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Introduction

  • SparkFun LTE Stick - LARA-R6
    SKU: CEL-23618

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  • The SparkFun LTE Stick - LARA-R6 is a development and prototyping platform for the LARA-R6401 LTE module from ublox™. The LTE Stick uses the LARA-R6401 version which supports both data and voice for North America and works with LTE bands used by these mobile networks: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and FirstNet. The board includes a nanoSIM card slot for users to select their preferred network. Check with your network provider for compatibility with the LARA-R6.

    The LARA-R6 workss on multiple LTE FDD frequency bands (2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71) and includes a host of common features users expect from u-blox modules including uFOTA (over-the-air firmware update), Root of Trust, secure boot/update, jamming detection, antenna and SIM detection, and much more.

    The LTE Stick routes the UART and I2S interfaces to a 0.1"-spaced plated-through-hole (PTH) header along with the Reset and Power On signals and we designed the board to specifically mount on to a breadboard for easy prototyping. The board has two SMA connectors for the LARA-R6's primary and secondary antennas.

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Required Materials

The LTE Stick requires a few peripheral items including antennas, USB-C cable, and supported SIM card to get it up and running. Below are a few recommended options for each.

USB-C Cable

For basic use and conifguration of the LTE Stick using AT commands or u-blox's m-center software you'll need USB-C cable to connect the dev board to your computer:

LTE Antenna

The LTE Stick has two SMA connectors for the Primary and Secondary antenna signals on the LARA-R6. The LARA-R6 only requires the Primary antenna for basic functionality but u-blox recommends connecting the Secondary antenna for best signal quality. We recommend using an antenna like the one below:

SIM Card

Finally, the LTE Stick requires a nano SIM card for cellular network connectivity. As mentioned above, the LTE Stick uses the LARA-R6401 module and supports only North American LTE networks and works with the AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and FirstNet cellular networks though make sure to check with your selected network provider for compatibility with the LARA-R6 before purchasing. The Hologram SIM card listed below works with the LARa-R6 for data and receiving SMS but not voice or sending SMS:

Optional Materials

Using the LTE Stick with the SparkFun u-blox Cellular Arduino Library requires a connection to a microcontroller/development board. Below are a few options that will work with the LTE Stick out of the box.

Development Boards

Logic Levels

The LTE Stick operates at 3.3V logic so make sure your chosen development board operates at the same logic level or use a level shifter.

If you prefer to use the LTE Stick with a development board or simply prefer a soldered connection or want to modify the solder jumpers on these Qwiic breakouts you you may need some of the products listed below:

Soldering Tools & Accessories

Suggested Reading

Before getting started with this Hookup Guide, you may want to read through the tutorials below if you are not familiar with the concepts covered in them or want a refresher. If you are using either of the Qwiic Shields linked above, we recommend reading through their respective Hookup Guides before continuing with this tutorial: