Unable to flash MDBT42Q with either Native WebIDE or Chrome - board now locked and unusable [SOLVED #13 post]

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by Robin

Sat 2019.10.26

EDIT:
Sun 2019.12.01
Solution suggested in post #13 does indeed work

Was in the process of attempting to resolve an issue for another forum post and needed to
flash to current version.

Didn't want to hijack the following as I'm not flashing a Puck, but this may be related as it appears still unresolved. (three weeks now without update)

Puck.js failed to update firmware; can't hard reset now

fr #7 http://forum.espruino.com/comments/14936620/

Still get the stuck uploading green bar, but an additional error using the native app.

Entering bootloader mode releasing button after one second and view red LED is illuminated

First attempt using WebIDE native app   v0.70.06
Note that the device was found blue and then connected green

TypeError: failed to execute 'requestDevice' on 'Bluetooth' required member filters is undefined.

Needed to close IDE, unpair device, then 'Add a Device' then pair then relaunch IDE. That worked great
until I tried the Chrome version. Then device becomes locked and unusable.

Second attempt using Chrome Version 77.0.3865.120 (Official Build) (64-bit)

https://www.espruino.com/ide/#

	LOADING ...
Found MDBT42Q, 1v99
Connected to Web Bluetooth, MDBT42Q 5389
Disconnected
>
Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...


Console output
 
No code in storage.
serviceworker> active
Handling URL "https://www.espruino.com/ide/"
No navigator.serial - Web Serial not enabled
ERROR: serial_frame: getPorts timeout, disabling
ERROR: getURL("/serial/ports") error : Not Found
/serial/ports doesn't exist - disabling WebSocket support
Couldn't connect to wss://localhost:31234 - disabling websockets for this session
>>> Connecting...
Set Slow Write = true
>>> Connecting to MDBT42Q 5389
BT>  Device Name:       MDBT42Q 5389
BT>  Device ID:         e/iYKbDcuVb1yiSIggpnaw==
>>> Connected to BLE
BT> Connected
>>> Configuring BLE...
BT> Got service
>>> Configuring BLE....
BT> RX characteristic:{}
>>> Configuring BLE....
>>> Configuring BLE.....
BT> TX characteristic:{}
>>> Configuring BLE.....
Set Slow Write = false
>>> BLE configured. Receiving data...
Connected [object Object]
Received a prompt after sending newline... good!
>>> Sending...
---> "\u0010print(\"<\",\"<<\",JSON.stringify(process.env),\">>\",\">\")\n"
>>> Sent
Got "< << {\"VERSION\":\"1v99\",\"GIT_COMMIT\":\"f0d66ba\",\"BOARD\":\"MDBT42Q\",\"FLASH\":524288,\"RAM\":65536,\"SERIAL\":\"27dd34cc-f06cc0ad\",\"CONSOLE\":\"Bluetooth\",\"MODULES\":\"Flash,Storage,net,dgram,http,NetworkJS,crypto,neopixel\",\"EXPTR\":536882348} >> >\r\n>"
[notify_info] Found MDBT42Q, 1v99
Loading https://www.espruino.com/json/MDBT42Q.json
Board JSON loaded
Firmware >1.43 supports faster writes over USB
Set Slow Write = false
FIRMWARE: Current 1v99, Available 2v04
Device found {"portName":"MDBT42Q 5389"}
[success] Connected to Web Bluetooth, MDBT42Q 5389
>>> Connected to Web Bluetooth, MDBT42Q 5389
Downloading https://www.espruino.com/binaries/espruino_2v04_mdbt42q.zip
>>> Downloading binary...
>>> Done.
BT> Disconnected (gattserverdisconnected)
Disconnect callback...
WARNING: [notify_warn] Disconnected
>>> Disconnected
stepFlashNordicDFU:  [object Object]
>>> Initialising...
connected to gatt server
found DFU service
found 2 characteristic(s)
[success] Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...
>>> Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...
>>> Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...
connected to gatt server
found DFU service
found 2 characteristic(s)
found packet characteristic
found control characteristic
enabled control notifications
transferring init
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
init packet already available, skipping transfer
transferring firmware
>>> Uploading...
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 4096 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 8192 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 12288 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 16384 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 20480 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 24576 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 28672 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 32768 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 36864 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 40960 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 45056 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 49152 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 53248 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 57344 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 61440 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written

