Direct test mode error

[Michael]

Hello, We have a evalkit nrf51822 and we search how to try the bluetooth with the direct mode but after programming with the firmware direct_mode_test we still have an error telling us that the port com can't be opened.

We also have problems with the master control panel which doesn't discover our device.

We checked that the device is correctly installed but we still couldn't find the problem?

Any ideas?

Thank you

Joy and Mikael

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi,

By default, the direct_test_mode example in the SDK uses pins 16 (RXD) and 17 (TXD). These must then be changed to match your hardware, in this case, you can change the definition "BOARD_NRF6310" to BOARD_PCA10001 instead. This can be done in the Keil project settings -> C/C++ tab. Then you should be able to connect properly.

When you mention that MCP is unable to discover your device, which firmware are you then running? Remember that "direct_test_mode" is a RF PHY test interface specified by the bluetooth SIG and does not actually do anything else than access the radio directly. If you're looking for bluetooth examples, please see the "s110" folder in the SDK, and follow the getting started guide for the evaluation kit (ie: remember to flash the softdevice prior to loading any of the ble-prefixed examples)

Best regards, Håkon

[irarykim]

Hi, Håkon, I'm preparing for applying a certification test. I want to know if my procedures are correct. HW: nRF51822 SD: s110 6.0.0 SDK: 5.2 FW: direct_test_mode.hex I have modified TXD/RXD pin numbers. Is it done? How can I know if it entered Test Mode correctly? Thank you.

[Håkon Alseth]

Hi, I would recommend getting the direct_test_mode from the latest SDK, which is v7.1.0. You can test the device by connecting your TXD/RXD to your UART, and use "nRFgo Studio"->"Direct Test mode". If you do not have a spectrum analyzer, you can evaluate the current when setting the device in RX or TX mode.

[irarykim]

Hi, Håkon, should I use s110 7.0 then? Thank you. Jason

[Håkon Alseth]

DTM is a standalone implementation of bluetooth sig's definition of the test interface. It accesses the radio directly, so there's no need to use the softdevice.