Set Cellular Access Point Name (APN)

[brotherdust]

@michaelhobo I was able to make the hologram SIM work for me: it wasn't the APN setting. As far as I can tell, APN is irrelevant. The problem is that the 3GPP stack won't connect unless the SIM is on a home network.

If you're feeling ambitious, read on and I'll show how I did it.

First, the documentation. If you haven't already, download https://github.com/pycom/pycom-documentation/blob/master/chapter/datasheets/downloads/Monarch_4G-EZ_LR5110_ATCommands_ReferenceManual_Rev3_NOCONFIDENTIAL.pdf

Go to the beginning of Table 3-3 on page 85. What you'll see is a list of stat codes that the LTE modem returns after the 3GPP stack initializes and turns the radio on. What the stack is looking for is stat code 1: which means it's registered on a home network. Here it is in the 3GPP source code:
https://github.com/pycom/pycom-micropython-sigfox/blob/81f0934f48361403b3b638c150ba8ad026056884/esp32/3gpp/lib3GPP.c#L173

Problem: Hologram isn't a home network. It's a roaming network: stat code 5 (you've still got Table 3-3 up right?)

If you enable the debug mode in the 3GPP stack (and re-compile and flash the firmware, of course), you'll see that, after the radio turns on, it starts with stat code 0, then stat code 4 (usually a couple of times), then settles on stat code 5.

Solution? Change the 1 to a 5:
No: .cmdResponseOnOk = "+CEREG: 2,1",
Yes: .cmdResponseOnOk = "+CEREG: 2,5",

Compile, flash, problem solved. No APN change necessary.

[michaelhobo]

@jmarcelino any update on this? If there are other things that are pushing this feature out for much longer, can we get a custom build to set the APN? I think quite a few people have hologram.io sims burning holes in their pockets.

[brotherdust]

@benstr I too have a hologram SIM, so I changed the hard-coded name in the C stack and re-compiled. No dice.

Would love to get my hands on test firmware.

[lewis]

@jmarcelino even if the modem is not PTCRB certified in its final release you can still use it on ATT as part of their developer program, which is where I am right now. Is there any movement on letting me set my APN so I can test it? Thanks!

[rskoniec]

@benstr said in Set Cellular Access Point Name (APN):

@rskoniec in Poland our 4G networks include T-Mobile, Orange, and Play. I’m told once they turn on M1/NB our sim will have access.

Thank you for your respond. I wonder when do they turn on M1/NB, because so far I couldn't find any timelines (which month or 2018Qx).

[benstr]

@rskoniec in Poland our 4G networks include T-Mobile, Orange, and Play. I’m told once they turn on M1/NB our sim will have access.

[rskoniec]

@benstr Do you have any info about Cat-M1/NB providers in Poland? I already have one of your DevSIM card but still waiting for my FiPy.

[benstr]

@ahaw021 Looks like we provide access to Optus and Telstra networks. Not sure if either have NB. I’m currently mobile and only have access to a partial list.

More than happy to dig further if need be - when I’m in the office tomorrow.

[ahaw021]

@benstr thanks for clarifying that our for me

Do you have any Australian NB-IOT providers?

[benstr]

@ahaw021 all of our SIM cards are global 2G/3G/4G/Cat-M1 (and soon to be NB). If you’re having troubles connecting to an M1 network you may have an older SIM that requires manual upgrade. You can keep the SIM and request the upgrade by contacting success@hologram.io

Again, this is pretty rare and nearly all of our SIMs are automatically upgraded as new service partners and cellular technology is released. This is one of the cool advantages of our software-defined network. 😀

[ahaw021]

@jmarcelino could you please let us know how to do this? I am happy to talk to the module directly and set up sockets at the modem end as needed

@benstr - do you have a hologram LTE-M sim card? I thought they currently were only doing 2G/3G sim cards only

Andrei

[fkoran]

Also very interested in a configurable APN. In the US, intending to use the FiPy with hologram. io

[bali]

@jmarcelino

Any updates on the release?

[camdenkrupala]

I'm in a similar situation to @bali. Excited to see the addition of APN coming so soon!

[bali]

@jmarcelino

I'm planning on connecting to AT&T. I already have hundreds of devices on AT&T's network through LTE CAT 1 modems, but need better building propagation for remote monitoring assets deep inside buildings. Thanks

[jmarcelino]

@bali
Days. It's not just the APN we're working on other things. Thanks for your patience.

May I know which network you're looking to connect to?

[bali]

@jmarcelino Can you please be a little bit more specific what "soon" means? Days, weeks? Thanks.

[jmarcelino]

@bali
We'll have APN and other settings soon. The modem itself is certified with AT&T certified but that's not enough, AT&T in particular requires PTCRB and AT&T approval of the device too. These are in progress.

We're working with Verizon first.

[bali]

@jmarcelino

What's the ETA for the firmware that will support APN settings? Is the modem in the Gpy AT&T certified?

Thanks.

[Denisslevi]

@jmarcelino Thank you again. Yes, we are partner with Telus and other... all of them working on beta right now....
I am sorry for off-top: jmarcelino is any way you may contact me by email please.We would like get more information (include OEM) of your products but I sent email to sales - no response from there.
Regards,
Denis