Stalls with green progress bar at 20%

Second attempt

Device is not able to be paired at this point. It doesn't even appear as recognizable in the 'Add a Device' BT settings section.

No Compatible devices found

>>> Downloading binary...
>>> Done.
stepFlashNordicDFU:  [object Object]
>>> Initialising...
connected to gatt server
found DFU service
found 2 characteristic(s)
[success] Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...
>>> Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...
>>> Updating application: espruino_2v04_mdbt42q_app.bin...
connected to gatt server
found DFU service
found 2 characteristic(s)
found packet characteristic
found control characteristic
enabled control notifications
transferring init
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
init packet already available, skipping transfer
transferring firmware
>>> Uploading...
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 69632 bytes
crc32 not found, skipping CRC check
written 73728 bytes

Closed browser and reattempted

No chrome.serial - Chrome Serial disabled
No chrome.sockets - Chrome Socket disabled
serial_audio: Audio Sample rate : 48000
serial_audio: Audio Serial Baud 9600 Bit time 5
WebSocket relay support enabled - running in web browser
WebSocket localhost support (EspruinoHost) enabled - running in web browser
serial_frame: Running in a frame - enabling frame messaging
UTF8 Library loaded successfully
No chrome.fileSystem - Projects disabled
No chrome.storage API - disabling Offline mode
Initialising SettingsConsole
Initialising Utils
Initialising Config
Initialising Notifications
Initialising Status
Initialising App
Initialising File
Initialising Code
Initialising Serial
  - Initialising Serial Web Audio
  - Initialising Serial Web Bluetooth
  - Initialising Serial Web Serial
  - Initialising Serial Websocket Relay
  - Initialising Serial Websocket to EspruinoHost
  - Initialising Serial window.postMessage
Initialising SerialWebSocketRelay
Initialising SerialWebSocketLocal
Initialising Terminal
Initialising CodeWriter
Initialising Modules
Initialising Env
Initialising Flasher
Initialising EditorBlockly
Initialising EditorJavaScript
Initialising Send
Initialising MenuPortSelector
Initialising MenuSettings
Initialising MenuFlasher
Initialising SettingsAbout
Initialising SettingsFlasher
Initialising BoardJSON
Initialising VersionChecker
Initialising Compiler
Initialising Assembler
Initialising GetGitHub
Initialising Unicode
Initialising Minify
Initialising Pretokenise
Initialising SaveOnSend
Initialising SetTime
Initialising Tutorial
Initialising Webcam
Initialising FontSize
Initialising UiMode
Initialising URLHandler
Initialising CodeLink
Initialising Testing
Initialising Notification_Sound
Initialising Tern
Initialising Debugger
Initialising Tour
Initialising SettingsProfile
Initialising HelpLinks
Initialising Arrows
Initialising CoreModules
Loaded code from storage.
serviceworker> active
Handling URL "https://www.espruino.com/ide/"
No navigator.serial - Web Serial not enabled
ERROR: serial_frame: getPorts timeout, disabling
ERROR: getURL("/serial/ports") error : Not Found
/serial/ports doesn't exist - disabling WebSocket support
Couldn't connect to wss://localhost:31234 - disabling websockets for this session
>>> Connecting...
Set Slow Write = true
BT> ERROR: NotFoundError: User cancelled the requestDevice() chooser.
ERROR: [notify_error] Connection Failed.
>>> Connection Failed.
>>> Connecting...
Set Slow Write = true
BT> ERROR: NotFoundError: User cancelled the requestDevice() chooser.
ERROR: [notify_error] Connection Failed.
>>> Connection Failed.

