EC200 USB modem for Raspberry PI and IOT applications.

 



Purchase link: 🔗 https://www.graylogix.in/product/quectel-ec200u-4g-lte-usb-modem

The Quectel EC200U is a standalone, USB-powered 4G LTE modem designed for data communication.

Key Features:

  • Connectivity: It's an LTE Cat 1 module, supporting a maximum of 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink. It also has fallback for GSM/GPRS networks.
  • Interface: It uses a standard Micro USB 2.0 port for both power and data, making it a simple plug-and-play device.
  • Plug-and-Play: The device is designed for ease of use, with drivers available for Windows, Linux, Android, and specifically Raspberry Pi.
  • Design: It's a small form-factor device intended for industrial use. It includes a built-in SIM card holder and 3 LED indicators for Power, Status, and Network.
  • Antenna: It comes with a "GL Maxgain 4G Sticker Antenna" which suggests a focus on good signal reception.
  • Control: It works on industry-standard AT commands, which is a common and flexible way to control modems from a host device like a Raspberry Pi.
  • Protocols: It supports a wide range of internet protocols including TCP, UDP, PPP, HTTP, HTTPS, MQTT, and FTP.

​Usefulness with Raspberry Pi

​This modem is highly useful for Raspberry Pi projects. Its primary benefit is providing a simple and robust way to add cellular 4G LTE connectivity to the Pi.

​Because it connects and is powered directly via USB and has dedicated drivers for Raspberry Pi (Linux), it's one of the easiest ways to get your Pi online in remote locations without WiFi. This is ideal for:

  • IoT Projects: Sending sensor data to the cloud from a remote field or vehicle.
  • Remote Access: Creating a secure connection to your Pi from anywhere.
  • GPS Tracking: The module series also supports GNSS (GPS/GLONASS, etc.), allowing you to build a powerful asset tracker (though the page notes to contact sales for the GNSS option).
  • Mobile Hotspots: Building a custom 4G hotspot.

​Benefits Compared to Other Modems

​The EC200U (as a USB modem) has several advantages, particularly for Raspberry Pi users, when compared to other modem types like mPCIe/M.2 cards or basic consumer dongles.

  1. Simplicity (vs. mPCIe/M.2 Modems): Many 4G modems come as M.2 or mPCIe cards. To use these with a Raspberry Pi, you need an additional "HAT" (Hardware Attached on Top) or a USB adapter board, which adds cost, complexity, and physical size. The EC200U is an all-in-one standalone device—you just plug it into a USB port.
  2. Robustness (vs. Consumer Dongles): This device is marketed for "industrial use" and has a "small form factor." This implies it's built to be more reliable and durable than a standard consumer-grade 4G USB stick, which might not be rated for continuous 24/7 operation in an IoT project.
  3. Driver Support: The explicit mention of drivers for Raspberry Pi and Linux is a major benefit. It removes the guesswork and potential driver-hunting required to get some generic or obscure modems working on a Pi.
  4. Standard AT Commands: Its use of standard AT commands gives developers direct, low-level control over the modem's functions (like sending SMS, checking signal strength, or managing connections) using simple serial communication, which is very easy to do from a Python or C script on the Pi.

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