# GPS is off response **URL:** \ **Category:** Notecard API\ **Created:** [March 31, 2021, 7:30pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189 "2021-03-31T19:30:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2021, 7:30pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/1 "2021-03-31T19:30:28Z")
- I plugged a Pulse W3906 antenna into the Notecard to test GPS functionality (card has functions for months without it). - The notecard is near a window - I am getting as a response to card.location: {‘status’: ‘GPS is off {gps-inactive}’, ‘mode’: ‘periodic’} A cellular phone positioned right next to it “sees” 6 satellites, not great but it gets a lat/lon The response is a bit cryptic: Is it because my antenna is no good? The GPS circuitry on the notecard not properly enabled? Is there a way to get more info as to what is going on? ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 12:38am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/2 "2021-04-01T00:38:05Z")
Update: - switched to a Pi4 running Cat-M1 - installed an external antenna: [External Antenna | Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT for Raspberry Pi | Adafruit Learning System](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ultimate-gps-hat-for-raspberry-pi/external-antenna) ( Active Antenna - 3-5V 28dB) - using the GPS hat (described above) with that same antenna, same position (i.e. outside, the cord is real long), I read GPS data no problem - remove the GPS hat, place the external antenna on the Notecard - made sure that the DIP switch on the hat is ON (default) → same result as the posting above, GPS is off. Obviously I am missing something… ---
**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 12:49am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/3 "2021-04-01T00:49:08Z")
Hi @Francois, Which Notecarrier model are you using? FYI the Notecarrier-A models don’t support external GPS antennas ([more info](https://dev.blues.io/hardware/notecarrier-datasheet/notecarrier-af/#gps-gnss-antenna-requirements)). Thanks, Rob ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 12:52am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/4 "2021-04-01T00:52:42Z")
@RobLauer I am using the Notecarrier Pi (aka hat). BTW I’ve been given a last minute chance to do some wardriving in Puerto Rico this long weekend, that’s why I’m trying to get the GPS running. ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 12:55am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/5 "2021-04-01T00:55:46Z")
is there a way to debug to see if the issue is with the GPS not acquiring signal or something else happening? ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 1:00pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/6 "2021-04-01T13:00:57Z")
@Francois Do you have access to another Notecarrier, or do you just have the Notecarrier-Pi with you? While I expect the antenna you have selected to work, there are a number of variables here, and would like to see if we can eliminate the Notecard as the source of the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 1:05pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/7 "2021-04-01T13:05:09Z")
I have a Notecarrier B (I think), the one that is about the same size as the Notecard. I have connected now to my laptop with the Pulse W3906 antenna. Same result – which is why I am thinking I might be missing something totally obvious: ```auto > {"req":"card.motion.mode"} {"start":true} > {"req":"card.motion.mode","start":true,"seconds":2,"sensitivity":4} {"start":true} > {"req":"card.motion.mode"} {"start":true} > {"req":"card.location.track"} { "file": "gps.qo", "start": true, "minutes": 60 } > {"req":"card.location.track","file":"gps.qo","start":true,"heartbeat":true,"hours":1} { "file": "gps.qo", "start": true, "minutes": 60, "heartbeat": true } > {"req":"card.location.track"} { "file": "gps.qo", "start": true, "minutes": 60, "heartbeat": true } > {"req":"card.location"} { "status": "GPS is off {gps-inactive}", "mode": "periodic" } ``` ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 1:12pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/8 "2021-04-01T13:12:15Z")
can you do a screen share? ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 1:12pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/9 "2021-04-01T13:12:42Z")
Yes, contacting you on Skype ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 3:04pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/10 "2021-04-01T15:04:48Z")
@Francois Can you attach the external GPS antenna to a metal surface? Often with these external patch antennas there’s an expectation of a ground plane which is assumed if it is attached magnetically. One of our engineers does lots of testing with an external patch antenna, but it is mounted to a metal plane. We haven’t tested without that plane yet, so we don’t know exactly what impact that will have. Also, I found out more about GPS lock. The onboard GPS needs at least a 25dB SNR for at least 3 satellites. We may not have been getting that. The standard GPS trace info only shows the max of available satellites. We should be able to use the `+gpsmax` on the trace info to see the details SNR information. While I requested the use of +gpsmax, I think I formatted incorrectly. ```auto trace +gpsmax ``` should do it. If you can test outside, maybe with the antenna on the roof of a car, I suspect it will improve. ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 3:18pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/11 "2021-04-01T15:18:08Z")
