[GH-ISSUE #181] nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle not showing in Webui

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:02:58 +00:00

Owner

Originally created by @DraconicNEO on GitHub (Jul 19, 2026).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/safijari/openpuck/issues/181

Recently picked up the nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle and tried to flash the uf2 firmware but it never shows up in the webui, and I did try both edge and chrome and multiple computers. However the result was always the same. It would not show up under the webui.

I tried using 0.9.31 and also tried using 0.9.1 and they still didn't work. I even tried updating the bootloader with the latest one on makerdiary's website (they were the same version but I still tried) and it still didn't change anything. I also tried using the factory reset version like suggested in #141 but no dice. Still doesn't show up in webui.

Originally created by @DraconicNEO on GitHub (Jul 19, 2026). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/safijari/openpuck/issues/181 Recently picked up the [nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle ](https://makerdiary.com/products/nrf52840-mdk-usb-dongle-w-case) and tried to flash the uf2 firmware but it never shows up in the webui, and I did try both edge and chrome and multiple computers. However the result was always the same. It would not show up under the webui. I tried using 0.9.31 and also tried using 0.9.1 and they still didn't work. I even tried updating the bootloader with the latest one on makerdiary's website (they were the same version but I still tried) and it still didn't change anything. I also tried using the factory reset version like suggested in #141 but no dice. Still doesn't show up in webui.

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:02:59 +00:00

Author

Owner

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 20, 2026):

Nice, I happened to order one of those today. It's a very neat little device. It won't show up in the web UI until you flash it with the openpuck firmware. Before you can do that, you'll need to adapt the code and build a new version to work the the board's layout as it's not the same as the promicro boards that openpuck is designed to run on. I hope to have a tinker with it this week. I can update here if I make any progress.

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 20, 2026): Nice, I happened to order one of those today. It's a very neat little device. It won't show up in the web UI until you flash it with the openpuck firmware. Before you can do that, you'll need to adapt the code and build a new version to work the the board's layout as it's not the same as the promicro boards that openpuck is designed to run on. I hope to have a tinker with it this week. I can update here if I make any progress.

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:00 +00:00

Author

Owner

@backdraft254-stack commented on GitHub (Jul 22, 2026):

Hi, I also have the same issue with makerdiary board, it seems that the code needs to be adjusted to work with other boards unfortunately

I got 3 boards available for testing:

HOLYIOT-21017-nRF52840 - no .uf2 support, only .hex
April USB Dongle 52840 (same as Nordic's USB dongle PCA10059) - .uf2 support
Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle - .uf2 support

Got all of the board schematics and documentation as well, if someone is willing to deep dive and build the version for other boards, that would be a dream come true!

Also mentioned here, but got no traction:
https://github.com/safijari/openpuck/issues/112#issuecomment-4982606109

@backdraft254-stack commented on GitHub (Jul 22, 2026): Hi, I also have the same issue with makerdiary board, it seems that the code needs to be adjusted to work with other boards unfortunately I got 3 boards available for testing: 1. HOLYIOT-21017-nRF52840 - no .uf2 support, only .hex 2. April USB Dongle 52840 (same as Nordic's USB dongle PCA10059) - .uf2 support 3. Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle - .uf2 support Got all of the board schematics and documentation as well, if someone is willing to deep dive and build the version for other boards, that would be a dream come true! Also mentioned here, but got no traction: https://github.com/safijari/openpuck/issues/112#issuecomment-4982606109

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:01 +00:00

Author

Owner

@l-steve-l commented on GitHub (Jul 23, 2026):

I don't mind tinkering with mine - I was looking through the build doc and I think this is the line thats what we have to play with:

make build FQBN=adafruit:nrf52:somethingelse
//or//
arduino-cli compile -b adafruit:nrf52:feather52840 --build-property "build.extra_flags=-DNRF52840_XXAA {build.flags.usb} -DCFG_TUD_HID=6 -DCFG_TUD_TASK_QUEUE_SZ=512 -DCFG_TUD_VENDOR_TX_BUFSIZE=256" OpenPuck

