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i3BEV
4G modem module?

The US is about 8 months away from shutting down 3G. Where are the 4G/LTE modem modules?

markwj
markwj's picture
We are working on it.

We are working on it. Hardware is fine. Firmware is being worked on.

Do you have any details on the exact shutdown date? Last I heard AT&T still hadn't announced a firm date, and T-Mobile said they will continue supporting 3G.

Stanton
Stanton's picture
Will it be a daughterboard

I can confirm that AT&T will be shutting down 3G service in the US in February 2022.

Will it be a direct replacement for the current 3G modem?

For example, will those of us with the "WiFi only" version be able to add the daughterboard to our current setup?

markwj
markwj's picture
Yes, the 4G module will be a

Yes, the 4G module will be a direct replacement for 3G. Can also be added to wifi-only modules as an upgrade.

i3BEV
Good to hear! AT&T says Feb

Good to hear! AT&T says Feb 2022: https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1324171/

e-up driver
Looking at the European

Looking at the European countries, most providers will switch off 3G till end of the year or have already in 2020, while 2G will be kept alive some time in most countries. In Czechia, both 2G and 3G are already dead.

Will you support all the different LTE frequencies all over the world?
Will the module be LTE only, or is it combined with GSM or UMTS?

markwj
markwj's picture
The module we are looking at

The module we are looking at is SIM7600. That is available in similar variants to the SIM5360 we currently use. We expect at least EU and US versions.

fermulator
Canada

Canada is shutting down 2G/3G as well -- desperately ready for this 4G readiness on OVMS :)

Retiredeh
Desperate??

I'm no expert but according to Hologram my Telus 3G is good until Dec 31/2025 so lots of time in Canada. 

fermulator
This might be true; But I don

This might be true; But I don't have a module yet, so it doesn't make sense to purchase a 3G version if it is going to die in a few years. (or sooner)

markus-k
Can I ask what speaks against

Can I ask what speaks against going to a NB-IoT/LTE Cat-M module? Should be ideal for this application since it doesn't require high bandwidths and has very low power consumption.

From what I understand NB-IoT should be very futureproof since it's also part of 5G mMTC.

markwj
markwj's picture
We have prototypes for both

We have prototypes for both 4G and NB-IoT/Cat-M1 modules. While it is simple to make these (bearing in mind the firmware support requirements), the primary issue is certification. Each modem+module combination needs to be certified (CE+ROHS for EU, FCC for US), and that is a substantial upfront cost. The more modem combinations we have, the higher the cost. We simply cannot justify, given the volumes we have, offering EU and US variants of NB-IoT, CAT-M1, and 4G modem modules. That would be six certification fees, upfront.

Regarding NB-IoT/Cat-M1, while they are theoretically lower power, we haven't seen much difference on our bench testing of these actual modules. But the primary issue is network availability. The Hologram article below outlines the issue quite well. Certainly, in future, NB-IoT/Cat-M1 will be widespread, at the moment it is not globally available (even today, one year after the article was written). Today, we cannot use either NB-IoT or Cat-M1 everywhere that OVMS is currently used.

Our current approach is focused on a new 4G modem module, compatible with our exisitng OVMS v3.2 main board (so everyone can upgrade),certified and released along with a new v3.3 main board addressing some hardware optimisation and improvements. We hope to have this available this year - but a lot depends on the certification work and firmware suppot (which is proving harder than we anticipated).

https://www.hologram.io/blog/nb-iot-vs-cat-m1-vs-cat-1

Jsexton
Awesome news! Can't wait.

Awesome news! Can't wait.

fermulator
How much is certification per

How much is certification per region? (ballpark? $)  Does it help if you get "regional sponsors" to help pay for certification?

markwj
markwj's picture
Ballpark, US$5,000. More for

Ballpark, US$5,000. More for multi-region. It really depends on the number of certifications and the number of frequencies. The new global standard 4G modems coming are particularly expensive to certify because we they support 2G, 3G and 4G across dozens of frequency bands - all have to be tested.

stoatwblr
EU purchase?

Given the pending shutdown, should I just buy a wifi-only unit and buy a 4G upgrade later?

 

Stanton
Stanton's picture
That's what I did (a few

That's what I did (a few months ago).

VIN1094
Just checking to see if there

Just checking to see if there is any updated information on the 4G module upgrade. Thanks for all your work on this Mark!

 

markwj
markwj's picture
We expect the first shipment

We expect the first shipment within the next few days. Everywhere should have stock around the 2nd week of January.

VIN1094
Perfect - thanks Mark!

Perfect - thanks Mark!

akruse
US supplier

Medlock & Sons will be getting these?

I don't see it on their site yet

markwj
markwj's picture
Yes, they will. Initial stock

Yes, they will. Initial stock has been sent there already, and more is on the way.

akruse
Thanks!

Thanks!

dlcrook
Just buy from fasttech.com

Just buy from fasttech.com:

https://www.fasttech.com/search?ovms

markwj
markwj's picture
We would much prefer people

We would much prefer people buy from their local distributor. OEM in EU, Medlock in USA. That way they get local support, quick shipping, and someone to call if there is a problem. Fasttech can only supply the goods, but can't support. Buying from Fasttech is fine, but bear in mind if anything goes wrong it can take weeks/months, and expensive shipping, to resolve the problem.

