nRF5 action!

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/nRF52832-2-4GHz-Wireless-rf-Module-CDSENET-E73-2G4M04S-SPI-SMD-rf-Receiver-transmitter-Bluetooth-Module/2798183_32819293925.html

if bulk erase is needed, then it means it was programmed a fresh new mcu is usually not programmed unless you ask for it to the manufacturer..

No because the <3$ modules are made to be controlled with an external MCU using serial commands, the same way than ESP8266 for Wifi, so they have a firmware installed.

Nca78

For those interested, only 2.55$ for the CDEByte NRF52832 modules

[edit] Limited to 2 / customer, but you can buy 2 more in the other CDEByte store here
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/CDEBYTE-E73-2G4M04S-BLE-4-2-5-0-long-distance-100m-2-4GHz-SMD-ARM-Core/2077046_32820692238.html

scalz

@NeverDie @Nca78
then buy a fresh mcu on Mouser and you'll see by yourself
You don't get what I meant, I'm not talking about a specific module design, but in general. the mcu can be accessed by jlink no matter, else how would you program it in first place ..

Nca78

@NeverDie @Nca78
then buy a fresh mcu on Mouser and you'll see by yourself etc
You don't get what I meant, I'm not talking about a specific module design, but in general. the mcu can be accessed by jlink no matter, else how would you program it in first place ..

Yes, but when there's a firmware it can be locked, so you must unlock it and erase it to remove softdevice and be able to write something.

NeverDie

I tried with power from the DK.

I don't know why, but I seem to recollect that doing it that way may confuse it. Otherwise, I don't know how I would have ended up using a battery pack instead.

scalz

@scalz said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

@NeverDie @Nca78
then buy a fresh mcu on Mouser and you'll see by yourself etc
You don't get what I meant, I'm not talking about a specific module design, but in general. the mcu can be accessed by jlink no matter, else how would you program it in first place ..

Yes, but when there's a firmware it can be locked, so you must unlock it and erase it to remove softdevice and be able to write something.

are you sure it's locked? I thought neverdie suggested to erase it with jlink.
well, you should choose a better module than funky design modules.. just my opinion, for saving?? 2bucks!

NeverDie

@scalz Well, what do you think he should use instead? Bare chips? That's not as easy to solder.

NeverDie

By the way, any update as to when Nordic will be shipping final silicon on the nRF52840? Seems overdue. I just checked Digikey, and still all they have are the ancient PDK's.

Nca78

well, you should choose a better module than funky design modules.. just my opinion, for saving?? 2bucks!

Well I was about to complain about my limited choice on Arrow (others ask 75$ shipping ), but after checking (again) I see that Arrow now has the Fanstel modules, so I have no reason to complain anymore
Too bad the BT832F is not in stock, but BT832 at 4.6$ is great, with the XE version in the gateway to compensate the lower range.

scalz

@scalz Well, what do you think he should use instead? Bare chips? That's not as easy to solder.

Frankly, I'm lazy answering to this question, same for technical stuff. sometimes I feel people miss what I'm trying to explain even if they haven't xp, and I keep repeating it... And the same for my designs, I'm wondering if it's worth the effort when i hear people trying to save 2-5bucks (not rewarding for time&money spent, not asking money btw), or want to reinvent cheaper&less quality variants (why not teamworking, not interested in infinite challenge, waste money&time) or complaining it's too hard to solder, did you read my many redondant advice in the forum, I don't handsolder tiny dfn, I reflow them, far far easier&quicker.
So that's settled, this is why I delayed my releases, until i change my mind, and I'm playing with software.
Sorry I don't want to look pedantic, not targeted against you especially, just tired

@Nca78 cool

NeverDie

@scalz For comparison, I feel like the nRF24L01 is also pretty much a waste of time, given that better performing alternatives exist, and yet it's the most popular radio on the mysensors forum, possibly because it's so cheap and easy to wire up.
You have unusually high skills. A lot of people on this forum just want a list of throughole parts from Aliexpress that they can connect together using dupont wires. So, there's quite a range of skill levels. The biggest barrier I see is people not wanting to hand solder (let alone reflow) SMD parts onto a custom PCB. I think that's partly why the openhardware thing hasn't gotten much traction.

Nca78

@neverdie said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

@scalz Well, what do you think he should use instead? Bare chips? That's not as easy to solder.

