?

2) Are you sure you've added the right file?

3) Could you please share the output of the log output?

-Einar

[karenl]

Hi Einarh,

Our DK board has finally arrived and I can confirm that at very least, I could follow the instruction and download the provided bin file to the board, and that it can actually connect to the computer afterwards. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the generated zephyr.bin file, I could not actually download the generated bin file the error came back as "Unspecified error -1". And the two bin files are not identical. It is very important that the generated file operate the same way as the provided bin file. Otherwise, we can't proof that the source code works.

[Einarh]

karenl said:

Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the generated zephyr.bin file, I could not actually download the generated bin file the error came back as "Unspecified error -1"

How exactly do you generate it and please share the full log output.

-Einar