NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Michal — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:50:07 GMT

We still don't know exactly why it happens on one device and not the other, but what happens when you take care to turn off the modem gracefully, as can be read in modem loop whitepaper? Does the issue still persist in that case?

A comment from our expert on the modem loop restriction:

Please power off the modem gracefully instead of cutting the power, in order to avoid the reset loop restriction. By subscribing modem events (%MDMEV) the application is notified if the reset loop restriction has been activated. For development purposes, factory reset should clear also the reset loop restriction. Still, it is highly recommended to do the power off gracefully even during the development process, because continuous registration attempts to network could lead network to set some kind of blocking for the device.

Or is it always going into a modem loop regardless of whatever happens with the DK otherwise? What happens when you run AT%XFACTORYRESET on both DKs and then try again?

Best regards,

Michal

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Michal — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 15:53:19 GMT

Sorry for the delays, I have escalated it some more.

Best regards,

Michal

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Michal — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:57:35 GMT

This is fine in this one, but in general if there are any new issues, then it is the best to make a new ticket (and link the old one).

I have asked our developers if they know anything about this issue.

Best regards,

Michal

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 20:30:29 GMT

Hi Michal,
thank you.

yes, you are right.

Problem is:
Discrepancy between DK 1.1.0 and 1.1.3. With DK 1.1.0 on A1 network DK connects to network in a few seconds, with 1.1.3 reset loop occurs, and it connects after 4 minutes.

I can start a new ticket if you want, I thought that for solving this problem previous problems are relevant.

Best regards,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Michal — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:46:16 GMT

Hello Matija,

Just wanted to let you know, that I am getting ready to make an internal ticket about it, just trying to understand as much as possible first so that I can convey the information to the experts in an understandable manner.

In the future please make a new ticket when a new issue appears instead of just continuing in an old one, as it makes it much easier to clearly understand what is going on and we may be able to provide a better support.

[quote user="MatijaSmb"]Compiled and flashed and it works! But same code works differently on 1.1.0 DK and 1.1.3 DK.
I flashed both DK to firmware 1.3.5 so firmware version can't be a problem.

What is happening in a short.

Picture 1. DK 1.1.0 -> IBasis SIM card (A1 network) - Device connects to a network in a few seconds. No reset loop occurs.
Picture 2. DK 1.1.0 -> 1nce SIM card (T-Mobile network) - Device connects to a network after 8 minutes. No reset loop occurs.

Picture 3. DK 1.1.3 -> IBasis SIM card (A1 network) - Device connects to a network in a 4 minutes. Reset loop occurs.
Picture 4. DK 1.1.3 -> 1nce SIM card (T-mobile network) - Device connects to a network in a 4 minutes. Reset loop occurs.[/quote]

What I understand is that the current issue is that there is a discrepancy between DK 1.1.0 and 1.1.3 versions as written in that reply, right?

Best regards,

Michal

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Michal — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:22:25 GMT

Hello Matija,

Just wanted to let you know that I took over the case, since Naeem is going to be away.

I will look more into it next week.

Best regards,

Michal

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:47:39 GMT

Dear Naeem,

I'm sending you data for two performed tests with AT2 tracker.

Please note that in the second test with nrf9160 v.1.1.3 development kit reset loop occurs after two minutes.

In the attached .rar file I'm sending you Test time.txt from which you can see when the test started and ended.
Also for every test with different DK's I send you AT commands response from serial terminal, traces ( wireshark), and also screenshot of cellular monitor from which you can easily see bands, IP address, apn, signal strength, cell ID .. few moments after device connected to network.

Thank you for your support.
devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../DK-network-test.rar

Best regards,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 22:40:53 GMT

Dear Naeem,
Finally we made a progress! I tested it in Croatia and in one case DK works perfectly, but in some cases reset loop occurs.

I think that problem is both firmware and network. I don't understand why DK 1.1.0 and 1.1.3 behave different for same code and same SIM card.

In AT2 project I changed prj.conf file, and put following:

CONFIG_LTE_NETWORK_MODE_LTE_M_GPS=n
CONFIG_LTE_NETWORK_MODE_NBIOT_GPS=y

Compiled and flashed and it works! But same code works differently on 1.1.0 DK and 1.1.3 DK.
I flashed both DK to firmware 1.3.5 so firmware version can't be a problem.

