ESP32 and SIM7600G 4G LTE Module, ESP32 5V 3A Power Supply

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ESP32 and SIM7600G:

ESP32 and SIM7600G 4G LTE Module, ESP32 5V 3A Power Supply– There is absolutely no doubt that the SIM7600G 4G LTE module stands out as the superior and most advanced among all GSM/GPRS modules. Its exceptional capability to be fully compatible with not just 4G networks, but also with the older 3G and 2G networks, sets it apart in the field of mobile communication technology. This versatility ensures seamless connectivity regardless of the network generation.

Moreover, the ‘G’ in SIM7600G is indicative of its ‘Global’ compatibility, signifying that this module is not restricted by geographical boundaries. This global functionality allows for its use in virtually any part of the world, offering unparalleled convenience and reliability to users who require consistent communication capabilities across different countries and regions. This feature is particularly beneficial for international travelers and businesses operating on a global scale, making the SIM7600G an indispensable tool in the modern, interconnected world.

You can also read my article on SIM7600G-H.

I have already explained its technical specifications, Onboard components, pinout, interfacing,

and how to send and receive text messages. During the practical demonstration, I controlled 110/220Vac Bulbs through simple text commands and each time I would turn ON or turn OFF a load, the ESP32 WiFi + Bluetooth Module would also send me a feedback message; obviously with the help of SIM7600G Module.

Not only this, I also monitored the MLX90614 Non-contact Infrared temperature sensor, I would simply send a request message and then the controller would replay with the temperature value. So, if you are just getting started with the SIM7600G 4G LTE module; then I highly recommend you should watch my previous video on the SIM7600G GSM module.

Product Links:

Product	Source	Source
ESP32 WiFi + Bluetooth Module(Recommended)	Amazon
Andonstar Digital Microscope	Amazon	AliExpress
ESD Non-magnetic Tweezers	Amazon	AliExpress
Solder Paste	Amazon	AliExpress
SMD Rework Station	Amazon	AliExpress
Flux	Amazon	AliExpress
Desoldering Wire	Amazon	AliExpress
PCB Cleaning Liquid	Amazon	AliExpress
PCB Holder	Amazon	AliExpress

*Disclosure: These are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Previously, I had to do a lot of wiring, and as you can see, the wiring is very congested and confusing. In this kind of wiring, there’s a high risk of damaging the components, and I don’t want the SIM7600G to get damaged due to any of my mistakes. Since I have to use the SIM7600G GSM module in many projects, I can’t do this much wiring every time.

So, I decided to design my own ESP32 based development board for the SIM7600G; so that I can easily use it in basic, intermediate, and advanced level projects.

So, here is my ESP32 based development board PCB designed in Altium Designer, where I’ve added a 5V 3A power supply, headers for the sim7600G module, and a relay.

After designing the PCB and generating the Gerber files, I used the NextPCB free Online PCB Gerber Viewer and DFM Tool HQDFM. DFM tool can help you save time for you and the manufacturers? Bring up efficiency is a big matter for all.

Anyway, I simply dragged and dropped the Gerber files; it quickly analyzed all the file. Next, I opened the desired layers for this, you can also use the ‘Open All’ button. Anyway, I closely checked the top and bottom sides.

On the right side, I could also see the DFM checklist, which detected DFM problems. I fixed all the related issues,

and since NextPCB offers PCBs at quite reasonable prices, I ordered 5 PCBs along with a stencil. Only 62 dollars for the 5 PCBs, a stencil, and also includes shipping.

This is simply amazing. Click on the PCB Quote if you want to order High-quality PCBs.

I got 5 high-quality PCBs. I am really impressed with their PCBs quality. The traces are clean and precise, and the silkscreen is clear and easy to read. It’s impressive how well they’ve managed to capture the detailed design.

This is the SMT Stencil for applying solder paste onto the PCB. It’s made from a durable material, ensuring it will last through multiple uses. The accuracy it provides makes the soldering process much smoother and more reliable.

And I have purchased all these SMD components from AliExpress and Amazon.

Download BOM File

In the same file, you will also find the PCB design and the circuit diagram.

I have already made a quite detailed video and I am have also written quite detailed article on SMD soldering. In that video and article, I have explained everything from the tools, how to place components on PCBs, and how to use an SMD rework station to solder those components. After reading that article, you will become an expert in SMD soldering.

Without the Andonstar digital microscope and Non-magnetic ESD tweezers; it would have been so difficult for me to place these tinny SMD components on the PCB. By the way, you can watch my videos on Andonstar digital microscope and Non-magnetic ESD tweezers. Anyway, all the components have been placed onto the PCB and next we will start the soldering.

I am going to use the KADA SMD REWORK STATION 2018D+. I set the Air Flow speed to 1 as I don’t want my SMD components to fly away. And I set the temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Celsius.

We are done with the soldering of all the SMD and through-hole components, and it looks good. Anyway, before I connect a power supply, first, I want to check and confirm that there is no short circuit. I simply used my digital multimeter for testing the short circuit and continuity.

