Guide to FONA Module Setup and Troubleshooting

Hardware Connectivity

Power the FONA module

Flashed Arduino FONA library into the SPRESENSE but the serial prompt is halting at #updater. Looks like the FW requires an update.

Update the boot-loader

Download the bootloader

Download the boot-loader from this location:

https://developer.sony.com/file/download/download-spresense-firmware-v1-3-000

vbhadra@vbhadra-8200-elit-convertable-microtower:~$ python ~/build_scripts/build.py -bl ~/Downloads/spresense-binaries-v1.3.0.zip 
/home/vbhadra/Downloads/spresense-binaries-v1.3.0.zip
vbhadra  10309 10307  0 22:54 pts/4    00:00:00 grep -w SCREEN
Update succeed.
vbhadra@vbhadra-8200-elit-convertable-microtower:~$ python ~/build_scripts/build.py -bl ~/Downloads/spresense-binaries-v1.3.0.zip 
/home/vbhadra/Downloads/spresense-binaries-v1.3.0.zip
vbhadra  10334 10332  0 22:56 pts/4    00:00:00 grep -w SCREEN
Update succeed.
Flashing the bootloader binary onto the board.
/home/vbhadra/spresense/sdk
>>> Install files ...
install -b 115200
Install /home/vbhadra/spresense/sdk/../firmware/spresense/dnnrt-mp.espk
|0%-----------------------------50%------------------------------100%|
######################################################################

88352 bytes loaded.
Package validation is OK.
Saving package to "dnnrt-mp"
updater# install -b 115200
Install /home/vbhadra/spresense/sdk/../firmware/spresense/loader.espk
|0%-----------------------------50%------------------------------100%|
######################################################################

118880 bytes loaded.
Package validation is OK.
Saving package to "loader"
updater# install -b 115200
Install /home/vbhadra/spresense/sdk/../firmware/spresense/gnssfw.espk
|0%-----------------------------50%------------------------------100%|
######################################################################

450944 bytes loaded.
Package validation is OK.
Saving package to "gnssfw"
updater# install -b 115200
Install /home/vbhadra/spresense/sdk/../firmware/spresense/AESM.espk
|0%-----------------------------50%------------------------------100%|
######################################################################

28944 bytes loaded.
Package validation is OK.
Saving package to "AESM"
updater# sync
updater# Restarting the board ...
reboot

Download the FONA sketch

Download the FONA Arduino library from the below link:

https://developer.sony.com/file/download/spresense-fona-minigsm-demo-sketch

Click on the Download Button as shown above.

Load FONA sketch into Arduino IDE

Install FONA library in Arduino IDE

Sketch –> Manage Library –> Search FONA and install it.

Compile the FONA sketch

Download the FONA sketch

Capture the serial console

cxd56_farapiinitialize: Mismatched version: loader(17646) != Self(17660)
cxd56_farapiinitialize: Please update loader and gnssfw firmwares!!
Attempting to open comm with ATs
	---> AT
	<--- 
	---> AT
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	---> AT
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	---> AT
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	---> AT
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	---> AT
	<--- 
Timeout: No response to AT... last ditch attempt.
	---> AT
	<--- 
	---> AT
	<--- 
	---> AT
	<--- 
	---> ATE0
	<--- 
	---> ATE0
	<--- 
Error: Couldn't connect to FONA module

Debugging

https://www.katrinasiegfried.com/single-post/2018/04/12/FONA-808-and-Adafruit-IO-Debugging

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-fona-mini-gsm-gprs-cellular-phone-module/wiring-to-usb

https://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=58335

https://learn.adafruit.com/fona-tethering-to-raspberry-pi-or-beaglebone-black/setup

https://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=57272

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/33588488/connect-beaglebone-black-to-internet-via-fona-and-a-sim-needing-apn-authenticati

Signal Strength

https://usatcorp.com/faqs/factors-affect-modem-signal-strength-signal-quality/

Hardware Serial

https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/issues/426