Getting the output of the sensors to the IOT dashboard without a Hologram SIM.

trach99

Hello folks!

I’ve reached a point where I’m able to get the sensor’s data on my device’s port under /dev/ttyUSB0:
`Welcome to minicom 2.7.1

OPTIONS: I18n
Compiled on Dec 23 2019, 02:06:26.
Port /dev/ttyUSB0, 16:59:05

Press CTRL-A Z for help on special keys

[00:04:04.252,441] <inf> aqw_basic_demo: Temperature: 22.0°C
[00:04:04.258,575] <inf> aqw_basic_demo: Humidity: 55.0%
[00:04:11.487,518] <inf> aqw_basic_demo: VOC: 100.0
[00:05:05.176,910] <inf> aqw_basic_demo: Temperature: 22.0°C
[00:05:05.183,044] <inf> aqw_basic_demo: Humidity: 55.0%
[00:05:12.412,017] <inf> aqw_basic_demo: VOC: 99.0 `

I intend to send over this data to the IOT manager dashboard, but with a regular SIM (is it possible?) or as a backup option, I intend to use WIFI.
To give an overall context of my project…
I’ve developed a LPA manager application that downloads and enables profiles based on the location the device currently resides on, and based on the cellular connectivity provided by the SIM card I intend to transfer the data collected by the AQI module to an(any one in this regard) IOT dashboard. Since the application runs on a raspberry-pi, there’s a good chance that I might be able to use a WIFI connection.

TLDR;
Has anyone implemented a project using nRF9160 Feather and the Air Quality Wing where the data is being is transmitted via WIFI, or a regular SIM.

Thanks and Regards

jaredwolff

Hi @trach99 The nRF9160 Feather only has cellular. It should be able to do what you need there. You would need to:

Determine the endpoint type that you’re publishing to (HTTPS, MQTT, CoAP)
Determine the payload (JSON, CBOR. Etc)
Write the associated code that aligns with the two above.

You can see what an MQTT/CBOR sample looks like with the tracker sample. If you’re just starting out the HTTPS sample may be of interest.

Samples can be found here.

AchimKraus

but with a regular SIM

In addition to Jared:
The nRF9160 is a cellular modem, not a wifi or BLE device.
It supports only the IoT cellular flavors, LTE-M, NB-IoT. That are regular SIM cards, but with IoT contracts. Depending on your location, and if you act as “private person” or “company”, it’s possible to get SIM cards from somewhere else.

Since the application runs on a raspberry-pi

I would consider using the Air Quality Wing connected directly to the raspberry-pi. maybe you need to check the voltage levels.

trach99

Hi Jared, Achim

Appreciate the quick response!

I did go through the samples, and I’m able to successfully get output for most of them, (that do not need to send data over internet specifically). It is just that I’m unable to get the device connected over the internet.
I’m based in the UAE and using a regular SIM card(4g, 3g, 2g enabled) on a roaming subscription with the JT network.
Could you please direct me to sources I can refer to enable connectivity using such a SIM. Are there any constraints I need to keep in mind in this scenario?

Thanks for your time

AchimKraus

I’ve checked Flo.Live and 1nce, both don’t show NB-IoT nor LTE-M support for UAE.
JT seems to even not show the coverage. Maybe it’s not rolled out in the UAE (yet).

Flo.Live

1nce

trach99

Well, that’s a bummer. I suppose I’ll read the inflow of the sensor output coming through at the /dev/ttyUSB port and transmit it via a script to the IOT dashboard.

Thanks and regards

jaredwolff

Checked Hologram as well. No dice.

You may have better luck if you contact your local cell provider and see if they support Cat M or NB-IoT.

Good luck!