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Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2

Rated 4.51 out of 5 based on 39 customer ratings
(39 customer reviews)

$39.00

This is a handy interface bridge between Mini PCIe 3G/4G/LTE modules and Raspberry Pi. You can easily insert a Mini PCIe module in this shield then start using high-speed cellular internet with your Raspberry Pi. You also need to get a UC20 Mini PCle 3G Module or EC25 Mini PCle 4G/LTE Module and two Antennas to make this product works.

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Description

Adding ultra-fast cellular internet communication feature to your Raspberry Pi has never been easier until you get this shield. This is a handy interface bridge between Mini PCIe 3G/4G/LTE modules and Raspberry Pi. You can easily insert a Mini PCIe module in this shield then start using cellular internet with your Raspberry Pi. Both UART and USB communication with modules is available.

It can be used as an LTE modem or dongle. If you’re looking for a Raspberry Pi LTE HAT for applications like Raspberry Pi video streaming or high-speed data transferring, this Sixfab Base Shield is here to help. Making a remote controllable LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, high-speed GPS tracking, VoIP, more and more use case is possible with his add-on board.

Depends on your region and data rate need, you can choose an LTE module from a variety of options are available in the market from different cellular module vendors. The full list of the compatible modules mentioned below. For a global 3G coverage, we suggest Quectel UC20 3G Module, and for high-speed LTE connection, we suggest Quectel EC25 LTE Module, are available at Sixfab right now.

Features

  1. Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi models that have the 40-pin GPIO header (3, 2, B+, A+, Zero)
  2. Easy-to-use, simple setup, plug-and-play
  3. Clip-in Mini PCIe socket compatible with worldwide LTE, UMTS/HSPA+ and GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage with regional or global modules which work with different frequencies&carriers
  4. With the 4G/LTE Module(e.g Quectel EC25) you can reach 150Mbps downlink and 50Mbps uplink data rates. And the 3G Module( e.g Quectel UC20) delivers the maximum data rate of 14.4Mbps downlink and 5.76Mbps uplink.
  5. Micro SIM Card socket can easily reachable on the upside of the shield.
  6. Can be used standalone with PC/Laptop over micro USB, without stacking with Raspberry Pi.
  7. The shield can be powered from an external 5V source by exposed power pins, directly from Raspberry Pi 5V GPIO headers or over micro USB. A specially designed 90-degree right angle micro USB cable is included to package as a gift by default.
  8. Efficient and low quiescent current regulator circuit can hold up to 3.6A
  9. Optional Send/Receive commands over Raspberry Pi UART port is available
  10. Taking the module into the Airplane Mode, resetting module or RI and DTR functions can be done over GPIO pins.
  11. The modules(EC25&UC20) have built-in GNSS(GPS/GLONASS) receiver for your location-based applications.
  12. Working temperature range: -40°C ~ 80°C

 

Key Applications

  1. Video/Music Streaming
  2. Large Data Downloads and Uploads
  3. LTE Dongle/Router
  4. Mobile Internet Hotspot
  5. High-speed GPS Tracking
  6. Real-time Environmental Monitoring
  7. Smart City & Agriculture Applications
  8. Smart Parking
  9. Security & Asset tracking

 

Header Options

Alt text

  1. Long Header: If you plan to attach another Raspberry Pi HAT or add-on board on top of the Base Shield, you will definitely need this variation. Also, using GPIOs with jumper cables is possible with these male headers.
  2. Short Header: Are you going to use Base Shield only, will not add another Raspberry Pi HAT or shield on top of it? Or you’ve already attached a board with a long header on Raspberry Pi and you’re planning to plug the Base Shield on top? This header option is suitable for you.
  3. Without Header: If just the plugging Base Shield via micro USB cable to Raspberry Pi is enough for you, or you’ve already attached a bulky shield on Pi, doesn’t need UART communication, this slim, headerless shield works greatly. For knowing what you missing without headers, take a look at the Pinout Diagram of the shield, these pins will be unconnected.

 

Technical Details

Connection Types

USB: Most of Mini PCIe modules have USB driver for Android, Linux, and Windows operating systems. The Base Shield that loaded with a module like Quectel EC25 LTE, can be attached to a minicomputer(especially Raspberry Pi), mobile phone or laptop with USB then works as a 3G/4G USB Dongle Modem. Drivers for modules, please visit the module product pages.

