How to Use Arduino MKR NB 1500: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Arduino MKR NB 1500 is a compact microcontroller board specifically designed for IoT (Internet of Things) applications. It features a low-power ARM Cortex-M0+ processor and integrated NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) connectivity, making it ideal for low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) applications. The board also includes a variety of interfaces and sensors, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment of IoT solutions.

• Remote environmental monitoring
• Smart agriculture and precision farming
• Asset tracking and logistics
• Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications
• Smart cities and infrastructure monitoring
• Wearable and portable IoT devices

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect a 5V to 12V power source to the VIN pin or use a 3.7V Li-Po battery via the JST connector.
   • Alternatively, power the board via the micro-USB port.

2. Connecting the Antenna:

   • Attach an external NB-IoT antenna to the uFL connector for proper network connectivity.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Use the Arduino IDE to write and upload code to the board. Select "Arduino MKR NB 1500" as the board type in the IDE.

4. Interfacing with Sensors and Actuators:

   • Use the digital and analog pins to connect sensors and actuators. Ensure the voltage levels are compatible with the 3.3V logic of the board.

5. NB-IoT Connectivity:

   • Insert a compatible SIM card into the onboard SIM slot.
   • Use the MKRGSM library in the Arduino IDE to establish NB-IoT or LTE Cat M1 connections.

• Voltage Levels: The board operates at 3.3V logic. Avoid connecting 5V signals directly to the pins to prevent damage.
• Battery Usage: When using a Li-Po battery, ensure it is properly charged and connected to the JST connector.
• Antenna Placement: Position the external antenna away from sources of interference for optimal signal strength.
• Power Consumption: Utilize the board's low-power modes for battery-powered applications to extend operational life.

Below is an example of how to connect the Arduino MKR NB 1500 to an NB-IoT network and send data to a server:

#include <MKRGSM.h>

// Replace with your network credentials
const char PINNUMBER[] = "1234"; // SIM card PIN (if required)
const char GPRS_APN[] = "your_apn"; // APN for your network provider
const char GPRS_LOGIN[] = ""; // Leave blank if not required
const char GPRS_PASSWORD[] = ""; // Leave blank if not required

// Initialize GSM and GPRS objects
GSMClient client;
GPRS gprs;
GSM gsmAccess;

void setup() {
  // Start serial communication for debugging
  Serial.begin(9600);
  while (!Serial);

  Serial.println("Starting Arduino MKR NB 1500...");

  // Connect to the GSM network
  if (gsmAccess.begin(PINNUMBER) != GSM_READY) {
    Serial.println("Failed to connect to GSM network");
    while (true);
  }
  Serial.println("Connected to GSM network");

  // Connect to GPRS
  if (gprs.attachGPRS(GPRS_APN, GPRS_LOGIN, GPRS_PASSWORD) != GPRS_READY) {
    Serial.println("Failed to connect to GPRS");
    while (true);
  }
  Serial.println("Connected to GPRS");
}

void loop() {
  // Connect to a server
  if (client.connect("example.com", 80)) {
    Serial.println("Connected to server");

    // Send HTTP GET request
    client.println("GET / HTTP/1.1");
    client.println("Host: example.com");
    client.println("Connection: close");
    client.println();

    // Wait for server response
    while (client.available()) {
      char c = client.read();
      Serial.print(c);
    }

    client.stop();
  } else {
    Serial.println("Failed to connect to server");
  }

  delay(10000); // Wait 10 seconds before retrying
}

1. Board Not Detected by Arduino IDE:

   • Ensure the correct board type ("Arduino MKR NB 1500") is selected in the IDE.
   • Check the USB cable and port connection. Use a data-capable USB cable.

2. No NB-IoT Connectivity:

   • Verify the SIM card is inserted correctly and has an active data plan.
   • Check the APN settings in your code and ensure they match your network provider's requirements.
   • Ensure the external antenna is securely connected to the uFL connector.

3. Power Issues:

   • If the board does not power on, check the input voltage and ensure it is within the specified range (5V to 12V for VIN or 3.7V for Li-Po).

4. Overheating:

   • Avoid prolonged operation at high current loads. Ensure proper ventilation.

Q: Can I use the Arduino MKR NB 1500 with 5V sensors?
A: No, the board operates at 3.3V logic. Use a level shifter to interface with 5V sensors.

Q: What is the maximum range of NB-IoT connectivity?
A: The range depends on the network provider and environmental conditions. Typically, NB-IoT can achieve ranges of several kilometers in urban areas and up to 10-15 km in rural areas.

Q: Can I power the board using only a Li-Po battery?
A: Yes, the board can be powered using a 3.7V Li-Po battery connected to the JST connector. Ensure the battery is charged.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the NB-IoT module?
A: Firmware updates can be performed using the Arduino IDE or a dedicated firmware update tool provided by Arduino. Refer to the official documentation for detailed instructions.