The Asset Tracker demonstrates how to use the :ref:`lib_nrf_cloud` to connect an nRF9160-based board to the `nRF Cloud`_ via LTE, transmit GPS and sensor data, and retrieve information about the device.
The application uses the LTE link control driver to establish a network connection. It then collects various data locally, and transmits the data to Nordic Semiconductor's cloud solution, `nRF Cloud`_. The data is visualized in nRF Cloud's web interface.
The collected data includes the GPS position, accelerometer readings (the device's physical orientation), and data from various environment sensors.
| Sensor data | nRF Cloud sensor type | Data unit |
|---|---|---|
| GPS coordinates | GPS | NEMA Gxxx string |
| Accelerometer data | FLIP | String |
| Temperature | TEMP | Celsius |
| Humidity | HUMID | Percent |
| Air pressure | AIR_PRESS | Pascal |
| Light sensor | LIGHT | Lux |
On the nRF9160 DK, the application uses simulated sensor data by default, but it can be configured with Kconfig options to use real sensors to collect data. On the Thingy:91, onboard sensors are used by default. GPS is enabled by default on both the boards.
In addition to the sensor data, the application retrieves information from the LTE modem, such as the signal strength, battery voltage, and current operator. This information is available in nRF Cloud under the section Cellular Link Monitor.
The `LTE Link Monitor`_ application, implemented as part of `nRF Connect for Desktop`_ can be used to send AT commands to the device and receive the responses. You can also send AT commands from the Terminal card on nRF Cloud when the device is connected.
By default, the asset tracker supports firmware updates through :ref:`lib_aws_fota`.
One of the following development boards:
The buttons and switches have the following functions when the connection is established:
- Button 1 (SW3 on Thingy:91):
- Send a BUTTON event to the nRF Cloud.
- Enable or disable GPS operation (long press the button for a minimum of 10 seconds).
- Switch 1 (only on nRF9160 DK):
- Toggle to simulate orientation change (flipping) of the board.
- Switch 2 (only on nRF9160 DK):
- Set power optimization mode, see :ref:`power_opt`.
On the nRF9160 DK, the application state is indicated by the LEDs.
- LED 3 and LED 4:
- LED 3 blinking: The device is connecting to the LTE network.
- LED 3 ON: The device is connected to the LTE network.
- LED 4 blinking: The device is connecting to nRF Cloud.
- LED 3 and LED 4 blinking: The MQTT connection has been established and the user association procedure with nRF Cloud has been initiated.
- LED 4 ON: The device is connected and ready for sensor data transfer.
Application state indicated by LEDs
- All LEDs (1-4):
- Blinking in groups of two (LED 1 and 3, LED 2 and 4): Recoverable error in the BSD library.
- Blinking in cross pattern (LED 1 and 4, LED 2 and 3): Communication error with the nRF Cloud.
On the Thingy:91, the application state is indicated by a single RGB LED as follows:
| LED color | State |
|---|---|
| White | Connecting to network |
| Cyan | Connecting to the nRF Cloud |
| Yellow | Waiting for user association |
| Blue | Connected, sending environment data |
| Purple | Searching for GPS |
| Green | GPS has fix, sending GPS and environment data |
| Red | Error |
The Asset Tracker can run in three power modes that are configured in the Kconfig file of the application. These settings are currently only supported on the nRF9160 DK.
Note
Not all cellular network providers support these modes, and the granted parameters can vary between networks.
- Demo mode
- This is the default setting.
In this mode, the device maintains a continuous cellular link.
To enable this mode, set
CONFIG_POWER_OPTIMIZATION_ENABLE=n. - Request eDRX mode
- In this mode, the device requests the eDRX feature from the cellular network to save power.
To enable this mode, set
CONFIG_POWER_OPTIMIZATION_ENABLE=yand then set Switch 2 to the N.C. position. - Request Power Saving Mode (PSM)
- In this mode, the device requests the PSM feature from the cellular network to save power.
To enable this mode, set
CONFIG_POWER_OPTIMIZATION_ENABLE=yand then set Switch 2 to the GND position.
This application supports the |NCS| :ref:`liblwm2m_carrier_readme` library.
To enable the LwM2M carrier library, add the following parameter to your build command:
-DOVERLAY_CONFIG=lwm2m_carrier_overlay.conf
In |SES|, select :guilabel:`Tools` > :guilabel:`Options` > :guilabel:`nRF Connect` to add the above CMake parameter. See :ref:`cmake_options` for more information.
Alternatively, you can manually set the configuration options to match the contents of the overlay config file.
The Kconfig file of the application contains options to configure the application.
For example, configure CONFIG_POWER_OPTIMIZATION_ENABLE to enable power optimization or CONFIG_TEMP_USE_EXTERNAL to use an external temperature sensor instead of simulated temperature data.
In |SES|, select Project > Configure nRF Connect SDK project to browse and configure these options.
Alternatively, use the command line tool menuconfig or configure the options directly in prj.conf.
This application supports the |NCS| :ref:`ug_bootloader`, but it is disabled by default.
To enable the immutable bootloader, set CONFIG_SECURE_BOOT=y.
After programming the application and all prerequisites to your board, test the Asset Tracker application by performing the following steps:
Connect the board to the computer using a USB cable. The board is assigned a COM port (Windows) or ttyACM device (Linux), which is visible in the Device Manager.
Connect to the board with a terminal emulator, for example, LTE Link Monitor.
Reset the board.
Observe in the terminal window that the board starts up in the Secure Partition Manager and that the application starts. This is indicated by output similar to the following lines:
SPM: prepare to jump to Non-Secure image ***** Booting Zephyr OS v1.13.99 ***** Application started
Observe in the terminal window that the connection to the nRF Cloud is established. This may take several minutes.
Open a web browser and navigate to https://nrfcloud.com/. Follow the instructions to set up your account and add an LTE device.
The first time you start the application, add the device to your account:
- Observe that the LED(s) indicate that the device is waiting for user association.
- Follow the instructions on `nRF Cloud`_ to add your device.
- If association is successful, the device reconnects to nRF Cloud. If the LED(s) indicate an error, check the details of the error in the terminal window. The device must be power-cycled to restart the association procedure.
Observe that the LED(s) indicate that the connection is established.
Observe that the device count on your nRF Cloud dashboard is incremented by one.
Select the device from your device list on nRF Cloud, and observe that sensor data and modem information is received from the board.
Press Button 1 (SW3 on Thingy:91) to send BUTTON data to the nRF Cloud.
Press Button 1 (SW3 on Thingy:91) for a minimum of 10 seconds to enable GPS tracking. The board must be outdoors in clear space for a few minutes to get the first position fix.
Optionally send AT commands from the terminal, and observe that the response is received.
This application uses the following |NCS| libraries and drivers:
- :ref:`lib_nrf_cloud`
- :ref:`modem_info_readme`
- :ref:`at_cmd_parser_readme`
drivers/nrf9160_gpslib/bsd_libdrivers/sensor/sensor_sim- :ref:`dk_buttons_and_leds_readme`
drivers/lte_link_control
In addition, it uses the Secure Partition Manager sample: