nrf51822 sniffer firmware upgrade problem

[PT]

I want to use nRF51822 Bluefruit LE Friend device (blue board) as BLE Sniffer. My OS is Windows 7 64-bits. I installed ble-sniffer_win_1.0.1, v1.0: FTDI Driver Requirements (Blue Boards), etc (according the learn.adafruit.com/.../field-updates). When I run ble-sniffer tool on ble-sniffer window I see request to update FW (see in sniffer.png file)sniffer.png. When I press the "Program Failed" message is appeared (see in sniffer_FW_error.png) sniffer_fw_error.png. nRFGo tool on PC and nrf toolbox on Android device also failed to upgrade FW: There is impossible to set device in DFU mode (there is no "DFU confirmation" when I force the device to DFU mode by pressing aholding the DFU button). Could you please help and explain how to make nrf51822 Bluefruit LE Friend to work as BLE sniffer?

Thank you in advance, PT

[Jørgen Holmefjord]

Hi,

These are generally questions you should ask Adafruit, as this is their own hardware/firmware, only using Nordic chips, but I will try to give you some pointers.

Did you see the big red warning in the sniffer guide telling you to ignore the firmware update message?

I'm not sure why you are not able to put your device into DFU mode, but from what I can see in these comments, and this FAQ, it is not possible to switch from "standard firmware" to "sniffer firmware" OTA. You will need a SWD programmer to do this transition. Also note the warning that this is done at your own risk.

Best regards,

Jørgen