Not wanting to fall into the same trap as OVMS v2, where the entire board is designed around the modem module, we designed the OVMS v3 system to have optional pluggable modem boards. We want to be able to exchange modem board, for newer technology, without having to change the entire system.
As you can see from the picture, we have modem boards working with both 3G and 4G chipsets. We designed the modem circuit board itself to support different modem modules, and our current modem board design supports both SIM5360 (3G) and SIM7100 (4G) modules, on the same board layout. The decision as to which to build (3G vs 4G) is made a production assembly time by soldering in the appropriate modem module.
However, today, the SIM5360 modules are almost six times the price of our old SIM900 ones, and the SIM7100 is almost twice that again. So, we can support 4G modems - but it is just too expensive at the moment to be worthwhile. We are also concerned because 4G LTE NB-IoT is coming soon, and that seems a much better match for what we require (SIM7000 module).
So, we have decided to stay with 3G for the moment, and see what happens with NB-IoT later this year (2018). We will then either release SIM7000 or SIM7100 modem option.
Hello! our celular networks are moving towards 4G, and will be discontinuing access to the 3G network. Any news on pricing or availability for the 4G options?
Has the pricing come down on any of the 4G modules since this was originally posted? I noticed that the existing modules are still populated with the SIM5360.
Are the 4G modules available now? and at what price? 3G will be shutting down in about 12 months from now.
Hi.
Any news about the 4g option?
Regards
Jan Petter
Howdy, I add my hope to the others' - maybe the developers found the time to build and test the 4G version of the modem, and it wil be available for purchase, soon.
I don't expect an answer in a 3 year old post, but I would put the 4G option out there (at whatever price) and let those who want to pay for...pay for it. We are <12 months away from the end of 3G service in the US.