NimbeLink Skywire NL-SWDK User manual

Skywire® Development Kit
User Manual
NimbeLink Corp
Updated: August 2019
PN 30005 rev 23 © NimbeLink Corp. 2019. All rights reserved. 1

Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Orderable Part Numbers 4
Product Overview 5
Block Diagram 5
Connect to Kit using a PC 6
Unpack Kit Contents 6
Skywire Placement 7
Attach Antenna to Baseboard 8
Short Jumper J6 8
Attach Jumper Wires (NL-SW-LTE-WM14 only) 9
Plug in 12V Power Supply to connector J15 9
Plug USB cable into connector J14 and PC 9
Power On the Modem 10
Open Terminal Emulator 11
Install FTDI driver (Windows) 11
Test Serial Communication 12
Test Signal Strength 13
For Non-LTE Modems 13
Note: Bit Error Rate only available during active data connections. 13
For LTE Modems 13
For the following product models (NL-SW-LTE-GELS3, NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG,
NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU): 15
Activate Modem (one-time step) 16
SIM Card Detection (GSM Only) 17
Send Modem Activation String (1xRTT and EVDO only) 17
Setup PDP Context 18
NL-SW-GPRS, -HSPA, -TNAG, -TEUG, -TC4EU, -TC4NAG (AT&T Firmware)
APN Configuration: 18
NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG (Verizon Firmware) APN Configuration 19
NL-SW-LTE-TSVG APN Configuration 20
NL-SW-LTE-GELS3 APN Configuration 21
NL-SW-LTE-WM14 APN Configuration: 22
NL-SW-LTE-QBG96 APN Configuration: 22
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Check Network Registration 23
2G/3G Network Registration 23
LTE Modem Network Registration 24
NL-SW-LTE-GELS3 24
NL-SW-LTE-WM14 25
NL-SW-LTE-QBG96 25
APN Setup 26
Overview 26
Common APNs and Their Respective Carriers 26
Common Next Steps 26
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1. Introduction
1.1. Orderable Part Numbers
Orderable Device
Description
Carrier
Network
Type
NL-SWDK
Skywire Development Kit
Any
Any
NL-SW-1xRTT-A
2G 1xRTT
Aeris
CDMA
NL-SW-1xRTT-S
2G 1xRTT
Sprint
CDMA
NL-SW-1xRTT-V
2G 1xRTT
Verizon
CDMA
NL-SW-GPRS
2G GPRS
Any GSM (AT&T,
T-Mobile, etc.)
GSM
NL-SW-EVDO-A
3G EVDO, GPS, GLONASS
Aeris
CDMA
NL-SW-EVDO-V
3G EVDO, GPS, GLONASS
Verizon
CDMA
NL-SW-HSPA
3G HSPA+, GNSS, GLOBAL BANDS
Any HSPA/GSM
Carrier (AT&T,
T-Mobile, etc.)
HSPA/GSM
NL-SW-HSPA-B
3G HSPA+, GNSS, GLOBAL BANDS
Any HSPA/GSM
Carrier (AT&T,
T-Mobile, etc.)
HSPA/GSM
NL-SW-LTE-TSVG-B
LTE without Fallback, GNSS
Verizon
LTE
NL-SW-LTE-TNAG-B
LTE with HSPA+ Fallback, GNSS
Any GSM Carrier
(AT&T, T-Mobile,
etc.)
LTE/GSM
NL-SW-LTE-TEUG
LTE with HSPA+ Fallback, GNSS, EU
Any EU LTE/GSM
Carrier
LTE/GSM
NL-SW-LTE-GELS3-C
LTE CAT1, Verizon
Verizon
LTE
NL-SW-LTE-GELS3-D
LTE CAT1, Verizon
Verizon
LTE
NL-SW-LTE-WM14-B
LTE CAT1, GSM
Any LTE Carrier
(AT&T, T-Mobile,
etc).
LTE
NL-SW-LTE-QBG96
LTE CAT M1, GNSS
AT&T, Orange,
Telstra, Telus,
T-Mobile,
Verizon,
Vodafone, and
more
LTE
NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU
LTE Cat4, EU
EU Carriers
LTE
NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG
LTE Cat 4
AT&T, Verizon
LTE
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1.2. Product Overview
The Skywire® Development Kit includes one baseboard, antenna, power supply, SIM
cards, and debug cables. Skywire modems must be purchased separately. The kit
enables you to develop your application directly on the Skywire modem with three
different ways to connect:
● Connect your PC to the Skywire modem UART port via onboard USB-to-UART
converter and send AT commands directly to the modem through PC terminal
applications. You can also connect over USB for access to multiple COM ports.
