Waveshare Cat-1/GNSS HAT for Raspberry Pi Review - Review

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, having a reliable and efficient connectivity solution is crucial for various applications, from IoT projects to industrial automation. The Waveshare Cat-1/GNSS HAT for Raspberry Pi offers a comprehensive solution for those seeking global multi-band LTE 4G Cat-1 support and GNSS positioning capabilities. Let's dive into the features and performance of this innovative HAT designed by Waveshare.

Key Features and Specifications

The Waveshare Cat-1/GNSS HAT is compatible with Raspberry Pi 5 and features a standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO extension header, making it easy to integrate with Raspberry Pi series boards. It supports protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP(s), MQTT(s), FTP(s), and SSL, ensuring seamless communication in various scenarios. The HAT also supports RNDIS, NDIS, and ECM dial-up, providing flexibility in network connectivity.

Global Positioning and Connectivity

One of the standout features of this HAT is its support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou positioning systems, allowing for accurate and reliable GNSS positioning. This is particularly useful for applications that require precise location tracking, such as asset tracking, fleet management, and geolocation services. The onboard USB Type-A and Type-C interfaces enable easy testing of AT Commands and network communication, offering a hassle-free user experience.

Expanded Connectivity Options

The Waveshare Cat-1/GNSS HAT comes with 3x USB 2.0 Type-A ports, expanding the connectivity options for host devices like Raspberry Pi and Windows PC. This makes it versatile for a wide range of applications that require multiple USB connections. Additionally, the HAT features reserved control pads for the SIM7670G module, including UART and USB pins, making it simple to connect with other host boards.

User-Friendly Design and Monitoring

With a SIM card slot supporting both 1.8V and 3V SIM cards, the HAT ensures compatibility with a variety of SIM card types. The 6x LED indicators provide real-time status monitoring of the module's operation and USB connections, giving users visibility into the system status at a glance. Moreover, the HAT comes with online development resources and manuals with examples for Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano, and STM32, facilitating quick and easy integration into diverse projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Waveshare Cat-1/GNSS HAT for Raspberry Pi offers a reliable and feature-rich solution for unlocking global connectivity and precise GNSS positioning. With its compatibility with Raspberry Pi 5, extensive protocol support, and expanded connectivity options, this HAT is a versatile choice for various IoT, industrial, and communication applications. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional developer, this HAT provides the tools you need to create innovative and connected projects with ease.

Waveshare Cat-1/GNSS HAT for Raspberry Pi Review

View Product Price