Windows10

Went to provide console output for native WebIDE app, but as device is now not recognized, get the 'No ports found' error when attempting to connect.

We have chrome.serial - not using 'serialport' module
Noble: module couldn't be loaded, no node.js Bluetooth Low Energy  Error: No compatible USB Bluetooth 4.0 device found!
Disable Web Bluetooth as we have Winnus instead
serial_audio: Audio Sample rate : 48000
serial_audio: Audio Serial Baud 9600 Bit time 5
GET chrome.storage.sync = {"AUTO_SAVE_CODE":true,"BAUD_RATE":9600,"BLOCKLY_EXTENSIONS":"|bluetooth|robot|","BLOCKLY_LANGUAGE":"en","BLOCKLY_TO_JS":false,"BOARD_JSON_URL":"http://www.espruino.com/json","CODE":"// TestNFCvCard.js\n// Sat 2019.10.26\n\n\n\n// http://forum.espruino.com/conversations/315526/#comment14959445\n// https://www.espruino.com/NFCTag\n\n\n\nvar data = new Uint8Array(16+768);\ndata.set(\"\\x00\\x00\\xE1\\x10\\x60\\x00\\x03\\x00\\xFE\", 0x0A);\n//var tag = require(\"NFCTag\").create(data);\n\n\n//Test vCard\nvar tag = require(\"NFCvCard\").create(data);\n\n\n\n\n\n//[eof]","COMPILATION":true,"COMPILATION_URL":"https://www.espruino.com/service/compiler","DISABLE_CODE_HINTS":false,"ENABLE_Testing":false,"ENV_ON_CONNECT":true,"FONT_SIZE":12,"MINIFICATION_DeadCode":true,"MINIFICATION_LEVEL":"","MINIFICATION_Literal":true,"MINIFICATION_Mangle":true,"MINIFICATION_Unreachable":true,"MINIFICATION_Unused":true,"MODULE_AS_FUNCTION":false,"MODULE_EXTENSIONS":".min.js|.js","MODULE_MINIFICATION_LEVEL":"ESPRIMA","MODULE_PROXY_ENABLED":false,"MODULE_PROXY_PORT":"","MODULE_PROXY_URL":"","MODULE_URL":"https://www.espruino.com/modules","OFFLINE_DATA":"","OFFLINE_DATA_DOWNLOAD":"","OFFLINE_DATA_UPLOAD":"","OFFLINE_ENABLED":false,"RESET_BEFORE_SEND":true,"SAVE_ON_SEND":0,"SERIAL_AUDIO":"0","SERIAL_TCPIP":"","SERIAL_THROTTLE_SEND":false,"SET_TIME_ON_WRITE":false,"SHOW_CODE_LINK_ICON":false,"SHOW_WEBCAM_ICON":0,"STORE_LINE_NUMBERS":true,"Sound_Error":"","Sound_Info":"","Sound_Success":"","Sound_Warning":"","Speak_Error":false,"Speak_Info":false,"Speak_Success":false,"Speak_Warning":false,"UI_MODE":"Normal","WEBCAM_CONSTRAINTS":0,"projectEntry":"DAC3B543885408F1D2551F8C13C954F9:EspruinoNFC"}
Initialising SettingsConsole
Initialising Utils
Initialising Config
Initialising Notifications
Initialising Status
Initialising App
Initialising File
Initialising Code
Initialising Serial
  - Initialising Serial Chrome Serial
  - Initialising Serial Chrome Socket
  - Initialising Serial Windows Bluetooth LE
  - Initialising Serial Web Audio
  - Initialising Serial Web Bluetooth
Initialising Terminal
Initialising CodeWriter
Initialising Modules
Initialising Env
Initialising Flasher
Initialising EditorBlockly
Initialising EditorJavaScript
Initialising Send
Initialising MenuPortSelector
Initialising MenuSettings
Initialising MenuFlasher
Initialising SettingsAbout
Initialising SettingsFlasher
Initialising BoardJSON
Initialising VersionChecker
Initialising Compiler
Initialising Assembler
Initialising GetGitHub
Initialising Unicode
Initialising Minify
Initialising SaveOnSend
Initialising SetTime
Initialising Tutorial
Initialising Webcam
Initialising FontSize
Initialising UiMode
Initialising URLHandler
Initialising CodeLink
Initialising Project
Initialising Testing
Initialising Notification_Sound
Initialising Tern
Initialising Debugger
Initialising Tour
Initialising SettingsProfile
Initialising HelpLinks
Initialising Offline
Loaded code from storage.
GET chrome.storage.local.OFFLINE_DATA = 0 bytes
Web Bluetooth available, but Windows Web Bluetooth is broken in <68 - not using it

