Adafruit FONA 808 - Mini Cellular GSM + GPS Breakout

Adafruit FONA 808 MiniGSM + GPS adds cellular voice, SMS, data and GPS tracking in one tiny module (1.75" × 1.6") using the SIM808. Note: T-Mobile GSM shutdown makes it unsuitable for long-term use in the USA—consider FONA 3G instead.

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Want cellular + GPS tracking in one module? The Adafruit FONA 808 MiniGSM + GPS combines a Mini GSM phone module with integrated GPS, letting you add location tracking, voice calls, text, SMS and data to your project in a compact package.

Measuring just 1.75" × 1.6", it packs in a SIM808 GSM cellular module with built-in GPS, giving you a flexible all-in-one solution for connected projects.

Important note (USA): the T-Mobile GSM network has been shutting down in the USA from 2020 onwards, so this module isn’t suitable for long-term use in the USA. For a more future-proof option, Adafruit recommends the FONA 3G instead.

Features

• 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 any more)
• Fully-integrated GPS (MT3337 chipset with -165 dBm tracking sensitivity) 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: 32s (typ.), Hot starts: 1s (typ.), Warm starts: 5s (typ.)
• Accuracy: approx 2.5 meters

Sounds delicious, right? So we’ve mounted this handy module onto a breakout board and added the extra features you need to get up and running quickly, and 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 won’t do anything — it needs a microcontroller to control it. We recommend using an Arduino, but any 3–5V microcontroller with a UART can communicate by sending and receiving commands over the RX/TX pins.

You’ll also need a few required accessories to get the FONA working. These are not included.

• SIM card (required)
• LiPo battery (500mAh or larger) (required)
• A 500mAh battery works well
• A 1200mAh battery also works great
• Micro USB cable for charging the battery
• External uFL GSM antenna (required)
• A slim uFL antenna works well - If you want to use an SMA antenna, you’ll also need a uFL to SMA adapter cable
• External uFL passive GPS antenna (required)

Specifications

• 44mm x 43mm x 8mm
• Weight: 12.3g

Revision History

• As of Dec 11, 2015 we are shipping with the version 2 SIM808 module which has a slightly different GPS command naming system (AT+CGNS rather than AT+CGPS), and a newer GPS chipset (MT3337 not MT3336)

Resources

• Documents

Package Contents

• 1x Adafruit FONA 808 - Mini Cellular GSM + GPS Breakout
• 1x 16-pin header