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nRF (RAK, T114, Seed XIAO) based boards

This guide was written to support the MeshCore community and close identified gaps in the procedure for OTA updates. The procedure detailed may work on other platforms. No warranties expressed or implied; updates always come with inherent risks. Your mileage may vary, void where prohibited. Not to be used for maintenance of aircraft engines. Driver carries no cash. Coffee may be hot. Safety not guaranteed.

Author: DroneUnit on WCMesh, https://discord.gg/wcmesh

This HOWTO is based on a few assumptions:

  • You have a nRF based board in need of update.
  • Your nRF based board is running MeshCore
  • Your nRF based board has a BLE antennae installed.
  • You have legitimate admin access for the repeater.
  • You have a basic understanding of using the MeshCore app to log in to and manage a repeater.

Prerequisites​

  • A MeshCore companion, in a "known/good" state for communication to your phone, and your repeater.
  • A MeshCore app for connectivity to the repeater.
  • Physical proximity to the repeater, as the process will be conducted over Bluetooth.
  • The 'nRF Connect' or 'nRF Device Firmware Update' app pre-installed on your phone.

Step 1: Retrieve the Firmware Update​

On your phone, browse to the MeshCore Web FLasher

Search for your board. In this example we will use "RAK WisBlock / WisMesh (RAK 4631)".

WisBlock Name Search

Select "Repeater".

WisBlock Repeater

The "Download" button has three options. Select the .ZIP file, and save to your device you'll be using in the field for this update procedure.

Rak downloads

Note what folder it saves to, you'll be uploading from there later.

Step 2: Connect to the Repeater, and Activate Bluetooth​

Log in to your repeater using the MeshCore app.

Select the "Command Line" option from the bottom of the app.

Type: start ota and press enter.

You should see a confirmation from the repeater, which looks like:

OK – mac: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx

start ota

If successful, Bluetooth is now active on the repeater.

Step 3: Using the nRF Apps​

Option A: nRF Connect​

Open nRF Connect, and click Scan in the upper right. You should see any Bluetooth device in range, including your WisBlock.

Click Connect to the right of the WisBlock's entry.

nRF connect name

Once connected, you should see a screen with a small button inside a circle that reads "DFU", which may be difficult to see outdoors under sunlight. Tapping that will allow you to browse to the downloaded .ZIP file and select it for upload.

nRF connect dfu

During upload a progress graph is displayed. Bluetooth file transfer is not expedient, this should take 2-6 minutes to complete. Upon successful upload the repeater should reboot, and be running the latest version, which can be verified through the MeshCore app.

nRF connect upload

Option B: nRF Device Firmware Update (DFU)​

Open nRF Device Firmware Update (it may also be labeled as DFU), and tap on Settings in the top right corner. Enable Packets receipt notification and change Number of Packets to 10 for RAK, 8 for T114.

dfu settings

Tap on the Select button next to File. This will allow you to browse to the downloaded .ZIP file and select it for upload.

The Select button next to Device should now be active. Tap on that to see any Bluetooth device in range, including your WisBlock. Tap on your WisBlock's name to select it.

dfu name

The Upload button should now be enabled. Tapping that will start the update process. During upload a progress bar is displayed. Bluetooth file transfer is not expedient, this should take 2-6 minutes to complete. Upon successful upload the repeater should reboot, and be running the latest version, which can be verified through the MeshCore app.

dfu upload