> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monogoto.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monogoto.io/getting-started/general-device-configurations/iot-devices/u-blox-sara-r4.md). # u-blox SARA R4 The [**u-blox SARA R4 series**](https://www.u-blox.com/en/product/sara-r4-series) supports LTE-M, NB-IoT and EGPRS. When using the SODAQ SARA development kit, you can jump to the tutorial [**here**](/getting-started/general-device-configurations/iot-devices/u-blox-sara-r4/sodaq-sara-r41xm.md). ![](/files/us66dsidhtrgyWfnSCJg) ### Quick Navigation * [Connect the u-blox SARA to Monogoto](#ublox-connect) * [Network Activation](#network-activation) * [Useful Links](#useful-links) * [Getting stared with SODAQ SARA R41XM](/getting-started/general-device-configurations/iot-devices/u-blox-sara-r4/sodaq-sara-r41xm.md) ### Prerequisites * Monogoto SIM * u-blox SARA R4XX cellular modem ## **Connect the u-blox SARA to Monogoto** {% hint style="info" %} Keep the **AT Commands manual** next to you for more details about the commands. [**Click here**](https://www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/SARA-R4_ATCommands_UBX-17003787.pdf) to download the latest version. {% endhint %} **Reset the modem** to its default configuration: ```bash AT+CFUN=1,1 ``` Set the error reporting to **verbose**, resulting in more descriptive error messages (optional): ```bash AT+CMEE=2 ``` Check the status of the SIM card. The correct response should be: `+CPIN: READY` ``` AT+CPIN? ``` {% hint style="warning" %} If you receive an error, the SIM may not be inserted properly or the SIM is protected with a PIN. By default, Monogoto SIMs are not PIN protected. {% endhint %} ### Query device information Request generic device information: ```bash ATI ``` The response includes information about the manufacturer, modem model, firmware revision, SVN (Software Version Number) and IMEI. Example response: ```bash Manufacturer: u-blox Model: SARA-R412M-02B Revision: M0.12.00 [Jan 01 2030 12:00:00] SVN: 07 IMEI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX OK ``` Request the **modem firmware version**: ``` ATI9 ``` This command returns the modem firmware as well as the application firmware, e.g. `M0.12.00,A.02.19`. Validate if you have the latest firmware running by going to the [**u-blox website**](https://www.u-blox.com/en/product/sara-r4-series#tab-documentation-resources) and scrolling down to the section **Product Change Note**. Find the document which relates to your specific modem model. Request the **IMSI** (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): ``` AT+CIMI ``` Request the **ICCID** (Integrated Circuit Card ID), which is the identification number of the SIM card: ``` AT+CCID ``` ## Network Configuration It is possible to let the modem select the mobile network automatically, or to manually define a network to connect with. #### Option 1: Automatic network selection To set the modem to **automatic network selection** enter: ```bash AT+COPS=0 ``` Check the **network and cellular technology** the modem is currently using: ``` AT+COPS? ``` Expected response: `+COPS: 0,0,"",X`. The last digit indicates the cellular technology: `0`: indicates **GSM**\ `3`: indicates **GSM/GPRS with EDGE availability** \ `7`: indicates **LTE-M**\ `9`: indicates **NB-IoT** {% hint style="warning" %} The modem needs some time to search and select a network. If the modem responds with `+COPS: 0` wait for a minute and try again. {% endhint %} #### Option 2: Manual Network Selection Start by searching for available networks: ``` AT+COPS=? ``` {% hint style="warning" %} It may take several minutes before the modem responds. {% endhint %} The modem responds with the names and the **MCCMNC** codes of the available networks. It also shows the cellular technologies the networks support: Example response: ``` +COPS: (2,"vodafone NL","vodafone","20404",7),(1,"NL KPN","NL KPN","20408",7),(1,"NL KPN","NL KPN","20408",0),(1,"vodafone NL","voda NL","20404",0),(1,"T-Mobile NL","TMO NL","20416",0),(1,"T-Mobile NL","TMO NL","20416",7),,(0,1,2,3,4),(0,1,2) ``` To find which of the networks Monogoto has **roaming agreements** with, review the [**Coverage lists**](/getting-started/global-public-coverage.md). {% hint style="info" %} To find the **profile** of your SIM, visit the [**Monogoto Console**](https://console.monogoto.io/), open the page **Things** ![](/files/Tn6CI9r26N9kBm9b6f44) and select a specific **Thing**. Scroll down to **Mobile Identities** to find your profile in the column **Network Provider Name**. ![](/files/mYKZeQQpaF72XMfCcgPu) {% endhint %} Check the **network and cellular technology** the modem is currently using: ``` AT+COPS? ``` Expected response: `+COPS: 0,0,"",X`. The last digit indicates the cellular technology. **Manually set the network and the cellular technology**: ``` AT+COPS=1,2,"XXXXX",7 ``` Replace `XXXXX` with the **MCCMNC** code of your