3G + GPS shield for Arduino

The 3G shield for Arduino enables connection to high-speed WCDMA and HSPA cellular networks making possible possible the creation of the next level of worldwide interactivity projects in the new "Internet of Things" era.

The module also features an internal GPS that enables indoor and outdoor geolocation, combining standard NMEA frames with mobile cell ID triangulation using both assisted-mobile (A-GPS) and mobile-based (S-GPS) modes.

You can also use this board as a standard 3G modem at full speed (~7.2Mbps download, ~5.5Mbps upload) by connecting it via its mini-USB socket to your laptop (Linux, Windows, MacOS).

Antennas are not included. The SIM5218 device on this shield has three U.FL connectors — two for 3G mobile (one is just for a backup antenna), and one for GPS. Antennas and adapters can be selected from the options at the bottom of this page.

The module is designed to work with Internet servers directly (without having to go through the Arduino), internally implementing several application layer protocols which make it easier to send the information to the cloud. This means you will control the action from the main program running on the Arduino, though the data may flow from the 3G module to the SD card, or from the video camera to the 3G module, without a UART bottleneck. You can make HTTP and HTTPS (secure mode) navigation, downloading and uploading content to a web server. Likewise, FTP and FTPS (secure mode) protocols are available, which is useful when your application requires handling files. You can even send and receive email directly from Arduino using the SMTP and POP3 clients implemented internally.

With the SD Card socket, you can handle a complete FAT16 file system and store up to 32GB of information. This is especially useful as the 3G module can work at full speed (~7.2Mbps download, ~5.5Mbps upload) when working with the SD files directly without need of the Arduino for data or file management.

The 3G module used is the SIM5218 from SIMCOM. The power supply of SIM5218 is from a single voltage source of VBAT=3.4V-4.2V. In some cases, the ripple in a transmit burst may cause voltage drops when current consumption rises to typical peaks of 2A. Therefore, the power supply must be able to provide sufficient current up to 2A. The maximum ratings are VBAT=4.4V and 3A peak. The maximum value of voltage for digital or analogy pins is 2.8V.

The SIM5218 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS engine that works on frequencies of GSM 850 MHz, EGSM 900 MHz, DCS 1800 MHz, PCS 1900 MHz, and WCDMA 2100M/1900M/850M.

Output power:

NOTE: When flight mode is activated, RF functions are disabled. The mode can be changed by moving a jumper.

In the U.S., this shield has been tested only on the AT&T network, which supports GSM and 3G protocols. Other carriers may work too; they just have not been tested.

This module will not work without antennas. Unless you already have matching GPS and GSM antennas, be sure to add suitable antennas and SMA-to-U.FL connector adapter cable.

The camera is NOT included, and sold seperately.

• Product Wiki
• Cutedigi how to test 3G+GPS Shield tutorial