● The kit is an Arduino shield, so you can plug the kit directly onto an Arduino
microcontroller. Please see Section 4: Common Next Steps for links to example
documentation.
● To connect the kit to a different processor or development kit, a 14-pin header
breaks out the necessary signals for easy connection to any device. The modem
supports I/O levels from 1.65-5.5V, simplifying connection to other systems.
1.3. Block Diagram
*X2 and X3 U.FL connectors not present on all modems.
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2. Connect to Kit using a PC
This section covers how to connect your development kit to a PC and provision
the modem with your cellular plan. It also covers how to communicate over the
serial port to the Skywire modem which only requires the use of USB port and
connector marked J14 or USB2 in the diagram below. USB1 (connector J5) is
used for high speed data connections and firmware updates to the modem and is
not used in this section.
2.1. Unpack Kit Contents
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2.2. Skywire Placement
To mount your Skywire Cellular modem follow these steps:
1. Gather the following:
a. Skywire Development Kit board
b. Skywire Cellular Modem
c. U.FL extractor tool (Always use a U.FL extractor tool when placing or
removing U.FL cables on the Skywire modem to avoid damaging the U.FL
connectors).
2. Line up your Skywire’s cellular U.FL connector(s) on the side of the board closest
to the antenna connector. Depending on the type of Skywire Modem you have
there may be one, two, or three U.FL connections.
3. To avoid damage to the U.FL connector and maximize connector life, a U.FL
removal tool should be used when attaching/removing the U.FL connector.
Always insert and remove the U.FL connector with a force perpendicular to the
board. If your Skywire is using GPS, attach the GPS antenna to the bottom of the
Skywire connector X3. If you are not using your Skywire’s GPS or if your Skywire
does not support GPS, continue to step 4.
4. Attach the U.FL cable to the top U.FL connector X1 on the Skywire. If you are
using a Skywire with the cellular diversity antenna option attach a second
antenna to connector X2.
5. Carefully seat your Skywire into the board’s Skywire socket (U1). Take care to
ensure that the pins are correctly aligned. Failure to properly align the pins may
damage your Skywire.
A properly mounted SkywireTM Modem with U.FL cable attached to top U.FL
connector X1.
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A common issue is accidentally inserting the modem with pins
misaligned by one row. Check pin alignment BEFORE applying
power to prevent modem damage.
2.3. Attach Antenna to Baseboard
Antenna screws onto SMA connector with a clockwise rotation
2.4. Short Jumper J6
Ensure header J6 is shorted with 2 pin Jumper. This enables USB to UART
communication between the PC and the modem.
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2.5. Attach Jumper Wires (NL-SW-LTE-WM14
only)
To power on the NL-SW-LTE-WM14 modem, you must tie the SW_ON_OFF pin
to GND. Place a jumper wire to connect header J8 Pins 2 and 8 together.
Please see page 3 of the Skywire Development Kit schematic for pin locations:
http://nimbelink.com/Documentation/Development_Kits/NL-SWDK/20002_NL-S
WDK_Schematic.pdf
2.6. Plug in 12V Power Supply to connector J15
2.7. Plug USB cable into connector J14 and PC
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2.8. Power On the Modem
Press and hold button S1 to power on the modem. Please see the table below for
the length of time needed to hold down button S1 for your particular modem.