What is happening in a short.

Picture 1. DK 1.1.0 -> IBasis SIM card (A1 network) - Device connects to a network in a few seconds. No reset loop occurs.
Picture 2. DK 1.1.0 -> 1nce SIM card (T-Mobile network) - Device connects to a network after 8 minutes. No reset loop occurs.

Picture 3. DK 1.1.3 -> IBasis SIM card (A1 network) - Device connects to a network in a 4 minutes. Reset loop occurs.
Picture 4. DK 1.1.3 -> 1nce SIM card (T-mobile network) - Device connects to a network in a 4 minutes. Reset loop occurs.

Picture 1.

Picture 2.

Picture 3.

Picture 4.

Best regards,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 10:56:35 GMT

Hi Matija,

Since the nature of issue has changed, that it works in one place and not in the other, I would suggest to make a new ticket and provide the modem traces for both cases so that they could be forwarded to the modem team for further analysis.

Nonetheless, your testing with different network providers and at different physical locations is valuable to narrow down the problem.

As per information you have provided:
1) Croatia: Precompiled code works (with both sims)
VSCode compiled does not work (with both sms)
2) Solvenia: Precompiled code works and connects to NBIOT network (both sims)
VSCode compiled works and connects to the LTEM network (both sims)

From these results, it clearly shown that the issue is coming from the network and not from the DK or the firmware. Do you agree?

Secondly, in Solvenia both networks are available (NBIOT and LTEM). Precompiled code connects with the NBIOT and the VSCode compiled connects with the LTEM network. This could be due to the configs settings. I just compiled (without any modification) the Asset Tracker V2, and I could see that "CONFIG_LTE_NETWORK_MODE_LTE_M_GPS=y" is set in the compiled configurations, and probably AUTO mode might be set in the precompiled.

From the documentation, when 99,99 is received for the +CSQ then we should use the +CESQ or %CESQ for notifications. Using the %CESQ notifications, you are getting the rsrp and rsrq values (and they are in agreement with the values you get from +CESQ).

/BR, Naeem

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 02:08:19 GMT

Dear Naeem,
I noticed one more interesting thing.
In every case, even in working case with precompiled code, commands AT+CSQ or AT+CESQ always gives me 99,99 return.

Currently I'm running precompiled code and cellular monitor in background, DK is connected to network, and in cellular monitor I see RSRP and RSRP. When I use commands CSQ and CESQ in terminal I get 99,99 return.
I got that return in the same moment when %CESQ giving me some meaningful return value.

You can see the output of the terminal. Maybe this is some clue? I hope so.

BR,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:18:06 GMT

Dear Naeem,

Problem is still unsolved, I tested it a lot and I have new findings.

I went to neighboring country Slovenia (I’m from Croatia) and in Slovenia device work on LTE-M, and not on NB-IoT in VSCode compiled case.

So my testing results are:

Croatia - precompiled code works for both iBasis and 1nce SIM cards on ver. 1.1.0 and 1.1.3 boards (Picture 1 and Picture 2). I previously thought that it doesn’t work anymore, but what happened is that it previously took around 5 minutes to connect, and now it takes around 20-25 minutes.
On Picture 1 and Picture 2 what I see is that in precompiled code modem gets in reset loops, with vscode compiled it don’t get in a reset loop (Picture 3).

Picture 1. IBasis Sim cards, precompiled code, Croatia - WORKS

Picture 2. 1NCE sim card, precompiled code, Croatia - WORKS

Picture 3. 1NCE and Ibasis sim cards, VScode compiled, Croatia – DOESN’T WORK

Slovenia- In Slovenia it works in all of 16 cases which I tried. I tried precompiled code from cellular monitor and VScode compiled code, DK 1.1.0 and DK 1.1.3 and also with 1nce and Ibasis SIM Cards. All DK’s on both SIM Cards work with precompiled code (From cellular monitor) and connect to NB-IoT network (Picture 4. and Picture 5.). In Slovenia also it took around 20 minutes to connect to NB-IoT and reset loop also occurs.

What is different for VScode compiled code for Asset Tracker than in Croatia (where device simply doesn’t connect), is that in Slovenia device connects to LTE-M network instead of NB-IoT (Picture 6., and Picture 7.).
It’s a strange thing, here are some of the important screenshots:

Picture 4. DK v.1.1.0, 1nce, precompiled code, WORKS

Picture 5. DK v.1.1.0, iBasis, precompiled code, WORKS

Here are the screenshots of VScode AT2 compiled code, it connects to LTE-M in Slovenia, in Croatia it doesn’t connect at all.

