NBIOT/LTE-M1 Air Monitor: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 and SIM7080G with GNSS for Greenhouse Monitoring

The NBIOT/LTE-M1 Air Monitor uses an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 controller and a SIM7080G module for cellular data transmission. It monitors temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, TVOC, and light intensity. The device is powered by an internal 18650 LiPo battery, charged by a solar panel with MPPT CN3791 for efficient power management. Designed for greenhouse monitoring, it uses low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology for long battery life and reliable data transmission.

The Air Monitor uses the SIMCom SIM7080G module for cellular connectivity, offering LTE Cat M1/NB-IoT with integrated GNSS. It supports various Cat-M and NB-IoT bands. Data rates reach up to 589 Kbps uplink and 1,119 Kbps downlink for LTE Cat-M1, and 136 Kbps uplink and 150 Kbps downlink for LTE Cat-NB2. It also provides GNSS positioning with GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo, and includes a SIM card socket.

Previously we have written about similar environment monitor devices like OpenAirMonitor which is an outdoor air quality monitor that is powered by solar energy and sends data over LoRaWAN and Bluetooth LE. And modules like ENS160, and Indoor Air Quality Monitoring System are for environment monitor applications. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in this type of product.

The NBIOT/LTE-M1 Air Monitor specification:

• Wireless Module: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8
  •  Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration, 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM
  • Storage: 16 MB flash
  • Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth
  • PCB Antenna
• Cellular connectivity: SIMCom SIM7080G LTE Cat M1/NB-IoT module with GNSS
  • Data Rates:
    • LTE Cat-M1: Uplink 589Kbps, Downlink 1119Kbps
    • LTE Cat-NB2: Uplink 136Kbps, Downlink 150Kbps
  • GNSS Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo
  • SIM slot
• Antennas:
  • PCB antenna on ESP32-S3 module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • External NBIOT/LTE-M, LTE and GPS antenna
• Environmental Monitoring Sensors:
  • ASAIR ATH10 Temperature and humidity sensor
    • Humidity Measurement Range: 0 – 100% RH
    • Temperature Measurement Range: -40°C – 85°C
  • SENSIRION SGP30 TVOC and CO2eq Measurements Sensor
    • TVOC signal Range: 0 to 60000 ppb
    • CO2eq signal Range: 400~60000ppm
  • ROHM BH1750 Ambient Light Sensor with 1 – 65535 lx intensity  range
• Miscellaneous:
  • On/off switch
  • Flash, WiFi, RST, PWK, and Boot buttons
• Power Management:
  • BMS: DW06 one-cell battery protection IC
    • Protection of charger reverse connection
    • Protection of battery cell reverse connection
  • MPPT: CN3791 for solar maximum power tracking charging management
• Power Supply:
  • Input Voltage: 4.5 to 28V for solar panel input
  • Internal 18650 LiPo battery socket
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C

The NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor uses the SIMCom SIM7080G module for cellular connectivity and an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 controller for data handling. To program the device, plug the USB2UART CH340K module into the “P1” header, which includes pins for RST, BOOT, TXD, RXD, GND, and VOUT. The monitor is powered by an internal 18650 battery and a solar panel, allowing for long-term operation. For email setup with the Sim module, integrating with ThingSpeak, and configuring the Arduino IDE, follow the provided instructions. Detailed hardware and software information is available on the wiki and GitHub pages.

The NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor is available on its official Makerfabs store for $68.80 plus shipping. The additional ESP32 Programmer board (USB2UART CH340K) is also available in the same store at $3.90.

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