You can see female headers for the SIM7600G 4G LTE module, female headers for connecting sensors and output devices.

There is also a 5V relay for controlling High voltage AC and DC loads. This is completely isolated from the rest of the components because I am using an optocoupler to control this relay. There is also a diode connected across the coil pins to provide protection against the back EMF.

These contacts are clearly labeled, a solar panel or 12V adaptor is connected to the 12V_In and GND contacts.

The next three contacts are 5V, 3.3V, and GND, you can use these to power up 5V and 3.3V sensors and breakout boards.

The next two contacts are for connecting Serial supported devices like Ultrasonic Sensor, displays, and other sensors and breakout boards that support serial communication.

Again we have 5V and GND.

The final three contacts are connected to the Relay Normally Open, Common, and Normally Closed contacts.

What makes this ESP32 development board super special; is a 5V and 3A power supply. We are going to use that 5V 3A power supply to power up the SIM7600G, ESP32, and all the other components.

If you plan to use this board at home or in a location where WiFi is available, then you can operate it without the SIM7600G GSM module. However, if you want to use it in a random location where there is no WiFi network, then you can plug in the SIM7600G 4G LTE module to provide an internet connection to the ESP32 WiFi + Bluetooth module.

And if you don’t want to use either the WiFi or SIM7600G then you can use the ESP32’s onboard Bluetooth module.

Anyway, if you also want to make this ESP32 Development then you can download its Gerber.

Download PCB Gerber Files

Send those Gerber files to NextPCB and order yourself some high-quality PCBs.

Let’s go ahead and plug-in the SIM7600G 4G LTE Module and control this relay through text messages.

ESP32 and SIM7600G Programming:

#include "Adafruit_FONA.h"
#include <HardwareSerial.h>

#define SerialMon Serial
#define rxPin 4 //connect the RX pin of the sim7600 with pin 2 and TX with pin 4
#define txPin 2
HardwareSerial SerialAT(1);
const int FONA_RST = 34;

char replybuffer[255];
uint8_t readline(char *buff, uint8_t maxbuff, uint16_t timeout = 0);
String smsString = "";
char fonaNotificationBuffer[64];          //for notifications from the FONA
char smsBuffer[250];

HardwareSerial *fonaSerial = &SerialAT;

Adafruit_FONA_3G fona = Adafruit_FONA_3G(FONA_RST);


unsigned long timeout;
char charArray[20];
unsigned char data_buffer[4] = {0};

int relay1 = 13;



void setup() {
  SerialMon.begin(115200);
  delay(10);
  SerialMon.println("Wait...");
 fonaSerial->begin(115200,SERIAL_8N1,rxPin, txPin, false);
  delay(600);


 pinMode(relay1,OUTPUT);

 
  Serial.println(F("FONA SMS caller ID test"));
  Serial.println(F("Initializing....(May take 3 seconds)"));
  if (! fona.begin(*fonaSerial))
  {
    Serial.println(F("Couldn't find FONA"));
    while(1);
  }
  Serial.println(F("FONA is OK"));
  
  fonaSerial->print("AT+CNMI=2,1\r\n");  //set up the FONA to send a +CMTI notification when an SMS is received
  Serial.println("FONA Ready");

}

void loop() {
 
char* bufPtr = fonaNotificationBuffer;    //handy buffer pointer
  
  if (fona.available())      //any data available from the FONA?
  {
    int slot = 0;            //this will be the slot number of the SMS
    int charCount = 0;
    //Read the notification into fonaInBuffer
    do
    {
      *bufPtr = fona.read();
      Serial.write(*bufPtr);
      delay(1);
    } while ((*bufPtr++ != '\n') && (fona.available()) && (++charCount < (sizeof(fonaNotificationBuffer)-1)));

    //Add a terminal NULL to the notification string
    *bufPtr = 0;

    //Scan the notification string for an SMS received notification.
    //  If it's an SMS message, we'll get the slot number in 'slot'
    if (1 == sscanf(fonaNotificationBuffer, "+CMTI: " FONA_PREF_SMS_STORAGE ",%d", &slot)) 
    {
      Serial.print("slot: "); Serial.println(slot);

      char callerIDbuffer[32];  //we'll store the SMS sender number in here

      // Retrieve SMS sender address/phone number.
      if (! fona.getSMSSender(slot, callerIDbuffer, 31)) 
      {
        Serial.println("Didn't find SMS message in slot!");
      }
      Serial.print(F("FROM: ")); Serial.println(callerIDbuffer);

      // Retrieve SMS value.
      uint16_t smslen;
      if (fona.readSMS(slot, smsBuffer, 250, &smslen)) // pass in buffer and max len!
      { 
        smsString = String(smsBuffer);
        Serial.println(smsString);
      }

