BTW, "AVR-IoT Cellular Mini", that's quite a mouthful way to name an eval board. It likes trying to pack all the search keywords into a name in the early 90's.

Glad to hear it!

It’s the subscription fees that get you.

Cell connections suck a whole lot of power. Have a look at solutions that use LoRA gateways. They can make connections in a manner that is far less demanding on the battery compared to cellular.

Hi Wellington, thanks for your comment. We're glad to hear that you appreciate our use of Open Source IDE. As for your question, we currently do not have specific example code for integration with FieldView software or precision agriculture software like QGIS. However, our development kits are designed to be versatile and can be adapted to a wide range of applications. We encourage you to explore our code libraries and documentation for more information on how to customize the kits for your specific needs. You can also find all of our public example code and documents here: www.microchip.com/en-us/document-listing?docCategory=codeexamples Hope this helps!

Hi Mohan, thanks for your comment. No we do not, but there are definitely several options on the market you can explore. Best of luck with your project!

Hmm, If the AVR-IoT Cell Mini datasheet is correct, it uses Sequans Monarch GM02S module, which supports both CAT-M1 and NB-IoT (NB1 and NB2) technologies, and it supports all the global bands including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 70, 71, 85. The AVR-IoT Cell Mini bundled TruePhone sim which might not operates on Band 2, 5 or 12, but the product itself do support those bands as far as I can tell.

Hi Henry, thanks for your comments! This board utilizes the Sequans Monarch GM02S module, which indeed supports CAT-M1 and NB-IoT (NB1 and NB2) technologies, along with a wide array of global bands including those you've listed. for the AVR DB-series' Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO), your assessment is correct. This feature allows the LTE-M module, operating at 1.8V, to interface seamlessly with the AVRDB chip via the MVIO port, eliminating the need for a level shifter - a smart and efficient design choice. 👍

Your best bet at the moment is a modified airtag. iPhones are everywhere so the fact that they can tap such an expansive network is very valuble in itself. Otherwise, you need to look at LoRA devices that connect to an open source network. Cell connections (even for a few seconds) suck a lot of power and require batteries larger than your average button cell battery to operate for long periods of time.

@@DV7Dave I looked at the Airtag but at the moment I don't have any working Iphones (I have two but all to be repaired so I'm at zero). The Lora devices (do they work with any Android OS, etc?) I had looked at them but they are too big those multifunction boards. I would need something that is even smaller than Arduino Nano just to make a point. Ok for the time being thank you.

@@pierpa_76pierpaolo The reason the airtag is able to be so small is because the location reporting is done via the iPhone that has the GSM/LTE hardware which is the bulky part. The airtag can be small because it only has a basic board with a low power bluetooth radio and GPS antenna. It sends the relevant data to someones iPhone that discretely passes it on.

Hi there! Given the constraints you're describing-requiring a device that is very small, capable of being hidden, and powered by a rechargeable battery with a solar component-it sounds like you are seeking a specialized tracking solution that isn't readily available on the consumer market. Devices like the Apple AirTag rely on a large network of devices to relay location information and are not designed to be used independently without access to such a network. For a custom solution, you may consider looking into ultra-compact GPS modules and pairing them with small-scale energy harvesting solutions like miniature solar cells. However, the challenge of miniaturization and power supply for such a small device is significant. The size of the GPS module and the necessary battery to power it, even with solar recharging, might exceed the dimensions you're targeting. Hope this helps!

​@DV7Dave Acording to Apples Website, Air tags are only detectable within 33 feet, which would be pointless on vehicles

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! Given your Arduino background, you might find our PIC microcontrollers a good fit. They offer a range of capabilities, including built-in op-amp modules. For beginners, we'd suggest checking out the MPLAB X IDE and the PIC16F1789 - it's a versatile microcontroller with integrated op-amps, running at a familiar 5 volts. It's perfect for expanding beyond the Arduino ecosystem while still working with concepts you enjoy. Hope this helps!

@@MicrochipTechnology Thanks, I had a look at your site. Currently I'm Intrigued with the LM311 and it appears we are on the same study.

