GPS with asset_tracker application on nRF9160 DK

RE: GPS with asset_tracker application on nRF9160 DK

Didrik Rokhaug — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 08:27:41 GMT

I have been unable to confirm whether iBasis SIM cards are allowed PSM on Verizon networks or not. However, I do know that on Verizon networks only PSM periods of >190 minutes are allowed.

You can check if PSM got activated by using AT+CEREG=5 or AT%XMONITOR. If the first three bits of the Active-time or Periodic-TAU is 111, PSM the related timer is not activated.

RE: GPS with asset_tracker application on nRF9160 DK

ERIK — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 02:57:45 GMT

If PSM is granted when running the asset_tracker application, will it go into System ON Idle, or does the antenna just shut off because the application is running?

RE: GPS with asset_tracker application on nRF9160 DK

ERIK — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 02:38:57 GMT

I am using the iBasis SIM and it is connecting to Verizon towers. I have heard that iBasis SIM cards are prevented from using PSM on Verizon. Is that correct? Will that be changing?

RE: GPS with asset_tracker application on nRF9160 DK

Didrik Rokhaug — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 13:00:02 GMT

Hi.

Try to set "GPS device name" to "NRF9160_GPS" instead of "GPS_SIM".

[quote user=""]I've also heard/read that at this time, GPS will ONLY work with PSM. Is that correct? [/quote]

You cannot receive any GPS signals when using the LTE antenna. Therefore, if you want to use LTE and GPS together, you need PSM.

A device can request PSM, specifying the requested Periodic Tracking Area Update (P-TAU, the interval when the antenna is off), and Active-Time (the interval after a transmit when the device can be reached/is receiving). It is up to the network if the request is granted. If you are using the iBasis SIM card that came with the DK, my guess is that PSM is not granted (I only know of places where that is not granted, and no places where it is granted).

Looking at the configuration for the Thingy:91 (https://github.com/NordicPlayground/fw-nrfconnect-nrf/blob/master/applications/asset_tracker/prj_nrf9160_pca20035ns.conf), they do not enable power optimization, so I do not think it is necessary, although I have not tried to use GPS with asset tracker myself as I cannot enable PSM.

Best regards,

Didrik