1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of the Quectel EG800 series 4G LTE boards, specifically models EG800Z-EU and EG800AK-EU. These modules are designed for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, offering reliable 4G LTE Cat 1 connectivity with features like GNSS, Wi-Fi Scan, and USB interface.
2. Specifications
The EG800 series modules are compact and feature-rich, designed for various M2M and IoT applications. Key specifications are detailed below:
2.1 General Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Numbers | EG800Z-EU, EG800AK-EU |
| Module Type | 4G LTE Cat 1 |
| Module Dimensions | 18.0 x 16.0 x 2.0 mm |
| Board Dimensions | 30 x 32 mm |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Module Working Voltage | 3.3V - 4.3V (typical 3.8V) |
| Function Board Working Voltage | 5-16V (VIN pin) |
| LTE Data Rates | 10 Mbps (Downlink), 5 Mbps (Uplink) |
| Supported Protocols | TCP/IP, UDP, PPP, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, NITZ, PING, MQTT, NTP, etc. |
| Voice Calls | No |
| GNSS | Optional (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS) |
| Wi-Fi Scan | Supported |
| Interfaces | USB, UART, I2C, PCM, SDIO, GPIO, ADC, (U)SIM, Netlight, Status, Powerkey, Reset, Micro USB, Nano SIM Card Slot, TTL/USB 2.0, IPEX 1st gen GNSS diversity antenna interface |
| Operating Systems | Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, Linux, Android (USB to serial driver) |
| DFOTA | Supported |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
2.2 Module Dimensions and Interfaces
2.3 Pin Definitions
| Pin Number | Pin Definition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VIN (5-16V) | External power supply pin. Power >10W. |
| 2 | GND | Ground |
| 3 | EN | Core board DCDC power enable pin, default enabled, pulled low to turn off power, not used, suspended. |
| 4 | DTR | Module sleep wake-up pin, pull up wake-up, suspend if not in use. |
| 5 | RXD | Main serial port receiving pin, 3.3V level. |
| 6 | TXD | Main serial port send pin, 3.3V level. |
| 7 | GND | Ground |
| 8 | BAT | The battery power supply pin (3.4V-4.2V) cannot be used to supply power with the VIN at the same time. Using this pin to supply power to EN is not available. |
2.4 LED Indicator Description
The core board features two LED indicators: one red and one green. Their states indicate the module's status:
| Indicator | Electrical State | Module Status |
|---|---|---|
| Red LED | On | Power On |
| NET_STATUS (Green LED) | Slow flash (200 ms high / 1800 ms low) | Network registration |
| Slow flash (1800 ms high / 200 ms low) | Data transmission mode | |
| Fast flash (125 ms high / 125 ms low) | Data transmission mode | |
| High level | In call (Note: Voice calls are not supported by this module variant.) |
3. Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your Quectel EG800 series 4G LTE board:
- Connect FPC Antenna: Carefully connect the provided FPC antenna to the designated LTE Antenna interface on the board. Ensure a secure connection. If using GNSS, connect the GNSS antenna to its respective interface.
Figure 5: EG800 Modules with FPC Antennas - Insert Nano SIM Card: Locate the Nano SIM Card Slot on the board. Insert your Nano SIM card into the slot, ensuring correct orientation as indicated on the board or in the diagram.
- Power Connection: Connect the board to a power source using the VIN (5-16V) pin or the BAT (3.4V-4.2V) pin. Ensure that only one power source is used at a time. The red LED should illuminate upon successful power-up.
- USB Connection: For initial configuration, firmware updates, or data communication, connect the board to your computer using a Micro USB cable. Install the necessary USB to serial drivers for your operating system (Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11, Linux, Android).
- Pin Header Connections: If integrating the module into a custom circuit, refer to the Pin Definitions table (Figure 4) for correct wiring of TXD, RXD, GND, DTR, and EN pins.
4. Operating Instructions
Once the module is set up, you can begin operation. The module primarily functions for data communication over 4G LTE networks.
- Network Registration: After powering on, the green NET_STATUS LED will slowly flash (200 ms high / 1800 ms low) indicating that the module is attempting to register with the network.
- Data Transmission: Once registered, the green NET_STATUS LED will flash differently (1800 ms high / 200 ms low or 125 ms high / 125 ms low) when data is being transmitted.
- AT Commands: The module supports an enhanced AT command set for configuration and control. Refer to the Quectel AT Command Manual for detailed instructions on using AT commands.
- GNSS Functionality: If a GNSS antenna is connected and the module supports GNSS, it can provide positioning data.
- Wi-Fi Scan: The module supports Wi-Fi Scan functionality for detecting nearby Wi-Fi networks.
- Firmware Updates (DFOTA): The module supports DFOTA (Differential Firmware Over-The-Air) for remote firmware upgrades, reducing maintenance costs.
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Quectel EG800 series module, observe the following maintenance guidelines:
- Keep the module in a clean, dry environment, free from dust and moisture.
- Avoid exposing the module to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
- Handle the board with care to prevent physical damage to components or connectors.
- Ensure proper ventilation if the module is enclosed in a casing to prevent overheating.
- Regularly check for and apply firmware updates to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
6. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Module does not power on (Red LED off) | Incorrect power supply voltage or connection. | Verify power supply voltage (5-16V for VIN or 3.4-4.2V for BAT) and ensure connections are secure. Check for shorts. |
| No network registration (Green LED not flashing slowly) | No SIM card, incorrectly inserted SIM, no network coverage, or antenna not connected. | Ensure Nano SIM card is correctly inserted. Check for 4G network coverage in your area. Verify FPC antenna connection. |
| No data transmission (Green LED not flashing for data) | Network not registered, incorrect APN settings, or software configuration issue. | Confirm network registration (slow flash). Check APN settings via AT commands. Ensure your application software is correctly configured. |
| USB connection not recognized by PC | Missing or incorrect USB drivers. | Install the appropriate USB to serial drivers for your operating system. Try a different USB port or cable. |
7. User Tips
- For optimal signal strength, ensure the FPC antenna is positioned away from other metallic objects or interference sources.
- When integrating the module into a custom PCB, pay close attention to the power supply and signal integrity for stable operation.
- Always refer to the official Quectel documentation for the most up-to-date AT command references and detailed technical specifications.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, and further assistance, please contact the seller or the official Quectel support channels. Keep your purchase records for any warranty claims.
Manufacturer: Quectel
Seller: HiTech Wireless Module And Accessories Store