Tried the five second hard reset, but still not seen

http://www.espruino.com/MDBT42Q

Found this for STM32

https://www.espruino.com/Serial+Bootloader

Are there instructions on how to flash NRF52 using the UART?

EDIT: > http://www.espruino.com/MDBT42Q#serial-console

---

Attachments:

• MDBT42Q20191027UpdateFailedChrome.jpg

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by @allObjects

@robin, I'm surprised seeing you using Espruion Web IDE for updating MDBT42Q based Espruino! How could I have missed that this is now released / available... Documentation at http://www.espruino.com/Puck.js#firmware-updates still requires you to use the same process as from the very beginning...

The only common thing across all boards is the reset: power on with button pressed.

That it fails is - I assume - that a different boot loader is used than the other Espruino boards (chips) do.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by Robin

Thanks for responsding @allObjects

'How could I have missed that this is now released / available...'

Are you being factitious here?

There is more confusion added as others were trying also, as the firmware is accessible in the download list with the native app. Also confusing is the native app is title Espruino WEB IDE

Did I misunderstand this comment then? *(posts 7 thru 10)

ref#9 http://forum.espruino.com/conversations/338136/#14936620

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by @allObjects

The context makes it clear. Still same process as documented at http://www.espruino.com/Puck.js#firmware­-updates.

There may be other native apps or chrome things available that do the DFUing - other than the above mentioned links mentions... but for sure not the Espruino Web IDE (for programming).

That

the firmware is accessible in the download list

means only: this are the different builds of the firmware.

If it talks and walks like a duck...

That is too fuzzy... like a duck chicks actually are.

Every A is a B, but not every B is an A. A corollary in Object-Oriented programming when it is about classes and inheritance.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by Robin

'but for sure not the Espruino Web IDE (for programming)'

Then the option for performing the install for nRF devices needs to be removed . . . .

re: 'the firmware is accessible in the download list'
(as the WebIDE flash option self detects and enables the ability to start the flash process)

I wont be the only one that falls into this trap!

Just installed nRF-Connect, we'll try that first. . . .

Attachments:

• MDBT42QFirmwareOption20191027.jpg

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by @allObjects

the install for nRF devices needs to be removed

Not really...

As the NOTE 'right there' - * IN BOLD AND ALL CAPS * - says:

---

Attachments:

• espruinoFlasher.png

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by Robin

Ahhh, but I followed the instruction:

"Normal Firmware Update"
"Just click the button below and follow the on-screen instructions."

re: 'Not really...'

Why provide the trap at all? Any beginner will follow the same instruction for 'Normal' as did I.

nRF-Connect doesn't recognize the device either.

So, . . .

