• Install Driver using the manual update method for RM500U-CNV, RM500U-CN and other UNISOC modules
• Install Driver manually for RM520N-GL, RM530N-GL, RM5XXQ and other Qualcomm modules
• Ensure that the module has been properly powered on ->Open Device Manager ->Other Devices ->"Corresponding driver decompressed folder" ->Update driver ->Browse my computer to find driver files ->Select the path where the driver files are stored based on the system ->Installation complete.

Different operators have different APNs, so it's important to distinguish and set them correctly. The configuration steps for some operators are shown below:

*China Mobile: AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","CMNET"
*China Unicom: AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","3GNET" 	
*China Telecom: AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","CTNET"	
*AT&T:   AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","PHONE"
*Vodafone: AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","portalnmms	

There are the following dialing types:

AT+QCFG="usbnet",0 The drive type is NDIS(QMI);
AT+QCFG="usbnet",1 The drive type is ECM;
AT+QCFG="usbnet",2 The drive type is MBIM; (RM5XXQ support)
AT+QCFG="usbnet",3 The drive type is RNDIS;
AT+QCFG="usbnet",5 The drive type is NCM.

• No, this is a cellular module, and you have to use the base station to communicate.
• The cellular module also has to go through the base station, and it cannot communicate point-to-point.
• For example, the RM500U-CN 5G HAT A module Raspberry Pi dial-up Internet access, after connecting to the base station, you can use TCP, MQTT, email or WeChat to communicate with B Raspberry Pi

The power consumption of 5G is relatively high, and the host's USB port may not be able to provide enough power. Please use a USB dual cable to supply sufficient power to the module, as shown in the figure:

双SIM卡切换演示

As RM500U-CN and RM500Q-GL modules support simultaneous access to two SIM cards, dual-card single standby, can be switched to enable one of the SIM cards to work through the AT command:

*SIM card 1 is used by default, you can use the following commands to check: 
 AT+QUIMSLOT?
*Switch to SIM card 2 using the following command: 
 AT+QUIMSLOT=2
*Switch back to SIM card 1 using the following command:
 AT+QUIMSLOT=1
*Query whether the corresponding card slot identifies the SIM card:
 AT+CPIN?

If the corresponding SIM card is still not recognized, consider that the dip switches do not enable the corresponding module, please see if C corresponding dip switches are turned ON:

• ANT 0 and 1 functions can replace each other, and 2 and 3 functions can replace each other. Usually, if one antenna is missing, it does not affect the basic functions.
• If the copper foil has also come off, it usually cannot be repaired.
• When removing it, please wiggle it gently from side to side and pull it out evenly, avoiding forceful pulling.
• The IPEX4 generation connectors are relatively fragile, so please handle them with extra care.

For different work states, power consumption varies. With 5V power supply, the current generally ranges from 0.5 to 2.5A after successful networking, with an average of about 1.2A (this is for reference; the actual value depends on the network environment and networking work state).

• We cannot guarantee support for modules that have not been validated. The following modules have been validated and are supported:

Fibocom: FM650-CN FM160-EAU
SIMCOM: SIM8202G-M2 SIM8262E-M2 SIM8262A-M2
Quectel (AP not supported—PCIe version only): RM500U-CNV RM500Q-GL/RM502Q-AE RM520N-GL RM530N-GL

• 5G modules need to be purchased separately; If used for other modules, pin compatibility must be confirmed, and actual testing shall prevail.
• This is a USB 3.0 protocol module that does not support PCIe protocol (RM520 AP~~). For most WIFI modules, it is not recommended to use modules purchased from the second-hand market, and we also do not support them. It is suggested to choose modules that have been verified and listed, which are more reliable:

• If you need to use M.2 TO 4G/5G HAT for other 4G/5G modules, you can refer to the M.2 connection diagram below, check for pin conflicts by yourself, and then connect it for testing:
  

• First of all, there are slight differences between laboratory data and actual data. In practice, due to insufficient base stations, poor signal coverage, and many 5G coverage holes, the network speed may not reach the highest peak. Under normal circumstances, the 4G upload speed is stable at 20-40Mbps, and the 5G upload speed is stable at 100Mbps (the fewer people, the faster the speed is closer to the base station.)
• Secondly, it is necessary to confirm whether the module is registered to the 5G network. If there is no 5G network coverage in some areas, you can only use 4G speeds.
• You should also avoid network congestion. Actually, the total traffic that the base station emits is limited. If many users around are online at the same time, it is not surprising that the Internet speed is slow.

