This USB dongle/key type thing is a little unusual - it isn't a BLE adapter that you plug into a computer to add wireless capability. (If you do want something like that, our Bluetooth 4.0 USB Module will do the job nicely.) Instead, this is basically a minimal nRF52840 wireless microcontroller dev board on a stick. You can program it in Arduino or CircuitPython and it's completely standalone. This could be useful for some situations where you want to have a standalone BLE device that communicates with a USB host but without dealing with the operating system's BLE stack.

Each MDBT50Q-RX dongle comes pre-programmed with the TinyUF2 bootloader, which makes loading code onto it very easy (note that only the ones from Adafruit do this, its a special-order item). To enter the bootloader, hold down the dongle's button while inserting into USB. The button can be used in Arduino/CircuitPython as an input. There's also a single blue LED indicator. It's all very simple but we could see situations where perhaps this acts as a beacon, a OS-less BLE interface or bridge, or a compact development board for experimenting with the nRF52840.

The blue LED is connected to P1.13, set that pin to be an output and pull low to turn on the LED

The button is connected to P0.15, set that pin to be an input with an internal pullup - when pressed the pin will go low.

Of course the best way to program these chips is with the Nordic SDK. This chip also has some basic Arduino support, CircuitPython support, and is supported by MyNewt.

Pi Australia is operated by Little Bird, and we go to great lengths to ship your orders, often within minutes.

You can view shipping options and pricing at checkout without logging in.

For orders over 500g (such as bulky items), shipping may cost more than the initial estimate.

We deliver across Australia, and here are the options (based on your location; view them on the cart page):

• Standard Post: Starting at $7 (6+ business days, with tracking)
• Express Post: Starting at $11 (2+ business days, with tracking)
• Same Day Delivery: Available for Sydney orders.
• Non-metro WA, NT, SA, and TAS: May take an additional 2+ days.

Note: Some items, such as LiPo batteries, cannot be shipped by air. Express Post and international shipping won’t be available if these are included in your cart.

For international orders, here are rates for shipping to New Zealand (rates differ for other countries):

• Pack and Track: Starting at $12 (3+ days, with tracking)
• Express International: Starting at $16 (2-5 days, with tracking)

Shipping for heavier orders will depend on their weight.

Our address:
Little Bird
Unit 13,
8-12 Leighton Place
Hornsby, NSW 2077,
Australia
1300 240 817

For queries like whether we accept purchase orders (yes we sure do!) or if our prices include GST (they all do!), please hit us up via phone on 1300 240 817 or email us team@littlebird.com.au . We’re happy to assist with any product questions!

Sherpa Delivery Estimates

Auspost Express Post Delivery Estimates

Auspost Parcel Post Delivery Estimates