SIM7600E LTE Cat-1 HAT for Raspberry Pi - 3G / 2G / GNSS

Wireless communications in the world of Electronics and prototyping has always been a rapidly evolving area, with new networks and protocols being introduced at a wildly rapid pace, which each offer distinct benefits and improvements over previous iterations and technologies. However, while these new networks and protocols are undoubtedly better than what we used to deal with in the past, some of them are quite complex in nature, and require advanced knowledge and expertise to get working just right – especially when considering the modem complexity required for both high speeds and stable connections.

Fortunately, as Makers in a beautifully modern world, these higher levels of complexity are not quite as daunting as they would have been in the past, as we can now simply get awesome modules like the SIM7600E LTE Cat-1 HAT for Raspberry Pi, which take away all of those complexities in order to provide a simplified, powerful and very functional way for us to take advantage of LTE and wireless comm’s. These modules are specially designed to make your life as a Maker as easy as possible, while still giving you all the benefits that LTE Cat-1 communications can offer. They are designed in the classic Pi HATs style so as to provide excellent compatibility and ease-of-use, and are built to allow you to get your projects connected with impressive networking capabilities, even in remote and hard to reach places.

In terms of support and compatibility, we’ve been impressed with just how versatile this Pi HAT really is, as despite being a part of the Pi HATs range, offering simple support for Rasbperry Pi via the classic 40 Pin GPIO, this HAT is also perfectly compatible with Arduino Boards as well as many other STM32 based boards via the 15 Pin Control Interface. As such, even if you love working with Arduino, the NVIDIA Jetson Nano, the Orange Pi, or almost any other boards with UART capabilities, you can take full advantage of the awesome features that the SIM7600E LTE HAT is ready to offer.

Please Note: This Pi HAT can operate on both 3.3V and 5V DC, and this can be selected by utilising the included jumper to tie either voltage pin to the VCCIO Pin. However, it’s important to remember that this must be done while the module is unpowered to avoid any unnecessary damage.

Typical Applications for the SIM7600E LTE Cat-1 HAT:

With such simplified tools at your disposal, the time is finally now in which you can create your own custom high-bandwidth networks that can send, receive and stream all the different data types you need, with reliably high quality and impressive consistency that LTE is so well known for. This opens up really cool opportunities for building personalised cloud platforms, integrating LTE functionality into custom mobile devices and projects, developing large area monitoring and management solutions, or even bringing old equipment and machinery into the modern age with smart/intelligent capabilities to ensure optimal efficiency at home, work or anywhere else.

And of course, in offering compatibility with both Raspberry Pi Boards as well as many more Arduino, STM32 and similar development boards, while also providing great functionality like microphone and audio output support, the applications for what you can use this neat but complex Pi HAT for are truly endless. This excellent level of functionality, combined with an impressive set of extra features and a relatively simple to use style, make the SIM7600E LTE Cat-1 HAT a very enticing for all Makers who love experimenting with and building wireless GSM based communications projects.

Additional Resources:

• This is the official SIM7600E LTE Cat-1 HAT Wiki Page, which offers more insights into how this module works, as well as helpful resources and links to various firmware versions – to help you hit the ground running and get your new LTE project going as quickly and easily as possible.

When it comes to producing unique electronics components and modules, there are very few brands that can provide the quality that Waveshare can. Based in the Futian District in Shenzhen, China, Waveshare are experts in developing electronics to a high standard of quality, which have been thoroughly tested to work seamlessly with corresponding development platforms and systems – such as the E-Ink HATs for Raspberry Pi’s.

What we love most about Waveshare is how they are dedicated to providing quality products, and have moved away from the typical “Made in China” stigma – cheap products with cheap parts and components. Instead, Waveshare understand the value of supplying quality products and building sustainable relationships with international resellers and distributors. They know that consistent quality will result in consistent business, and as such they always ensure strict quality control for each and every product that comes out of the manufacturing plant.

We are always excited to peruse through their vast catalogue of exciting new products to find unique modules, components or even entire development boards that are designed with quality in mind. Because we know that every cent that we spend with Waveshare will be well-spent, with each product that order adding real value to our own catalogue of products.