UART: If you insert one of the Quectel Mini PCIe modules, the UART pins will be available to use, with 3.3V power domain, directly connected the UART port of Raspberry Pi. But the maximum data rate will be lower than USB. It’ll be around 900 Kbit/s Downlink and Uplink (UART)

Compatible Mini PCIe Modules

  • Quectel:
  • Quectel*
    • LTE-EP06
  • Sierra*
    • AirPrime MC Series
  • Telit*
    • LM960, LE910V2, HE910, LE910Cx, and more
  • Huawei*
    • ME909s-120, ME909s-821, and more
  • Simcom*
    • SIM7100,  SIM7230, and more
  • ZTE*
    • ZM8620, and more
  • U-Blox*
    • MPCI-L2 Series

Important Note(*): Please check the following Quectel Mini PCIe pinout(EC20,EC21,EC25,UC20) diagram and the Base Shield connected pin table for full compatibility.  The other Mini PCIe modules from different vendors can be used with the Base shield. Generally, these modules’ USB, power supply, status led and SIM Card pins match with Base Shield Pinout, they can be used via USB connection without struggling but it does not mean full compatibility, some features may not work. The AT Command Interface cannot be used without UART connection. Please, consider USB connection needs special drivers for each operating system.

source: Quectel

 

Sixfab Base Shield Mini PCIe Pinout Quectel  EC20,EC21,EC25,UC20 Quectel  LTE-EP06 Sierra Telit Huawei Simcom ZTE U-Blox
Pin[8] USIM VDD OK OK OK
Pin[10] USIMDATA OK OK OK
Pin[11] UART_RX OK NOT CONNECTED NOT  CONNECTED
Pin[12] USIMCLK OK OK OK
Pin[13] UART_TX OK NOT CONNECTED NOT  CONNECTED
Pin[14] USIMRST OK OK OK
Pin[17] RI OK NOT CONNECTED NOT  CONNECTED
Pin[20] W_DISABLE OK OK OK
Pin[22] PERST OK OK OK
Pin[31] DTR OK NOT CONNECTED NOT  CONNECTED
Pin[36] USB_DM OK OK OK
Pin[38] USB_DP OK OK OK
Pin[42] LED_WWAN OK OK OK

 

Compatible Boards

  1. Raspberry Pi 3, 2, B+, A+, Zero
  2. Asus Tinker Board
  3. Rock 64*
  4. Orange Pi*
  5. Samsung ARTIK’s Eagleye board*
  6. Latte Panda

Note 1: The modules’ default drivers may not work with all these mini computers. There may need some Kernel work to implement the drivers. We’re working on Quectel Modules’ drivers to make them ready for each mini computer in the list. Please take a look at our support section for details.

Note 2: These compatibility list created by assuming you’ve connected the Base Shield to the device via USB. UART communication can be work with every device in the list easily which have 3.3V level UART port.

 

Warnings

  • For the best working condition, use at least a 2A adapter or power source.
  • We don’t recommend usage of long and low-quality micro USB cables between Base Shield and Raspberry Pi. It causes data and power loss. Thus, the cable included the package works greatly.

 

Electrical

Pinout

 

 

Pin Descriptions

Pin Number Pin Name Description
2 5V PWR This pin is connected to the 5V power net.
4 5V PWR This pin is connected to the 5V power net.
8 PCI RX This pin functions as the serial data input to the module
for UART communication.
10 PCI TX This pin functions as the serial data output from the
module for UART communication
31 RI This pin is Ring indicator functions as the indication for
receiving call or SMS, can be calibrated to HIGH or LOW
using the AT commands.
33 DTR When the module is in sleep mode, DTR pin allows to
wake up the module up by pulling it to LOW.
35 W_DISABLE This pin is used to turn Airplane Mode on the module, by
pulling it HIGH.
37 PERST The pin is used to hardware reset the module, by pulling
it HIGH.
6,9,14,25,30,34,39 GND This pins are connected to ground.

 

Electrical Characteristics of Pins

Pin Number Description Min. Typ. Max. Unit
5V PWR Power Supply 4.8 5.0 5.25 V
PCI RX, PCI TX IO 3.0 3.3 3.6 V
RI IO 3.0 3.3 3.6 V
DTR IO 3.0 3.3 3.6 V
W_DISABLE IO 3.0 3.3 3.6 V
PERST IO 3.0 3.3 3.6 V

Layout

 

Schematic

You can download the schematic of Base Shield from this Github repository.

LEDs

  • PWR LED: When the module is powered up, this RED led turns on.
  • SGNL LED: This BLUE led indicates the status of the connection. When the connection is established and data is being transmitted/received, this led will blink at special intervals. Otherwise, if there is no connection, the led will remain off.

 

Mechanical

Dimensions

3D Design Files

You can download the 3D design files(STEP, IGES) of Base Shield from this Github repository.