Stanton
Stanton's picture
The sad fact is I've received

The sad fact is I've received better/quicker response from FastTech than I have from Medlock...and I live in the US. Just sayin'

fermulator
sounds promising to have stock and shipments!

what is the recommended canada retailer?

markwj
markwj's picture
Medlock is the closest.

Medlock is the closest.

rtw819
Medlock vs. Fasttech ?

Looking for an alternative to Nissan Connect with the 3G going away in the US next month.  While Medlock may be "closest", they have not responded to simple pre-sales questions, and their entire site is geared toward primarily Teslas.  This isn't much of a warm-and-fuzzy for other EV models.

Also, there seems to be a significant price difference between the vendors (esp. Medlock vs. Fasttech), but there might be differences with included accessories or pieces in bundles/packages.  It's hard to know if they don't answer emails.  Is there supposed to be consistent pricing across vendors, or -- more likely the case -- are resellers able to charge whatever they like? I'm really struggling with ordering from Medlock for a number of reasons here.

Looking forward to finding the right modules and components to get this working.  Thanks in advance!

jogeeg
jogeeg's picture
I agree

I ordered from Fasttech for all the same reasons you listed.  I haven't received my order yet, but I'm ok with it taking longer to save the money.  Below is the list of everything I ordered for my 2015 Leaf along with direct links to each:
 

1. 1000500 OVMS GSM Antenna 1
2. 1020200 Universal GPS Antenna (SMA Connector) 1
3. 1779000 Nissan Leaf OBD-II to DB9 Data Cable for OVMS 1
4. 9747555 OVMS v3.3 Kit w/SIM7600G 4G Modem Module (Global Edition/No SIM Card Included) 1

You'll also need a 4G SIM card with data service, so get one from hologram.io or any other provider that works in the areas you drive your car.  I already asked Fasttech and they confirmed they don't include any SIM card along with their part # 9747555.  I personally decided to try this SIM card from Wal-Mart and FreedomPop which hopefully will remain free into the future, otherwise I have a hologram.io card for backup.  Just make sure you don't use anything other than a prepaid/limited credit card when you register with FreedomPop because I've seen several reports of them charging customers cards long after they cancel their service.

rtw819
Thanks!

The combined kits are sold out at the moment.  Do we know if there is any difference between the Fasttech "Kit" #9747555 and the two individual Base + Modem parts sold separately, as the combined prices are the same as the kit. e.g. Looking at:

9652892-ovms-v3-3-base-module-wifi-bluetooth

along with 

9747556 OVMS v3.3 Optional SIM7600G 4G Modem Module (Global Edition/No SIM Card Included)

Would it be safe to assume I would be getting the same stuff as the kit by ordering the two individual parts and some (easy) assembly required? (Plus the same antenna extras and OBD2 cable of course.)

Thanks again!

 

Stanton
Stanton's picture
Theoretically, there should

Theoretically, there should be no difference between the "combo kit" and the base/modem separately; I ordered the modem (only) because I had an existing base (using via WiFi). Interested to see the "combo kit" is sold out as I figured the individual (modem only) boards would go first (another reason I ordered from FT)!

Stanton
Stanton's picture
I have a Hologram SIM ready

I have a Hologram SIM ready to go...after which I will evaluate data usage and may try somethng similar from Twilio (having a hard time getting any customer support via "chat"--which is a bit troubling). If anyone has used Twilio, please post your experience.

fermulator
I don't understand, https:/

I don't understand, https://medlockandsons.com/product/ovms-v3/ has both v3 and v4 options, but it isn't clear if the v4 _IS_ the 4G modem option.

akruse
I contacted Medlock

They told me they have the 4G modems standalone and just needed to update the site to make it an option.

They're working on it.

 

Chapcofarmer
Medlock advised me as well

Medlock advised me as well that all new units are shipped with 4g in case this helps anyone.

Carl Medlock
Medlock Website updated

I am finished working on wording and prices. I am breaking even on all of my OVMS stock.  A year or two ago, my original order was hit with nearly $1400 in tariffs.  After I sell 300 of these at these prices, I still won't break even. YES My prices are a little higher but we ship within 24 hours. https://medlockandsons.com/product/ovms-v3/  If the website ordering doesn't make sense or is not clear.  Send me an email to medlockteslaservice@gmail.  I have been delayed in making these changes because the entire family, wives, kids, girlfriends all got covid two weeks ago and it has been a little rough.  All are fine and 2 of us are testing negative today.  Cheers to being alive

4g Modems are $85.00 

downsjh
I just would like to add that

I just would like to add that Medlock worked with me in December when I ordered the 3g kit and realized after my order. After a phone call, they waited to ship in Jan till the 4g modem came in. I'm now up and running!

akruse
3G->4G need new SIM?

The Hologram SIM card from the 3G modem module will work in the 4G one as well, right?

Not finding any documentation on the upgrade; must be really simple.

Stanton
Stanton's picture
The way Hologram works their

The way Hologram works their service...it should. But it would be good to report back to this thread and confirm (either way).

akruse
Ok thanks

Thanks Stanton, I'll give it a go and report back 

rabbitev
rabbitev's picture
confirming antenna placement

just confirming the antenna placement on the modem upgrade...

the GSM antenna moves from ANT3 to ANT2

the GPS antenna stays on ANT1

look right?

 

markwj
markwj's picture
Yes. You can follow the

Yes. You can follow the legand printed in white on the modem board.

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