NRF52-DK | Wireshark fails to detect NRF sniffer interface

[omerra]

I'm trying to get nRF sniffer to work in wireshark , I used the "nRF Sniffer for Bluetooth LE" Guide.

Env:

Windows10

NRF52-DK - NFR52832

Wireshark - Version 4.0.2

Python - 3.11

Device Manger - JLINK CDC UART PORT

Steps -

1. Upload Hex file to device via nRF Connect for Desktop Programmar(3.0.4)  - sniffer_nrf52dk_nrf52832_4.1.0.hex

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2. copy extcap files to wireshark extcap 

3. run cmd command - nrf_sniffer_ble.bat --extcap-interfaces

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Results -

"nrf_sniffer.bat --extcap-interfaces" does not show any nrf Interface

[Hung Bui]

Hi Omer,

Could you let us know the version number of the nRF52832 DK you are using as the sniffer ? 
We are having an issue with nRF52832 DK version 3 that the sniffer software can't detect the UART port. 
It would work with earlier version of the nRF52832 DK or with nRF52840 DK any version (by using the nRF USB port instead of the debug USB port). Or you can use the nRF52840 dongle. 

[omerra]

VERSION -  3.0.0

So my only options is to buy earlier version of the nRF52832 DK or with nRF52840 DK ? maybe there is other options to work with nRF52832 DK version 3.0.0 as a BLE sniffer?

Is there any ticket that already mentioned that issue?

[Hung Bui]

Hi Omer, 
Unfortunately it's a known issue that we haven't managed to fix. There is a challenge with the throughput of the UART on interface chip that we prefer to use the USB interface on the nRF52840 directly. 

You can find similar post about it here.

I would suggest to get hold of a nRF52840 dongle because of the size and the low cost of it. So that you can use it implicitly for sniffer purpose. 

[Stefantk]

Hi Hung,

would it be possible to add this information in the minimum hardware requirements of the nRF Sniffer documentation [1]? (And/or this could be a good topic for the "troubleshooting" section [2], after all, it's a known issue.)

It took me quite a while of searching and trouble shooting (re-installing and re-re-installing (of the latest and other versions), confirming basic workings of the board with other firmware, and, and, and) before finding this forum thread.

I agree with you that "get[ting] hold of a nRF52840 dongle because of the size and the low cost of it" makes sense.

It's just that, since I do have an nRF52 DK in my hands, and this board is listed [1] as being supported, starting with this board appeared to be a quick approach. If there had been a disclaimer in the documentation ("Caution: PCA10040 only supported for versions <3.0.0"), I could have ordered a nRF52840 dongle instead of troubleshooting an incompatible system.

Best regards,

Stefan

[1] https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ug_sniffer_ble/UG/sniffer_ble/min_requirements.html

[2] https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ug_sniffer_ble/UG/sniffer_ble/troubleshooting.html

[Hung Bui]

Hi Stefan, 

Thanks for your report. 
I agree that it's something we need to improve. Either by making it works with nRF52832 DK or updating the documentation to clearly tell that the current version of the sniffer no longer works on the new nRF52832 DK  .
I will report with our R&D team again to have a good solution for this.