Several companies are already offering XBee NB-IoT add-on board including Digi International themselves, and SODAQ with their NB-IoT Bee N211 module going for 69 Euros.
Dragino NB-IoT Bee is another option for NB-IoT connectivity using Xbee form factor, and the board should be cheaper than most as it goes for $23.00 on Tindie with an external antenna.
NB-IoT Bee specifications:
- NB-IoT module
- Quectel BC95-B5 for B5:850Mhz, B8:900Mhz, or B20:800Mhz in respectively Nb-IoT Bee QB05, QB08, QB20 models (i.e. one frequency is supported by model)
- Quectel BG96 for LTE Cat M1 & Cat NB1 & EGPRS in Nb-IoT Bee QG96 model
- Output Powe – 23dBm
- Sensitivity – -129dBm
- Micro SIM Slot
- Input voltage – 4.5v ~ 5.5V
- Temperature Range – -40°C ~ +85°C
Typical applications for such board include smart metering, facility management services, security & fire alarms, asset tracking, smart city infrastructure and so on. If you are looking specifically for Nb-IoT Bee QG96 add-on board, it’s currently out of stock, but a new batch will arrive on July 15th.
The product page features more documentation including links to the datasheet and a Wiki that explains how to get started with Arduino using Dragino NB-IoT shield with NB-IoT Bee pictured below.
The NB-IoT shield – which includes the Xbee board – sells for $36 on Tindie, except if you select the version with QC96 with both NB-IoT and LTE Cat M, in which case the price goes up to $46. [Update: Dragino NB-IoT shield is now also sold for $36 on Seeed Studio]
If you are interested in purchasing in quantities, or/and find a few more details, you may visit the product page on Dragino website.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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