ANT Forum

Hi,

Any module which supports ANT can be used to broadcast the ANT+ Fitness Equipment Control Device Profile, such as the N5 SoC Module Series. The N5 Starter Kit User Manual contains a programmer and instructions on setting up the ARM toolchain with Keil.

While I do not have a specific reference design available for FE-C, you could start working from one of the Bike Power examples, as FE-C closely resembles the ANT+ Bike Power Device Profile. The reference designs can be found in the chipset SDK (Screenshot Attached).

Cheers      

Hello,

I'm in similar position, I want to interface a recumbent bike trainer with FE-C. I need to receive resistance and send speed and power. I'm learning ANT now, new to it and would need some recommendation.

The bicycle power embedded reference design is written to what platform? Am I right to assume that I need and SDK and can run it on the FIT2/D52/N5 module?

My first idea was that I need an RF interface (like a BT module) what I buy as a unit (not a bga chip, but a built module) where some level of the protocol is implemented in my microcontroller. I've used to do projects like that, but as I understand now, with ANT it is different.
Am I understand well that the full protocol and the device profile is implemented on the FIT2/D52/N5 module?
If that is the case, the positive side for me is that I could use the reference design more, the negative side is that I have no experience with that sdk (some with Keil, but only to update things).

If that is the case, I guess I can implement the FE-C fully on the module and somehow periodically interface with my controller the 3 data I need, like through spi or whatever.

Can you guys please confirm or correct my assumptions?

Which module would you recommend to start with?

Thanks a lot,
JG      

The embedded reference design available on our website is based on the MSP 430. If you download the Nordic SDK for development on the D52/N5, that includes some ANT+ reference designs for the Nordic framework. For the FIT module line, the "FIT2 Fitness Module Datasheet" can be used as a reference (available on the downloads page).

A pre-built stack (called a SoftDevice) is available D52/N5 modules, which enables ANT protocol functionality. ANT+ profiles do not come pre-built with the SoftDevice. The Nordic SDK includes reference designs for how some profiles can be implemented on top of the SoftDevice stack.

Nordic has some good tutorials on how to use their development environments if you check on their website.

In terms of how to implement, you can either implement the application right on the SoC - no need for an external microprocessor, or develop the application on an external microprocessor - using a serial interface like SPI or UART to interface with the SoC. For the later scenario, Network Processor (available on the downloads page) needs to be loaded on the Nordic SoC, and the "Interfacing with ANT General Purpose Chipsets and Modules" document (also available on the downloads page) must be followed.

BK      

I am looking at using something like a raspberry pi to implement a bridge between computrainer and FE-C. I wanted to use the D52, but I read that the UART isn't supported; the computrainer requires a serial connection.

Does the linux SDK have an example implementation of ANT FE-C? Or is there one anywhere at all (besides in SimulANT)?
     

The D52 definitely supports UART, where did you find stated that it was not?      

Harrison - 01 November 2017 02:26 PM

The D52 definitely supports UART, where did you find stated that it was not?

I read through so many different documents that I'm honestly not sure any more. And it's entirely possible that I misunderstood.

You are saying that the D52 can support ANT+, BLE, and RS232 via UART all simultaneously?
     

Ah, thanks for the clarification, the D52 can support ANT+, BLE, and TTL UART (0V-VDD) concurrently. For RS-232 you'll need to do voltage level conversion, either building the circuitry yourself or using a device such as a MAX232.      

Harrison - 01 November 2017 02:55 PM

Ah, thanks for the clarification, the D52 can support ANT+, BLE, and TTL UART (0V-VDD) concurrently. For RS-232 you'll need to do voltage level conversion, either building the circuitry yourself or using a device such as a MAX232.

So it could definitely serve as a bridge between two devices--one serially attached, and one ANT+/BLE attached?