Included Antenna

BrianAtDocumentedDesigns

I finally got my Feather and successfully loaded the blinky example (suggestion: in the documentation show which buttons to press)

I have an assortment of LTE antennas but I want to try with the one which came with the kit. I notice the box (which I can’t get) has the antenna “folded”. Is there a limit on how the antenna can be positioned since I am going to have to find my own box.

Another suggestion: programming via the JTG interface requires the TC2030-CTX-NL. I can’t find this and the closest thing I can get from Digikey is the TC2030-CTX which I am not sure is compatible and, in any event is $79 (!). I don’t see why you didn’t either put a normal header or bring the pins out somewhere. Even if I could find the right cable, $79 is a hell of a lot of money for a cable. It would also be helpful if you specified which version of the cable (there are two).

(An explanation of costs: buying from tag-connect will additionally cost shipping + “handling” by the courier which will likely amount to over $100 landed cost for the cable )

jaredwolff

BrianAtDocumentedDesigns I notice the box (which I can’t get) has the antenna “folded”

Hey BrianAtDocumentedDesigns what box are you referring to?

Here’s the data sheet for the included antenna, I’m not sure if they have any directives for antenna placement. Generally you want some space between the antenna and other objects. Best to place the antenna on non-metallic surfaces, etc.

https://www.unictron.com/wp-content/uploads/datasheet/H2B4MH1F2F0100.pdf

BrianAtDocumentedDesigns $79 is a hell of a lot of money for a cable. It would also be helpful if you specified which version of the cable (there are two).

Unfortunately for folks who want to debug, this cable is necessary. Depending on the design, I may be able to squeak a header on there but the board is loaded down.

I suggest going to tag connect directly: https://www.tag-connect.com/product/tc2030-ctx-nl-6-pin-no-legs-cable-with-10-pin-micro-connector-for-cortex-processors

The costs of the cable is $42 + shipping. It ships from California so it depends on where you’re located. Again, it’s not required for loading code to your device. (Only for debugging, flashing bootloader or modem firmware)

Hope that helps!

Jared

jaredwolff

I will add that the modem firmware can be updated without a programmer. I’m working on a tutorial for that in the documentation.

BrianAtDocumentedDesigns

Jared
Thanks for the reply. I have been trying to get the people at tag-connect that international shipping invariably increases the price by a multiple, so, as I noted the price for me would be closer to $100 - so I would be paying almost as much for the cable, which, face it, is just a cable, as for your board.

I look forward to the tutorial.

jaredwolff

Hey BrianAtDocumentedDesigns

Here’s the tutorial.

https://docs.jaredwolff.com/nrf9160-managing-mfw.html#modem-firmware-update-over-uart

I just pushed everything to NFED as well so you’ll need to update your working directory. You an do that with west update or using the Zephyr Tools: Update Dependencies command in VSCode if you have the extension installed.

The sample should be located in samples/mfw_update