nrf9160 GNSS not working... frustrating...

[Richard W Mincher]

I am using the Sparkfun thing plus nrf9160 feather with SDK 2.0.0 and modem firmware 1.3.2.

Ultimately I would like to get LTE working along with GNSS, however, I can't even seem to get your GNSS sample code to work reliably.  The "Tracking" output of the demo typically hovers around 1, and "using" is zero.  I have gotten it to work on rare occasions, but it is the exception rather than the rule.  Terrible performance even with clear sky views.

I've seen others expressing frustration with performance too, but haven't seen much of a response other than "it should work" and "It should work with LTE."

How do I solve this problem?  I was hoping that the latest modem FW and SDK would help, but no such luck.

Is there an issue with the feather board?  Noise, layout, etc?  

Any particular relatively inexpensive antennas you suggest I try?

Thank you.

[Craig12]

Richard,

Can you please provide details of the GPS antenna you are using?

For reference, I have found the schematic for the nRF9160 Thing Plus at
https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/5/7/c/a/c/nRF9160_Thing_Plus.pdf

[Richard W Mincher]

Thank you, Craig.  I did notice that the enable pin was connected to the COEX0 pin of the module.  Perhaps someone from Nordic can suggest how that gnss example needs to be modified to manipulate the pin.  I'll look at the board maker's site to see if he offers any hints.

The antenna I have looks remarkably like the MIC3A antenna you referenced, though half the price.  I'll order the antennas that you mentioned to see if they work better than what I have as well.  

I'll let you know what I find,  Have a great week.