Description
Sixfab 3G – 4G/LTE Base HAT for Raspberry Pi
a.k.a Sixfab Base HAT
Industrial-grade cellular connectivity for your edge deployments.
The Sixfab Base HAT bridges the gap between your hardware and robust cellular networks. Acting as an industrial mini PCIe interface, it empowers you to deploy global 3G, LTE CAT-M1, CAT 1, CAT 4 and even next-gen 5G RedCap connectivity to the edge.
While designed to mount seamlessly to any standard form-factor Raspberry Pi (A+, B+, Pi 2, 3, 4, 5) or Pi Zero, it is fully compatible with any Linux device featuring a similar 40-pin header. Deploying on a different system? You can also connect the Base HAT to any Linux device or PC directly via USB (note: GPIO pin functionality will not be available in USB-only mode).
Real-World Applications
- Edge AI & Video Surveillance (5G RedCap): Securely pipeline heavy processed datasets, computer vision inference results, and industrial robotics data using the low-latency, power-optimized footprint of next-gen 5G RedCap.
- Mobile Gateways & Failover Internet (CAT 4): Harness high-bandwidth CAT 4 connections to power commercial vehicle WiFi, stream digital signage, or provide backup internet for remote enterprise branches.
- Fleet Tracking & Smart Kiosks (CAT 1): Utilize the cost-effective, medium-bandwidth capabilities of CAT 1 for real-time GNSS vehicle logistics, smart vending machines, and remote point-of-sale terminals requiring continuous uptime.
- Remote Off-Grid Sensors (CAT M1): Leverage the ultra-low power consumption and extended signal penetration of CAT M1 to reliably transmit soil moisture, weather, and basic telemetry from remote agricultural sites and smart meters.
Key Features & Specifications
| Supported RATs | 3G, LTE CAT M1, CAT 1, CAT 4, and 5G RedCap (dependent on installed modem) |
|---|---|
| Device Compatibility | Raspberry Pi (all standard 40-pin models), 40-pin Linux SBCs, and any USB-equipped Linux device |
| Power Input | 5V DC |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to 70°C |
| Interface | Standard Mini PCIe (USB 2.0 to host device) |
| Regulatory Compliance | FCC, CE, IC, RoHS |
Verified Compatible Modules
The Base HAT is engineered to support a wide range of standard Mini PCIe modules. Below is a matrix of verified OEMs and popular modules widely used by our enterprise customers:
| OEM | CAT-M1 / NB-IoT | CAT 1 | CAT 4 | 5G RedCap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quectel | BG95, BG96 Series | EG21-G, EC21 variants | EG25-G , EC25 variants | RG255C Series |
| Telit | ME910C1-WW | LE910C1 Series | LE910C4, mPLS83 Series | FE910C04-NA, FE910C04-WW |
| Sierra Wireless | – | – | MC7304, MC-WP7610 | – |
| SIMCom | – | – | SIM7600, A7602 | SIM8230G, A8200C |
| Fibocom | – | L610 variants | NL668 variants | FG132-GL |
Stefano (verified owner) –
Works very well with EC25 module on a Raspberry pi 3B+
PPP connection very good in Italy with Vodafone carrier (APN: mobile.vodafone.it)!
Very important: Remove the PIN code of the SIM before using!
Mat –
Awesome hat.
Using this hat with the EC25-E I get coverage where phones fail! I have used this without problems in the UK, FR, GER and the USA. I was not expecting it to work in the USA, but it did while using a UK Simm. Sixfab products are made very well.
Furkan –
One of my favorite. Works with UC20G and EC25. Congrats guys.
Tim Gardner –
Great Hat to work with Raspberry Pi for a mini-PCIe module for 4G connection. Really nice build quality. And will work with other modules too – not just the ones on the website.
issDaemon (verified owner) –
Using this with the EC25-A, the sixfab power/ups hat and a Pi 4B+ and it works great! Another great product from sixfab!
Michael L. Lewis (verified owner) –
works great! I use my setup as a Mobile WIFI hot spot. I am an over the road truck driver, and this has proven to be a lot cheaper than paying for internet access every night. I am looking however to start working with the GPS function of the device (EC25 for North America). I can get the raw data from the device, however, when testing the output while moving it only shows the originating data LAT and LONG even after driving 4-6 hundred miles. stopping and restarting the program fixes this, as does starting a separate instance in a new window interrupts the original and it updates then in the first instance of the program.
I have looked for how to fix this issue, and would be grateful of some guidance, but as I said I use mostly for internet on the road and it is flawless.
bouarfa.mahi –
Great, works perfectly with EG25-G module and QMI Mode Cellular Connection.