Picture 6. DK v.1.1.0, Ibasis, VSCode compiled code, WORKS on LTE-M

Picture 7. DK v1.1.0, 1nce SIM CARD, VS Code compiled, WORKS ON LTE-M

I also got the domestic SIM card from T-mobile Croatia, and same cases occurs.

Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.

Best regards,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:52:28 GMT

Hi Matija,

I am not sure why this could happen (that previously you were at least able to program a DK from cellular monitor and it would connect, but now that also does not work).

Could this be related to the Sim-card or network provider?
Previously you used IBasis Sim-card, can you make sure that the sim is active and have data balance?

Have you changed your physical location? What I can see from IBASIS website is that they have limited NB-IOT coverage in Croatia (maybe only in Zagreb, pls check).

Can you also retry the AT Client sample and see if it works as previously.

I will look more into it, but I do not have more ideas except asking for the modem trace and then providing to the modem team.

/BR, Naeem

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 23:47:09 GMT

Dear Naeem,
I still didn't solve the problem. I'm clueless.

Two weeks ago I tried on different computer. I got the same results as on my computer.

After that I bought new nrf9160DK kit from Mouser and it didn't helped.
What happened in those three weeks is that precompiled code, which worked before, don't work anymore on any of these DK's.

I tried with 3 SIM cards (1 SIM from 1nce and 2 SIM's from ibasis) and it doesn't work. Here are my today test results.

NRF9160DK v.1.1.0 - precompiled hex from cellular monitor (nrfconnect software)

IBASIS SIM card:

1NCE SIM card:

NRF9160DK v.1.1.3 - precompiled hex from cellular monitor (nrfconnect software)

IBASIS SIM card:

1NCE SIM card:

NRF9160DK v.1.1.3 - ASSET TRACKER sample (Visual Code)

IBASIS SIM card:

1NCE SIM card:

IBASIS SIM card use A1 provider (contracted), 1NCE SIM card use T-mobile provider.

Any suggestions? My whole project depends on this.

Thank you.

Best regards,
Matija Hrzic

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:21:19 GMT

Hello Matija,

I think your testing and debugging is helping to narrow down the issue.

Good to know that you have found the differences of flashing precompiled and the provided hex files.

But in the last message (snapshot below), you showed me the memory layout and I confirmed that mine also looks the same (with the top part appearing)

What happens if you click ok the "read" button?

I am not sure why such a thing could happen,

given that the HEX file is same, and the DK is working as well (at least with the pre-compiled hex).

could you also try to update NRF-Connect-For-Desktop and the programmer app.

I don't think it would help but you could try changing the DK, or using another computer for flashing.

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 23:46:25 GMT

Dear Naeem,
I still didn't figure out the problem.

I reinstalled nrf connect, vs studio, installed toolchain v 2.5.0, built evertyhing again, updated modem firmware to 1.3.5 Nothing helped.

But, I think that I found a pattern, I think that something with bootloader is problem.

When you flash yours or mine merged.hex you got this memory layout:

When I flash your or mine merged.hex I got this memory layout:

It's different memory layout. I don't get that top part after flashing same file.

For example: When I flash precompiled samples direct from nrfconnect, I got same memory layout as you when you flashed merged.hex.

So my conclusion is when I flash your or mine merged.hex, I don't get that top part in memory layout which you get after flashing same file.
Also, when I flash that precompiled sample from nrfconnect which work at my DK, my serial output has this part: Which in the case of merged.hex flash isn't there.

It's a really strange thing for me that you get that top part of memory layout after flashing my or your merged.hex. I when I flash same file I don't get that top part. When I have that top part (in the case of flashing precompiled sample) my DK works then, if I don't have that top part it doesn't work.

Best regards,
Matija Hrzic

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:58:09 GMT

Hello Matija,

I just erased whole chip and then flashed the same merged.hex. It is working good

and the memory layout is also matching with yours:

do you have updated modem-firm-ware?

you may check by updating that as well.

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:55:56 GMT

Dear Naeem,

my DK version is 1.1.0 too.
Besides this not working DK I have only custom boards with nrf9160. I will try on them.