operator, for example`"20404"` for Vodafone NL. Use `7` for **LTE Cat-M1**. #### **Check the radio signal strength and signal quality:** ```bash AT+CSQ ``` {% hint style="info" %} `+CSQ` returns 2 values separated by a comma. The first value represents the **signal strength** and provides a value between 0 and 31; higher numbers indicate better signal strength. The second value represents the **signal quality** indicated by a value between 0 and 7. If `AT+CSQ` returns `99,99`, the signal is undetectable or unknown. {% endhint %} #### Define the cellular band(s) (optional) It is possible to **lock the modem to one or more specific bands**. This may result in a faster boot cycle as the modem does not need to scan for available bands at startup. {% hint style="info" %} Supported LTE-M bands u-blox R412M: `2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 20, 26, 28` Supported LTE-M bands u-blox R410M: `1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28` {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} Although the modem may support many different bands, your local network operator may not. Have a look at the [**LTE Cat-M1 overview**](broken://pages/GDSRxI85QWE6Z2lsLeS3) to find the available band(s) in your region. {% endhint %} To lock the modem to a specific band, a bandmask needs to be sent to the modem indicating which band(s) should be enabled. This can be done using the following command: ``` AT+UBANDMASK=0, ``` {% hint style="info" %} Example of creating the **bandmask**: To lock the modem to band 3 and 8, create an array or bits where bit 3 and 8 are a `1` (counted from right to left): `10000100` When [converting](https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/number/binary-to-decimal.html?x=10000100) the binary number to decimals, you get the number: `132`. This is your bandmask. {% endhint %} To test if the band(s) is properly set, enter the command: ``` AT+UBANDMASK? ``` Example response: `+UBANDMASK: 0,524420,1,524420` {% hint style="info" %} `0` represents LTE Cat-M1 followed by the bandmask indicating the bands. `1` represents NB-IoT. [Convert](https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/number/decimal-to-binary.html) the decimal number to binary number to find out which bands the modem is locked to. `524420` as a binary number is: `10000000000010000100`, indicating that the band is locked to band 3, 8 and 20 (count the bits from right to left). {% endhint %} ## Network Activation **Set the APN to** `data.mono`: ```json AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","data.mono" ``` Validate if the **APN** is set correctly: ``` AT+CGDCONT? ``` Expected response: `+CGDCONT: 1,"IP","data.mono","0.0.0.0",0,0,0,0,0,0` **Activate the PDP (packet data protocol) context**: ``` AT+CGACT=1,1 ``` **Test** if the PDP context is activated: ``` AT+CGACT? ``` Expected response: `+CGACT: 1,1` Reboot the modem to activate the settings: ```json AT+CFUN=15 ``` To **test** what cellular technology and what band the modem is using, request the **network environment information**: {% hint style="warning" %} This command is **not supported by all** **modem versions**. To find your modem version, enter `ATI` and look and the line `Revision` NOT supported by R412M version `L0.0.00.00.05.06`, `L0.0.00.00.05.08` and `L0.0.00.00.05.11` NOT supported by R412M version `M0.09.00`, `M0.10.00` and `M0.11.01` {% endhint %} ``` AT+UCGED=2 ``` Followed by the command: ``` AT+UCGED? ``` Example response: ``` +UCGED:2 6,204,4,6300,20,10,10,546b,235,-89,-11,129,-1,3,255,64,"D2EAE081" ``` The first variable shows the cellular technology used: `2` indicates **2G**, `6` indicates **LTE Cat-M1**, `7` indicates **NB-IoT**. When you see `5` , run the command `AT+UCGED=2` again and retry.\ The fifth variable indicates the **band**, in the example you see the modem using band `20`. #### Validate if your device received an **IP address**: ```bash AT+CGPADDR ``` Expected response: `+CGPADDR: 1,XX.XXX.XX.XXX` {% hint style="success" %} Do you see an IP address? **Congratulations! You’ve successfully connected the u-blox modem to Monogoto 🎉** {% endhint %} ### **Visit the Monogoto Console to inspect the device logs** Visit the [**Monogoto Console**](https://console.monogoto.io/) and click on **Things**. Select the Thing you are working on. Scroll down to the **Events** section to validate if the device established a connection. You should see something like: `Success authenticate_pdp_context` {% hint style="info" %} To find the **ICCID** of the SIM card, enter the command `AT+CCID` {% endhint %} ## Useful Links * [u-blox AT commands](https://www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/SARA-R4_ATCommands_UBX-17003787.pdf) * [u-blox Product page](https://www.u-blox.com/en/product/sara-r4-series) * [SODAQ SARA R41X Getting Started](/getting-started/general-device-configurations/iot-devices/u-blox-sara-r4/sodaq-sara-r41xm.md)