SDK Setup (Mac OS)

This page is all about getting your Mac compiling code for the nRF9160 Feather. Run into trouble during the process? Post your questions on the community forum.

Installing Extension

If you didn't already, install Visual Studio code. You can download it here.

Marketplace

Fortunately, it's a bit easier to get started with the VSCode extension. The VSCode is required along with a Python 3 and Git on your system before continuing. Arm64 Macs will require the additional install of ninja.

Once Visual Studio code is installed, download the extension here. 👈

The easiest way to install git, python3 and ninja (only required for Arm64 Macs) is with Homebrew.

> brew install git python3 ninja

Run Setup

Then open the command window (COMMAND+SHIFT+P on Mac or CTRL+SHIFT+P on other systems) and type Zephyr Tools: Setup

Setup

Init the repo

Then initialize this repo using the Zephyr Tools: Init Repo command:

Init repo

Make sure you use https://github.com/circuitdojo/nrf9160-feather-examples-and-drivers.git as the URL. It's best to select an empty folder to initialize the project to.

Then build the sample!

Build

You'll be prompted for a project and board. Make sure the board matches the supported boards. Current supported board targets include:

Here's what it will look like:

Choosing board Choosing app

Once the build completes you should get a Build complete! popup along with some success messages in the the terminal.

newtmgr (Used to load your application via USB serial bootloader)

newtmgr is the command line utility for loading code to your device. It is automatically installed with the VSCode extension. Lets configure it the rest of the way.

  1. If you'r on a newer version of OSX you'll need to install the drivers.

  2. Configuring is simple as running the Zephyr Tools: Setup Newtmgr command

    Setup newtmgr

    Select your serial port:

    Select serial port

    Then select the BAUD. (Important! The nRF19160 Feather only supports 1000000) Once complete you're ready to run the Zephyr Tools: Load via Bootloader command.

    Select baud

Testing it

Now you can get to playing around with some of the nRF9160 Feather example code! Remember you'll always have to open a terminal using the Toolchain Manager to build code!

You can quickly test if your SDK is set up correctly by checking out the samples.