Frankly, I'm lazy answering to this question, same for technical stuff. sometimes I feel people miss what I'm trying to explain even if they haven't xp, and I keep repeating it... And the same for my designs, I'm wondering if it's worth the effort when i hear people trying to save 2-5bucks (not rewarding for time&money spent, not asking money btw), or want to reinvent cheaper&less quality variants (why not teamworking, not interested in infinite challenge, waste money&time) or complaining it's too hard to solder, did you read my many redondant advice in the forum, I don't handsolder tiny dfn, I reflow them, far far easier&quicker.
So that's settled, this is why I delayed my releases, until i change my mind, and I'm playing with software.
Sorry I don't want to look pedantic, not targeted against you especially, just tired

Reflow is nice and easy when you know how to do it, but not everyone has the space and money for it, and is willing to spend the necessary time to learn how to do it well. You need oven (that you usually need to modify), you need to buy stencils, you need to buy solder paste and keep it fresh in a separate fridge if you don't want to intoxicate your family when putting it in the kitchen fridge, you need to test/tune the process etc etc It's not for everyone. I tried, I have bought a hotplate (oven is too big and too expensive) and hot air gun, I ordered stencils to make some tests, but I can't get decent quality solder paste. Local shops sold me stuff that was way too old, when it comes from AliExpress it's low quality and it spent weeks at 30+ degrees, at Arrows it's either 50-100$ (that will end mostly wasted because I have no space for dedicated fridge), unavailable (maker paste) or "hazmat" so only sent by ground meaning not available for me. Life is hard

About the price I dont think everyone is ready to sacrifice quality to save a few $, I see people buying NModule PCBs at 25$ or more through openhardware.io for example, when they could buy much cheaper when ordering directly. I don't think those people will cry if components on a board cost 15-20$ instead of 10-15 but offer better range or reliability, lower power consumption etc.

About the "funky modules", yes they are not high quality but they still do the job (and way better than atmega + nrf24 clone), and when I first bought them I had no good alternative to get such a compact module, I would have bought them even if more expensive because compact modules on AliExpress or Ebay were either much bigger or with chip antenna, Arrow only had a Rigado module with LGA pins and other reputable shops have rip off shipping costs. Now I see Fanstel modules nearly as small, with better quality, FCC registration, low EMI etc etc at Arrow it would be stupid to continue, so of course I will not buy them anymore and redesign my board for the Fanstel. And if I make it public then I can provide a reliable source for the module, everyone can order from them with no shipping costs and 100% reliability. Way worth the few extra $.

And it's not always about reinventing things, it's about making things yourself and learning, too. I want to learn about ARM processors, bluetooth etc so to avoid having to learn anything at the same time I leave the reflowing, antenna tuning etc aside at the moment and use modules. If in the middle of this process I make a board that people with basic soldering skills can make themselves then how is it negative ? Those who take the MySensors hobby seriously will still favor your board because of the top notch quality and components used, there will also be a bunch of people interested in the complete board, but I think it's also great if people with lower technical skills but thirst for DIY can have something, too, even if "lower quality". Of course that won't be my "22" board, that's why I was thinking about a "33" version with more space to put bigger components (big SMDs or sensor breakout boards) and extension via MySX connector. Not sure if I will ever make it, and I hope it's not part of what is making you lose your motivation to release AEOS, because I'm waiting for it and it would be a good occasion to retry reflow soldering

NeverDie

you need to buy solder paste and keep it fresh in a separate fridge if you don't want to intoxicate your family when putting it in the kitchen fridge

Yikes! I didn't know there was a risk of that happening.

Nca78

@nca78 said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

you need to buy solder paste and keep it fresh in a separate fridge if you don't want to intoxicate your family when putting it in the kitchen fridge

Yikes! I didn't know there was a risk of that happening.

Well it's probably not a real problem, but I don't want to take risks with my 4yo chidren.

NeverDie

I do think a lot of people really underestimate the toxicity of getting solder paste onto their hands. I always use disposable neoprene gloves when handling it, and try to throw away anything that comes into contact with it. You definitely don't want to run the risk of unintentionally ingesting that stuff. AFAIK, the neurotoxicity is permanent damage.

NeverDie

By the way, I never got to the point where reflow was "nice and easy" with tiny pad chips. But that's just me. Operator error, I'm sure. It ended up taking so long to get a good outcome that I just decided it wasn't worth the time. Maybe I'll revisit it at a future date.

Anyway, everyone has their limits. I mean reflowing the gazillion tiny components on a HopeRF module, for instance. That doesn't look easy to me, even if I knew what I was doing.

@scalz Anyway, it's great that you are doing it. You're an inspiration for us all.

NeverDie

@Nca78
Here's the board settings that I use:

korttoma

Like NeverDie I am also having some trouble getting started with the NRF5 programming.

Here is my setup:
0_1520490115123_34a8da45-4d3b-4909-aaf7-3ded3b98590e-image.png

0_1520490137522_9ec65e79-3f29-4b9d-b503-925df3f590bb-image.png

The problem "No valid JTAG Interface Configured":
0_1520490174588_f762683c-2c6d-42ce-ae83-f3baf5f38a7e-image.png

Did I miss some step to configure the J-Link somewhere?

NeverDie

I've always used the IDC connector. I'm not sure that it works if you don't.

Nca78

@korttoma I have the same problem with the official jlink drivers. So I drag/drop the hex file from output directory to the Jlink drive at the moment.

korttoma

@nca78 that worked! thank you thank you thank you!

My first NFR5 node is ALIVE!

NeverDie

I've always used the IDC connector.

i.e. the 10-pin connector.

