1️⃣ 🚆 MakerTrain: Pre-Departure Checklist - nRF SDK Setup

🐜 Metadata

In this section, we'll install the required software on our computer to prepare for the MakerTrain journey. We'll set up VS Code, the nRF Connect SDK, and the necessary toolchains so we can focus on the fun, hands-on building once we're onboard 🙌.

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👋 Welcome Aboard MakerTrain: A Hands-on Nordic Thingy:91X Workshop

You're about to begin an exciting journey using the powerful Nordic Thingy:91X. This is a self-paced, async-style workshop designed for makers, developers, and students who want to learn by building a real-world project step by step.

This workshop is structured across three interconnected Hackster projects:

🔗 Workshop Modules:

• 🚆 1️⃣ MakerTrain: Pre-Departure Checklist – nRF SDK Setup (you are here!)
• 🚆 2️⃣ Introduction to Thingy:91X & nRF Connect SDK – Learn about the board, run your first app.
• 🚆 3️⃣ Build an Environmental Monitoring System – Put it all together in a real-world project.

Each module builds on the previous one, so it's best to follow them in order. While this workshop is async (move at your own pace), we’ll also walk through each part during the live session.Let's get started 🎉. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 1. Install SEGGER J-Link v8.18

Download the installer for your platform from SEGGER J-Link Software. Run the installer; when you reach the ‘Choose Optional Components’ window during installation, be sure to select ‘Install Legacy USB Driver for J-Link’ This driver is necessary for some supported Development Kits.

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Step 2. Install nrfutil and the nrfutil device command

Download the binary compatible with your OS from the nRF Util product page and store it somewhere on your disk drive

For windows: "C:\nordic_tools\nrfutil.exe" and then

(Windows) Update your system’s PATH to include the location where nrfutil is stored. Open Edit environment variable for your account and add the path where you stored the nrfutil binary, as shown below:

For macOS or Linux: You can store it in a folder that is already added in the system’s PATH.

The nrfutil binary you just downloaded does not come with any pre-installed commands. In this step, we will upgrade the core nrfutil and download the device command.

To make sure we have the latest nrfutil version, run the following command in a terminal (Command Prompt or PowerShell). It doesn’t matter which terminal since nrfutil is set globally.

nrfutil self-upgrade

and then run below command to install the device so we can flash binaries later.

nrfutil install device

You should see the following output :

[00:00:02] ###### 100% [Install packages] Install packages

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Step 3. Install VS Code.

Go to https://code.visualstudio.com/download and install the version that matches your operating system.

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Step 4. Install nRF Connect Extension Pack.

In the Activity Bar, click the Extensions icon, then type nRF Connect for VS Code Extension Pack in the search field, and click on Install, as shown in the illustration below:

nRF Connect for VS Code extension pack consists of the following components:

• nRF Connect for VS Code: The main extension contains an interface to the build system and nRF Connect SDK. It also provides an interface to manage nRF Connect SDK versions and toolchains.
• nRF DeviceTree: Provides Devicetree language support and the Devicetree Visual Editor.
• nRF Kconfig: Provides Kconfig language support.
• nRF Terminal: A serial and RTT terminal.
• C/C++ from Microsoft: Adds language support for C/C++, including features such as IntelliSense.
• CMake: CMake language support.
• GNU Linker Map Files: Linker map files support.

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Step 5. Install Toolchain.

The toolchain is a set of tools that are used together to build nRF Connect SDK applications. It includes the assembler, compiler, linker, and CMake, among other tools.

Open the nRF Connect and choose the "manage toolchains"

then click the latest one, the toolchain will start download. If possible download the 2.9.0 also we need that for different example.

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Step 6. Install nRF Connect SDK.

In nRF Connect for VS Code, click on Manage SDKs. Through the Manage SDKs menu, we can install, uninstall nRF Connect SDK versions.

Click on Install SDK.

It will list the available versions of the nRF Connect SDK that can be downloaded and installed on your machine. Choose the nRF Connect SDK v3.0.0 for now.If possible download the 2.9.0 also we need that for different example.

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Step 7: Install nRF Connect for Desktop

nRF Connect for Desktop is designed to be used with our development kits and dongles. The apps will detect which kit you connected to your computer and upload the needed firmware. The kits supported by each app are listed in the documentation.

Download your proffered version from here Choose platform and version and then install it.

Step 7.1 Install nRF Programmer and Serial Terminal.

We will use these Programmer and Serial Terminal throughout our final project building. Please click install and install in your computer. You can also install other tools, later at the time of workshop you can try it out.

Programmer : The Programmer app lets you program Nordic SoCs. You can drag and drop your files and read, write or erase the device.Serial Terminal : This is a terminal emulator that can be used alongside other nRF Connect for Desktop applications as it allows COM Port sharing.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With this, we have completed the installation of nRF Connect SDK and VS Code. Ready to start your MakerTrain journey 🎉.

With this, we have completed the installation of nRF Connect SDK and VS Code.

Next Step - 2️⃣🚆MakerTrain: Introduction to Thingy:91x & nRF Connect SDK

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🧪 Additional Resource

If you're interested—or super excited—to dive deeper, don’t miss this:

👉 Nordic Developer AcademyA free learning platform by Nordic Semiconductor with hands-on courses on Cellular IoT, Bluetooth, and the nRF Connect SDK. Perfect for leveling up after this workshop!