The Hologram Nova is a cellular modem purpose-built for global IoT development with single board computer compatibility and Hologram software tools. This guide reviews troubleshooting steps for the R410 Nova model.
Known Issues
PPP Issues
Establishing PPP connections, like when using the hologram network connect command on the Nova's Python SDK, has not been reliable. This is an issue that is expected to get resolved as the network matures and becomes optimized.
Inbound messages to the Nova
In the same vein as the PPP issues, network related factors are causing issues with inbound message delivery (messages sent to the Nova). This issue is also expected to get resolved in the near future when improvements are made to the network. Outbound messages are not affected.
Improving reliability with your R410 Nova
Hologram Send "Hello World"
In our tests we have found that the TCP stack on the Nova's modem when using the SDK's send command is much more reliable than using a regular PPP connection.
We have also found that restarting the modem when a PPP connection fails increases your chances of a good connection.
Additionally, since Hologram still doesn't have access to T-Mobile's NB-IoT network turning off the NB-IoT part of the modem has also improved results. To do that simply use the following AT commands:
Query the radio access technology:
AT+URAT?
This should return either 7, 8 or 7&8. Here 7 is Cat-M1 and 8 is NB-Iot
Next to turn NB-IoT off:
AT+URAT=7