Nca78

@neverdie thank you for pointing to the power problem. I had one jumper left for my adapter to connect GND to GND and "as usual" it had a contact problem, I just replaced it and I can see the module in nRFgo Studio, even without external power.

Omemanti

Question;

I've been using the Ebyte modules and I'm making progress. But somehow the energy consumption is far too much. 11,7 mA when I use a clean sketch with hwSleep().

When I change to "Normal" Sleep() I get 0.1mA.

which one should be the right one to use, keeping in mind, I would like to wake up from an interrupt.

mfalkvidd

@omemanti sleep. See https://www.mysensors.org/download/sensor_api_20#sleeping for details.

korttoma

@Mika what is your experience regarding battery consumption on these?

LINK

I put together a sketch witch seems to work fine but one CR2032 just lasts a couple of days.

Sketch:

/**
 * The MySensors Arduino library handles the wireless radio link and protocol
 * between your home built sensors/actuators and HA controller of choice.
 * The sensors forms a self healing radio network with optional repeaters. Each
 * repeater and gateway builds a routing tables in EEPROM which keeps track of the
 * network topology allowing messages to be routed to nodes.
 *
 * Created by Henrik Ekblad <henrik.ekblad@mysensors.org>
 * Copyright (C) 2013-2015 Sensnology AB
 * Full contributor list: https://github.com/mysensors/Arduino/graphs/contributors
 *
 * Documentation: http://www.mysensors.org
 * Support Forum: http://forum.mysensors.org
 *
 * This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
 * modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
 * version 2 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
 *
 *******************************
 */

// Enable debug prints to serial monitor
//#define MY_DEBUG 

// Define a static node address, remove if you want auto address assignment
//#define MY_NODE_ID 26                                                          // Kök
#define MY_NODE_ID 27                                                          // Test device
                                                  

// Enable and select radio type attached

#define MY_RADIO_NRF5_ESB

#include <MySensors.h>

#define SN "NRF5 Scene"
#define SV "1.0"

#define CHILD_ID_SCENE 1

// PIN for the buttons
byte buttonOne = 28;

//Bounce debouncer[NUMBUTTONS];
int buttonOneoldValue;


// Pin definitions
#define DIGITAL_INPUT_INT 28   // The digital input you attached your interrupt  (Only 2 and 3 generates interrupt!)


// Sensor messages
MyMessage msgOn(CHILD_ID_SCENE, V_SCENE_ON);

// Global settings
uint16_t SceneOne = 0;
uint16_t SceneTwo = 1;


void blinkityBlink(uint8_t repetitions) {
  for (int x=0;x<repetitions;x++) {
    digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,HIGH);
    wait(20);
    digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,LOW);
    wait(100);
    digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,HIGH);
    wait(20);
    digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,LOW);    
    if (x<(repetitions-1)) {  //skip waiting at the end of the final repetition
      wait(500);
    }
  }
}


/****************************************************
 *
 * Setup code 
 *
 ****************************************************/
 
void setup() {
  
  hwPinMode(LED_BUILTIN,OUTPUT_D0H1);
  blinkityBlink(2);  //signify power-up and start of operations

  NRF_CLOCK->INTENSET=B11;  //enable interrupts for EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED and  EVENTS_LFCLKSTARTED
  NRF_CLOCK->TASKS_HFCLKSTART=1;  //start the high frequency crystal oscillator clock
  while (!(NRF_CLOCK->EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED)) {} //wait until high frequency crystal oscillator clock is up to speed and working
                                                
  hwPinMode(DIGITAL_INPUT_INT, INPUT_PULLUP);
    
    /// Make input & enable pull-up resistors on switch pins
  hwPinMode(buttonOne, INPUT_PULLUP);
  buttonOneoldValue = -1;
  

  sendBattLevel();
  

}

void presentation()  {
  sendSketchInfo(SN, SV);
  //present the scene controller to gateway
  wait(10);
  present(CHILD_ID_SCENE, S_SCENE_CONTROLLER);
      
  wait(10);
}


/***********************************************
 *
 *  Main loop function
 *
 ***********************************************/
void loop() {
  
  // Check for button activity
     
  int value = digitalRead(buttonOne);
    
  if (value != buttonOneoldValue)
    {
      // Send in the new value
      if (value == LOW)                                                      
      {
        send(msgOn.set(SceneOne));
        
        wait(20);

        send(msgOn.set(SceneTwo));

        sendBattLevel();
              

      }
      buttonOneoldValue = value;
    }
    
  sleep(digitalPinToInterrupt(DIGITAL_INPUT_INT), CHANGE, 0);  
  
}




/********************************************
 *
 * Sends battery information (battery percentage)
 *
 * Parameters
 * - force : Forces transmission of a value
 *
 *******************************************/
void sendBattLevel()
{
    long vcc = hwCPUVoltage();
  
    // Calculate percentage

    vcc = vcc - 1800; // subtract 1.9V from vcc, as this is the lowest voltage we will operate at
    
    long percent = vcc / 14.0;
    sendBatteryLevel(percent);    
  
}

I noticed that the chip sais:
N51822
QFABC0
1646UU

QFAB translates to 16kB RAM, 128kB flash and I can not even select this option in the arduino IDE. Can this be the problem?