What is the FQBN for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle (thats the one I have and can test on) - I have no idea what that board is for the third portion - for the expected its feather52840

When I run - arduino-cli board list - with the MDK dongle in DFU (hold button when plugged in) - the result does not give me the FQBN
Port Protocol Type Board Name FQBN Core
COM8 serial Serial Port (USB) Unknown

@l-steve-l commented on GitHub (Jul 23, 2026): I don't mind tinkering with mine - I was looking through the build doc and I think this is the line thats what we have to play with: `make build FQBN=adafruit:nrf52:somethingelse` `//or//` `arduino-cli compile -b adafruit:nrf52:feather52840 --build-property "build.extra_flags=-DNRF52840_XXAA {build.flags.usb} -DCFG_TUD_HID=6 -DCFG_TUD_TASK_QUEUE_SZ=512 -DCFG_TUD_VENDOR_TX_BUFSIZE=256" OpenPuck` What is the FQBN for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle (thats the one I have and can test on) - I have no idea what that board is for the third portion - for the expected its feather52840 When I run - arduino-cli board list - with the MDK dongle in DFU (hold button when plugged in) - the result does not give me the FQBN `Port Protocol Type Board Name FQBN Core` `COM8 serial Serial Port (USB) Unknown`

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:01 +00:00

Author

Owner

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026):

In case anyone’s interested, I’ve put together a build for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle with a lot of help from Codex.

My dongle shipped reporting the S132 SoftDevice, so it needed reprogramming over SWD with Makerdiary’s official S140 6.1.1 + UF2 bootloader image. It’s fairly straightforward, but you’ll need something like a Raspberry Pi Debug Probe. The good news is that this only needs doing once. After that, updates are just a matter of dragging the Makerdiary OpenPuck UF2 file onto the dongle’s UF2BOOT drive.

There are links to the firmware release and full setup instructions at the top of the README in my fork:

https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck

In terms of how well it works, it’s been great so far. I’m getting a much more stable signal reading than I did with my Pro Micro boards, which tended to jump around quite a bit. Although the initial S140 programming is a little tedious, this could still be a nice option for people who want a more predictable board. Pro Micros are great for the price, but their quality and reliability can vary quite a lot.

Anyway, I hope this is useful to someone.

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026): In case anyone’s interested, I’ve put together a build for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle with a lot of help from Codex. My dongle shipped reporting the S132 SoftDevice, so it needed reprogramming over SWD with Makerdiary’s official S140 6.1.1 + UF2 bootloader image. It’s fairly straightforward, but you’ll need something like a Raspberry Pi Debug Probe. The good news is that this only needs doing once. After that, updates are just a matter of dragging the Makerdiary OpenPuck UF2 file onto the dongle’s UF2BOOT drive. There are links to the firmware release and full setup instructions at the top of the README in my fork: https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck In terms of how well it works, it’s been great so far. I’m getting a much more stable signal reading than I did with my Pro Micro boards, which tended to jump around quite a bit. Although the initial S140 programming is a little tedious, this could still be a nice option for people who want a more predictable board. Pro Micros are great for the price, but their quality and reliability can vary quite a lot. Anyway, I hope this is useful to someone.

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:02 +00:00

Author

Owner

@l-steve-l commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026):

In case anyone’s interested, I’ve put together a build for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle with a lot of help from Codex.

My dongle shipped reporting the S132 SoftDevice, so it needed reprogramming over SWD with Makerdiary’s official S140 6.1.1 + UF2 bootloader image. It’s fairly straightforward, but you’ll need something like a Raspberry Pi Debug Probe. The good news is that this only needs doing once. After that, updates are just a matter of dragging the Makerdiary OpenPuck UF2 file onto the dongle’s UF2BOOT drive.

There are links to the firmware release and full setup instructions at the top of the README in my fork:

https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck

In terms of how well it works, it’s been great so far. I’m getting a much more stable signal reading than I did with my Pro Micro boards, which tended to jump around quite a bit. Although the initial S140 programming is a little tedious, this could still be a nice option for people who want a more predictable board. Pro Micros are great for the price, but their quality and reliability can vary quite a lot.

