Onion Omega2 LTE Board Combines WiFi, 4G LTE and GNSS Connectivity (Crowdfunding)

Onion has launched several compact OpenWrt WiFi boards for IoT projects over the years starting with their Onion Omega board in 2015, and the latest so far being Onion Omega2 Pro with a massive 8GB storage.

The company has now launched a new model with 4G LTE connectivity called Onion Omega2 LTE, based on Omega2S+ module, and also featuring GNSS global satellite positioning capability.

Onion Omega2 LTE specifications:

• WiFi Module – Onion Omega2S+ IoT computer module with MediaTek MT7688 MIPS CPU @ 580 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 32 MB storage
• Cellular and GNS Module – Quectel EC25 LTE Cat 4 modem that delivers 150 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink data rates, provided either for North America or global markets
• External Storage – MicroSD card slot up to 2 TB (once such cards become available…)
• Connectivity
  • 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi 4 + onboard 2 dBi direction chip antenna & U.FL connector for external antenna
  • Cellular
    • North America (Note: not suitable for Verizon, Global LTE model required)
      • 4G LTE (FDD) – B2, B4, B12
      • 3G UMTS WCDMA – B2, B4, B5
    • Global
      • 4G LTE (FDD) – B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B26, B18, B19, B20, B28
      • 4G LTE (TDD) – B38, B29, B40, B41
      • 3G UMTS WCDMA – B1, B2, B4, B5, B8, B6, B19
    • Nano-SIM slot for cellular data
    • u.FL connectors for main and diversity antennas
  • Global Positioning –  GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS; u.FL connector for GNSS antenna
• USB – 1x USB type-C port for power and serial communication / debugging
• Expansion – 30-pin I/O header with GPIOs, Ethernet, 2x PWM, I2C, I2S, SPI, UART, reset, and power signals (5V, 3.3V, and GND)
• Misc – 5x status LED’s for cellular, WiFi, system, and power; programmable button; power switch
• Power Supply
  • 5V via USB
  • LiPo battery with battery management and JST-PH battery connector
• Dimensions – 80 x 50 mm

The board runs an operating system based on OpenWrt 18.06 and Linux kernel 4.14. OnionOS is pre-loaded in the flash and enables you to get started in a few minutes via a web-based setup wizard. You can then develop your project using your favorite programming language be it Python, GoLang, Node.JS, PHP, C, C++, and others. The board is also compatible with Omega2 extension boards adding NFC/RFID, ADC, an OLED display, a servo, Ethernet, or prototyping area to your projects. You’ll find extensive documentation and community support in the forum.

Onion Omega2 LTE can be used for real-time asset tracking, remote sensor applications either as a gateway and end-node, as an LTE hotspot sharing the internet connection over WiFi.

The company is looking to raise at least $10,000 via Crowd Supply. Rewards start at $99 for Onion Omega2 LTE board, but most people will likely want to go with the $129 Omega2 LTE Essential Collection which includes necessary 3-in-1 flex antenna for WiFi, LTE, and GNSS, as well as an Ethernet and ADC expansion boards. Shipping is free to the US, and adds $5 to $15 to the rest of the world depending on the select reward. Backers can expect their kit to be shipped in August if the company execute their plan as scheduled.

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