Im doing some consulting for a friends project, and we need to find a 3G capable GSM module. It has to be 3G as the friends customer has done a deal with one of the GSM networks for 3G data.
Before I found out about the 3G side of things, we were going to use a G30 module from Motorola as I got a very good price from a UK distributor. When I talked to him about the 3G verison, he mentioned the H24 also from Motorola. This was obviously much more expensive (not my problem), and its interface was USB (now my problem). Im going to be using a PIC32 to control the module (I know I dont need all that horsepower…its to future proof the board for a planned functionality upgrade later on). I dont really want to have to be worrying about USB stacks to just talk to a module, so does anyone know of any other 3G modules? Ive looked at the Telit UC864-E which gives a nice UART interface, but looking for others to compare it against…
I’ve used several of the Telit modules, and been very happy with them. The availability of documentation and prototype quantities from a number of distributors is where they outshine the rest, IMHO.
The H24 is coming in the cheapest at approx 70 GBP for 50x, but the telco im going to be working with recommends the Telit modules for the support they give.
matkey:
Going with the Telit U864-E module. Comes in at under £80 and well supported. Will let you know how the build goes!
I'm paying about 1/2 that amount ($65USD) for the SIMCom module in small quantities. Support is through their Hong Kong distributor and is very good. PM me if you'd like the contact info for the distributor I use.
Thankfully im not picking up the tab on this one. Ive developed with support in the far east before and it was a nightmare due to the timezones (England here). So the idea of being able to pick up a phone and talk to an FAE is worth the extra money
All swings and roundabouts. The Motorola H24 module and dev kit turns up tomorrow. Turns out it has GPS in it as well as 3G. Will let you know how the build goes
Yeap. Solution is up and running. Its on a PIC18 running FreeRTOS. H24 connects to my server, and downloads JPG’s from websites to local storage.
Tips…you need UART Flow Control to be able to stop the H24 spitting out data too fast. There seems to be a bug in the CTIME commands that the H24 team in Israel cant replicate. Make sure you get past your local FAE as the one here hasnt a clue whats going on most of the time.
What are you trying to do with it? I can sell you my code if that helps getting up and running faster
i’m trying to create a multi-interface communication controller… so like using the CAN, GPIO and some of the UARTs on a PIC to communicate to a network wirelessly via the H24.
yes i may interested in purchasing some code to speed things up, just have to see when this project gets off the ground.
Connection was via UART. Thats another gripe about the H24. You have to be VERY careful when setting it up as there is a command to select which interface to use to talk to it on. AT+MCONN. This either selects UART or USB. If you get this wrong its a complete hassle getting it right again. Also you need to be careful which USB->Serial cable you use. The first one I brought didnt support “special characters” like Ctrl C which the H24 needs to terminate SMS’s
I am selling 15 H24 modules if anyone is interested. We were using the H24 for prototyping and have since switched to Ericsson modules.
I purchased these for $115 USD/each - will sell for $100 USD and ship anywhere in the world. These modules are brand new and less than 1 year old (still under warranty).
I also have a well used dev kit that I will throw in for free if you buy the modules.
