Get started
with the nRF52840 DK
Congratulations on getting your nRF52840 DK!
On this page we'll show you how to connect and power up your nRF52840 DK, and what to expect when you do so.
This will take about 20 minutes.
NB! You need a reasonably current Windows PC to perform the following.
Other requirements:
Your nRF52840 DK must be running firmware v1.1.0 or later.
Kits with hardware revision 1.1.0 or later, are shipped with this firmware.
Click here for instructions.
Connect and test
the nRF52840 DK
- What's included with the kit: The nRF52840 DK board itself, and a flex NFC antenna (Pic.1).
- Connect the NFC antenna to the board. The connector is marked "NFC", and located on the edge of the board near the 4 buttons (Pic.2). Use a micro USB 2.0 cable to connect the nRF52840 DK to one of your PC's USB host ports. This provides power to the board, and supports target programming
- Flip the power switch to "on". Find it near the micro USB connector (Pic.3). A popup may appear. Ignore it for now.
- Confirm that LED 1 has started pulsating (Pic.4).
- Use the buttons SW1 to SW4 to control which LED is pulsating.
- Open a Windows file explorer. Confirm that the nRF52840 DK has appeared as a removable drive named "JLINK" (Pic.6). This allows you to program the onboard chip. You'll do this under "how to program the optional demos into your nRF52840 DK" below. Take out your smart phone and enable NFC, if available. If you don't know how to do this, consult the phone manual or Google " NFC enable".
- Once NFC is enabled, hold your phone close to the nRF52840 DK (Pic.7). Your phone will prompt you to open a URL. Please allow this. Your smart phone browser will then open this web page! This will also make it easier for you to install the nRF Toolbox mobile app. See below.
Optional demos
Download them from the 'Downloads' tab
- Heart rate monitor - fake EKG values are broadcasted by the nRF52840 DK. The nRF Toolbox app displays the curve.
- Proximity demo - activate LEDs on the nRF52840 DK using the nRF Toolbox mobile app.
Program optional demos
- Download demo zip files by clicking on the links above.
- Unzip and find a hex file and a readme document inside. The document describes how the demo works.
Video tutorials
View and learn
Bluetooth 5 - 2 Mbps
Bluetooth 5 - Long Range
nRF52840 DK
Concurrent Thread and Bluetooth 5
Getting started guide
In addition to the user guide for this devkit, you will also find good help to get started in the guide "nRF5 Getting Started", which encompasses several Nordic tools. Check it out!