@d00616 refer to his document for some high current consumption issue but I'm not sure what to do with the info.

Is there something wrong with my sketch or is there just an old crappy chip on the device??

MiKa

Same result, battery out within few days, I want to do a check of current consumption, but not yet free time...
I want to try this:
https://github.com/ThingPulse/ESP8266PowerMonitor
https://thingpulse.com/2018/02/25/esp8266-monitoring-power-consumption/

Nca78

@korttoma have you tried the code @NeverDie put together using the LPCOMP ? With a QFAAH0 (which I believe is the same version than QFABC0, but with 256K flash) he went down to something like 4µA.
From the document you link, anomaly 70, it will be necessary to add an extra wait of 36us after that line, it's strange that @NeverDie never had any problem with it. Or maybe I misunderstand the document

void activateLpComp() {
...
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->EVENTS_READY)) {}  //wait until ready
...
}

Test code from @NeverDie using LPCOMP is here:
https://forum.mysensors.org/topic/6961/nrf5-bluetooth-action/1307

I will try it on my board (using a module with QFAAH0) tomorrow, if power consumption is as low as expected I'll try on the beacon board.

[Edit] Just checked quickly my "beacon" board and it's using a QFAAH1 chip (made in 2017), so the test might not be relevant...

NeverDie

I don't remember. I've lately been using LoRa modules, plus getting distracted by CNC, so my nRF5 work has been on hold. I'm hoping that d00616 continues to work on the software though so that more than one nRF5 interrupt can be active at a time.

korttoma

@nca78 thanks for the hint.

I tried to merge my sketch with the code provided by @NeverDie but I can not seem to get it to detect my button and I don't quite understand where I should attach my button that is on pin 28 to the interrupt thingie.

Here is my code now:

//This sketch is applicable to Coincell Multisensor nRF51822, version 10

// Define a static node address, remove if you want auto address assignment
//#define MY_NODE_ID 26                                                          // Kök
#define MY_NODE_ID 27                                                          // Test device
                                                  

// Enable and select radio type attached

#define MY_RADIO_NRF5_ESB

#define SN "NRF5 Scene"
#define SV "1.0"

#define CHILD_ID_SCENE 1

//#define MY_CORE_ONLY


#define IS_NRF51  //true iff the target is an nRF51.  If an nRF52, then comment this line out!

// PIN for the buttons
byte buttonOne = 28;

//Bounce debouncer[NUMBUTTONS];
int buttonOneoldValue;


// Pin definitions
//#define DIGITAL_INPUT_INT 28   // The digital input you attached your interrupt  (Only 2 and 3 generates interrupt!)


//#define I2C_INTERRUPT_PIN PIN_BUTTON1
//#define LEAK_DETECTION_PIN PIN_BUTTON1

#include <nrf.h>
#include <MySensors.h>

volatile bool button_pressed=false;

// Sensor messages
MyMessage msgOn(CHILD_ID_SCENE, V_SCENE_ON);

// Global settings
uint16_t SceneOne = 0;
uint16_t SceneTwo = 1;

void blinkityBlink(uint8_t pulses, uint8_t repetitions) {
  for (int x=0;x<repetitions;x++) {
    for (int i=0;i<pulses;i++) {
      digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,HIGH);
      wait(20);
      digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN,LOW);
      wait(100);
    }    
      wait(500);
  }
}

void disableNfc() {  //only applied to nRF52

#ifndef IS_NRF51
  //Make pins 9 and 10 usable as GPIO pins.
  NRF_NFCT->TASKS_DISABLE=1;  //disable NFC
  NRF_NVMC->CONFIG=1;  // Write enable the UICR
  NRF_UICR->NFCPINS=0; //Make pins 9 and 10 usable as GPIO pins.
  NRF_NVMC->CONFIG=0;  // Put the UICR back into read-only mode.
#endif
}


void turnOffRadio() {
  NRF_RADIO->TASKS_DISABLE=1;
  while (!(NRF_RADIO->EVENTS_DISABLED)) {}  //until radio is confirmed disabled
}

void turnOffUarte0() {
#ifndef IS_NRF51  
  NRF_UARTE0->TASKS_STOPRX = 1;
  NRF_UARTE0->TASKS_STOPTX = 1;
  NRF_UARTE0->TASKS_SUSPEND = 1;
  NRF_UARTE0->ENABLE=0;  //disable UART0
  while (NRF_UARTE0->ENABLE!=0) {};  //wait until UART0 is confirmed disabled.
#endif

