We are currently using the Nordic nRF9160 as a test device and can successfully obtain GPS data in the U.S., but we’re facing issues in Brazil.
While the device supports GNSS for GPS, it does not support GLONASS, BeiDou, or Galileo.
We’re uncertain which GNSS systems are operational in Brazil.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO and BEIDOU are all globally available constellations.
There might be localized jamming, on occasion.
More likely your antenna sub-systems. GNSS is not designed to be viable in-doors.
Try your smart phone, sat-nav, or other receivers.
The device performs well in the U.S. and Europe using GPS, but it’s not functioning properly in Brazil, despite having access to open sky for connection.
Since the device only supports GPS and not GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, could this be a device-related issue, or might it be related to the antenna?
GNSS is a generic term that includes several different satellite location services that a particular GNSS receiver might be able to use.
The product brief for the Nordic nRF9160 claims that it supports GPS and QZSS. If the satellites for either of those systems are not visible from your location, evidently you need a different receiver.
The device performs well in the U.S. and Europe
Same device, same antenna?
I’m not aware of any regional issues with GPS, like I said it’s a global service, the satellites don’t cross the poles, but should be fine at the equator. It’s basically a weapon system with global reach, not for US farmers tractors, etc.
Like I said try with other equipment of known provenance, try to bisect the failure to understand where the issue is.
With the limited detail here, I’d assume its an antenna or RF issue.
For active antennas make sure there’s a DC voltage on the RF feed line, otherwise the antenna/LNA are just going to be as effective as boat anchors. You should be able to see around 3V DC from Ground vs center pin.
This is your board, or a specific SparkFun board/model?
Would agree a lot of the documentation suggests GPS only (1.57542 GHz) rather than a true multi-constellation GNSS.
Not sure if this currently compounded by heightened solar activity?
Can your smart-phone or other GPS gear pull in signals?
Yes same device and same antenna.
I am using product brief for the Nordic nRF9160
For what is worth that chipset is certified by Anatel in Brasil. Are you having the same issue with multiple devices? Have you reached out to Nordic?
Waiting for a response from Nordic and yes same issue with all the other devices in Brazil.
It’s not entirely clear what Nordic is going to be able to do with constellation or signalling issues.
I’d imagine other constellations with similar orbits and frequencies to be impacted by the same atmospheric issues.
You might try using some multi-band / multi-constellation receivers to see if they are more robust to this situation.
Hard to gauge from here without some supporting data showing satellites and signal strengths as observed in your area.
Or you could just wait until solar activity subsides.
Thanks Clive, we are thinking of experiment with the Quectel B60L which covers all the constellations. Lets see if that works
It looks like there could be a bug for negative latitudes. Within the nRF chip or on later treatment?