NB-IoT module on Arduino shield – text strings to USB
Radio adapter with Arduino header and support of NB-IoT, LTE-CAT-M1, EGPRS and GNSS
Any akorIoT radio adapter consists of a cellular (NB-IoT module or other cellular module), a GNSS module and four sensors. In addition there is a SIM card. In summary there are seven serial interfaces to test. Our test software has 250 lines and two “include files” for a library. It checks all interfaces and sends a string to the USB interface on the Arduino UNO.
NB-IoT & coffee
During first power up you’ll need a mug of coffee, because the GNSS module will take some time to search for the satellites in the sky. In best case you’ll get a cold start in around 29 seconds. If it takes longer, then this is related to a poor GNSS signal. In the worst case you get a time out caused by no signal due to you being indoors or shielded by tall buildings from any satellites. For the first test it is recommeded that you place the GNSS patch antenna by the window or outside.
BTW, the most common mistake is a missing power supply, followed by forgetting to press the power on button on the NB-IoT shield. Both are covered in the Quick Start Guide but developers are prone to ignore it. Reading the documentation is highly recommended to reach the goal of your own wireless IoT device. 😉
NB-IoT module on Arduino shield messages to USB
#### Welcome to akorIoT ##########
before starting this test, please check:
is the power supply connected? (blue LED must flash!)
check power ******************
########## POWER OK ##########
Temperature sensor TMP100:
32.75 C
90.95 F
Multi sensor Bosch BME280:
34.33 C
1012 hPa
31.66 %
check cellular signal, please wait (go and drink more coffee) ******************
read IMEI *****
864789026755317
read CGMR *****
UG96LNAR01A04E1G
check CPIN?
+CPIN: READY
check CGREG? *****
+CGREG: 0,5
read CBC *****
+CBC: 0,83,3964
read CSQ *****
+CSQ: 4,2
read GPS position, please wait (go and drink even more coffee) **********
……………………………….
———-
$GNGSA,A,3,74,82,67,66,65,80,83,84,,,,,1.13,0.58,0.97*18
$GPGSV,3,1,12,29,66,071,32,26,46,294,28,31,46,23,,,,1.13,0.58,0.97*18
$GPGSV,3,1,12,29,66,071,31,26,46,294,27,31,46,231,43,21,39,185,35*7F
$GPGS,1,12,29,66,071,31,26,47,294,27,31,46,231,43,21,3
———-
end hardware check ############################
Has this new akorIoT radio adapter piqued your interest? Do you have a wireless IoT idea? Do you plan an IoT device with embedded antennas? Do you have an IoT prototype and have a need to optimise the design or minimise the price? If you have answered YES to any one of these questions, then please do not hesitate to drop an email to harald.naumann (at) gsm-modem.de and to ask for an akorIoT radio adapter or some engineering services to make your IoT idea reality.