Hi there, thanks for your question! For a device like the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini shown in this video, a SIM card would be necessary if the data is to be transmitted over cellular networks. But if the device is being used in a way where it connects to a local network or uses another form of connectivity (like Wi-Fi), it may not need a SIM card. Hope this helps!

The key aspect to focus on is whether your network environment supports LTE-M or NB-IoT, as these are the network technologies that the Sequans Monarch 2 GM02S cellular module on the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini is designed to connect with. Please verify that your service area provides LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage, then you'll be able to confirm whether this module will operate as designed.

Hi Loran - Thanks for your question! Yes, the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini board can use a data SIM to send GPS updates to the web server over a cellular network, allowing it to operate as a standalone device for real-time data transmission without a traditional internet connection. Please see our AVR IOT Cellular Mini onboarding page here: iot.microchip.com/avr-iot-cellular-mini

So yes, it needs sim card to work.

Hi there, thanks for your question. The AVR-IoT Cell Mini and GPS FeatherWing can both be programmed using C language and the MPLAB X IDE, although the examples available are for the Arduino IDE. Hope this helps!

Hi there - The key aspect to focus on for compatibility is not the SIM card's provider but whether your network environment supports LTE-M or NB-IoT, as these are the network technologies that the Sequans Monarch 2 GM02S cellular module on the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini is designed to connect with​ (DigiKey: www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/m/microchip-technology/avr-iot-cellular-mini-development-board)​. If your intended SIM card supports these network types and you are in a service area that provides LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage, it should be technically feasible to use another SIM card.

Thanks for reaching out! Hi there! It's great that you're considering making your own tracker - it's not as daunting as it seems! If you're new to this, our AVR-IoT WG Development Board might be a good place to start. It has a simpler interface and plenty of online tutorials. Hope this helps!

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini is equipped with the Sequans Monarch 2 GM02S cellular module, which is designed for global use, including LTE cellular networks. It comes with a Truphone SIM card, offering up to 150 MB of data for 90 days, simplifying initial setup and connectivity tests. Let us know if you need more help with this!

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini board primarily supports LTE-M connectivity. In the UK, it can connect to LTE-M networks, including those provided by O2 and Vodafone. However, some users have reported connectivity issues, which may require the use of a higher gain antenna for improved network connection. Hope this helps!

Thank you for the reply. I’ll take the setup closer to an O2/Vodafone site as I’m relatively rural. Rgds, Steve

Feel free to reach out with any other questions!

@@MicrochipTechnologyHi again, Do you know if the Truphone SIM will connect to any LTE-M network - worldwide? I’m asking for when the 90days has expired and I need to renew it. Thanks, Steve

Yes, the Truphone SIM will connect to LTE-M networks worldwide. For renewing post the initial 90 days, please check with Truphone's customer service for the renewal process - “The Truphone network supports 2G, 3G, 4G and CAT-M1/LTE-M worldwide - all with a single SIM card - and gives every customer access to its IoT Connectivity Management platform.” Hope this helps!

Hi Carla - The key aspect to focus on for compatibility is not the SIM card's provider but whether your network environment supports LTE-M or NB-IoT, as these are the network technologies that the Sequans Monarch 2 GM02S cellular module on the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini is designed to connect with​ (DigiKey: www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/m/microchip-technology/avr-iot-cellular-mini-development-board)​. If your intended SIM card supports these network types and you are in a service area that provides LTE-M or NB-IoT coverage, it should be technically feasible to use another SIM card.

I actually received it yesterday i went to the website and told them I needed it right away, and it arrived quick! Before March 18th. Thank-you!

Glad to hear that! We were going to get back to you with a solution, but glad to hear you got this sorted.

Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment. Yes, it's feasible to set up geofencing with the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini and configure it to send an SMS when the device leaves a predefined location. This would involve utilizing GPS data for location tracking and leveraging the cellular module for SMS communication. Let us know if you have any further questions about this!

Hi there, thanks for your question! The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini unfortunately does not come with the battery you see in this video. This is a demonstration to showcase how our device can be used. Normally, it's powered via USB to Micro-USB connection while being programmed. Here is what comes in the box: • AVR-IoT Cellular Mini • Two 100 mil pin header strips, 1x16 pin and 1x12 pin • Prepaid SIM card • Cellular Antenna Hope this helps! Sorry for any confusion.