#ifdef IS_NRF51
  NRF_UART0->TASKS_STOPRX = 1;
  NRF_UART0->TASKS_STOPTX = 1;
  NRF_UART0->TASKS_SUSPEND = 1;
  NRF_UART0->ENABLE=0;  //disable UART0
  while (NRF_UART0->ENABLE!=0) {};  //wait until UART0 is confirmed disabled.
#endif
}

void turnOffAdc() {
#ifndef IS_NRF51
  if (NRF_SAADC->ENABLE) { //if enabled, then disable the SAADC
    NRF_SAADC->TASKS_STOP=1;
    while (NRF_SAADC->EVENTS_STOPPED) {} //wait until stopping of SAADC is confirmed
    NRF_SAADC->ENABLE=0;  //disable the SAADC
    while (NRF_SAADC->ENABLE) {} //wait until the disable is confirmed
  }
#endif
}


void turnOffHighFrequencyClock() {
    NRF_CLOCK->TASKS_HFCLKSTOP = 1;
    while ((NRF_CLOCK->HFCLKSTAT) & 0x0100) {}  //wait as long as HF clock is still running.
}


void mySleepPrepare()
{
  turnOffHighFrequencyClock();
  turnOffRadio();
  turnOffUarte0();
}
 

void activateLpComp() {
  //NRF_LPCOMP->PSEL=1; // monitor AIN1 (pin P0.03 on nRF52832 test board).
  //while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->PSEL==1)) {} //wait until confirmed
  NRF_LPCOMP->PSEL=3; // monitor AIN3 (pin P0.02 on nRF51822 for coincell_multisensor_v10)
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->PSEL==3)) {} //wait until confirmed
  NRF_LPCOMP->REFSEL=1;  // choose 1/4 VDD as the reference voltage
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->REFSEL==1)) {} //wait until confirmed
  NRF_LPCOMP->ANADETECT=1;  //detect UP events.
  while (NRF_LPCOMP->ANADETECT!=1) {} //wait until confirmed
  NRF_LPCOMP->INTENSET=B0100;  //Enable interrupt for UP event
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->INTENSET==B0100)) {} //wait until confirmed
  NRF_LPCOMP->ENABLE=1;  //Enable LPCOMP
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->ENABLE==1)) {} //wait until confirmed
  NRF_LPCOMP->TASKS_START=1;  //start the LPCOMP
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->EVENTS_READY)) {}  //wait until ready
  
  NVIC_SetPriority(LPCOMP_IRQn, 15);
  NVIC_ClearPendingIRQ(LPCOMP_IRQn);
  NVIC_EnableIRQ(LPCOMP_IRQn);
}

void suspendLpComp() { //suspend getting more interrupts from LPCOMP before the first interrupt can be handled
  if ((NRF_LPCOMP->ENABLE) && (NRF_LPCOMP->EVENTS_READY)) {  //if LPCOMP is enabled
    NRF_LPCOMP->INTENCLR=B0100;  //disable interrupt from LPCOMP
    while (NRF_LPCOMP->INTENCLR==B0100) {} //wait until confirmed
  }
}

void resumeLpComp() { //suspend getting interrupts from LPCOMP
  NRF_LPCOMP->INTENSET=B0100;  //Enable interrupt for UP event
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->INTENSET==B0100)) {} //wait until confirmed
}

/****************************************************
 *
 * Setup code 
 *
 ****************************************************/
 
void setup() {

  hwInit();
  hwPinMode(LED_BUILTIN,OUTPUT_D0H1);
  disableNfc();
  turnOffAdc();
  activateLpComp();
  blinkityBlink(2,1);  //Signify end of setup with two quick pulses.
  mySleepPrepare();
  button_pressed=false;

  //NRF_CLOCK->INTENSET=B11;  //enable interrupts for EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED and  EVENTS_LFCLKSTARTED
 // NRF_CLOCK->TASKS_HFCLKSTART=1;  //start the high frequency crystal oscillator clock
 // while (!(NRF_CLOCK->EVENTS_HFCLKSTARTED)) {} //wait until high frequency crystal oscillator clock is up to speed and working
                                                
  //hwPinMode(DIGITAL_INPUT_INT, INPUT_PULLUP);
    
    /// Make input & enable pull-up resistors on switch pins
  hwPinMode(buttonOne, INPUT_PULLUP);
  //buttonOneoldValue = -1;
  

  //sendBattLevel();
  

}

void presentation()  {
  sendSketchInfo(SN, SV);
  //present the scene controller to gateway
  wait(10);
  present(CHILD_ID_SCENE, S_SCENE_CONTROLLER);
      
  wait(10);
  sendBattLevel();
  
}

void sendBattLevel()
{
    long vcc = hwCPUVoltage();
  
    // Calculate percentage

    vcc = vcc - 1800; // subtract 1.9V from vcc, as this is the lowest voltage we will operate at
    
    long percent = vcc / 14.0;
    sendBatteryLevel(percent);    
  