Anyway, I hope this is useful to someone.

I just wanna confirm my dfu after updating outputs:
UF2 Bootloader 0.7.1 lib/nrfx (v2.0.0) lib/tinyusb (0.12.0-145-g9775e7691) lib/uf2 (remotes/origin/configupdate-9-gadbb8c7)
Model: Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle
Board-ID: nRF52840-MDK-USB-DONGLE
Date: Jul 20 2023
SoftDevice: S140 6.1.1

When I try to use the uf2 file on that repo I am seeing the same issue where upload to uf2boot the light flashes (like the update) then turns off but results in no changes.

@l-steve-l commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026): > In case anyone’s interested, I’ve put together a build for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle with a lot of help from Codex. > > My dongle shipped reporting the S132 SoftDevice, so it needed reprogramming over SWD with Makerdiary’s official S140 6.1.1 + UF2 bootloader image. It’s fairly straightforward, but you’ll need something like a Raspberry Pi Debug Probe. The good news is that this only needs doing once. After that, updates are just a matter of dragging the Makerdiary OpenPuck UF2 file onto the dongle’s UF2BOOT drive. > > There are links to the firmware release and full setup instructions at the top of the README in my fork: > > https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck > > In terms of how well it works, it’s been great so far. I’m getting a much more stable signal reading than I did with my Pro Micro boards, which tended to jump around quite a bit. Although the initial S140 programming is a little tedious, this could still be a nice option for people who want a more predictable board. Pro Micros are great for the price, but their quality and reliability can vary quite a lot. > > Anyway, I hope this is useful to someone. I just wanna confirm my dfu after updating outputs: `UF2 Bootloader 0.7.1 lib/nrfx (v2.0.0) lib/tinyusb (0.12.0-145-g9775e7691) lib/uf2 (remotes/origin/configupdate-9-gadbb8c7)` `Model: Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle` `Board-ID: nRF52840-MDK-USB-DONGLE` `Date: Jul 20 2023` `SoftDevice: S140 6.1.1` When I try to use the uf2 file on that repo I am seeing the same issue where upload to uf2boot the light flashes (like the update) then turns off but results in no changes.

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:02 +00:00

Author

Owner

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026):

In case anyone’s interested, I’ve put together a build for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle with a lot of help from Codex.
My dongle shipped reporting the S132 SoftDevice, so it needed reprogramming over SWD with Makerdiary’s official S140 6.1.1 + UF2 bootloader image. It’s fairly straightforward, but you’ll need something like a Raspberry Pi Debug Probe. The good news is that this only needs doing once. After that, updates are just a matter of dragging the Makerdiary OpenPuck UF2 file onto the dongle’s UF2BOOT drive.
There are links to the firmware release and full setup instructions at the top of the README in my fork:
https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck
In terms of how well it works, it’s been great so far. I’m getting a much more stable signal reading than I did with my Pro Micro boards, which tended to jump around quite a bit. Although the initial S140 programming is a little tedious, this could still be a nice option for people who want a more predictable board. Pro Micros are great for the price, but their quality and reliability can vary quite a lot.
Anyway, I hope this is useful to someone.

I just wanna confirm my dfu after updating outputs: UF2 Bootloader 0.7.1 lib/nrfx (v2.0.0) lib/tinyusb (0.12.0-145-g9775e7691) lib/uf2 (remotes/origin/configupdate-9-gadbb8c7) Model: Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle Board-ID: nRF52840-MDK-USB-DONGLE Date: Jul 20 2023 SoftDevice: S140 6.1.1

When I try to use the uf2 file on that repo I am seeing the same issue where upload to uf2boot the light flashes (like the update) then turns off but results in no changes.

Those deets match what I have. Double-check you're using the correct firmware for your bootloader.

