Setting up Custom Networks

If you are using a third-party SIM card or need to connect to a specific LTE network, this guide covers how to configure the F1 Starter Kit’s cellular connectivity.

Ctrl connection status

The F1 Starter Kit indicates its Ctrl connection status through the onboard RGB LED:

  • Pulsing Blue — Connected to Ctrl

  • Pulsing Red — Not connected to Ctrl (network issue or no SIM)

  • Pulsing Green — Firmware update in progress

Configure for CAT-M1 or NB-IoT

The F1 Starter Kit supports both CAT-M1 and NB-IoT modes. By default it uses CAT-M1. To switch modes, use the REPL terminal:

import LTE

# Check current mode
LTE.mode()

# Set to CAT-M1
LTE.mode(LTE.CATM1)

# Set to NB-IoT
LTE.mode(LTE.NBIOT)

After changing the mode, reboot the device for the setting to take effect.

Customize APN

If your SIM card requires a specific APN (Access Point Name), you can configure it using the following code:

import LTE

# Attach with a custom APN
lte = LTE.lte()
lte.attach(apn='your.apn.here')

Replace 'your.apn.here' with the APN provided by your network operator.

Note

If you are using the SG Wireless SIM card that comes with the F1 Starter Kit, the APN is pre-configured and no changes are needed.