GPS is not detected on SIM808 module!

Question

I'm trying to get GPS coordinates using my SIM808 module by connecting it with Arduino. When I use this code,

#include "SIM900.h"
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include "gps.h"

//To change pins for Software Serial, use the two lines in GSM.cpp.

//GSM Shield for Arduino
//www.open-electronics.org
//this code is based on the example of Arduino Labs.

//Simple sketch to start a connection as client.

GPSGSM gps;

char lon[15];
char lat[15];
char alt[15];
char time[20];
char vel[15];
char msg1[5];
char msg2[5];

char stat;
char inSerial[20];
int i = 0;
boolean started = false;

void setup() {
  //Serial connection.
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("GSM Shield testing.");
  //Start configuration of shield with baudrate.
  //For http uses it is recommended to use 4800 or slower.
  if (gsm.begin(2400)) {
    Serial.println("\nstatus=READY");
    gsm.forceON(); //To ensure that SIM908 is not only in charge mode
    started = true;
  } else Serial.println("\nstatus=IDLE");
  if (started) {
    //GPS attach
    if (gps.attachGPS())
      Serial.println("status=GPSREADY");
    else Serial.println("status=ERROR");
    delay(20000); //Time for fixing
    stat = gps.getStat();
    if (stat == 1)
      Serial.println("NOT FIXED");
    else if (stat == 0)
      Serial.println("GPS OFF");
    else if (stat == 2)
      Serial.println("2D FIXED");
    else if (stat == 3)
      Serial.println("3D FIXED");
    delay(5000);
    //Get data from GPS
    gps.getPar(lon, lat, alt, time, vel);
    Serial.println(lon);
    Serial.println(lat);
    Serial.println(alt);
    Serial.println(time);
    Serial.println(vel);
  }
};

void loop() {
  //Read for new byte on serial hardware, and write them on NewSoftSerial.
  serialhwread();
  //Read for new byte on NewSoftSerial.
  serialswread();
};

void serialhwread() {
  i = 0;
  if (Serial.available() > 0) {
    while (Serial.available() > 0) {
      inSerial[i] = (Serial.read());
      delay(10);
      i++;
    }
    inSerial[i] = '\0';
    if (!strcmp(inSerial, "/END")) {
      Serial.println("_");
      inSerial[0] = 0x1a;
      inSerial[1] = '\0';
      gsm.SimpleWriteln(inSerial);
    }
    //Send a saved AT command using serial port.
    if (!strcmp(inSerial, "TEST")) {
      stat = gps.getStat();
      if (stat == 1)
        Serial.println("NOT FIXED");
      else if (stat == 0)
        Serial.println("GPS OFF");
      else if (stat == 2)
        Serial.println("2D FIXED");
      else if (stat == 3)
        Serial.println("3D FIXED");
    }
    //Read last message saved.
    if (!strcmp(inSerial, "MSG")) {
      Serial.println(msg1);
    } else {
      Serial.println(inSerial);
      gsm.SimpleWriteln(inSerial);
    }
    inSerial[0] = '\0';
  }
}

void serialswread() {
  gsm.SimpleRead();
}

After some time, I get this error on the Serial Monitor of Arduino:

status=ERROR

The connections are as follows:

• TX of Module = Pin 2 of Arduino
• RX of Module = Pin 3 of Arduino
• GND of Module = GND of Arduino
• 5V of Module = 5V of Arduino

The Arduino is powered by USB connected to my PC.

Answer 1

Your problem looks similar to mine. It is possible that your module is a GNSS module and therefore doesn't work with standard AT commands, which are used in "gps.h".

First check that the GPS Module receives enough current, at least 5V -- 2A from an external source like a battery.

Then try sending AT commands in the serial monitor to check if your GPS module works properly:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial SIM808(2,3); //(RX-Pin,TX-Pin)

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(19200);
  SIM808.begin(19200);
}

void loop() {
  if (SIM808.available())
    Serial.write(SIM808.read());
  if (Serial.available())
    SIM808.write(Serial.read());
}

Upload this to the board an then open the serial monitor and send these commands:

AT+CGNSPWR=1

This should return OK.

After that input:

 AT+CGNSINF

This should return OK and your GPS Location in this format:

1,0,<time>,<your latitude>,<your longitude>,.......... 

If you get the following output:

1,0,19800106001337.000,,,,0.00,0.0,0,,,,,,0,0,,,,, 

It means your GPS is not set. Try to put GPS antenna outside your room, on open space.

For more information about GNSS modules go to http://www.elecrow.com/wiki/images/0/05/SIM800_Series_GNSS_Application_Note_V1.00.pdf