If you're using the standard Makerdiary S140 bootloader, use:
https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck/releases/download/0.9.31-mdk1/OpenPuck-0.9.31-mdk1-makerdiary-mdk.uf2

If you've updated to the new MDK2 bootloader (released to fix a reset issue when changing modes), use:
https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck/releases/download/0.9.31-mdk2/OpenPuck-0.9.31-mdk2-makerdiary-mdk.uf2

Sorry for the extra bootloader update. I found a restart issue during mode changes that required a bootloader modification, but it shouldn't need changing again.

I've got to get some sleep now, but if it still won't install for you open an issue on my repo. Don't want to clog up things up here. I'll get back to you and figure it out.

Also I can't remember if it's in the notes, but if openpuck sucessfully boots, the LED should light up blue.

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026): > > In case anyone’s interested, I’ve put together a build for the Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle with a lot of help from Codex. > > My dongle shipped reporting the S132 SoftDevice, so it needed reprogramming over SWD with Makerdiary’s official S140 6.1.1 + UF2 bootloader image. It’s fairly straightforward, but you’ll need something like a Raspberry Pi Debug Probe. The good news is that this only needs doing once. After that, updates are just a matter of dragging the Makerdiary OpenPuck UF2 file onto the dongle’s UF2BOOT drive. > > There are links to the firmware release and full setup instructions at the top of the README in my fork: > > https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck > > In terms of how well it works, it’s been great so far. I’m getting a much more stable signal reading than I did with my Pro Micro boards, which tended to jump around quite a bit. Although the initial S140 programming is a little tedious, this could still be a nice option for people who want a more predictable board. Pro Micros are great for the price, but their quality and reliability can vary quite a lot. > > Anyway, I hope this is useful to someone. > > I just wanna confirm my dfu after updating outputs: `UF2 Bootloader 0.7.1 lib/nrfx (v2.0.0) lib/tinyusb (0.12.0-145-g9775e7691) lib/uf2 (remotes/origin/configupdate-9-gadbb8c7)` `Model: Makerdiary nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle` `Board-ID: nRF52840-MDK-USB-DONGLE` `Date: Jul 20 2023` `SoftDevice: S140 6.1.1` > > When I try to use the uf2 file on that repo I am seeing the same issue where upload to uf2boot the light flashes (like the update) then turns off but results in no changes. Those deets match what I have. Double-check you're using the correct firmware for your bootloader. If you're using the standard Makerdiary S140 bootloader, use: https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck/releases/download/0.9.31-mdk1/OpenPuck-0.9.31-mdk1-makerdiary-mdk.uf2 If you've updated to the new MDK2 bootloader (released to fix a reset issue when changing modes), use: https://github.com/stickman-dev/openpuck/releases/download/0.9.31-mdk2/OpenPuck-0.9.31-mdk2-makerdiary-mdk.uf2 Sorry for the extra bootloader update. I found a restart issue during mode changes that required a bootloader modification, but it shouldn't need changing again. I've got to get some sleep now, but if it still won't install for you open an issue on my repo. Don't want to clog up things up here. I'll get back to you and figure it out. Also I can't remember if it's in the notes, but if openpuck sucessfully boots, the LED should light up blue.

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:03 +00:00

Author

Owner

@l-steve-l commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026):

So - you don't need a "Raspberry Pi Debug Probe" - I just downloaded "mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" and flashed it using adafruit-nrfutil.exe :

https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_nRF52_nrfutil/releases/tag/0.5.3.post17 - nrfutil

.\adafruit-nrfutil --verbose dfu serial --package "x:\path\to\file\mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" -p COM# -b 115200

Adjust the path to the file and the com port to your DFU - then you can flash the uf2 linked above

But yes it works - blue light is on and the webconfig sees

@l-steve-l commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026): So - you don't need a "Raspberry Pi Debug Probe" - I just downloaded "mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" and flashed it using adafruit-nrfutil.exe : https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_nRF52_nrfutil/releases/tag/0.5.3.post17 - nrfutil `.\adafruit-nrfutil --verbose dfu serial --package "x:\path\to\file\mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" -p COM# -b 115200` Adjust the path to the file and the com port to your DFU - then you can flash the uf2 linked above But yes it works - blue light is on and the webconfig sees