"Another thing I can see is that the toolchain and the SDK version are not in match as shown by your snapshots. You may also make sure that they both (toolchain and the SDK version) are same and then you choose the "create new application" from under the "APPLICATION" menu, and then "copy a sample", and possibly try on another DK as well."

Tried this on above DK, it doesn't work. I will try this on custom board today.

I think that this could be interesting for you.
When I erase and write your merged.hex from: "C:\Users\Android\Desktop\case314847_ATV2\build\zephyr\merged.hex" .

Memory looks like this. Is there any chance that something isn't right with memory sections?

Best regards,
Matija Hrzic

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:57:29 GMT

This MERGED.HEX from your build folder is working with me.

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:49:06 GMT

Hi Matija,

Thank you for sending more details.

I am not sure why one file works but building locally does not work.

As the DK works with the pre-built hex, we cannot say there was issue with the hardware.

However, I would like to ask what is your hardware version?

Mine is 1.1.0 and on my DK, both the hex versions, one from my build folder and the other from your build folder, work well.

Do you by chance have another DK to test with?

Another thing I can see is that the toolchain and the SDK version are not in match as shown by your snapshots. You may also make sure that they both (toolchain and the SDK version) are same and then you choose the "create new application" from under the "APPLICATION" menu, and then "copy a sample", and possibly try on another DK as well.

BR, Naeem

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:19:20 GMT

Only .hex that works for my DK is this one from nrfconnect cellular monitor.

I opened file location and uploaded that .hex with nrf programmer and it works.

Here is the file devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../nrf9160dk_5F00_asset_5F00_tracker_5F00_v2_5F00_debug_5F00_2023_2D00_03_2D00_02_5F00_8f26142b.hex

Can you please see where is the difference between that working .hex and others .hex which I flashed but never worked for me?

BR,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 14:08:18 GMT

Dear Naeem,
I just can't figure it out what it's happening.

By "nothing changed" I meant that I didn't change anything in your file, or file name, or anything.
I flashed your app both through VS and nrf connect programmer, in both ways it doesn't work.

As you suggested, I'm sending you screenshots of everything and build log in text format.

devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../Build_2D00_log.rar

BR,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:00:58 GMT

Hello Matija,

I have compared the hex file which you have sent in your first response (2620.zephyr.hex), and it is very different from the merged.hex file that is in the build folder that I have shared with you.

[quote user="MatijaSmb"]then I uploaded merged.hex from your project, nothing changed.[/quote]

What you mean by "nothing changed"? Before flashing merged.hex, you have flashed using programmer and it was working. So nothing changed mean it is also working?

I can flash "merged.hex" from my build folder and here is the result. You can see it is working good.

I also see some differences in the merged.hex that you have shared (I am not sure what happend during build)

Another suggestion can be that you start with the asset_tracket_v2 application in the VS Code in ncs 2.4.2 and then show each step of your building configuration, building / compilation output, flashing log, and the output by showing snapshots.

BR, Naeem

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

MatijaSmb — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:51:40 GMT

Dear Naeem,
unfortunately, still not working.

When I upload ATv2 sample like before from programmer samples in nrfconnect. Everything works fine.

Sample Output:

then I uploaded merged.hex from your project, nothing changed.

Case Output:

Do you have any suggestions what should I try?
I need to make it work ASAP.

Thanks.

BR,
Matija

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Naeem Maroof — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:28:22 GMT

Hello Matija,

I am sorry for the delayed response.

As per your information, I started in ncs 2.4.2, and created a new application from samples and specified asset tracker v2

I just renamed it and changed nothing else.

I built it for nrf9160dk_nrf9160_ns board (showing my build configuration)

Build was successful, though I saw the same issue which you have mentioned about the NEWLIB.

I could see in the problem that NEWLIB config was assigned n

However, I checked in the ./build/zephr/.config to confirm that the configuration was applied.

I flashed it to the DK, and it was connecting to the network

I am attaching my whole project here if you want to flash it or see if there are any differences.

devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../case314847_5F00_ATV2.rar

Regards,

Naeem

RE: NRF9160DK not connecting problem when using library samples, works with AT commands

Michal — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:38:55 GMT

Thank you, I will test it on my side as soon as possible.

Best regards,

Michal