GPS sample program does not work in nRF9160 DK.

[Yusuke]

I'm testing a gps sample program below.
github.com/.../gps

I have two questions about it.

1. It doesn't acquire NMEA data.
it always stops working when it reaches 30 sec like below. I tested the program in a place where there is not many buildings.

Tracking: 0 Using: 0 Unhealthy: 0
Seconds since last fix 30

Scanning [|] 

2. Does it use assisted GPS?
If not, please tell me how to activate assisted GPS function.

Any advice? Thank you in advance.

[Bjørn Kvaale]

1) I have tested the example from the v0.4.0 branch along with the latest v0.7.0-29 modem FW located here. You can update the branch to v0.4.0 by following the documentation here.

It should not stop at 30 seconds. Mine just continues to scan & repeats the following: " Scanning...Seconds since last fix 266". It may be a good idea to test this outdoors to see if you can get connect to a GPS signal. Also, note that the FW is quite new, so there may be future updates to make the GPS signal more robust.

Update: Also make sure that your GPS antenna located in the top right corner is still attached.

2) I do not believe it uses assisted GPS yet. You can contact your local Regional Sales Manager (RSM) to hear when this is planned to be released. If you do not know who your RSM is, you can send me a private message on DevZone.

Update: A colleague also recommended the following: If you are not using the latest v0.8.5 DK, you may need to pay attaching to the following posted at this link:

"Unfortunately, in versions before 0.8.5, matching components for the on-board GPS antenna on the DK were not optimal and will give poor to no functionality of the GPS. It is recommended to connect an external active GPS antenna to compensate. In order to use this, you will need:

• Active external GPS antenna
• Bias-Tee circuit
• MXHS83QE3000 cable"

[Yusuke]

Hi, Bjorn. Thanks for your advice.

1)
The ncs_tag(nrf folder) is v0.4.0. so latest version.
I tested gps program outside, but it stops after 30 sec.
A2 antenna is attached

2)
A nRF9160 DK of mine is 0.8.2, not 0.8.5.

I see. Probably antenna has some problem, but it's still weird that gps program stops after 30sec.

Can you test this program with 0.8.2 DK?

[Bjørn Kvaale]

Unfortunately, I do not have a v0.8.2 DK to test with here. Did you use an active external GPS antenna, a Bias Tee circuit & a MXHS83QE3000 cable?

[Yusuke]

sorry for a late reply. I have an active external GPS antenna below

https://www.taoglas.com/product/cloud-fxp611-gps-glonass-compass-flexible-pcb-2/

another guy reports same symptom.

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/47177/nrf9160-gps-example

[GNotman]

If this helps at all.

I experienced the same issue with the GPS sample (@ tag v0.4.0-rc2) with a PCA10090 DK 0.8.2.

The console output would stop at the 30s mark.

Upgrading the modem FW to 0.7.0-29.alpha resolved the issue.

[Yusuke]

Thank you GNotman! it works!