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:04 +00:00

Author

Owner

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026):

So - you don't need a "Raspberry Pi Debug Probe" - I just downloaded "mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" and flashed it using adafruit-nrfutil.exe :

https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_nRF52_nrfutil/releases/tag/0.5.3.post17 - nrfutil

.\adafruit-nrfutil --verbose dfu serial --package "x:\path\to\file\mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" -p COM# -b 115200

Adjust the path to the file and the com port to your DFU - then you can flash the uf2 linked above

But yes it works - blue light is on and the webconfig sees

That method works with the original Makerdiary bootloader, but it wouldn't have worked with the previous MDK2 bootloader because serial DFU doesn't update the required UICR reset-pin configuration. Without that, mode switching falls back to a watchdog reset instead of a proper hardware reset.
That said, it's prompted me to come up with a solution that doesn't require an SWD debugger. I've now updated the bootloader to configure the UICR reset pin itself on first boot, so the latest release can be installed entirely using adafruit-nrfutil.
An SWD debugger is still useful as a recovery method if a flash fails, but it's no longer required for installation.
I think that covers the Makerdiary support for now. If anyone runs into problems installing or has questions, please open a discussion in my repository and I'll do my best to help.

@stickman-dev commented on GitHub (Jul 24, 2026): > So - you don't need a "Raspberry Pi Debug Probe" - I just downloaded "mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" and flashed it using adafruit-nrfutil.exe : > > https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_nRF52_nrfutil/releases/tag/0.5.3.post17 - nrfutil > > `.\adafruit-nrfutil --verbose dfu serial --package "x:\path\to\file\mdk_nrf52840_dongle_bootloader-0.11.0_s140_6.1.1.zip" -p COM# -b 115200` > > Adjust the path to the file and the com port to your DFU - then you can flash the uf2 linked above > > But yes it works - blue light is on and the webconfig sees That method works with the original Makerdiary bootloader, but it wouldn't have worked with the previous MDK2 bootloader because serial DFU doesn't update the required UICR reset-pin configuration. Without that, mode switching falls back to a watchdog reset instead of a proper hardware reset. That said, it's prompted me to come up with a solution that doesn't require an SWD debugger. I've now updated the bootloader to configure the UICR reset pin itself on first boot, so the latest release can be installed entirely using adafruit-nrfutil. An SWD debugger is still useful as a recovery method if a flash fails, but it's no longer required for installation. I think that covers the Makerdiary support for now. If anyone runs into problems installing or has questions, please open a discussion in my repository and I'll do my best to help.

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:04 +00:00

Author

Owner

@backdraft254-stack commented on GitHub (Jul 27, 2026):

@stickman-dev many thanks for the custom build, tested it out on my makerdiary board (installed as per your guide), it works perfectly!

@backdraft254-stack commented on GitHub (Jul 27, 2026): @stickman-dev many thanks for the custom build, tested it out on my makerdiary board (installed as per your guide), it works perfectly!

roman commented

2026-10-22 05:03:05 +00:00

Author

Owner

@Wingdom commented on GitHub (Jul 31, 2026):

I bought the Makerdiary Connect Kit hoping it would work like the MDK Dongle, but its just different enough that it needed it's own build. Between the work from @stickman-dev and @safijari I was able to get a working build - https://github.com/Wingdom/openpuck/releases

@Wingdom commented on GitHub (Jul 31, 2026): I bought the Makerdiary Connect Kit hoping it would work like the MDK Dongle, but its just different enough that it needed it's own build. Between the work from @stickman-dev and @safijari I was able to get a working build - https://github.com/Wingdom/openpuck/releases

roman referenced this issue

2026-10-22 05:07:18 +00:00

[PR #81] [MERGED] Controller Emulation using a Steam Deck #187

Rows
Columns

[GH-ISSUE #181] nRF52840 MDK USB Dongle not showing in Webui #81