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Use circuitdojo_feather_nrf9160 as the current Zephyr board target. From a Zephyr workspace, build the Hello World sample with west build -b circuitdojo_feather_nrf9160 samples/hello_world, flash it with west flash, then check the board’s serial output at 115200 baud. This confirms a basic Zephyr sample runs; it does not configure or verify cellular service.

1. Set up Zephyr and confirm the board target

Follow the Zephyr Getting Started Guide to install the development tools and SDK. From the Zephyr repository, install the SDK with:

west sdk install

The current Zephyr board page names this board circuitdojo_feather_nrf9160. If your installed Zephyr release does not recognize that name, check its available boards with west boards and consult the board catalog for that release. Zephyr’s application development documentation notes that flashing may require additional host tools; on Linux, access to a debug probe may also require udev rules.

The board page uses the unqualified target for its Hello World instructions. An older Zephyr tutorial uses circuitdojo_feather_nrf9160ns and a legacy newtmgr upload flow; do not substitute those historical instructions for the current basic bring-up path. Because Zephyr’s latest documentation changes over time, use the board page matching your installed release when reproducing a setup.

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2. Build Hello World

From the Zephyr repository root, run the command shown on the current nRF9160 Feather board page:

west build -b circuitdojo_feather_nrf9160 samples/hello_world

A successful build produces the application image for this board target. If west reports that the board is unknown, verify the spelling and check whether the installed Zephyr release includes the target.

3. Connect programming hardware and flash

The board documentation lists J-Link, nrfjprog, and nrfutil as available flash runners. It identifies a Tag Connect TC2030-CTX-NL connector and directs users to Nordic’s J-Link setup documentation. Make sure the appropriate probe, connector cable, and host software are available and correctly connected; the runner list does not mean a particular probe or cable is included with every board.

Rank #2
NRF52840 Development Board Module with 5.0 and 1MB Flash
  • [MULTI PROTOCOL CONNECTIVITY] The NRF52840 Development Board supports Bluetooth 5.0 Thread and 2.4GHz protocols providing versatile connectivity for IoT projects. Its advanced wireless capabilities ensure seamless integration with various devices and networks.
  • [HIGH MEMORY CAPACITY] With 1MB flash memory and 256KB RAM this board handles complex applications effortlessly. Ideal for data intensive tasks and advanced algorithm implementations in wearables and smart devices.
  • [POWERFUL PROCESSOR] Equipped with an ARM Cortex M4F processor and NRF52840 chip this board delivers high performance at 64MHz. Perfect for wearables and responsive keyboard applications.
  • [EASY MIGRATION] Compatible with Nano V2.0 and featuring a standard pinout this board allows smooth project transitions. Includes 3.7V Li Ion battery support and intelligent power management for extended use.
  • [VERSATILE EXPANSION] Offers ADC PWM SPI I2C UART USB and GPIO interfaces for flexible hardware integration. Supports various sensors and peripherals making it ideal for diverse IoT and prototyping projects.

Once the board and programming hardware are connected, flash the build from the same Zephyr workspace:

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west flash

If flashing fails, check the runner and host-tool setup for your Zephyr release and operating system, the probe connection, and any required Linux udev access rules. Zephyr’s flashing guidance recommends consulting the board documentation when flash support or setup details are incomplete.

4. Verify the board’s serial output

Open a serial terminal at 115200 baud. The board guide gives /dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART as a common Linux/macOS device path, but the actual port name depends on the host. Identify the serial device assigned to your board rather than assuming that example path applies. Hello World output in the terminal is the initial proof that the sample is running.

Rank #3
Nordic Semiconductor NRF6943 Cellular Evaluation Board, nRF9160, 700MHz-2.2GHz
  • EVALUATION BOARD: Nordic Semiconductor NRF6943 development platform featuring the nRF9160 cellular module for IoT applications
  • FREQUENCY RANGE: Supports dual-band operation across 700-960MHz and 1.71-2.2GHz frequency ranges for flexible connectivity options
  • CELLULAR CAPABILITY: Designed for testing and developing cellular IoT solutions with integrated nRF9160 system-in-package
  • DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM: Ideal for prototyping and testing cellular IoT applications with comprehensive debugging and programming features
  • COMPATIBILITY: Works with Nordic's development tools and software development kit for streamlined project implementation
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

5. Check LEDs and buttons with other samples

For additional board-level checks, the board page points to Zephyr’s Blinky and Button samples. Blinky exercises the board’s LED, while Button checks its switches. These complement the serial Hello World check by testing peripherals rather than just confirming that the basic sample starts.

What this bring-up does—and does not—verify

The nRF9160 Feather is designed for LTE-M and NB-IoT application development, and the board documentation lists support for peripherals including ADC, GPIO, I2C, PWM, SPI, UARTE, and watchdog. A successful Hello World build, flash, and serial check demonstrates basic Zephyr operation; it does not establish modem firmware status, SIM activation, carrier coverage, or LTE/GNSS operation. Those cellular requirements vary by hardware revision, region, and service provider and are not specified as a universal procedure on the current board page.

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