}

void loop() {

  sleep(10000);  //sleep for 5 seconds.
  mySleepPrepare();  //An ounce of prevention: Turn-off HF clock, etc, ASAP to save power, just in case the library's sleep() routine resumed them.
  if (button_pressed) {   //if a leak is detected
    suspendLpComp(); //suspend LPCOMP to prevent multiple interrupts
    //blinkityBlink(10,3);  //blink a lot to show that a leak was detected.
    send(msgOn.set(SceneOne));
        
        wait(20);

        send(msgOn.set(SceneTwo));

        sendBattLevel();
    button_pressed=false;  //Clear the semaphore
    NRF_LPCOMP->EVENTS_UP=0;  //Clear the semaphore
    resumeLpComp();  //operations of LPCOMP were suspended after detecting the LPCOMP iterrupt
  }
  else {
    blinkityBlink(1,1);  //otherwise, just one short blink to indicate the wakeup was scheduled by the RTC
  }
}


// * Reset events and read back on nRF52
//* http://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/pdf/nRF52_Series_Migration_v1.0.pdf
 
#if __CORTEX_M == 0x04
#define NRF5_RESET_EVENT(event)                                                 \
        event = 0;                                                                   \
        (void)event
#else
#define NRF5_RESET_EVENT(event) event = 0
#endif


// This must be in one line
extern "C" { void LPCOMP_IRQHandler(void) {button_pressed=true; NRF5_RESET_EVENT(NRF_LPCOMP->EVENTS_UP); NRF_LPCOMP->EVENTS_UP=0; MY_HW_RTC->CC[0]=(MY_HW_RTC->COUNTER+2);}}

I thought that I should do it like this:

void activateLpComp() {
   NRF_LPCOMP->PSEL=28; // monitor AIN3 (pin P0.02 on nRF51822 for coincell_multisensor_v10)
  while (!(NRF_LPCOMP->PSEL==28)) {} //wait until confirmed

But then it does not seem to run the loop anymore because I do not get the 10s blink.

Toyman

Guys, help me understand: when do I need to enable DC-DC?
My breakout board consists of Ebyte module and a couple of buttons. Battery is CR2450 directly connected to the module.
Do I need DC-DC?

NeverDie

@toyman With DC-DC, it uses roughly half the current during Tx and Rx. Seems like a no brainer to me, but you don't literally "need" to have it. I'm not aware of any downsides to it.

Toyman

@neverdie thx. What is needed hardware-wise? Two inductors between dc and dec4? Like in your breakout board?

NeverDie

@toyman Correct. You can review the schematic for this project: https://www.openhardware.io/view/472/Ebyte-nRF52832-Prototyping-Board

korttoma

I guess this is why I cant get LPCOMP to work on the device.

Eight input options (AIN0 to AIN7)

I would have to use the analog inputs because pin 28 is just a general purpose I/O pin.

Toyman

ebyte module is currently on sale at roughly $2.5
Total bargain!

Nca78

@korttoma using MySensors NRF5 boards you should be able to assign one AINx pin to physical pin 28.
The index you need to put in the code is the AIN index not the pin number.

korttoma

@nca78 sorry but I cannot figure out how to do this. Should I do it in the MyBoardNRF5.cpp, MyBoardNRF5.h or in the sketch?

Nca78

@korttoma sorry I said stupid things as I'm a beginner too, you can't reassign analog inputs and LPCOMP to different pins on NRF5 chips.

korttoma

@nca78 it is ok, I think I will have to set up a test system with a different device with witch I can measure current consumption, attach serial logging and then try to fiddle with the code. I'm flying in the dark with this bluetooth beacon device since I cannot access any pins.

Toyman

@neverdie thx. Why don't you have a capacitor between DEC4 to GND? I can see only 2 inductors, while Nordic power guidelines prescribe an LC filter between DCC and DEC, ie inductors and a capacitor. nrf52dk also has it.

NeverDie

@toyman I guess I made an error then. Thanks for pointing that out. In general, I haven't gotten much feedback on the PCB's that I've posted, so any feedback is always appreciated.

Omemanti

@neverdie Question is, did the DC/DC still work without the cap?

NeverDie

@omemanti said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

@neverdie Question is, did the DC/DC still work without the cap?

I believe it did. If you look at: https://www.openhardware.io/view/471/Ebyte-nRF52832-Small-Breakout-Board
which has the inductors soldered on, I believe that is the one that I tested. Enough time has passed though that I can't be 100% sure now. I made a number of different variations, and I didn't post all of them.

Omemanti

nough time has passed though that I can't be 100% sure now. I made a number of different variations, and I didn't post all of them

I used your schematic for a PCB I ordered yesterday :), did saw the post about the cap until it was too late
part of the game!

Edit: according to your post https://forum.mysensors.org/topic/6961/nrf5-bluetooth-action/797 it did work

Nca78

http://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.nordic.infocenter.nrf52832.ps.v1.1%2Fpower.html&anchor=concept

I will try it on my board (using a module with QFAAH0) tomorrow, if power consumption is as low as expected I'll try on the beacon board.

@NeverDie I have tried the sketch nearly unchanged (only changed to lines because I use pin P0.01 so AIN2) and my current consumption is a bit over 30uA, do you have any idea of what I should check ? (I tried with both versions 0.1 and 0.3 of MySensors NRF5 boards).
At the moment my board only has a led and a DRV5032FB (<<1uA) in addition to the nrf51 module.

