I tried the project “SIM800 series Bluetooth AT commmands - Live Demo” using the SIM800C module and everything works fine.
I bought the SIM800H module and unfortunately it do not recognize the AT commands dedicated to Bluetooth. It is a small electronic board with on board the SIM800H and near the GSM module there is the Bluetooth antenna.
As I repeat, the SIM800H returns an Error every time I send an
AT command dedicated to the Bluetooth.
Since you have experience with the SIM800, I’ve been thinking of asking you the following questions:
1 - do you know why it does not recognize these commands? (for example: AT+BTPOWER=1)
2 - the SIM800H contain Bluetooth or not?
3 - should the firmware be updated?
Yes the ERROR is due to firmware not being updated to Bluetooth. I have firmware for SIM800C and not SIM800H. Get the firmware which supports Bluetooth, you might be able to get from the local SIMCOM support team.
I’m here again to write the following lines.
I have received from my salesman the file package needed to upgrade the SIM800H module, so I can use Bluetooth.
I connected the SIM800H module correctly to my serial line (TTL mode).
I did communication tests with the AT commands and everything works fine.
At this point I followed your suggestions from your movie on Youtube:
(Uploading a new firmware image to SIM800 family GSM/GPRS module)
1 - I run the “Simcom_Series_download_Tools_Customer.exe v1.06” application
2 - I set the serial line (UART) COM1 and baud rate at 115200
3 - I load the “1309B07SIM800H32_BT.cfg” I received from my salesman.
4 - I click the “Start Download” button
5 - The timer score the time (1…2…3… and so on)
6 - I turn ON the card with the SIM800H… and the LEDs of the GSM indicates that it is powered.
7 - I reset the SIM800H… but the download does not run.
I tried and retried it many times but unfortunately the download is not run.
Can you tell me where I am wrong?
Can you tell me the exact sequence (step by step) to download the firmware?
Antonio,
Downloading through UART is tricky, you need to synchronize with PWRKEY.
If you are facing difficulty you can also try the USB mode of programming, It is easy and straight forward. You need a USB cable with 4 wires. The module you showed above looks like it might have USB interface pins left out on breakout board.
If you want to go with UART only, then make sure that you select the right baud rate or try setting the module in Auto baud mode using AT+IPR=0
You write:
Click on Start download button and power on the SIM800 module and press the PWRKEY down or connect it to GND line and download should start and finish within 2 to 3 minutes.
I do not understand well.
when you say: “power on the SIM800 module” do you mean the module is powered but not turned on?
or is it powered and should I turn it on?
In other words, the PWRKEY button should I press it after powering up the board and the module is off or the module must be switched on?
And then, the PWRKEY button must close for a moment or should it be closed for the entire download time?
Hi Antonio,
Ok, then UART is the way to go.
The video should be more descriptive than the blog.
I mean turn ON the module if its not already ON and just press PWRKEY down for <1second and again leave it to default or high state. The module can be powered ON all the time, shouldn’t make any difference.
Are UART lines going to PC only or any MCU connected to UART?
Hi Ravi,
the problem is more complicated. Let me explain why:
we start from the fact that the PWRKEY button is open and consequently the PwrKey line is high and the module SIM800H is switch OFF.
At this point I press the PWRKEY button (for a second) to turn ON the SIM800H.
I release the button, the line goes high, the SIM800 module is powered and its LEDs turn on.
Now I press the START DOWNLOAD button of the application to transfer the new firmware. The application is waiting to sync with the SIM800 …
At this point, I should press the PWRKEY button for a second and then release it;
but if I do, the SIM800H module shuts off.
The consequence is that the download does not happen.
Hi Ravi,
this morning I read your suggestions, I followed the steps described in your message but unfortunately the download does not happen. I describe these steps:
1 - Set the 115200 baud rate in the SIM800H module with the AT+IPR command
2 - I memorize this value with the AT&W command
3 - I did some communication tests with the SIM800 and it responds correctly.
4 - I turn OFF the electronic board with the SIM800H on board
5 - I run the “download application” on my PC
6 - set the serial line number (COM1)
7 - Press the START DOWNLOAD key to start the SYNC
8 - the counter marks time (1…2…3 … and so on)
9 - I verify that PWRKEY button is open
10 - I turn ON the electronic board with SIM800H on board
11 - I look but … nothing happens
12 - I press and HOLD the PWRKEY button (it is closed)
13 - time runs but … nothing happens.
I add:
when the SIM800H is powered ON and the PWRKEY button is pressed,
the GSM module sends the following message to the serial line:
Hi Antonio,
I just verified the procedure and it is correct.
The only difference i see is that Module is in Autobaud mode with AT+IPR=0 so do AT+IPR=0 and AT&W and do the below process. It should work or else something else will be wrong.
Keep module powerd off.
Start the download process
Power the module
Press PWRKEY for <1s to make it LOW and download starts without any hassle.
I have understood why the download does not happen.
When the SIM800H is powered and the PWRKEY button is closed, the GSM module waits to receive the byte 0xB5.
(page 6 - 1.2 Synchronization Word Detection (0xB5))
The “Simcom_Series_download_Tools_Customer.exe” application does not generate this byte.
The application, send the value 0xA0 as synchronous byte.
I have noted this, because I installed a “Sniffer Serial COM” on my PC and monitored the conversation between the two devices.
Hi Antonio,
Thats good that you were able to arrive at this. Tell me the software for sniffing. I will send you sniffed logs of working connection of firmware update
Hi Ravi,
this is the link where you can download the Sniffer Serial COM application.
This application is full function but only for fifteen days (is a demo version):
1 - in the Session menu choose New Session
2 - check only Dump view
3 - press Start monitoring
4 - Set the Baud rate, Parity, Stop bit and number COM
Well!
Now you have to run the application, press “Start Download” key and you will see that
the sniffer has captured the opening of the COM. The rest you know him…