Device
Hold Time (th) for Button
S1 To Power On the
Modem
Wait Time (tw) Before
Software Communication*
LED D1 Activity
NL-SW-1xRTT-A
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 10 seconds
Blink once
NL-SW-1xRTT-S
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 10 seconds
Blink once
NL-SW-1xRTT-V
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 10 seconds
Blink once
NL-SW-GPRS
th > 5 seconds
tw > 10 second
Blink once
NL-SW-EVDO-A
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 10 seconds
Blink twice
NL-SW-EVDO-V
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 10 seconds
Blink twice
NL-SW-HSPA
th > 5 seconds
tw > 2 seconds
Solid on
NL-SW-HSPA-B
th > 5 seconds
tw > 2 seconds
Solid on
NL-SW-LTE-TSVG
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 15 seconds
No activity
NL-SW-LTE-TNAG
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 15 seconds
No activity
NL-SW-LTE-TEUG
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 15 seconds
No activity
NL-SW-LTE-GELS3
1 second <  th < 2 seconds
tw > 30 seconds
Solid on
NL-SW-LTE-WM14
n/a (Done in Section 2.5)
tw > 30 seconds
Solid on
NL-SW-LTE-QBG96
th > 1 second
tw > 4 seconds
Solid on
NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU
th > 5 second
tw > 5 seconds
Solid on
NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG
th > 1 second
tw > 5 seconds
Solid on
Note: Depending on your modem and depending on the setup, the modem may be available for use before tw.
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2.9. Open Terminal Emulator
Open Tera Term, Putty, or similar terminal emulator to communicate with the
modem.
If you do not have a terminal emulator program, you can download Tera Term
here: https://ttssh2.osdn.jp/index.html.en
Your PC may have multiple COM ports. Select appropriate USB COM port to
communicate with the development kit.
Note: Your device may not show up on the port list due to a missing driver.
Drivers can be downloaded from https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.
Refer to 2.9.1 for instructions on installing a driver.
You may need to adjust the Serial Settings. These can be accessed in Tera
Term by going Setup>Serial Port  . They can also be updated in Putty by
navigating Connection>Serial.  Serial Settings should be as follows (these are the
default settings):
Baud Rate: 115,200 bps
Data: 8bit
Parity: none
Stop: 1bit
Flow Control: none
2.9.1. Install FTDI driver (Windows)
1. Download and unzip the required driver from
https://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
2. Navigate to the device manager. Start>Control Panel>Hardware and
Sound>Device Manager
3. In the Device list, scroll down to the Other devices section and locate your
device.
4. Right click on the device and choose Properties.
5. From the properties menu click Update Driver.
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a. Note:  If you don’t have admin privileges on your computer you will need to
first click Change settings and login as an admin
6. Select the Search my computer option and select the driver folder you
downloaded in step 1.
2.10. Test Serial Communication
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
OK
Note: For the NL-SW-LTE-WM14, you will not see the characters you have typed
until hitting the enter key.
You may need to turn echo on in order to see what you are typing. If you type the
command:
AT
and don’t see it being typed on your screen, hit the Enter key, and type the
following command:
ATE1
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal program should respond with:
OK
Type the following command:
AT
to verify you can see the command you are typing. After pressing the Enter key,
the terminal program will respond with:
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OK
Note: The modem will output "ERROR" when a command is entered incorrectly.
To enable verbose error mode to see what error is occuring issue AT+CMEE=2
to the modem.
2.11. Test Signal Strength
2.11.1. For Non-LTE Modems
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT+CSQ
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
+CSQ: xx,yy
where xx is the signal strength of the antenna, and yy is the bit error rate in
percent. Typical values are as follows:
Values of xx
Relative Signal Strength
0 – 9
Poor: <= -95 dBm
10 – 14
OK: -93 dBm to -85 dBm
15 – 19
Good: -83 dBm to -75 dBm
20 – 30
Excellent: -73 dBm to -53 dBm
31
Excellent: -51 dBm or greater
99
Not known or not detectable
Values of yy
Bit Error Rate (in percent)
0
Less than 0.2%
1
0.2% to 0.4%
2
0.4% to 0.8%
3
0.8% to 1.6%
4
1.6% to 3.2%
5
3.2% to 6.4%
6
6.4% to 12.8%
7
More than 12.8%
99
Not known or not detectable
Note: Bit Error Rate only available during active data connections.
2.11.2. For LTE Modems
To check the signal strength on an LTE modem the user should refer to the
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) & RSRQ (Reference Signal Received
Quality) values reported by the modem. These signal measurements will more
accurately reflect the quality of the cellular link for LTE modems by not only
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measuring <rsrq> is the Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) and <rsrp>
is the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). Typical values are as follows:
Values of <rsrq>
RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality)
0
RSRQ < -19.5 dB
1
-19.5 dB ≤ RSRQ < -19 dB
2
-19 dB ≤ RSRQ < -18.5 dB
...
...