Toyman

Just to close the loop on DC-DC:

Figure 2

NeverDie

do you have any idea of what I should check ?

Have you tried disabling serial?

Nca78

Have you tried disabling serial?

Your code does it.

NeverDie

Unsure then.

Nca78

@NeverDie I have tried the sketch nearly unchanged (only changed to lines because I use pin P0.01 so AIN2) and my current consumption is a bit over 30uA, do you have any idea of what I should check ? (I tried with both versions 0.1 and 0.3 of MySensors NRF5 boards).
At the moment my board only has a led and a DRV5032FB (<<1uA) in addition to the nrf51 module.

Ok, case closed, it was just because the SWD pins were still connected to my NRF52 DK. When I just connect VCC and GND it's down to something a bit below 5uA. I'm using a multimeter and DK is at 2.8V so real consumption will be a bit higher. But it should give me a battery life around 1year for my bedroom doors, so I'll just use my nrf51 modules for that and move to the more interesting nrf52.

korttoma

@nca78 would you mind sharing your sketch files for your door sensors?
As I'm not a programmer and not so good at programing I usually rely on example code to get anything done. More examples gives me more understanding how things should be done.

Nca78

@korttoma sure I will when I make them next week, I just tested with LFCOMP script from neverdie at the moment.

Yveaux

@toyman I guess I made an error then. Thanks for pointing that out.

I actually think you were correct in your design, @NeverDie

A while ago part of the e73-2g4m04s schematic was posted on this forum:

0_1521921760777_50a5af75-12b9-4d4e-b33b-b6a9645d88ae-image.png

Clearly the inductors to use the DC/DC converter are not connected to DCC. There is however a capacitor C17 from DEC4 to GND.

The Nordic reference schematic shows the missing L2 and L3, but capacitor C10 is actually present in the e73-2g4m04s (the mentioned C17, albeit only 100nF instead of 1.0uF in the reference):

0_1521921849048_cdb5eb86-ea5e-4392-b3a7-2e3d4c4a92f0-image.png

Therefore I think your breakout is correct, as only the inductors between DCC and DEC4 need to be added to match the reference schematic

0_1521922345076_889e8f1b-b94f-4c8c-aa8b-2c0d341fae1c-image.png

NeverDie

@yveaux

Nca78

@korttoma said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

@Mika what is your experience regarding battery consumption on these?

LINK

I put together a sketch witch seems to work fine but one CR2032 just lasts a couple of days.
I noticed that the chip sais:
N51822
QFABC0
1646UU

QFAB translates to 16kB RAM, 128kB flash and I can not even select this option in the arduino IDE. Can this be the problem?

@d00616 refer to his document for some high current consumption issue but I'm not sure what to do with the info.

Is there something wrong with my sketch or is there just an old crappy chip on the device??

So I tried your code with a more recent version of the chip and I have a power consumption around 1mA.
This is not surprising because in fact issue 39 seems to not be completely fixed, if I believe this link:
https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/577/current-consumption-when-using-rtc-ppi-and-gpiote#post-id-18533

"The third revision hardware of the nRF51 has a solution for the GPIOTE OUT tasks, which has very low current consumption (<1uA). The third revision nRF51 hardware will be released in a few days. The third revision hardware still does not have a solution for the GPIOTE IN events, they still consume high current, so for low current applications, use the GPIOTE PORT event instead or the app_button libary."

From what I see it was never fixed.

gohan

I'm seeing a special offer for this at 2€ with coupon https://www.aliexpress.com/item/nRF52832-2-4GHz-Wireless-rf-Module-CDSENET-E73-2G4M04S-SPI-SMD-rf-Receiver-transmitter-Bluetooth-Module/32819293925.html
Should i go ahead?

NeverDie

@gohan Gee, I don't know. Can you really afford $2.55?

gohan

I don't know if it is a good one and I already have a bunch of stuff I bought still in the drawer

NeverDie

@gohan For the price, it's good. I like Fanstel's better, but they have fewer exposed pins and cost more.

korttoma

use the GPIOTE PORT event instead or the app_button libary.

Thanks again for pointing out a possible solution but again I do not know how. I will just have to be patient and wait for someone to post an example of how to use one of the methods you mentioned.

smilvert

I have started to test a NRF51822

and I can upload to it with Arduino IDE but I want to use vim + platformio. And I think i'm quite close

