Meaning of CMS error 517?

[kamnxt]

Hi!

I'm trying to send SMS from a nRF9160 but the sending fails, with the following error printed in the console on SDK 2.2.0:
```
[00:00:32.671,417] <err> sms: Sending AT command failed, err=197125
[00:00:32.671,447] <err> sms: +CMS ERROR: 517
```

Sadly the CMS error list in the docs (https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/index.jsp?topic=%2Fref_at_commands%2FREF%2Fat_commands%2Ftext_mode%2Fcms.html) doesn't mention this error. I am getting it even when just calling with fixed strings like:
```sms_send_text("+47XXXXXXXX","test");```

Receiving SMS messages does work though, which leads me to think that any necessary connection is established for using SMS?

(PS: by the way, in "message format" (https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ref_at_commands/REF/at_commands/text_mode/cmgf_set.html) there is a typo in the example ("AT+CMFG" instead of "AT+CMGF"))

- Kamil

Update: I have tried to manually send an AT+CMGS with a message, both with and without the correct SMSC number, no luck. I have also checked that the SIMs (have tried with two different ones) have a SMSC number on them using this approach: (How to read the SMS centre number on the SIM card using AT command on the nRF9160?).

Am on LTE-M.

[Øyvind]

Hello  ,

What kind of SIM card are you using? Is this tested using the SMS sample or your own application? What modem FW are you running on the device? I have forwarded the question to our modem team.

Note that due to summer vacation period in Scandinavia a delayed answer must be expected.

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[kamnxt]

Have tried with a Hologram Hyper eSIM and a Com4 eSIM. Also tried using the SIM from my phone (didn't expect it to work, but somehow it received an automated message from my carrier telling me that my APN needs to be changed for MMS to work!). Running own application, can try to run SMS sample. Modem FW 1.3.5, also tested with 1.3.2.

[Øyvind]

Thanks for providing this information. The modem team have responded with the following information:

+CME ERROR code 517 – Modem not activated is valid only for AT%NCELLMEAS and it means that command can’t be performed if modem is not activated with AT+CFUN=1 or AT+CFUN=21.

Can you please verify that you enable the modem with CFUN=1? Do you have any logs that you can provide if that does not help?

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[kamnxt]

Hi, I am able to successfully receive SMS when I get this error. That should hopefully be proof enough that the modem is enabled?

Also, the error I am getting is a `CMS` and not `CME` error, do these have the same error reasons?

[Øyvind]

The "CMS ERROR:" is used as an error response for SMS related commands specified in 3GPP 27.005, and this seems to be expected as per AT Command syntax response. The error code 517 is not documented, only as "manufacturer specific". I've asked for more details in regards to this.

Are you able to provide modem trace or application logs for us to get a better understanding of the issue? Are you able to issue the AT+CFUN=1 before sending SMS to verify functionality?

[kamnxt]

9160> lte at AT+CGSMS?
+CGSMS: 1
OK
9160> lte at AT+COPS?
+COPS: 0,2,"24202",7
OK
9160> lte at AT+CFUN?
+CFUN: 21
OK
9160> lte at AT+CESQ
+CESQ: 99,99,255,255,21,59
OK
9160> radiolink sms send +47XXXXXXXX test
Sending SMS to +47XXXXXXXX with content test
DONE
[00:06:17.351,867] <err> sms: Sending AT command failed, err=197125
[00:06:17.351,898] <err> sms: +CMS ERROR: 517
9160> 

Also, the nRF9160 was able to successfully receive an SMS, with no issues.

The modem is enabled, CFUN=21. I can try capturing a modem trace if that helps. Any more information on the meaning of the "manufacturer specific" error code 517?

[Øyvind]

kamnxt said:

I can try capturing a modem trace if that helps.

Yes, please, that will be of great help for us.

kamnxt said:

Any more information on the meaning of the "manufacturer specific" error code 517?

Nothing at the moment as most of our developers are currently out on summer break. Hope to have more information from next week.

Kind regards,
Øyvind