how to perform direct test mode

[eilon]

Is there an explanation of how to perform a direct test mode? 

I see it is partially explained here and here.

but it is unclear how to connect everything when and how to use the DTM in the NRF connect desktop app

do I need 2 NRF devices or is one enough?

in case of 2 NRF devices are required, do both of them need to run the same code nRF5_SDK_12.3.0_d7731ad\examples\ble_central_and_peripheral\ble_connectivity\pca10040\ser_s132_uart\iar\ble_connectivity_s132_uart_pca10040.ewp ?

are both of them need to be wired to a UART dongle (to the computer) or to each other?

I'm using NRF52832 board, and SDK nRF5_SDK_12.3.0_d7731ad

[Amanda Hsieh]

Hi, 

If you want to test the transfer and receiver, then you would need two DKs. 

do both of them need to run the same code nRF5_SDK_12.3.0_d7731ad\examples\ble_central_and_peripheral\ble_connectivity\pca10040\ser_s132_uart\iar\ble_connectivity_s132_uart_pca10040.ewp ?

You should use <InstallFolder>\examples\dtm\direct_test_mode. 

are both of them need to be wired to a UART dongle (to the computer) or to each other?

Connect to PC.

I'm using NRF52832 board, and SDK nRF5_SDK_12.3.0_d7731ad

Are you using the custom board or nRF52DK?

I would suggest the latest version of nRF5 SDK v17.1.0 or DTM of nRFConnect for Desktop (for nRF52DK). 

Regards,
Amanda H.

[eilon]

thanks for the answer.

I downloaded the new SDK and downloaded to the board the direct_test_mode_pca10040 project from:

nRF5_SDK_17.1.0_ddde560\nRF5_SDK_17.1.0_ddde560\examples\dtm\direct_test_mode\pca10040\blank\iar\direct_test_mode_pca10040.ewp 

I'm using a modified version, I checked that the UART pins that I'm using which are

#define UART1_MDMRX_BLETX_PIN               6   // Input  pin #22, p0.6, UART Tx

#define UART1_MDMTX_BLERX_PIN               8   // Input  pin #24, p0.8, UART Rx

and from what I have seen this is what the example code is using (correct me if I am wrong)
is there anything else I need to check before performing the test?

I connected the 2 devices to UART dongles both RX & TX. I previously checked that the UART works with another code and Tera Term.  

I followed the gif from the DTM repo  

opened 2 DTM windows, and select each DTM window with a different board. 

set 1 as a transmitter, channel mode=sweep, transmit os channel 37 to 26 (the rest are the default values)

the other one is set as a receiver, channel mode=sweep, transmit os channel 37 to 39 (the rest are the default values)

As I press start test I immediately get:

starting test

End test failed: Could not start transmission.

ending test

starting test

End test failed: Could not start receiver.

ending test

what more should I check before starting the test?

[Amanda Hsieh]

Hi, 

Are you using nRF52DK or a custom board?

When using the nRF Connect Direct Test Mode app, please program the pre-compiled image for DK as the tool requests. 

-Amanda H.