It is possible to change the frequencies that our GSM 1400 board uses to connect to the mobile network. Different options are available to configure the frequency bands on which the MKR GSM 1400 can operate. This tutorial will show all different possibilities to choose frequency band and how to change this setting.
What you’ll need
- Arduino IDE
- MKR GSM 1400
- USB data cable
Steps
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Check that you have the required board package and library:
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Make sure you have the latest SAMD core. If you don’t, go to Arduino Tools > Board > Boards Manager and install the latest Arduino SAMD Boards package.
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Open Tools > Library Manager and make sure the
MKRGSMlibrary is installed and up to date.
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Open the
BandManagementsketch (File > Examples > MKRGSM > Tools > BandManagement) and upload it. -
Manage the board’s band frequency
This sketch, for the MKR GSM 1400 board, checks the band currently configured in the modem and allows you to change it. Make sure you take note of the current option, you might need to configure it back to this one. Just open the serial monitor, the current configuration will show after “Current band”.
Following, the list of possible options:
- E-GSM(900)
- DCS(1800)
- PCS(1900)
- E-GSM(900)+DCS(1800) ex: Europe");
- GSM(850)+PCS(1900) Ex: USA, South Am.
- GSM800(800)+GSM(850)+E-GSM(900)+PCS(1900)
- UMTS(2100)
- GSM(850)+E-GSM(900)+PCS(1900)+UMTS(2100)
If you wish to change the band just enter the corresponding number to the option desired in the input box and press ‘Send’. Success message will be printed right after (the process can take up to 3 minutes).
You can check here which band each zone works with.
Usual configurations:
- Europe, Africa, Middle East: E-GSM(900)+DCS(1800)
- USA, Canada, South America: GSM(850)+PCS(1900)
- Mexico: PCS(1900)
- Brazil: GSM(850)+E-GSM(900)+DCS(1800)+PCS(1900)
Next Steps
Now you have configured the band, get ready and visit Arduino Project Hub for inspiration. There are lots of existing projects developed with this board and GSM communication!