Tried online Web Bluetooth Secure DFU from post #9 from link in post #1 above

but don't even make it as far (32768 bytes) as @AkosLukacs did (270336) in post #10 same link

Might be relevant 32768 == 0x8000

From Chrome console when stalled: DOMException

found DFU service
web.html:140 found 2 characteristic(s)
web.html:140 found packet characteristic
web.html:140 found control characteristic
web.html:140 enabled control notifications
web.html:140 transferring init
web.html:140 init packet already available, skipping transfer
web.html:140 transferring firmware
web.html:140 written 32768 bytes
web.html:1 Uncaught (in promise) DOMException

---

Attachments:

• DFU32768bytesFail20191027wConsole.jpg

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by @MaBecker

Hi Robin,

as @allObjects say, only „nRF-Connect“ will to the job.

Used it many times with ios and android phones without any problems.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by @MaBecker

Or try this desktop version

https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-Tools/Development-Tools/nRF-Connect-for-desktop

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by Robin

Thanks @MaBecker

Upgraded from v2.4.0 to V3.2.0 using your link. But still doesn't recognize the MDBT42Q. Tried both just powering up, the one second button release and the five second hard reset.

I suppose a reboot of Windows10 might be the next step. Don't have iOS or a smart phone to try the android version.

EDIT: Just tried on the old laptop with a BLE dongle, that hadn't lost pairing, but get the same stalled progress as in #7 image.

And, same error 'Windows Web Bluetooth is broken in <68' when using the native WebIDE to just connect:

Loaded code from storage.
GET chrome.storage.local.OFFLINE_DATA = 0 bytes
Web Bluetooth available, but Windows Web Bluetooth is broken in <68 - not using it
>>> Connecting...
Set Slow Write = true
ERROR: Unable to open device (connectionInfo=undefined)
ERROR: [notify_error] Connection Failed.
>>> Connection Failed.

---

Attachments:

• nRFConnectNoDevices20191027.jpg

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-27 by Robin

The following was attempted using a TTL converter with Tx->Rx and Rx->Tx per:

http://www.espruino.com/MDBT42Q#serial-console

and connect using a Com port rather than Bluetooth.

Used the old standby laptop with the BLE dongle with pairing still in tact.

Tried the web launch from page link from: > http://www.espruino.com/Download#puckjs

http://www.espruino.com/webide

Initialising Tour
Initialising SettingsProfile
Initialising HelpLinks
Initialising Offline
Initialising CoreModules
No code in storage.
GET chrome.storage.local.OFFLINE_DATA = 0 bytes
Handling URL "http://www.espruino.com/webide"
>>> Connecting...
Set Slow Write = true
Unable to open device (connectionInfo=undefined)
ERROR: Unable to open device (connectionInfo=undefined)
ERROR: [notify_error] Connection Failed.
>>> Connection Failed.

Back to the native WebIDE app using the TTL converter and Com port

Initialising Tour
Initialising SettingsProfile
Initialising HelpLinks
Initialising Offline
Loaded code from storage.
GET chrome.storage.local.OFFLINE_DATA = 0 bytes
Web Bluetooth available, but Windows Web Bluetooth is broken in <68 - not using it
>>> Connecting...
Set Slow Write = true
Unable to open device (connectionInfo=undefined)
ERROR: Unable to open device (connectionInfo=undefined)
ERROR: [notify_error] Connection Failed.
>>> Connection Failed.

So it appears the inability to complete the flash process *(using DFU)* prevents the existing corrupted (previous) flashed version from being accessible. Again tried a hard reset also. Device still unusable.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-28 by @allObjects

What you may have ended up by using STM / Espruino boot loader based firmware updater on the nrf5x / Raytec based boot loader device is a bricked BLE connectivity.

Btw, for the com port connection to work correctly as by Espruino doc, you still need to have a working Espruino REPL on your device... And even if it (would still) work/s, you still cannot update Espruino BLE Espruino device via Espruino IDE...

