nRF9160 AT_client not working

[Mohammad Amin]

Hi,

I received my nRF9160 development board a week ago and tried to program it using the following guide:

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/tutorials/b/getting-started/posts/getting-started-with-nrf9160-dk?utm_campaign=1212+nRF91+launch&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=nRF9160+DK+getting+started+DevZone+blog

However, I have not any success. 

First of all, the guide is not compatible with the new SDK and there is no secure_boot app in the samples. But I think the "spm" project is its replacement. I programmed and ran the spm with "nrf9160_pca10090" as the board name and then ran at_client with "nrf9160_pca10090ns" as the board name. However, whenever I try to run an AT command using LTE Link monitor I get: Error: 'AT ' timed out. I tried to reset the board several times as in "https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/43180/nrf9160-dk-stopped-responding-to-at-commands/168837#168837" is suggesdted but it still is not working. 

Secondly, I tried to program "asset_tracker" which is in the application folder to the board but it does not work at all. I do not have any output at the LTE link monitor and no LED is blinking. Can please someone help me to program the board properly? Is there any other setting to be set?

[Hakon]

Hello, please follow the steps in the "Getting Started Assistant" guide on the nrf connect for desktop application. You can install it from "Add/remove apps".

[Mohammad Amin]

I have followed this guide: https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/45543/issue-with-command-line-compilation-of-nrf9160-samples/181310 and using "west build" I finally could compile the asset_tracker application. However, the board does not get connected to the network. I used iBasis, Hologram, Twilio sim cards and they all remain in LTE searching process when I monitor them in LTE Link Monitor. I live in Canada, Alberta state and I was wondering why the board is not getting connected to the network. My colleague in Toronto got connected once using iBasis, however, he reports the module is unreliable and 1 out of 10 it gets connected to the network.

[Hakon]

Try updating the modem firmware and see if it helps.

[E3V3A]

I have the same problem! 

The getting started guide is seriously lacking in several aspects. From telling user what the default (on board) switches settings should be, to giving outdated instructions and not being clear what the different functions of the nrF connect Programmer does. I could not get any AT command or connection indication from anywhere. (Seem that the compilation instructions for the at_client is equally lacking.)

I also tried to update the modem firmware, and although the app completes with success, the nrf9160 is unresponsive and the LED 3 and 4 never blinks at all.

1. How can we check that the device is actually working?

2. How can we check that the SIM card can be used in the country?

3. How can we flash the original factory (out-of-the-box) FW for the device?

It doesn't seem that the factory FW is available from the download area, unless you are using different version number on the box, vs. whats displayed on your site, vs what's displayed by the boot loader...

It's a bit sad that the nrF9160 is collecting dust in a box rather than being used for the project we wanted to develop for. Instead we had to resort to using Quectel and similar devices. So in summary the out-of-box experience for the nRF9160 is in a sad state, unlike the nRF52 Thingy, that just worked. 

[Hakon]

E3V3A said:

1. How can we check that the device is actually working?

 You can use the LTE link monitor. It is available in the nrf connect application.

 

E3V3A said:

2. How can we check that the SIM card can be used in the country?

 You can see the different operators in your country from https://www.gsma.com/iot/deployment-map/ .

 

E3V3A said:

3. How can we flash the original factory (out-of-the-box) FW for the device?

I believe you are referring to the asset tracker application. The project directory can be found in the NCS at ncs\nrf\applications\asset_tracker. Do you know how to build and flash NCS projects?