Weight

Header Type Without Mini PCIe Module With Mini PCIe Module Unit
Without Header 18.3 28.4 gr
With Short Header 21.6 31.7 gr
With Long Header 25.1 35.2 gr

 

Package Includes

  • 1x Sixfab 3G/4G-LTE Base Shield for Raspberry Pi
  • 1x 90-degree Right Angle Micro USB Cable

!NOTE: The 3G/4G-LTE Mini PCIe modules are not included.

 

Instructions

You may find your questions in F.A.Q under support menu. If not, please feel free to ask us by contact form or drop an email to hello [at] sixfab dot com.

Tutorials

Github Repository

The Sixfab Github Repository for Raspberry Pi Shield contains the libraries and codes are used in tutorials, hardware files and more.

 

39 reviews for Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2

  1. Rated 5 out of 5

    Yadi Rudiyansah –

    what bands are supported by this stuff ?

    • onur –

      Hello Yadi,

      Our Shield support all bands. You just need to select the EC25 module that is appropriate for your location.

  2. Rated 4 out of 5

    Kim –

    Hi. What is the power consumption for this shield with a EC25-E and 2 antennes without a PI?

  3. Rated 5 out of 5

    Magnus Eriksson –

    hi i live in sweden. What kind of EC25 module should I use to make it work in Sweden and Europe

    • Metin –

      Hi, Please choose Ec25-E (Europe).

  4. Rated 3 out of 5

    Martin G. –

    Hi, we have this Ec25-E (Europe) card in Germany but it just work with G3. Did you have some hints to fix this bug and get LTE Speed? Our sim Card contract is working with LTE we tested it with a LTE stick.

    • Metin –

      We will ask to Quectel and will turn to you

      • Mahmut –

        On the EC25 module, 4G is open by default and connection priority is available. However, if there is no 4G signal in the area where it operates, it will try to connect via 3G. We can force the test module to connect to 4G Access technology. Could you try the following command for this and try connecting to the same region? Then AT + COPS? Could you send me the output of the command?
        So, the command is ‘AT+QCFG=”nwscanmode”,3’ to force the module search the network only LTE. Please see the following example.
        AT+COPS?
        +COPS: 0,0,”TR TURKCELL”,6 //Access technology is UTRAN W/HSDPA and HSUPA
        OK
        AT+QCFG=”nwscanmode”
        +QCFG: “nwscanmode”,0
        OK
        AT+QCFG=”nwscanmode”,3 //force the module to connect only LTE network
        OK
        AT+COPS?

  5. Rated 5 out of 5

    Terry Tse –

    Dear Sir,
    i am living in Hong Kong. What kind of EC25 module should I use to make it work. And if I want to use this product in Canada. Do I need to buy another EC25 module? Please advise. Thank you!

    • Mahmut –

      Hello Terry,

      You can use EC25-E in Hong Kong. If you want to use in Canada with EC25-E, it can work with Rogers,Telus, Sask Tel GSM Opetators.

      Thanks

  6. Rated 5 out of 5

    Puru –

    What module type do I need for use in Australia and India/Nepal?

    • Metin –

      EC25-AU module

  7. Rated 5 out of 5

    Jafet Morales –

    Will the EC25-A Mini PCIe work as 4G in the US?

    • Metin –

      Yes, you can use it at US

  8. Rated 4 out of 5

    eclan –

    for use of South East asia (indonesia, singapore, malaysia) which EC module should I choose?

    • Mahmut –

      Hi Eclan,
      You can choose EC25-E.
      thanks

  9. Rated 5 out of 5

    Chris.O –

    very excited to try this with tmobile. Will this board work with the new raspberry pi 3B+? And if so will it use the built in wifi of the raspberry pi for sharing the connection? I am trying to make a portable hotspot.

  10. Rated 5 out of 5

    Michael (verified owner) –

    Hi! I’m living in Costa Rica. What kind of EC25 module should I use?

    • Metin –

      Hi, EC25-AU module you can use.

  11. Rated 3 out of 5

    Nagaraj –

    Is there a data sheet available with the complete list of LTE Bands that is supported.

  12. Rated 3 out of 5

    Nagaraj –

    Do you have any API support for making and dropping calls from the module ?

    • Metin –

      Our new shields (V2) don’t have Audio layer for making calls.

  13. Rated 5 out of 5

    Alex –

    I have an EC20, the base shield works with the EC20?

    • Metin –

      Yes, You can use it 😉

  14. Rated 4 out of 5

    Francesco Vaccari (verified owner) –

    It’s a very unique product but it’s very fragile, i broke the micro usb port without put pression, i just plug in the cable and the port micro usb fall down.
    I love the idea but it could be do better, please for the next protect the port with something

    • onur –

      Thank you for your feedback Francesco. We changed our products, now more strong. Send us the product if you want, we can send smooth one.

