Pimoroni’s New Clipper HAT Mini Simplifies 4G LTE for Remote Raspberry Pi Projects
Pimoroni has newly developed the Clipper HAT Mini, an LTE 4G module designed for Raspberry Pi, enabling data transmission over cellular networks, which is perfect for remote or mobile projects. Scenarios where WiFi isn’t available, such as controlling devices at IoT, festivals, monitoring remote sensors, or connecting automation systems in areas with poor wireless coverage, are ideal for it. It features the SIMCom A7683E 4G LTE module with support for LTE-FDD bands B1, B3, B5, B7, B8, B20, and B28, offering uplink speeds up to 5 Mbps and downlink up to 10 Mbps. The HAT includes a SIM card slot, LED indicators, two user buttons, an SMA antenna connector, a Qwiic/STEMMA QT I2C connector, and pre-soldered headers for easy installation. Its compact design makes it suitable for portable projects. A free 100MB SIM card is included for testing, supporting over 150 countries.
The Clipper HAT Mini comes with a pre-soldered socket header, allowing for quick and hassle-free installation on Raspberry Pi devices with a 40-pin header. It operates efficiently, consuming around 50mA to 100mA during typical use and just 17mA when idle. However, it requires a reliable power supply, as its sensitive undervoltage circuit can cause instability if power delivery is inconsistent. During data transmission, the module briefly draws up to 700mA, with built-in capacitors helping to smooth out any power spikes.
Previously, we have covered some similar products including the Waveshare PCIE-based HAT for Raspberry Pi, the Raspberry Pi computer Module 4S, the Waveshare’s new ESP32-S3 boards with 4G support, and many more. Feel free to check those out, if you are interested in this topic.
Clipper HAT Mini (LTE 4G for Raspberry Pi) Specifications:
- Module: SIMCom A7683E 4G LTE
- Frequency Bands: LTE-FDD B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28
- Antenna Connector: SMA connector for external LTE antenna (antenna sold separately)
- Data Rates: LTE Cat 1 – Uplink up to 5 Mbps, Downlink up to 10 Mbps
- I2C Connector: Qwiic/STEMMA QT for connecting I2C breakouts
- Compatibility: Works with Raspberry Pi models with a 40-pin GPIO header
- Misc:
- SIM Card Slot: Supports standard SIM cards
- Indicators: STATUS and NET LEDs for LTE activity
- Buttons: Two user buttons (labelled A and B)
- Additional Features:
- Control Via AT Commands
- Unpopulated headers for speaker and microphone
- Pre-soldered socket header for attaching to Raspberry Pi
- No soldering is required (as long as your Raspberry Pi has a 40-pin header attached)
- Power Consumption:
- Idle: 17 mA
- Sleep: 0.12 mA – 1.63 mA
- Peak (transmitting): 700 mA
- Average active usage: 50 mA – 100 mA
- Dimensions: 65 x 30 x 17 mm (23 mm depth with Pi Zero 2 W attached)
Additionally, the Clipper HAT Mini, compatible with Raspberry Pi models, includes a built-in SIM card slot and works seamlessly with the PPP library in Raspberry Pi OS, ensuring an easy setup with the provided detailed guide. Before use, it’s essential to check the LTE bands supported by your local carrier, as compatibility may vary, especially in North America where coverage can be limited.
The Pimoroni Clipper HAT Mini is available for $31.25 on the company’s product page. The LTE 4G antenna is sold separately for $4.06. For detailed information, you can visit the blog page.
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