Hi there, thanks for reaching out! Yes, the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini can be programmed for use with custom Android apps. It offers full Arduino support, allowing developers to create and send data to web servers or cloud services that can then be accessed by Android applications​​​​.

Thanks for reaching out! This is a CR2032 Battery which provides a voltage of 3 Volts.

Hi John, thanks for your question! The potential recurring fees for server access or other services would depend on the specific SIM/data service provider you choose.

Hello, thanks for reaching out! You can use the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini and GPS tracking setup for your capstone project on boat tracking in the Philippines. While the range of any IoT device, including this setup, is influenced by cellular network coverage, using cellular connectivity means you can track over considerable distances, including coastal and some offshore areas, as long as there is cellular network availability.

@@MicrochipTechnology hey men can you teach me or give a reference what i need to learn for this kind of iot like i said if there was a add a feature like sending a sos could this device can add that?

@@MicrochipTechnology also what i really need to learn please help me i have zero knowledge on this and i don't want to start from the scratch simply it has a due to finish this capstone

Hi Mark! Learning how to develop with something like IoT be challenging, but there are resources out there to help you get started and streamline your learning process. Here are some links that might be useful: 1. For AWS Integration: Check out the Microchip IoT Developer Guides for AWS (github.com/microchip-pic-avr-solutions/microchip-iot-developer-guides-for-aws), which offer tutorials from basic to advanced levels for integrating IoT devices with AWS​​. 2. For Azure IoT Services: If you're leaning towards Microsoft's Azure for your IoT project, the guide on connecting the PIC-IoT Wx development board to Azure IoT (github.com/Azure-Samples/Microchip-PIC-IoT-Wx) provides a comprehensive walkthrough for provisioning and setting up your device​​. 3. General IoT Development with Microchip: For a broader look at getting started with Microchip's IoT development boards, this overview of the AVR-IoT WG could be quite enlightening, offering insights into the board's capabilities and potential applications​​: ww1.microchip.com/downloads/aemDocuments/documents/MCU08/ProductDocuments/UserGuides/AVR-IoT-WG-Development-Board-User-Guide-DS50002809D.pdf If you have an existing design or further questions, reaching out to our Client System Engineers could provide you with the personalized assistance you need. You can find them at Microchip.com/Css (www.microchip.com/css). They're there to help with technical questions of this matter.

@@MicrochipTechnology can you use this like in real time tracking for boat?

We suggest you contact our Client Success Specialists (CSS) Technical Team at Microchip.com/CSS to discuss your tracker idea. They will evaluate your design needs and guide you on the next steps. Keep in mind that we have specific requirements for custom projects, but our team is here to help you get started.

Hi Febi, thanks for your question. The AVR-IoT Cellular Mini development board is a hardware platform to evaluate and develop IoT solutions with the Microchip AVR128DB48 AVR microcontroller. It’s only capable of connecting to a cellular network. Hope this helps!

@@MicrochipTechnology thank you for your answer

Happy to help!

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. For a device like the AVR-IoT Cellular Mini, a SIM card would be necessary if the data is to be transmitted over cellular networks. But if the device is being used in a way where it connects to a local network or uses another form of connectivity (like Wi-Fi), it may not need a SIM card. Hope this helps!

@@MicrochipTechnology Thanks!

Hi there, please feel free to let us know what information you need so we can direct you to the appropriate location. Thank you!

i need a microchip with gps capability to install in my trollyes of supermarket. This chip must be in small size. Later i will attach this chip to mobile App(Inhouse develoment)no even i can loacte the position through web browser. The purpose for this chip to locate the position of trolleys. So i need this small sized GPS microchip, the position/locations of which i can see through my App /browser, without distance barrier. Thanks a lot @@MicrochipTechnology

For specialized assistance with GPS-enabled microchip selection, please contact our Client Success Team here: Microchip Client Support Services. They're ready to help you find the ideal product for your supermarket trolley tracking system. Thank you!