Is SLM a good starting point for develop my own nrf9160 app?

[bluebeam]

Hi,

Our project team has decided not to using an external MCU to interface with the 9160 over the UART. So we'll need to write our application on nrf9160. The application main function is to use the LTE modem/GPS, and optimize for power eventually.

My question, is the Nordic SLM firmware a good starting point for the project? If so, where should I start to look? Any guidance as to how to plug in custom code and make the best use of what already exists? I have not work with 9160 before, except using the AT command interface from the other MCU.

If the SLM firmware is not the best starting place, then where should I look? Is there any simple example project that can get me started quickly? Thanks!

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,

Since you do not plan to use an external MCU to interface with the nRF9160 i would recommend that you start looking at a different example then the SLM. 

We do have a getting started section here nRF9160 DK - Get started - nordicsemi.com, that you can look at but i would recommend you try the Asset tracker v2. As it is a good all around example, but alternatives could be the UDP sampel and the GPS sample we have, to get begin with the basics of power saving and tracking. 

There is a overview of all the nrf9160 sample here: nRF9160 samples — nRF Connect SDK 1.7.1 documentation (nordicsemi.com) and we also have a section for application development here: https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF_Connect_SDK/doc/1.7.1/nrf/ug_app_dev.html# 

If there is anything else feel free to ask

Regards,
Jonathan

[bluebeam]

Thanks for the info. I'll check them out. I'm sure I'll come back to ask more questions.

One other general question is, how much cellular/LTE-M knowledge do I need to have as an application developer so that I can work effectively on my project? Is there good resource regarding that? I'm not sure if I can figure out everything that I need just by looking at example code.

[JONATHAN LL]

Just ask for anything here on Devzone and we will try to help as best we can. As for the cellular knowledge needed to start, you dont need to ba an expert, could be nice to read up on LTE-M and NB-IOT specs, and what is available where you intend to deploy the product.   GSMA | Mobile IoT Deployment Map | Internet of Things, we have links to certification and cellular partners. 

Might be help full, some links:

Circuit Dojo - YouTube 

Introducing nRF Connect for VS Code - YouTube 

Playlist: Exciting new features in nRF Connect SDK v1.7 - YouTube

Nordic Semiconductor Infocenter application development. 

Connecting to AWS cloud services using the nRF9160 - Software and Protocols - Cellular IoT guides - Nordic DevZone (nordicsemi.com)


You can also brows the forums here to see if we have any blogs or previously answers questions on the topic. 

Regards,
Jonathan

[bluebeam]

That's a lot of info. I'll check them out. Thanks!

Now my first problem with the GPS sample project is - how to download the SUPL library? I have tried 5 times but still got denied. I'm not sure which info does not match. I wend back and forth between the license page and dev zone profile page. It shouldn't be that hard.

Would you please take a look at this? Thanks!

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi,
For the SUPL lib, make sure to follow the info


Same email as Devzone account and active within last 4 weeks.  If that is not working then pleas update me and I will try to find a solution

You can use GPS without SUPL also for testing. 

Regards,
Jonathan

[bluebeam]

I don't know what is going on with the process. I have tried many different ways in the last few days but still can't get through.

Anyway, this makes me pause and take a closer look at SUPL as to why do I need it?
First is because it's part of the gps sample project so I wanted to try it.

But read a little bit more I realize that it's part of the a-GPS. It only helps cold start TTFF, not GPS accuracy in general. So if my device is suppose to be long-running and never power off, will I benefit from this SUPL?

Second question, I then went to check out the agps example. It seems it can be configured to use NRF cloud as source for aGPS data. Can I say this is equivalent to the SUPL approach (which uses a google server as specified in the code)? Does the NRF cloud achieve the same result? Any difference between the two? Where does NRF cloud get its aGPS data?

If the NRF cloud can achieve the same thing then I don't necessary have to download the SUPL library. Am I right?

Thanks!

[JONATHAN LL]

bluebeam said:

If the NRF cloud can achieve the same thing then I don't necessary have to download the SUPL library. Am I right?

Yes that is correct. 

bluebeam said:

It only helps cold start TTFF, not GPS accuracy in general

SUPEL or A-GPS does help with cold start but it is not the only area, it is bifacial regardless. 


We do recommend our A-GPS with nrfCloud solution. 

Regards,
Jonathan