32
-4 dB ≤ RSRQ < -3.5 dB
33
-3.5 dB ≤ RSRQ < -3 dB
34
-3 dB ≤ RSRQ
255
Not known or detectable
Values of <rsrp>
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)
0
RSRP < -140 dBm
1
-140 dBm ≤ RSRP < -139 dBm
2
-139 dBm ≤ RSRP < -138 dBm
...
95
-46 dBm ≤ RSRP < -45 dBm
96
-45 dBm ≤ RSRP < -44
97
-44 dBm ≤ RSRP
255
Not known or not detectable
Here are estimated signal qualities based on the above values:
Values of <rsrq>
RSRQ
Values of <rsrp>
RSRP
Quality
0
RSRQ < -19.5 dB
0 - 40
RSRP < -100 dBm
Marginal
1 - 9
-19.5 dB ≤ RSRQ < -15 dB
41 - 50
-100 dBm ≤ RSRP < -90 dBm
Fair
10 - 19
-15 dB ≤ RSRQ < -10 dB
51 - 59
-90 dBm ≤ RSRP < -80 dBm
Good
20 - 34
≥ -10 dB
60 - 97
≥ -80 dBm
Excellent
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For the following product models (NL-SW-LTE-GELS3, NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG,
NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU):
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT+CESQ
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
+CESQ: <rxlev>,<ber>,<rscp>,<ecno>,<rsrq>,<rsrp>
Where <rsrq>,<rsrp> are the RSRQ/RSRP values as defined by the modems AT
command manual.
For the following product models (NL-SW-LTE-TSVG, NL-SW-LTE-TNAG,
NL-SW-LTE-TEUG):
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT#MONI
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
#MONI: <netmame> RSRP:<rsrp> RSRQ:<rsrq> TAC:<tac> Id:<id>
EARFCN:<earfcn> PWR:<dBm> DRX:<drx>
Where <rsrq>,<rsrp> are the RSRQ/RSRP values as defined by the modems AT
command manual.
For the following product models (NL-SW-LTE-WM14):
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT%MEAS="97"
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
%MEAS: EARFCN=<earfsn>1000, CellID=<cid>, RSRP=<rsrp>,
RSRQ=<rsrq>
Where <rsrq>,<rsrp> are the RSRQ/RSRP values as defined by the modems AT
command manual.
For the following product model (NL-SW-LTE-QBG96):
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT+QCSQ
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
+QCSQ: <sysmode>, <rssi>, <rsrp>, <sinr>, <rsrq>
Where <sysmode> is the current cellular service mode, <rssi> is the RSSI value,
<rsrp> is the RSRP value, <sinr> is the signal to interference plus noise ratio,
and <rsrq> is the RSRQ value. Note: the values for RSRP and RSRQ are
returned as raw values (dB or dBm), as opposed to encoded as per the tables on
the next page.
For further information regarding the SINR ratio and the <sysmode> parameter,
please refer to the QBG96 AT command manual.
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2.12. Activate Modem (one-time step)
If you are using a new SkywireTM cellular modem, it does not
have an active cellular plan. To activate Verizon, T-Mobile, or
AT&T data plans, visit http://go.nimbelink.com and create an
account and activate your Skywire there.
All Skywire modems have a label indicating the IMEI of the modem.
An example of the IMEI location is is the photo below.
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2.13. SIM Card Detection (GSM Only)
Applies to:
- NL-SW-GPRS
- NL-SW-HSPA
- NL-SW-HSPA-B
If you are using a Skywire GSM modem that uses a SIM card, you need to
configure the Skywire modem to detect it.
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT#SIMDET=1
followed by the enter key. The terminal program will respond with:
#SIMDET: 1,1
This will enable the Skywire SIM detection.
2.14. Send Modem Activation String (1xRTT and
EVDO only)
Applies to:
- NL-SW-1xRTT-V
- NL-SW-EVDO-V
In the terminal program, type the command:
ATD*22899;
followed by the Enter key, and the modem will begin the activation process which
can take several minutes. The terminal should respond with:
OK
#OTASP: 0
#OTASP: 1
#OTASP: 2
NO CARRIER
For all other responses, review network status responses online.
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2.15. Setup PDP Context
Before you can successfully communicate with the network using a GSM or LTE
Skywire, you need to define the PDP context.