 

if (smsString == "relay1 on")  //Change "Relay1 on" to something secret like "On$@8765"
      {
        digitalWrite(relay1, HIGH);
        delay(20);
        fona.sendSMS(callerIDbuffer,"Relay1 is Turned ON" );
        delay(200);
      }
      else if(smsString == "relay1 off") //Change "off" to something secret like "Off&%4235"
      {
        digitalWrite(relay1, LOW);
        delay(20);
        fona.sendSMS(callerIDbuffer, "Relay1 is Turned OFF");
        delay(200);
      }


      if (fona.deleteSMS(slot)) {
        Serial.println(F("OK!"));
      } else {
        Serial.print(F("Couldn't delete SMS in slot ")); 
        Serial.println(slot);
        fona.print(F("AT+CMGD=?\r\n"));
      }
    }  
  }
}

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#include "Adafruit_FONA.h"

#include <HardwareSerial.h>

#define SerialMon Serial

#define rxPin 4 //connect the RX pin of the sim7600 with pin 2 and TX with pin 4

#define txPin 2

HardwareSerial SerialAT(1);

const int FONA_RST = 34;

char replybuffer[255];

uint8_t readline(char *buff, uint8_t maxbuff, uint16_t timeout = 0);

String smsString = "";

char fonaNotificationBuffer[64]; //for notifications from the FONA

char smsBuffer[250];

HardwareSerial *fonaSerial = &SerialAT;

Adafruit_FONA_3G fona = Adafruit_FONA_3G(FONA_RST);

unsigned long timeout;

char charArray[20];

unsigned char data_buffer[4] = {0};

int relay1 = 13;

void setup() {

SerialMon.begin(115200);

delay(10);

SerialMon.println("Wait...");

fonaSerial->begin(115200,SERIAL_8N1,rxPin, txPin, false);

delay(600);

pinMode(relay1,OUTPUT);

Serial.println(F("FONA SMS caller ID test"));

Serial.println(F("Initializing....(May take 3 seconds)"));

if (! fona.begin(*fonaSerial))

{

Serial.println(F("Couldn't find FONA"));

while(1);

}

Serial.println(F("FONA is OK"));

fonaSerial->print("AT+CNMI=2,1\r\n"); //set up the FONA to send a +CMTI notification when an SMS is received

Serial.println("FONA Ready");

}

void loop() {

char* bufPtr = fonaNotificationBuffer; //handy buffer pointer

if (fona.available()) //any data available from the FONA?

{

int slot = 0; //this will be the slot number of the SMS

int charCount = 0;

//Read the notification into fonaInBuffer

{

*bufPtr = fona.read();

Serial.write(*bufPtr);

delay(1);

} while ((*bufPtr++ != '\n') && (fona.available()) && (++charCount < (sizeof(fonaNotificationBuffer)-1)));

//Add a terminal NULL to the notification string

*bufPtr = 0;

//Scan the notification string for an SMS received notification.

// If it's an SMS message, we'll get the slot number in 'slot'

if (1 == sscanf(fonaNotificationBuffer, "+CMTI: " FONA_PREF_SMS_STORAGE ",%d", &slot))

{

Serial.print("slot: "); Serial.println(slot);

char callerIDbuffer[32]; //we'll store the SMS sender number in here

// Retrieve SMS sender address/phone number.

if (! fona.getSMSSender(slot, callerIDbuffer, 31))

{

Serial.println("Didn't find SMS message in slot!");

}

Serial.print(F("FROM: ")); Serial.println(callerIDbuffer);

// Retrieve SMS value.

uint16_t smslen;

if (fona.readSMS(slot, smsBuffer, 250, &smslen)) // pass in buffer and max len!

{

smsString = String(smsBuffer);

Serial.println(smsString);

}

if (smsString == "relay1 on") //Change "Relay1 on" to something secret like "On$@8765"

{

digitalWrite(relay1, HIGH);

delay(20);

fona.sendSMS(callerIDbuffer,"Relay1 is Turned ON" );

delay(200);

}

else if(smsString == "relay1 off") //Change "off" to something secret like "Off&%4235"

{

digitalWrite(relay1, LOW);

delay(20);

fona.sendSMS(callerIDbuffer, "Relay1 is Turned OFF");

delay(200);

}

if (fona.deleteSMS(slot)) {

Serial.println(F("OK!"));

} else {

Serial.print(F("Couldn't delete SMS in slot "));

Serial.println(slot);

fona.print(F("AT+CMGD=?\r\n"));

}

This is the same exact program I used in the SIM7600G getting started article. This time, I removed the temperature sensor code and I decreased the number of relays to 1. I have already uploaded this program and now let’s watch the New ESP32 Development board and SIM7600G 4G LTE module in action.

ESP32 and SIM7600G Demonstration:

I have powered up the circuit using a 12V power supply. For the practical demonstration, I connected a 220Vac bulb. Remember, safety first:

When the 110/220Vac supply is connected, never touch the relay contacts as it can be extremely dangerous. It is important to note that when working with mains voltage, proper safety precautions should always be taken, and it is advisable to consult relevant electrical codes and standards.

Let’s send a command to Turn ON the Bulb.

Amazing, the bulb just turned ON and it also sent me a feedback message.

Let’s turn this bulb OFF.

Next, I will use this ESP32 Development and SIM7600G with Blynk application. So, consider subscribing if you don’t want to miss that video and article.