To get your device back in working BLE boot loader mode / sw update OTA, you may need to walk the path of Recover from a bricked nrf52 device . Check these links as a 'boot strap links' to all the details you need to consider:

• How to recover bricked nRF52832 with ST Link? - https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/22886/how-to-recover-bricked-nrf52832-with-st-link
• Custom board bricked - https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/1700/custom-board-bricked

Take also a look at http://www.espruino.com/datasheets/nRF52832_PS_v1.0.pdf - p. 70+. 16 Debug and trace / 16.2 16.2 CTRL-AP - Control Access Port

[gfwilliams]

Posted at 2019-10-28 by @gfwilliams

This was all explained in this thread which you were involved in, but I'll point it all out here to be totally clear:

• It seems Web Bluetooth updates don't work for Windows, either via the browser or Native IDE - I believe they did at some point in the past, but not now.
• Web Bluetooth updates do work on Linux, Mac, Android and Chromebook
• Pairing in Windows has no effect. The bootloader's BLE name is 'DfuTarg' so you won't expect to see it in the normal IDE's connection options.
• Yes, the option should be disabled in Windows - however none of the instructions for firmware updates instruct you to use the Web IDE. Everything is open source so you are willing to contribute a change for this if it bothers you. edit: I have now disabled Web Bluetooth updates for windows
• The bootloader is fine, your board is not bricked. You just need to re-flash the firmware successfully.
• There is no UART bootloader. You have to update via Bluetooth LE
• By far the easiest option is to follow the instructions on http://www.espruino.com/Puck.js#firmware-updates with an Android or iOS phone or tablet

I understand that you don't have a smartphone. Do you have a tablet? Do you know anyone with a smartphone that you can borrow?

I'm pretty sure this has come up previously and you did manage to update firmware on Puck or a Pixl. What did you do then?

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-28 by @allObjects

@gfwilliams, does Web Bluetooth work running in a Linux - such as Ubuntu - as guest in virtual box vm on a windows host, such as @robin may have?

If so, this is really an easy setup... and the few megs/gigs such an environment requires are usually (still) available. Setting up c:/ root as shared folder gives access to all files to from within Ubuntu. Virtual box and Ubuntu are free and easy to use.

[gfwilliams]

Posted at 2019-10-28 by @gfwilliams

does Web Bluetooth work running in a Linux - such as Ubuntu - as guest in virtual box vm

Oof. Maybe, but I wouldn't hold out high hopes. If you're going to do that I'd either:

• Use a Raspberry Pi
• Install Ubuntu on a USB stick (super easy), reboot into it, and use Chromium/Chrome web browser on there to do the update

Or in the UK you can buy Android mobile phones good enough for flashing brand new for around £30, so I doubt they'd be more than $40 in the US - even less if you go second hand.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-10-28 by Robin

Mon 2019.10.28

Thank you all for the responses.

Will respond to individual questions later this week. Will consider options and work on over next weekend. . . .

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-11-30 by Robin

Thr 2019.11.28

' work for Windows, either via the browser or Native IDE - I believe they did at some point in the past, but not now.'

Yep. I used the Windows version ~nine months ago to upgrade the same MDBT42Q. Totally surprised when it failed this time.

'Do you have a tablet?'

Yes, but even with side-loading still doesn't recognize the device. It is three years old, so maybe BLE wasn't totally supported then.

'good enough for flashing brand new for around £30, so I doubt they'd be more than $40 in the US - even less if you go second hand.'

Had considered that option, but . . . , it isn't the cost of the hardware that is the issue, it's the connection plan. Even with a basic one month no commitment accessible discount card, still puts that ~$40 and the hardware ~$40 at a cost to flash one existing board that exceeds purchasing two new MDBT42Q breakout boards direct!

> 'Do you know anyone with a smartphone that you can borrow?' > 'What did you do then?'

It was with a Puck and had to wait until a Holiday when an individual willing to d/l to their device was in town. Amazing how protective individuals are when (even offering a stipend) asking to download an unknown app to program my device on to their phone. In any event, friend in town and got it done with an Apple iPhone. Incidentally, moving the zip file into the workspace of the nRF_toolbox app for the 'choose Distribution Packet' step was an absolute nightmare. Convinced, I'll never need/use (for the monthly fee required) a smart phone for daily use, . . . Espruino testing/ connectivity, maybe.

