Adafruit FONA 3G Cellular Breakout - European version

by Adafruit

For those who want to take it to the next level we now have a 3G Cellular Modem breakout!

The FONA 3G has better coverage, GSM backwards-compatibility and even sports a built-in GPS module for geolocation & asset tracking. This all-in-one cellular phone module with that lets you add location-tracking, voice, text, SMS and data to your project in a single breakout.

This module measure only 1.75"x1.6" but packs a surprising amount of technology into it's little frame. At the heart is a powerful GSM cellular module (we use the latest SIM5320E) with integrated GPS. This module can do just about everything

  • Quad-band 850MHz GSM, 900MHz EGSM, 1800MHz DCS, 1900MHz PCs - connect onto any global GSM network with any 2G SIM.
  • This is the European Version - with dual-band UMTS/HSDPA 900/2100MHz WCDMA + HSDPA
  • Fully-integrated GPS (Qualcomm PM8015 GPS) that can be controlled and query over the same serial port
  • Make and receive voice calls using a headset or an external 8Ω speaker + electret microphone
  • Send and receive SMS messages
  • Send and receive GPRS data (TCP/IP, HTTP, etc.)
  • AT command interface can be used with 300, 600, 1200, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230K, 461K, 961K, 3.2M, 3.7M and 4.0Mbps
  • Native USB support - plug it into a computer and you'll get serial ports for AT commands, GPS NMEA as well as a modem (note we've only tried out the AT&NMEA ports on Windows)

Here's the GPS specifications:

  • 16 acquisition channels
  • GPS L1 C/A code
  • Sensitivity
    • Tracking: -157 dBm
    • Cold starts : -144 dBm
  • Time-To-First-Fix
    • Cold starts: 100s (typ.)
    • Hot starts: 1s (typ.)
  • Accuracy: approx 2.5 meters

We strongly recommend using an active antenna with the GPS, while you can get a fix with a passive antenna it takes a long time.

Please note! Adafruit had a lot of requests for a 3G cell module and they're happy to oblige but this module has many small differences between it and the FONA 800 and 808, so it is not a drop-in replacement! In particular the data functionality is not as easy to use. Adafruit are adapting their FONA library to support the 3G chipset and right now they have SMS, calling, and basic functionality working but it will be a while until they get full GPRS TCP/IP and HTTP support. Also, the GPS is not as fast and low-power as the one on the FONA 808. We recommend this module for people who are able to handle a more advanced experience. Beginners will like the FONA 80x series more.

Sounds great, right? So Adafruit kitted out this fine module onto a little breakout with all the extras you need to make your next project shine

  • Onboard LiPoly battery charging circuitry so you can take your project on the go. Use any 500mAh+ LiPoly or LiIon battery and recharge over the MicroUSB when necessary. Two LEDs let you know when its charging and done
  • Standard 4-pole TRRS headphone jack. Use any 'Android' or 'iPhone'-compatible headset with mic
  • Breakouts for external 8Ω speaker and electret mic if you don't want to use a headphone
  • Level shifting circuitry so you can run it with 2.8V to 5V logic.
  • uFL connections for external antennas
  • Indicator LEDs for power and network connectivity
  • Standard SIM slides into the back

On its own, this module can't do anything. It requires a microcontroller to drive it! We suggest and use an Arduino but any 3-5V microcontroller with a UART can send and receive commands over the RX/TX pins.

You will also need some required & recommended accessories to make FONA 3G work. These are not included!

  • Required SIM Card! A 2G or 3G Mini SIM card is required to do anything on the cellular network.
  • Required Lipoly Battery - 500mAh or larger!
  • MicroUSB cable for charging the battery and communicating with the module over USB
  • External uFL GSM Antenna - this slim one works great (or, if you want to us an SMA antenna - a uFL to SMA adapter cable.)
  • External Active GPS Antenna (needs a uFL to SMA adapter too) - like this one!
  • TRRS 4-Pole Headset - Not required but it'll be tough to make a phone call without it. Any 'iPhone' or 'Android' compatible (but not iPhone original) should work. Adafruit tried about 10 different ones, and basically the more expensive once are more comfortable and louder but their official iPhone headset mic did not work.

Check out the tutorial with schematics, wiring diagrams, datasheets and more here!

TECHNICAL DETAILS

8 customer reviews

3 years ago
Bought the Pi 3a+ it to run OctoPrint. I was concerned that 512MB of RAM wouldn’t hack it but it’s works perfectly. Delivery was quick within 48hrs.
by Conor about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
The Pi 3A+ specification was a good match for my application of installing MotionEyeOS to be used for a security camera and occasionally as a wildlife camera. I have made these with the Pi Zero and the Pi 3 A+ provides a better performance in a suitably compact size. My camera project fitted into a standard 68WX100LX50H sealed, clear lid box. This allowed the camera to be mounted inside to look through the lid to protect it and the Pi from the elements. I also prefer the camera connection this model compared to the zero that is more delicate or prone to connection issues. I was particularly grateful to be able to buy this board at times of short supply at the standard price prior to the shortage. Thanks Pimoroni!
by ERIC about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
I can't believe how small and powerful these things have gotten! Pint size power! I have been faithfully using Raspberry PI's since the model B, so its been about 10 years now! I have to say that I recon this is one of the best inventions of the century! It can only get smaller and more powerful from here on out! Pimoroni is the best place to get PI'S in general, and the only place to get them at the moment! I used this one to build a MT32 PI to go with another amazing invention, The MiSTer FPGA... Thanks Pimoroni!
by James about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Paired with Emu68 this is something my beloved Amiga500 loves very much! :)
by Teemu about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
While many people will try to always go for the newest or fastest boards - and even overclocking, there are many other times, particularly in audio applications where circuit noise and RF are what you need to avoid. The Pi has long been criticised for the way it shares its Ethernet port with the onboard USB port and the extra USB ports on most Pi's are noisy as implemented as a hub, not individual channels. This is where the Model 3A scores massively. By ditching the noisy Pi's Ethernet implementation along with the unnecessary extra USB ports, you get a board that is very, very quiet from the RF standpoint - ideal for hifi audio HAT's. Add in the lower current draw and you have the ideal Pi for high definition audio. Fabricate a simple HAT-sized screening plate mounted from 2mm copper like I did and you place a virtual Faraday cage screen for your HAT, killing any Pi circuit noise stone dead. Perfect! Forget the 3B and faster but noisy 4, get this and take a giant step on your journey towards audio utopia!
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4 years ago
Worked spot on for the game emulator I made for my son to show him what games were like when I was younger a lot younger
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4 years ago
Excellent, Bought f0r the purpose of powering an MT32pi with the MiSTer hat, rather than use a larger "full fat" raspberry pi. Runs cool and flawlessly, providing an excellent recreation of the Roland MT32 with my MiSTer. Delivery was very fast as usual from Pimoroni.
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