@gwolff I put the external antenna on metallic pot holder (ext has magnet at the bottom). Got 11/11 sats in 41 seconds. No fix. Then issued the command trace +gpsmax instead of trace on +gpsmax but the info scrolls too fast to tell. Forum won’t allow uploading .log file, sending to Skype ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2021, 7:01pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/12 "2021-04-01T19:01:08Z")
@gwolff Never got the carrier B to work reliably. 1- Back to the Carrier Pi, switched from 1.0. to 1.1 2- Made sure GPS DIP was Active 3- Place the Adafruit external antenna on a metal surface (antenna has a magnet) 4- Put the antenna outside 5- Tighten the tiny connector on the Carrier for good measure 6- Rebooted 7- Set card.location.mode to continuous (and hub.set to periodic) 8- Waited several minutes Success! Further testing indicates that 3,4 and 6 are not a factor. Item 7 is: when hub.set is in continuous and card.location.mode in periodic, it does not acquire/search for the satellites. Possibly because it takes an unusually long time for the notecard to acquire a sat fix (several minutes). Same antenna/position with an Adafruit GPS hat locks in just a few seconds. Other suggestion: Given that external antennas (including the recommended Taoglas MA256.A.LBI.001) use SMA connectors, the uFL adapter weight/rigidity does not permit to truly secure the connection to the notecard. Perhaps another connector? ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2021, 1:02pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/13 "2021-04-02T13:02:59Z")
@Francois Just clarifying, the trace info you sent me was captured after the first minute or so of operation. Is that correct? ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2021, 1:52pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/14 "2021-04-02T13:52:26Z")
@gwolff I used the tail of the log file. From the times it looks like it begins 20 seconds into and continues to 9+ minutes ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2021, 4:58pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/15 "2021-04-07T16:58:08Z")
Hi Francois. First of all, thank you for the updated log file. I did get this to our engineering team when you uploaded it and we are still investigating. I will keep you posted of progress. Thanks very much. ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2021, 12:56pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/16 "2021-04-08T12:56:56Z")
@gwolff back at my office now, I will run the another test with CoolTerm, external antenna and Carrier Pi. While in PR I noticed that it takes a very long time for the Carrier A to get a sat fix after a power off, over 20 minutes even with a clear view of the sky. ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2021, 2:00pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/17 "2021-04-08T14:00:12Z")
Thanks for the feedback Francois. We will probably need to investigate that separately as the Notecarrier A adds an additional variable of a different antenna and RF layout. We expect customers to be able to use the active antenna and the Notecarrier B or Notecarrier-Pi. We use that combination frequently, and have not seen such weak GPS signal strength. We are wondering if it happens to be the GPS patch antenna you are using. I know you sent a link, but can you confirm the model number? We are interested in testing with the same antenna. ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2021, 2:13pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/18 "2021-04-08T14:13:08Z")
I am using the external antenna from Adafruit: > **[GPS Antenna - External Active Antenna - 3-5V 28dB 5 Meter SMA](https://www.adafruit.com/product/960)** > > Give your Ultimate GPS V3 a boost with this external active antenna. This GPS antenna draws about 10mA and will give you an additional 28 dB of gain. It's got a 5 meter long cable so it ... When used with the GPS hat [Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT for Raspberry Pi A+/B+/Pi 2/3/Pi 4 [Mini Kit] : ID 2324 : $44.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2324) it was amazingly accurate and rapid. ---
**Author:** ![Francois](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/francois/32/15_2.png) [@Francois](https://discuss.blues.com/u/Francois)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2021, 1:48pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/19 "2021-04-09T13:48:25Z")
Using the Notecarrier Hat + an external antenna GPS does not get a fix in the following configuration: {“req”:“hub.set”,“mode”:“continuous”} {“card.location.mode”,“mode”:“periodic”} {“card.motion.track”,“start”:true} I do see the motion events routed to notehub but there is no location available in a {“req”:“card.location”} The only way to make this work is to first set the card.location.mode to continuous, wait after power on for a fix (7 minutes or so), then switch back to the configuration above. ---
**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2021, 4:06pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189/20 "2021-04-09T16:06:32Z")
Thanks very much Francois. I did get the log and am reviewing now. [Next page](https://discuss.blues.com/t/gps-is-off-response/189.md?page=2)