NRF9160DK impossible to have a fix or any GPS in view

[lecozahu]

Hello,
I am working on the NRF9160DK card. I am using SDK 1.3.0 and the latest modem uploaded: www.nordicsemi.com/.../Download 2020-04-29.

Whether it's with the asset_tracker application or with the gps sample, I can't seem to have any satellite in view (in view: 0) and obviously no fix. I don't understand why.. i've modificate nothing on the GPS sample...
What am I missing ? Can anyone help me?

(i've the same problem on my custom)

Best regards,

Lecozahu

[Martin Lesund]

Hi Lecozahu,
Please make sure you are running the mfw1.2.1.

Then I want you to flash this pre-compiled .hex file, which is the GPS sample: 6013.agps_sample.hex
Then send me the serial output log.

Which version of the DK are you using? 
It is recommended to use an external GPS antenna such as the one included if you have the v0.9.0 version.
The onboard gps antenna is not the best.

Where have you placed the board when testing? Should be tested in open sky conditions
(inside a window could be enough to hurt the GPS "reception" sensitivity)

Best regards,
Martin L.

[lecozahu]

Hello,
Thank you for your reply,

I'm sure I uploaded this modem here.

Which antenna do we recommend you take?
I have a card with PCA10090 0.8.3 on the back.
I don't know if it's important, but I'm missing a piece of the map you presented, (circled in blue on my photo). Instead I have four small metal dots forming a square.

I tested the card: at home, in my car and outside, nothing helps. While testing the card, I looked at the GPS and GLONASS satellites found by my phone, there were many and I had the fix (on my phone)

Attached is the output (test carried out outside) :

Same after a while.

Best regards,

Lecozahu

[Martin Lesund]

Hi,
Unfortunately that is an older board that had some issues with the on-board GPS antenna quality.

Here is a small tutorial (old) on how to use an external antenna.

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/nordic/cellular-iot-guides/b/hardware-design/posts/external-gps-antenna-on-nrf9160-dk 

I would recommend checking out the MOLEX antenna which we ship with the V0.9.0 kits, since it already has the correct adapter.
As long as the external antenna has this adapter (Murata part no. MXHS83QE3000) you are able to "plug and play".

[lecozahu]

Hi,

Thank you for your answer,it helped me understand my problem.

Best regards,

Lecozahu

[Martin Lesund]

No worries, happy to help.

Let me know if you have any more questions that pop up.