Non-Verizon LTE devices must have their APN's configured in order to connect
to the network. Devices using the Verizon LTE network will automatically have
the APN pushed to them after registering on the network. In the event the APN
push does not occur the APN can be manually set.
Applies to:
- NL-SW-GPRS
- NL-SW-HSPA
- NL-SW-HSPA-B
- NL-SW-LTE-TSVG
- NL-SW-LTE-TNAG
- NL-SW-LTE-TEUG
- NL-SW-LTE-GELS3
- NL-SW-LTE-WM14
- NL-SW-LTE-QBG96
- NL-SW-LTE-TC4EU
- NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG (Non-Verizon Firmware)
NOTE: The NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG has dual firmware images for both Verizon
and Non-Verizon networks. Please follow the steps outlined in the modems
datasheet to select the appropriate firmware verizon for the desired carrier.
2.15.1. NL-SW-GPRS, -HSPA, -TNAG, -TEUG, -TC4EU, -TC4NAG
(AT&T Firmware) APN Configuration:
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT+CGDCONT = 1,“IP”,”APN”
where APN is the individual APN for your network, followed by the Enter key, and
the terminal program should respond with:
OK
Note: Consult Section 3: APN Setup for help with your APN.
To verify that the APN was set correctly, in the terminal program type the
command:
AT+CGDCONT?
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
+CGDCONT: 1,”IP”,”APN”
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as well as the other PDP context information on the device. To enable this
setting, in the terminal program type the command:
AT#SGACT=1,1
followed by the enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
#SGACT: www.xxx.yyy.zzz
where www.xxx.yyy.zzz is the Skywire modem’s IP address.
If the AT#SGACT command does not work, the terminal will respond with
#ERROR or +CMEE ERROR: activation failed
and further setup may be necessary. Check the signal strength with AT+CSQ to
verify the Skywire is getting an acceptable signal. Otherwise, consult the Telit AT
Command Reference Guide for your particular modem.
2.15.2. NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG (Verizon Firmware) APN
Configuration
The Verizon network will automatically push the APN to the
NL-SW-LTE-TC4NAG modem the first time it registers on the network.
To manually set the APN follow these steps:
Type the command:
AT+CGDCONT?
Read the response from the terminal and see what 3rd PDP context changed to.
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT#SCFG=3,3,300,90,600,50
followed by the Enter key. The terminal should respond with:
OK
This is configuration information for setting up the context in the next step.
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT+CGDCONT=3, “IPV4V6”, “Verizon APN”
where Verizon APN is the specific APN to connect to for your intended use,
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
OK
Note: Consult Section 3: APN Setup for help with your Verizon APN.
To verify that the APN was set correctly, type the command:
AT+CGDCONT?
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
+CGDCONT: 3, “IPV4V6”, “Verizon APN”
as well as the other PDP context information on the device.
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To enable this setting, in the terminal program type the command:
AT#SGACT=3,1
followed by the enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
#SGACT: www.xxx.yyy.zzz
where www.xxx.yyy.zzz is the Skywire modem’s IP address.
If the AT#SGACT command does not work, the terminal will respond with
#ERROR
and further setup may be necessary. Check the signal strength with AT+CESQ to
verify the Skywire is getting an acceptable signal and the network registration
with 'AT+CEREG?' to confirm the modem has registered. Otherwise, consult the
Telit AT Command Reference Guide for your particular modem.
2.15.3. NL-SW-LTE-TSVG APN Configuration
Users have two options for setting up PDP Context on the CAT3 LTE SkywireTM.
Use the VZW network to pull the proper APN:
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT#OTAUIDM=0
followed by the enter key, then wait for #DRELL response from the terminal.
Next, type the command:
AT+CGDCONT?
Read the response from the terminal and see what 3rd PDP context changed to.
The second method is to manually set the APN provided by VZW.
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT#SCFG=3,3,300,90,600,50
followed by the Enter key. The terminal should respond with:
OK
This is configuration information for setting up the context in the next step.
In the terminal program, type the command:
AT+CGDCONT=3, “IP”, “Verizon APN”
where Verizon APN is the specific APN to connect to for your intended use,
followed by the Enter key, and the terminal should respond with:
OK
Note: Consult Section 3: APN Setup for help with your Verizon APN.
To verify that the APN was set correctly, type the command:
AT+CGDCONT?
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