Gotta go, there's an eighteen pound turkey waiting to be devoured . . . .

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-11-30 by @allObjects

...no plan needed for a smart phone... if Wifi enabled and connected to a Wfi LAN, there you go.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-11-30 by Robin

Sat 2019.11.30

'if Wifi enabled and connected to a Wfi LAN, there you go.'

A bit puzzled @allObjects, as the MDBT42Q breakout board is not a WiFi device. Also the detailed instructions under 'Firmware Update' specifically state "On your Bluetooth LE capable phone."

Was the intent to use the WebIDE? No, as that #1 is what caused this headache in the first place a month ago. Not grasping the 'WiFi' solution through all the 'BLE' fog. ;-)

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-11-30 by @allObjects

...nothing to be puzzled about: the phone gets you BLE AND Wifi: BLE to talk to the Espruino BLE boards and Wifi to go to the internet or your local Wifi LAN. With Wifi you get www and your locally connected computers. With that you get what you need from there and them, such as the flashing software and the flash images / binaries / etc... You don't even need to create a (S)FTP or Web server on your computer. Push comes to shove, email does it (most of the time if email provider is not shooting you in the foot because of data / intrusion security).

The phone was born as airtime voice phone only - but that's a while ago. Today, many apps now also use voice over IP, even the phones Phone app itself, and apps suich as What's up. Being connected to a Wifi (hotspot) LAN (that allows that), no need to have a phone (air and data) plan.

Not grasping the 'WiFi' solution through all the 'BLE' fog.

...neither did most of the classic computers and operating systems... until recently. The phones got it first, that's why they supported upload / flash tools first...

But: Well... I may be fogged as well... or not-so-well... weather has changed out here in the West since the holiday season began. Clear and blue is gone...

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-11-30 by Robin

I have had luck side-loading .apk files from Windows to an Android tablet, so I gather the concept for both the install of nRF-Toolkit.exe and espruinoxxxxx.zip would be similar? e.g. use the desktop to acquire both those files over the Internet, and through magic I've yet to discover, beam those files to the smart phone, (won't be eMail as WiFi would be needed, e.g. a plan - micro USB perhaps?) and then perform the install, move the .zip into that apps file space and re-flash at that point? It would be much nicer to have the WebIDE Windows option active again.

Correct me if my understanding is flawed, but doesn't the WiFi use of a smart phone require a SIM card, and now I recall there are low cost SIM options there also. I've heard other's purchasing second hand smart phones off eBay, but then get stung with the SIM card issue. The generic SIM cards at Target are ~$20, last time (months ago) I checked, piggy-backed on a plan, month-to-month being the shortest. If a SIM card is required, then might as well fetch directly and bypass the PC. Still not convinced what is outlined in pp.1 post #20 will work (micro USB maybe) without activating the smart phone.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-12-01 by AkosLukacs

Hey, if you have a tablet, that most likely has BLE too.
AFAIK, you don't need a SIM card to use wifi at all. You can use your wifi connection to perform all the smartphone-y things like installing apps from app-store and download emails.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-12-01 by Robin

Sun 2019.12.01

'if you have a tablet, that most likely has BLE too'

Answered that in second sentence in post #17 Three year old device recognizes PC but doesn't recognize BLE devices.

'AFAIK, you don't need a SIM card to use wifi'

Isn't the SIM card integral in allowing/exposing the MAC address in order to comm with other devices via any means? I was under the impression that mfg's protected their products this way.

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2019-12-01 by AkosLukacs

Ah, ok, forgot about #17...

My phone has different bluetooth and Wifi MAC addresses, different IP address when on mobile and on wifi. Those are independent.
On power up it asks for SIM PIN, to prevent unauthorized access. But with a wifi only tablet, you don't have a SIM card at all, and can still use wifi.