Adafruit FONA 808 - Mini Cellular GSM + GPS Breakout

by Adafruit

Cellular + GPS tracking, all in one? Oh yes!

Introducing Adafruit FONA 808 MiniGSM + GPS, an all-in-one cellular phone module with that lets you add location-tracking, voice, text, SMS and data to your project in an adorable little package.  (It does not contain a drum machine, tho)

This module measures 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 (the latest SIM808) with integrated GPS. This module can do just about everything.

Please note: The T-Mobile GSM network is shutting down in the USA over the course of 2020 and beyond, so please be aware these are not for long term usage in the USA! Please check out the FONA 3G for next-generation usage (or we sell the European version here).

  • Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900MHz - connect onto any global GSM network with any 2G SIM (Note that not all countries have working 2G networks, there is no USA 2G network anymore)
  • Fully-integrated GPS (MT3336 chipset) that can be controlled and query over the same serial port
  • Make and receive voice calls using a headset or an external 32Ω speaker + electret microphone
  • Send and receive SMS messages
  • Send and receive GPRS data (TCP/IP, HTTP, etc.)
  • PWM/Buzzer vibrational motor control
  • AT command interface with "auto baud" detection

Here's the GPS specifications:

  • 22 tracking / 66 acquisition channels
  • GPS L1 C/A code
  • Sensitivity: Tracking: -165 dBm, Cold starts : -147 dBm
  • Time-To-First-Fix: Cold starts: 30s (typ.), Hot starts: 1s (typ.), Warm starts: 28s (typ.)
  • Accuracy: approx 2.5 meters

Sounds delicious, right? So they plated 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 32Ω 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.
  • Vibrational motor (buzzer) driver so you can have noiseless notifications
  • 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 accessories to make FONA work. These are not included!

  • SIM Card! A 2G Mini SIM card is required to do anything on the cellular network.
  • Lipoly Battery - 500mAh or larger!
  • MicroUSB cable for charging the battery.
  • 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 uFL Passive GPS Antenna

There's also some recommended accessories. They are not required but chances are you'll want them!

More comprehensive information as well as downloads and more are on the tutorial!

  • 44mm x 43mm x 8mm / 1.7" x 1.7" x 0.3"
  • Weight: 12.3g

Datasheets: