Hi,
After experiencing some issues with my GCS connection (see this thread:
https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/frequent-disconnections-with-omnidirectional-antenna-at-short-range/22490), I decided to try configuring the BlueBoat cellular modem kit.
I followed this guide:
https://bluerobotics.com/learn/installing-the-blueboat-cellular-modem/
My setup is the following:
- Platform: BlueBoat running BlueOS
- LTE modem: Quectel EG25-G (BlueBoat cellular modem kit)
- SIM operator: ho.Mobile
- APN:
web.ho-mobile.it
-Remote connection: ZeroTier
I can see both devices connected correctly in ZeroTier and both appear online.
However, when I check BlueOS → Cellular Modem Manager, the modem shows: STATE: NOCONN. Additionally, in the Internet tab the speed test does not start at all.
Despite this, if I disconnect my computer from any local network and try to access BlueOS using the modem’s ZeroTier IP address (10.8.161.133), after some time I am sometimes able to connect. The problem is that the connection cannot be maintained and eventually drops.
Because of this I am not sure whether:
- the modem is actually failing to establish a proper internet connection?, or
- it connects briefly but cannot maintain the data session?
- What can I do to make this work properly?
I also noticed that the Nearby Cells values show relatively high power levels, which makes me wonder if the signal quality or network conditions could be affecting the connection stability.
I’m attaching screenshots of the current configuration and modem manager pages.
Any suggestions on what I should check next would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Hi @MatteoBucci
That looks to me like your cell tower connections are quite weak- values closer to 0 indicate more strength so -70 is a good signal vs -100 which is fairly weak …
Are you using the included hologram SIM or your own you installed? Has it been activated with your carrier?
Zerotier will connect over any Internet connection, so if you connect BlueOS to the Internet via onboard Wi-Fi, you’ll get a zerotier link that doesn’t maintain once the vehicle loses Internet access.
What country are you operating in? Are you using BlueOS 1.4.3 and the latest version of the cell modem manager? I’d double check your APN is correct, they don’t usually have special characters like the dash in my experience?
If you continue to have issues, please reach out via the help center, reporting a problem with a product and including your order #.
Hi @tony-white ,
We are operating in Italy, which is why I am not using the included Hologram SIM but instead a SIM from a national operator (ho.Mobile).
Before installing it in the modem, the SIM was inside a smartphone and it was able to browse the internet without any issues. I also tried using the SIM from my personal phone and obtained the same result with the modem.
The BlueOS version I am currently running is 1.5.0-beta.25, and the Cellular Modem Manager extension was updated to the latest available version.
I double-checked the APN online and it seems to be correct (web.ho-mobile.it).
Given this, I’m not sure if the issue could still be related to signal quality, modem configuration, or something else in the network setup.
Do you think it would be best to open a ticket with the help center, or are there any other checks or tests you would recommend trying first?
Thanks for the help!
Please try running BlueOS stable 1.4.3- we don’t recommend beta unless you’re after specific features, as something could be breaking the setup!
If you still have issues, reach out to the help center!
Hi @tony-white , a quick update: with the help of the help center and after updating to the latest versions, it’s working now. Thank you!