  15. Rated 5 out of 5

    Karol –

    Is it possible to use this shield without using any RPi GPIO pins, just only over USB (communication and power supply)? I’d like to use this shield and one another which must use GPIO pins.

    Greetings

    • Metin –

      Yes you can use, but use have to power shield with external supply to 5V pins on pcb due to much current.

  16. Rated 5 out of 5

    Pixie –

    Hi, does this work with Asus Tinker Board runnig Tinker OS? Do I have to modify the kernel or so? I want to buy this with EC25-E, but I don’t want to get into problems since I’m not a pro.

  17. Rated 4 out of 5

    Matt –

    How to I pipe the gps data from this hat and have it work after power is completely cut out and reapplied? Minicom works but only as long as power stays plugged to pi. If power is pulled and reapplied it has to be reconfigured. I.e. AT+QGPS=1

    • Metin –

      Unfortunately, You have to reconfigure GPS on reboot.

  18. Rated 5 out of 5

    Nick –

    Do you have a recommendation for a GPS antenna? Does it need an active or passive antenna?

    • Metin –

      You can use an active or passive antenna.

      Antenna Requipments:

      GNSS Antenna Requipments

  19. Rated 5 out of 5

    Bastien –

    Hello,

    Does the shield work with all version of the Raspberry Pi ? Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ or Raspberry PI Zero W ?

    • Metin –

      Yes, you can use with all versions.

  20. Rated 5 out of 5

    Jesse Taylor –

    Is soldering required to attach this board to the Raspberry Pi?

    • onur –

      Hi Jesse,

      You can choose soldered options: short or long header.

  21. Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrew C –

    Hello, I use Bell LTE in Canada. I would like to connect to a Pi 3 Model B+. Please let me know what boards I need.

    Thanks,

    Andrew

    • onur –

      Hello Andrew,

      You can use Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2 with EC25-AU for Bell LTE.
      Thanks.

  22. Rated 5 out of 5

    Louis (verified owner) –

    Hello,

    is the shield compatible with Quectel EP06 ? EP06 support carrier aggregation (for best bandwidth) and some new lte bands.

    https://www.quectel.com/UploadImage/Downlad/Quectel_EC25_Mini_PCIe_Hardware_Design_V1.1.pdf
    https://www.quectel.com/UploadImage/Downlad/Quectel_EP06_Hardware_Design_V1.0.pdf

    It seems the difference is the following mini PCIE pins. They introduced USB3.0.

    23 PERn0 UART_CTS DI UART clear to send Connect to DTE’s RTS -> 23 PERn0 USB3.0_TX- DO USB 3.0 transmit data (-)
    25 PERp0 UART_RTS DO UART request to send Connect to DTE’s CTS -> 25 PERp0 USB3.0_TX+ DO USB 3.0 transmit data (+)
    31 PETn0 DTR DI Sleep mode control -> 31 PETn0 USB3.0_RX- DI USB 3.0 receive data (-)
    33 PETp0 RESERVED Reserved -> 33 PETp0 USB3.0_RX+ DI USB 3.0 receive data (+)

    • onur –

      Hi Louis,

      In our shield, RTS and CTS pins are not connected. Reserved pin is in the idled. Only the DTR pin connected to the RPI pin. So EP06 USB3.0 RX pin connected to the RPI pin. So maybe It can work. But you can use USB 2.0 function, not USB 3.0. We didn’t try it before. So we cannot guarantee.

  23. Rated 5 out of 5

    Şahin –

    Hello Sixfab team,
    Great work, congratz.
    I have a specific question. I have a R.Pi 3B+ and an additional CANBUS+MODBUS head and it has no extra head expansion on it. I need to use GPRS+GPS head from you and this head too. Can I do it? How? And since canbus+modbus are both serial ports, can R.Pi handle all these at the same time, is there any conflict of ports/buses ?

    Thank you

    • Metin –

      Hi,

      You can use our shield via USB. If you connect via USB, you do not need to plug in the pins, only USB. And use /dev/ttyUSB0 for communication. ( Don’t forget to select the switch to USB ).

  24. Rated 3 out of 5

    anand.s –

    kindly clarify the module supported in India ,EC25-E or EC25-AU for India? for Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2
    how to provide option of Quectel Module ( EC25-AU) while ordering.

    As per the https://www.quectel.com/product/ec25.htm
    EC25-E is recommended for india

    where as one customer reviews in sixfab says the recommended is EC24-AU?