If you want to obtain high Internet speed, it is recommended to avoid peak periods and take the equipment to subway stations, squares and other places with open signals and dense base stations to measure speed during idle hours.

• Moreover, the antenna layout and gain are also crucial. It is recommended to keep the antenna as far away as possible and place it under visible sky. Using high-gain antennas can help achieve better Internet speeds.

• Uneven distribution of spectrum resources: The network design optimization is biased towards the downlink, and most of the traffic demand is concentrated on receiving content; There are few uplink spectrum resources;
• Antenna transmission power limit: The uplink signal of the 5G module needs to be transmitted through the antenna of the device. SIM8202, for example, can be received by four antennas, and only two antennas can transmit data. The lower transmission power leads to a slower uplink speed.
• Network design priority level: The design of 5G networks usually gives priority to download traffic requirements. Most users' Internet usage behavior is mainly focused on receiving content, such as watching videos, browsing the Web, downloading files, etc.

• It may be switched to SIM card 2, please use the following command to switch to SIM card 1:

 AT+SMSIMCFG=1,1

• To switch to SIM card 2, use the following command: (Some HATs have SIM2)

 AT+SMSIMCFG=1,2

If it still does not work, consider that the flight mode is on, and turn off the flight mode with the following command:

 AT+CFUN=1

After confirming that the SIM card is activated with a 5G package and has sufficient balance and local 5G network coverage, follow the steps below to fix 5G (boost network speed):

AT+CNBP?     //(You can copy the frequency band to Notepad) Backup the frequency band
AT+CNBP=0x100600000FC00000,0x00000000000000460000A7E2BB0F38DF,0x0000000000000000,0x00000000003FFE63000681E2090828D7,0x00000000003FFE63000681E2090828D7     //Assign the frequency band to SIM820X
or
AT+CNBP=0x100600000FC00000,0x0000000000000046000001E2000908DD,0x0000000000000000,0x0000000000007042000081A0080808D7,0x00000000000070000000010000000000         //Assign the frequency band to SIM820X
AT+CNMP=71     // Fixed 5G

In this case, the network connection may not be successful. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot:
1. First, check the hardware:

• Check whether the connected SIM card can communicate and surf the Internet normally on mobile phones and other devices. It is recommended to test with SIM cards from several different operators to rule out issues related to SIM card frequency bands;
• Check whether the antenna is connected properly;
• Check that the NET light is flashing, and it is always on, indicating that it is not registered to the network.

2. After confirming that the hardware is OK, you can use the following command (AT LOG) to further confirm the network situation:

*Open ttyUSB2 through minicom:
 ls /dev/ttyUSB*
 sudo apt-get install minicom
 sudo minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB2
*Check the firmware version information:
AT+SIMCOMATI
*Check if the sim card is in good contact:
AT+CPIN?
*Turn the radio on (turn off airplane mode):
AT+CFUN=1
*Check that the network mode is set to auto-seek:
AT+CNMP=2
*Check the signal quality of the current environment:
AT+CSQ
*Check if the registration to the network is successful:
AT+CGREG?
*Check internet connection:
AT+CPSI?
*Check if the APN corresponds to the operator of the SIM card:
AT+CGDCONT?
*Check operator access:
AT+COPS?

