Clipper 4G LTE Cellular Breakout Board - SP/CE

SKU: PIM716 Brand: Pimoroni
Connect your microcontroller to 4G LTE networks worldwide with the Clipper Cellular Breakout Board, featuring SP/CE compatibility, SMA antenna support, and seamless integration with Raspberry Pi and RP2040 devices.
$45.65 AUD, inc GST
$41.50 AUD, exc GST

In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM
Fastest delivery: Tomorrow* Disclaimer:
The shipping address needs to be in the AusPost next day network and eParcel Express is chosen during checkout. On rare occasions, orders may be delayed by up to one business day due to AusPost pickup timings or for order verifications.

Quantity Discounts:

  • 10-25 $40.25 (exc GST)
  • 25+ $39.43 (exc GST)

Restrictions apply to this RF Equipment for use in Australia:

  • Only to be operated on 433Mhz / 915-930Mhz / 2.4Ghz  (check the product description for compatible frequency ranges).
  • If operating outside of shared frequencies or in such a way that is beyond low interference potential devices are intended to function, then you have obtained the appropriate authorisation to do so.

For use in other locations around the world:

  • Follow region-specific frequency spectrum rules.

A declaration of use will need to be submitted during checkout.

- +

4 from local stock, 1 supplier stock; your order will dispatch between Dec 1 to Dec 10. And yes, stock levels and lead times are accurate!

Shipping:

  • $7+ Standard (5+ days*, tracked)
  • $11+ Express (2+ days*, tracked)
  • FREE Pickup (Newcastle only - must order online*)

Shipping costs may increase for heavy products or large orders.

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page.

*Conditions apply, see shipping tab below.

Clipper lets you receive and transmit data over 4G LTE cellular networks - perfect for remote or mobile projects.

WiFi is great, but sometimes you want your connected project to Just Work, wherever in the world it is. Perhaps you're going to a festival and don't know if there will be wireless connectivity to control your weird LED art installation. Maybe you're trying to get the tech in your shed to talk to your home automation software, but the range of your wireless router won't quite reach. Possibly you're attaching sensors to a distant beehive, canal boat, bicycle or other object with a remote or transient location?

Hooking your microcontroller up to cellular / mobile data could be your solution! Typically, transmitting sensor readings from or commands to microcontrollers doesn't consume much data compared to the needs of modern smartphones, so a small amount of pay-as-you-go data used like this goes a long way.

Clipper has a SP/CE connector on board - this means you can connect it easily to any SP/CE compatible microcontroller or add-on using a handy cable (of course, there's also pads if you'd prefer to solder wires to it). Click here to view all things SP/CE!

It also has an SMA connector for attaching an antenna. Cables and antennae are sold separately, or you can pick up a kit which includes them - just add a microcontroller!

Features
  • SIMCom A7683E 4G LTE module
    • Frequency Bands: LTE-FDD B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28
    • Control Via AT Commands (SIMCom AT-Command Manual)
    • Data transfer: LTE Cat 1 - Uplink up to 5Mbps, Downlink up to 10Mbps
  • SP/CE connector (8 pin JST-SH)
  • SIM card slot
  • SMA connector for attaching an antenna
  • No soldering required (if you connect using SP/CE).
  • Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico / RP2040 / RP2350
  • Compatible with Raspberry Pi computers
  • Dimensions: 35x29x5mm (Antenna connector is 11mm tall)
Regional compatibility

The 4G LTE module on Clipper supports the following frequency bands: 

B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28

If you're planning on using the breakout outside of Europe we'd suggest first checking your local carriers offer 4G LTE on these bands. Networks in North America in particular only use a couple of these frequency bands, and so coverage may be limited.

Pinout and Schematic
  • Schematic
  • Pin functions (these functions are available via the SP/CE connector, and as unpopulated headers on the breakout):
    • GND - Ground (this is pin 1 on the SP/CE connector, nearest the SIM card holder)
    • PWRKEY - Power key pin, needs to be toggled low and then high to power up the module
    • RX - UART input to breakout
    • RESET - Reset pin, pull high to keep breakout active
    • NETLIGHT - Output from LTE module, for blinking a LED when there is a network connection. It has a max output drive of 7mA and if you wire an external LED to this pin it should have a series resistor.
    • TX - UART output from the breakout
    • VDDIO - IO voltage input, 3.0 - 3.6V recommended for reliable IO. Low current consumption.
    • VDD - 3.7V - 6.0V power input to the breakout (scroll down for current consumption info)
Getting Started

You can use Clipper with Raspberry Pi Pico (or other RP2040 or RP2350 based microcontrollers) using our custom MicroPython build, which has (experimental) LTE support built in:

You can also use it with a Raspberry Pi computer (if you wire it up to the correct pins) using Pi OS's built in `ppp` library - we found the article below helpful when setting it up:

Notes
  • VDD current consumption info from our testing:
    • Idle: 17mA
    • Sleep modes: 0.12mA - 1.63mA
    • Peak current consumption when transmitting: 700mA (the peak current is only reached for a brief moment, and the 440uF of capacitors on the breakout help to smooth the peaks)
    • The average currents we saw when actively using the module were in the 50mA - 100mA range.
  • The LTE module has quite a sensitive undervoltage circuit, so if your breakout keeps turning off randomly or when you try and do anything with it check your power supply and wiring is up to the task!

Product Comments

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page (no login required).

Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

  • $3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
  • $7+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
  • $11+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
  • Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

  • $12+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
  • $16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!

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