When I ran platformio upload --target upload

GNU MCU Eclipse 64-bits Open On-Chip Debugger 0.10.0+dev-00392-gbe9ef0b0 (2018-01-12-14:56)
Licensed under GNU GPL v2
For bug reports, read
http://openocd.org/doc/doxygen/bugs.html
0x4000
Info : The selected transport took over low-level target control. The results might differ compared to plain JTAG/SWD
adapter speed: 1000 kHz
Info : Unable to match requested speed 1000 kHz, using 950 kHz
Info : Unable to match requested speed 1000 kHz, using 950 kHz
Info : clock speed 950 kHz
Info : STLINK v2 JTAG v17 API v2 SWIM v4 VID 0x0483 PID 0x3748
Info : using stlink api v2
Info : Target voltage: 3.225841
Info : nrf51.cpu: hardware has 4 breakpoints, 2 watchpoints
Info : Listening on port 3333 for gdb connections
target halted due to debug-request, current mode: Thread
xPSR: 0xc1000000 pc: 0x000021a4 msp: 0x20004000
** Programming Started **
auto erase enabled
Warn : Unknown device (HWID 0x000000d1)
Warn : using fast async flash loader. This is currently supported
Warn : only with ST-Link and CMSIS-DAP. If you have issues, add
Warn : "set WORKAREASIZE 0" before sourcing nrf51.cfg/nrf52.cfg to disable it
target halted due to breakpoint, current mode: Thread
xPSR: 0x61000000 pc: 0x2000001e msp: 0x20004000
wrote 33792 bytes from file .pioenvs/nrf51_dk/firmware.hex in 1.594509s (20.696 KiB/s)
** Programming Finished **
** Verify Started **
target halted due to breakpoint, current mode: Thread
xPSR: 0x61000000 pc: 0x2000002e msp: 0x20004000
verified 32960 bytes in 0.236646s (136.015 KiB/s)
** Verified OK **
** Resetting Target **
shutdown command invoked

and the output in Arduino IDE looks like:

Open On-Chip Debugger 0.10.0-dev-00254-g696fc0a (2016-04-09-12:07)
Licensed under GNU GPL v2
For bug reports, read
	http://openocd.org/doc/doxygen/bugs.html
debug_level: 0
0x4000
adapter speed: 1000 kHz
nrf51.cpu: target state: halted
target halted due to debug-request, current mode: Thread 
xPSR: 0xc1000000 pc: 0x0000251c msp: 0x20004000
** Programming Started **
auto erase enabled
nrf51.cpu: target state: halted
target halted due to breakpoint, current mode: Thread 
xPSR: 0x61000000 pc: 0x2000001e msp: 0x20004000
wrote 31744 bytes from file /tmp/arduino_build_390477/Si7021_TemperatureNode_v007_voltage__version_7_board_.ino.hex in 1.500105s (20.665 KiB/s)
** Programming Finished **
** Verify Started **
nrf51.cpu: target state: halted
target halted due to breakpoint, current mode: Thread 
xPSR: 0x61000000 pc: 0x2000002e msp: 0x20004000
verified 31580 bytes in 0.234860s (131.312 KiB/s)
** Verified OK **
** Resetting Target **
shutdown command invoked

and my platfromio.ini looks like:

[env:nrf51_dk]
platform = nordicnrf51
framework = arduino
board = nrf51_dk
upload_protocol = stlink

Should I modify the nrf51_dk.cfg or can anyone see whats the problem is?

gohan

What interface do you guys suggest for programming the nrf52832?

Nca78

@korttoma said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

@nca78 said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

use the GPIOTE PORT event instead or the app_button libary.

Thanks again for pointing out a possible solution but again I do not know how. I will just have to be patient and wait for someone to post an example of how to use one of the methods you mentioned.

I'm trying to implement it right now, not really useful for me as I will only have one beacon board for which I will need it, but it's a good occasion to learn. I'll post my results here, but probably next week as I'll have short holidays

korttoma

@nca78 no hurry

Toyman

@gohan you mean programmer? Nothing beats DK with jlink.
Other options: jlink EDU, DIY BlackMagicProbe or STLink

gohan

ok, I bought 2 of the nrf52 at half the price, now what would be the cheap solution among the programmers? Jlink is on the pricy side.

Nca78

@gohan said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

ok, I bought 2 of the nrf52 at half the price, now what would be the cheap solution among the programmers? Jlink is on the pricy side.

Cheap jlink clones with 4 wires from AliExpress/Ebay seem to work. So does the ST-Link v2 which is probably the cheapest option.

gohan

I got kind of lost with all those jlink clones with so many different versions. The ST-Link V2 I found it on digikey and similar sites for around 18/19€, is it the right one?

Omemanti

@gohan I use both the ST-LinkV2 (2 dollars from eBay) and the NRF52832-DK both work like a charm.

Omemanti

@gohan LOL, i need to stop buying these things, got 12 just waiting to be used.. but at this price, its almost impossible to not buy them

Toyman

@gohan said in nRF5 Bluetooth action!:

The ST-Link V2 I found it on digikey and similar sites for around 18/19€, is it the right one?

Don't do that. Either buy $2 clones or invest into DK or:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3571

gohan

Is this one ok? https://www.ebay.it/itm/ST-Link-V2-Programming-Unit-mini-STM8-STM32-Emulator-Downloader-M89/122178354704?hash=item1c7265be10:g:xx4AAOSwm7pZ2Kb-

NRF52832-DK is kind of way over budget

Omemanti

@gohan sure, I bought some of those. Works great. One crashed so now I bought a couple, just to be sure..

Nca78