• It is recommended to replace the SIM card of different operators to test: different operators support different 5G frequency bands, change the card at the same time can also solve other problems with the card;
• There is no configuration of APN. APN determines the way to enter the network. It is the agent of the operator and the cellular module. Sometimes APN can be obtained automatically, but many times it needs to be obtained manually. You can set it through the following command:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","APN"   //The APN of different operators is different. Here the APN is changed to that of the corresponding operator, for example:
China Mobile APN: CMNET; China Unicom APN: 3GNET; China Telecom APN: CTNET

You can check the APNS of major operators on the following website: APN query website

• You can switch to a different neighborhood or go to another district to test: Different areas cover different operators' networks, leading to different 5G frequency bands in different places.
• To ensure the module registers on the power-efficient LTE 4G network, it must have adequate power supply; insufficient power can also cause the module to register on the LTE 4G network.
• Although it shows 4G LTE network, 5G speed is already available, which do not affect usage, and you can also send the following command:

AT+CNMp=109

• It may be that the antenna's band does not cover the band of the operators you are using, please change to a full band high gain antenna suitable for your local area to test, and connect all antennas, all antennas are useful, otherwise it may also cause network problems;
• If you are using an IoT card, it is recommended to switch to a regular mobile SIM card (one that can make calls and send messages) for testing. Some pure data cards or IoT cards may be restricted on other devices or after switching devices and cannot register to the 5G network. You can also check the status of the card with the IoT card provider.
• The SIM card bands of 5G operators should cover the bands of SIM820X; sometimes, when querying 4G networks, speeds have reached 5G, and direct speed testing can confirm whether 5G speeds are available.
• Plug the SIM card into the phone to test if it can register to the 5G network. If the phone cannot register, it means the SIM card has not been activated for a 5G data package, or there is insufficient balance, etc.

• Confirm if there is 5G network coverage in the test environment and what frequency band it is registered to (whether the registered frequency band is one of the bands supported by the 5G module).
  • Android phones can be installed with 5G phones to install Cellular-Z (available in major App stores) to view detailed network information:

• • iPhone can get band information by following these steps:
    • Turn on your phone dialer, enter *3001#12345#*, and tap the dial button
    • In the pop-up page, find and click on "Serving Cell Info", then find and click on "Freg Band Indicato."
    • You can find out by making an inquiry according to the form sent by the operator

AT+CSYSSEL="nr5g_band",41:78

• It is recommended to use the more convenient SIM820X RNDIS Dial Up.
• You can flash the latest Raspberry Pi Raspbian system and reconfigure the NDIS dial-up.

• You can use the following commands to check if the SIM820X and the Raspberry Pi are well connected. If the connection is OK, you can see Qualcomm device and ttyUSB0-USB4:

lsusb
ls /dev

• 1) It is recommended to replace the SIM card of different operators to test: different operators support different 5G frequency bands, change the card at the same time can also solve other problems with the card; If you are using an IoT card, it is recommended to switch to a regular mobile SIM card (one that can make calls and send messages) for testing. Some pure data cards or IoT cards may be restricted on other devices or after switching devices and cannot register to the 5G network. You can also check the status of the card with the IoT card provider.

• 2) Please configure the APN correctly. There is no configuration of APN. APN determines the way to enter the network. It is the agent of the operator and the cellular module. Sometimes APN can be obtained automatically, but many times it needs to be obtained manually. You can set it through the following command:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","Your_APN"   //The APN of different operators is different. Here the APN is changed to that of the corresponding operator.
For example: China Mobile APN: CMNET; China Unicom APN: 3GNET; China Telecom APN: CTNET

• 3) It may be that the antenna's band does not cover the band of the operators you are using, please change to a full band high gain antenna suitable for your local area to test, and connect all antennas, all antennas are useful, otherwise it may also cause network problems;

• 4) If it still doesn't work, please refer to the following steps to print the network AT log and give the log to our service support team for analysis.

