Configuring Multicell Location Without Building an App

[ricanontherun]

Hello,

My company is evaluating the Thingy:91, we're interested in Multicell location lookups. My question is regarding the SDK, specifically if it's possible to configure the location provider without having to write/build/flash a custom program.

Thanks

[Øyvind]

Hello, 

I'm not sure I understand your question. In order to run the Multicell location you will need to build and flash the nRF9160: Multicell location sample. Please note that you should follow the Thingy:91 Getting started guide before starting on other applications or samples.

Kind regards,
Øyvind

[ricanontherun]

Ah, I see. Okay, no problem. I was able to build the multicell_location sample, but trying to flash the build to my Thingy:91 yields the following error:

➜ ✗ west flash --erase                        

-- west flash: rebuilding

[0/11] Performing build step for 'spm_subimage'

ninja: no work to do.

-- west flash: using runner nrfjprog

-- runners.nrfjprog: mass erase requested

FATAL ERROR: "nrfjprog --ids" did not find a board; is the board connected?

I'm on a Macbook Pro (Intel CPU) ... why isn't the board seen? As you can see, the LTE Link Monitor sees the board without an issue.

[ricanontherun]

Just following up, I've been able to configure and run the multicell_location sample on the nrf9160 DK I have. It's still interesting that the Thingy:91 refuses to be recognized as a programmable board on my macbook.

[Øyvind]

Hello, 
Sorry to hear you are facing these issues. Have you followed the Thingy:91 Getting started - Updating Nordic Thingy:91 firmware?

What version of nrfjprog are you running? Type in nrfjprog --version in your terminal and copy/paste information here

[ricanontherun]

Hey,

Yes, I've walked through the firmware update instructions a few times, trying both the debug and non-debug versions of the Asset Tracker v2 firmware files. Nothing works. The firmware update process has been smooth, but I can't seem to flash to the device since nrfjprog --ids returns nothing. I've tried booting while pressing SW3 and SW4, neither of those buttons make a difference.

[ricanontherun]

I'm able to see the Thingy:91, and send it AT commands via LTE Link Monitor, but I can't seem to program it via west flash. That's where I'm stuck.

[ricanontherun]

nrfjprog --version
nrfjprog version: 10.15.2 external
JLinkARM.dll version: 7.60a

[Øyvind]

Thanks for providing this information. This is correct. 

ricanontherun said:

The firmware update process has been smooth

What do you mean firmware update has been smooth?

ricanontherun said:

flash to the device since nrfjprog --ids returns nothing

Do you have a external JLink debugger? Remember that nrfjprog will only see devices connected through a JLink device.

[ricanontherun]

Øyvind said:

What do you mean firmware update has been smooth?

Meaning I've been able to connect my Thingy:91 to my Macbook and update it's firmware using the Programmer tool.

Øyvind said:

Do you have a external JLink debugger? Remember that nrfjprog will only see devices connected through a JLink device.

 Interesting. I have a nrf9160 development kit, does that count as an external debugger? If so, do you have documentation available for how to configure the devices? You can see in the linked image that I can connect them like so:

When I run nrfjprog --ids, I get the following output ... which is that of the development kit I believe.

nrfjprog --ids
960069774

[Øyvind]

ricanontherun said:

When I run nrfjprog --ids, I get the following output ... which is that of the development kit I believe.

Yes, this should reflect the number on the sticker on the back of the DK. When connected to the Thingy:91 with a debug cable, it will automatically program the Thingy:91. Make sure to set SW2 - SWD SELECT to either nR91 or nRF52. 

ricanontherun said:

I have a nrf9160 development kit, does that count as an external debugger?

Yes it does. The onboard interface MCU allows you to program the Thingy:91 as an external debugger. There is more information on the debug out in the nRF9160 DK Hardware guide. 

Hope this helps with your development

[ricanontherun]

Okay, thanks for that information. I see that the PROG/DEBUG switch must be switched to the right target platform (nrf9160 in my case). What about the build target when running west build? Are these arguments appropriate?

west build --pristine -b nrf9160dk_nrf9160_ns

I'm asking because yesterday I tried this exact setup (before you confirmed it would work) and now 1 of my 2 Thingy:91 devices is completely unresponsive.

[ricanontherun]

ricanontherun said:

is completely unresponsive.

Adding some detail here. I had the DK hooked up to the Thingy:91. The DK was receiving power via a UDB cable, the Thingy:91 was NOT receiving external power. I ran the following commands, which resulted in the Thingy:91 showing the red error light, and I haven't been able to use it since. It no longer is recognized by my laptop.

west build -b nrf9160dk_nrf9160

west flash erase

*Thingy:91 displays red LED*