Quectel BG95-M3 Zero Low Power Dev Board Features LTE / EGPRS Communication And GNSS Positioning

Waveshare recently listed Quectel BG95-M3 Zero, a BG95-M3 powred dev board Raspberry Pi Zero form factor. The dev board is designed for IoT applications and features LTE Cat M1 (eMTC), LTE Cat NB2 (NB-IoT), and eGPRS along with GNSS. As the form factor is compatible with Pi Zero, it supports Raspberry Pi HATs and ships preloaded with QuecPython MicroPython firmware.

Previously we have written about similar deve boards like the Waveshare RP2040-PiZero, Banana Pi BPI-M4 Zero, Mango Pi Zero W, and many other dev boards with pi-zero from-factor feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.

While the official documentation primarily focuses on the Windows-based QPYcom program, the Quectel BG95-M3 module can be programmed with MicroPython using plugins for Thonny IDE or Microsoft VSCode, eliminating the need for a Windows machine. The Thonny IDE plugin, specifically, can be found on the official QuecPython GitHub repository, offering an alternative development environment for users on other operating systems.

The QPYcom program, available exclusively for Windows, serves as the primary development environment for the Quectel BG95-M3 module. QPYcom offers a range of features for debugging code, analyzing logs, transferring files, flashing firmware, and even “merging” firmware. However, the Windows-only limitation might be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the company recommends disabling antivirus software before installation, raising potential security concerns. Detailed instructions and further information can be found in the official Wiki.

Quectel BG95-M3 Zero Specifications

• BG95-M3 Main Module: Supports LTE Cat M1 / LTE Cat NB2 / EGPRS networking, applicable globally.
• 40-Pin GPIO Header: Compatible with most Raspberry Pi HATs.
• Status LEDs: 5 LEDs indicating module operating status.
• Type-C Port: Enables easy development with a USB Type-C cable.
• Protocol Support: PPP, TCP, UDP, SSL, TLS, FTP(S), HTTP(S), NITZ, PING, MQTT, LwM2M, CoAP, IPv6, etc.
• GNSS Positioning: Supports GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, and QZSS.
• Nano SIM Card Slot: Supports 1.8V SIM card, designed for easy insertion/removal.
• MIPI Interface: Supports MIPI screen and Raspberry Pi peripherals.
• Camera Interface: Supports customized SPI camera up to 30MP.
• Development Tools: QPYcom, Thonny IDE plugin, VSCode plugin.
• Power Supply: 5V via USB-C port
• Dimensions: About 65 x 30mm (Raspberry Pi Zero form factor)

Waveshare offers the Quectel BG95-M3 Zero SBC for $65.31 on Aliexpress and around $70 on Amazon. They also sell larger QuecPython and Raspberry Pi HAT-compatible boards, including the “EC200U-EU C4-P01″ for regions like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, and the “EC200U-AU” for Australia and Latin America. You can also buy the modules directly from Waveshare for $54.99, but that does not include shipping.

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