*Check the firmware version information:
AT+SIMCOMATI
*Check if the sim card is in good contact:
AT+CPIN?
*Turn the radio on (turn off airplane mode):
AT+CFUN=1
*Check that the network mode is set to auto-seek:
AT+CNMP=2
*Check the signal quality of the current environment:
AT+CSQ
*Check if the registration to the network is successful:
AT+CGREG?
*Check internet connection:
AT+CPSI?
*Check if the APN corresponds to the operator of the SIM card:
AT+CGDCONT?
*Check operator access:
AT+COPS?

• Open ttyUSB2 through minicom:

ls /dev/ttyUSB*
sudo apt-get install minicom
sudo minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB2

• Plug the GPS antenna into the GNSS antenna socket (SIM8200EA is ANT5; SIM8202G is ANT2), and place the receiver in the open air (note that it cannot be tested in rainy weather). It takes about 1 minute to receive the positioning signal after power-on.

• M2 module needs to use a passive antenna to obtain positioning information. If you do not have a passive positioning antenna, a 5G antenna can also be used. Replace the 5G antenna and place the module outdoors for positioning (the 5G antenna does not come with an extension cable):

• Quectel Qualcomm

Change the ETH mode

AT+QENG="servingcell"
at+qcfg="pcie/mode",1
at+qcfg="data_interface",1,0
at+qeth="eth_driver","r8125",1
AT+QMAPWAC=1
at+qmap="mpdn_rule",0,1,0,1,1,"FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF"
AT+CFUN=1,1

Change back to USB mode

at+qcfg="data_interface",0,0
at+qcfg="pcie/mode",0
AT+QCFG="usbnet",2 
AT+CFUN=1,1

• Quectel Unisoc

Set network port mode

AT+QCFG="pcie/mode",1
AT+QCFG="ethernet",1
AT+QNETDEVCTL=1,3,1
AT+QCFG="usbnet",5
AT+QCFG="ethernet",1
AT+QCFG="nat",0
AT+CFUN=1,1

Change back to USB mode

AT+QCFG="ethernet",0
at+qcfg="pcie/mode",0
AT+QCFG="usbnet",2
AT+CFUN=1,1

Set USB+ETH mode (some firmware support, after the configuration is completed, unplug and enable the USB port), RM500UCNVAAR03A05M2G_01.001.01.001 firmware, and China Unicom mobile phone card as an example to test:

AT+QCFG="pcie/mode",1
AT+QCFG="ethernet",1
AT+QNETDEVCTL=1,3,1
AT+QCFG="usbnet",3
AT+QCFG="nat",2
AT+CGDCONT=1,"IPV4V6","3gnet"
AT+CFUN=1,1

Please use the following command to configure the dial-up mode to a stable routing mode:

AT+QCFG="nat",1

• It is recommended to replace the SIM cards of different operators. Under the comparative test, the network frequency bands and base station layout supported by different operators are different. Changing the card can also eliminate problems such as card arrears.
• Check whether the SIM card and antenna are connected, all four antennas must be connected.
• After confirming that the hardware connection is correct, please use the following AT Log to check the network:

AT+CMEE=2
AT+CPIN?
AT+COPS?
AT+QCSQ
AT+QENG="servingcell"
AT+CGDCONT?
AT+QNWPREFCFG="mode_pref"

When using external power supply, after restarting the Raspberry Pi, the RM500U does not restart. At this time, you can use commands to restart the RM500U.

Use the following command to turn on the echo, and press Enter after entering: (Blind typing is required here)

ATE1 

It can be inquired at the following website:
https://www.frequencycheck.com

• Raspberry Pi 2B/zero, with user serial device number ttyAMA0;

ls -l /dev/serial*   

• You can confirm that serial0 is the selected serial device number with the following command line, as follows:

The USB power supply capability of the Raspberry Pi is worse than that of the computer. It needs to be connected to an external power supply. Please set the switch to EXT PWR, and connect the HAT interface to a 5V 3A power supply:

Yes, it is a Qualcomm X62 platform like RM520.

The PCBA has 3D file, but the casing does not.