    • onur –

      Hi,
      We recommend EC25-E for India. But sometimes it depends on which carrier you use. Please e-mail to us for more information: [email protected]

  25. Rated 5 out of 5

    Gargoyle –

    Hello looks very interesting this board!
    Is it possible to use with Quectel EC25 Mini PCle 4G/LTE Module connected to Banana Pi with pins but not USB?
    Thanks

    • Saeed –

      Hi,
      Banana Pi Pins are not compatible with Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2. USB will be the only option left for it. Moreover UART is not the best option to connect as it will result in slow connection.

  26. Rated 3 out of 5

    Michael (verified owner) –

    Hello.

    Can you explain to me how to use Raspberry Pi 3G-4G / LTE Base Shield V2 and Quectel EC25 Mini PCl 4G / LTE Module with raspberry?

    I do not know how to configure via the terminal.

    Are there drivers for raspberry and for windows?

  27. Rated 3 out of 5

    ANTHONY (verified owner) –

    Hi, I am using EC25-AU. I tried several methods to camp on LTE network, but it seems that only 20+ MBps uplink/downlink performance. (My iPhone can get 80MBps/40MBps downlink/uplink at the same place, same telecom). Do you have any recommended antenna or something that can improve the performance? Thanks for any suggestion.
    Anthony

    • Saeed –

      Hey, Which antenna are you using now?
      Are you using the USB cable that we sent you with the shield?

  28. Rated 5 out of 5

    Magnus Eriksson –

    Hello can i use this Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2 to remot gsm control relay card

  29. Rated 5 out of 5

    Steffen –

    Hello,
    is it possible to use other lte cards in this device?
    From huawei, telit or sierra wireless?

    • Saeed –

      Hey,
      Our base shield is compatible with Telit.
      But for others we cannot guarantee. You will need to check the pinouts.

  30. Rated 5 out of 5

    Paul –

    Since there are no EC25-AF cards in stock, will this shield work with the Sierra Wireless MC7354 or MC7700 mPCIe LTE modem?

    • Saeed –

      Following pins are not connected in Sierra Wireless LTE modules
      UART_RX,UART_TX,RI,PERST,I2C_SCL,I2C_SDA,DTR

      Even it may work with USB interface. Still we cannot guarantee it.

  31. Rated 3 out of 5

    Laura –

    Hello, I need to know if this module can be communicated by UART to B-L475E-IOT01A of ST

    • Metin –

      Hello, Yes, you can communicate via UART with any microcontroller. Notice: UART speed very low to LTE communication.

  32. Rated 5 out of 5

    Randy –

    Hello, I live in Philippines and planning to create GPS transmitter or can going on remote locations, first which EC25 module shpuld I use and what setup do you suggest? Thank you!

    • Saeed –

      Hey Randy,
      Here are the details of EC25 module. If you cannot find your country, you may check it your carrier’s frequency band. If GPS is priority and you can also use UC20 module(3G) instead of EC25(4G/LTE). You will also need antenna.

  33. Rated 5 out of 5

    zeynelsalt –

    Hello, is EC25 E compatible with Turkey – Vodafone or Turkcell interface?

    • Saeed –

      Hi,
      EC25-E is compatible with both Vodafone and Turkcell in Turkey.

  34. Rated 5 out of 5

    zeynelsalt –

    Thank you. I am trying to place an order but Paypal option isn’t working in Turkey. Do you have any other payment options like direct CC or wire transfer?

  35. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ibrahim Mohamed –

    i can use Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield V2 for make calls ,SMS and receive calls and SMS from Phone ?
    “i mean build real phone with this module and raspberry pi “

    • Saeed –

      Hi,
      Sending SMS from Raspberry Pi 3G-4G/LTE Base Shield v2 is possible but it does not allow making call. For Call you may use Raspberry Pi GSM/GPRS shield.

  36. Rated 4 out of 5

    Mike –

    What is data interface to Raspberry Pi? USB/ Gig Ethernet/ Serial?

    Does it perform router/firewall function with port forwarding?

    • Saeed –

      Data interface: USB(recommended) and Serial
      No. You should ask your network provider.

  37. Rated 5 out of 5

    Mike –

    Hi,

    What type of module would work for T-Mobile in the United States? Can someone advise?

    Thanks,

    Mike

  38. Rated 5 out of 5

    Mike –

    Hi,

    Does the EC25 use a SIM card? I see it uses USIM but I’m not sure this will work for me.

    Thanks,
    Mike

  39. Rated 5 out of 5

    Edward –

    Hi,
    I noticed there’s no mention of Africa, even in the PDF. I live in Kenya. What kind of EC25 would work for my region.

    • Saeed –

      Africa is in EMEA region, So EC25-E will work in Africa.

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