PiloT

Features and Specifications

About    |    Photos    |    How it works   |    Variants    |    Compatibility   

About

The PiloT is a HAT compliant board which is compatible with all versions of Raspberry Pi with 40 pin header, including Pi 2,3 and Zero models. Fully controllable with I/O pins, the PiloT can communicate with the Pi over USB or serial ports*. Two versions are available - the PiloT 3GL, which offers hexaband 3G/HSPA for global coverage, with fallback to EDGE/GPRS, and SiRF V GNSS technology, and the PiloT 4G-1,which is an LTE CAT-1 device with fallback to 2G for Europe.

The PiloT can be fully controlled from the Raspberry Pi, and can support data communication using either PPP or CDC-ECM (PiloT 3GL) or CDC-NCM (PiloT 4G-1). Scripts to automate communication setup are available.

*We recommend use of USB ports for Pi 3 as the main serial port is used for Bluetooth / Wi-Fi communication.

 

Photos

PiloT 3GL

 

 

 

PiloT 4G-1

 

 

 

How it works

Variants

 

 

Compatibility

The PiloT is currently compatible with the following devices:

Raspberry Pi 4

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B+

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+

Raspberry Pi Zero

Raspberry Pi Zero W

Up board (standalone mode)

Please note: settings and configuration may vary according to board specifications. 

 

 

Case Studies

Centurion’s solar system saves lives with the aid of Linkwave’s PiloT

Centurion Solar (PTY) Ltd, a South Africa based company that provides industry-leading monitoring and control technology for solar systems, required a connectivity solution for a life-saving humanitarian aid project in Malawi.

Read case study

Assembly

Kit contents    |    Assembly    |    Antenna

Kit Contents

Please note:

  • Raspberry Pi / other development boards are not supplied, and should be purchased separately if required.

  • SIM card not supplied. A working SIM card is required for use of the cellular function on the PiloT, and should be purchased separately before use.

The kit contents supplied will vary according to the buyer's chosen PiloT option. The components included in the kit for each variant are as follows:

PiloT 4G-1: PiloT 4G-1 HAT, Micro-USB to USB cable.s

PiloT 3GL*: PiloT 3GL HAT, Micro-USB to USB cable, right-angled 3G stub antenna.

Additional antennas and other components are also available. Please browse the related products here, or contact Linkwave for recommendations.

 

*Please note: a GPS antenna is required for use of the location option on the PiloT 3GL. Please see here for recommended antennas.

Assembly

  • Step 1

    Step one – Gently push the 40 way pins all the way through the holes in the socket.

     

     

    .

  • Step 2

    Step two – Remove the four screws from the mounting pillars.

  • Step 3

    Step three – Screw the right-angled stub antenna on to the SMA WAN antenna connector located next to the 40 pin header.*

     

  • Step 4

    Step four – Align the 40 way socket with the 40 way header on the Raspberry Pi. 

  • Step 5

    Step five – Gently press together.

  • Step 6

    Step six – Ensure the PiloT® is securely mounted on the Raspberry Pi by inserting the four screws (see step two) into the holes at the bottom of the Raspberry Pi. 

  • Step 7

    Step seven – Gently tighten using a #1 Pozidriv screwdriver.

     

  • Step 8

    Step eight – Insert the SIM card into the SIM card holder, ensuring the chamfer is located as shown on the photo, and the contact side is face down.

  • Step 9

    Step nine – Insert the USB end of the USB to Micro USB cable into the top centre USB socket.

  • Step 10

    Step 10 – Insert the Micro USB side of the USB to Micro USB cable into the Micro USB socket located above the USB socket.

     

  • Step 11

    Step 11 – Your PiloT is now ready to be powered up.

Recommended antenna

  • RA Stub

    3GL CELLULAR ANTENNA

    Right-Angled Stub Antenna

  • GPSPATCH

    3GL GNSS ANTENNA

    GNSS Patch Antenna

  • 4G bracket

    4G-1 CELLULAR ANTENNA

    4G Bracket Mount Antenna

  • LTE Dome

    4G-1 CELLULAR ANTENNA

    Low Profile LTE Antenna

  • Glass T-Bar

    4G-1 CELLULAR ANTENNA

    4G / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna

  • 4G Mag Mount

    4G-1 CELLULAR ANTENNA

    4G Magnetic Mount Antenna

Technical resources

Technical documentation    |    Technical drawings    |    Connectors

Technical drawings and dimensions (mm)

Connectors

Pin functions

 

Further pin function information

*The level shifter used for the serial signals is a TXB0104D, which is an auto bi-directional device. Pull up or pull down resistors must not be attached to the signal pins identified.

Purchase and pricing information

Small quantities    |    Larger quantities

Small quantities

Buy now

Both variants of the PiloT are available for purchase on our eCommerce site.

Please note: although our eCommerce site is convenient for smaller order quantities, our online stock level is limited. For orders of over 50 in quantity, please refer to the section below.

Larger quantities

For projects requiring larger quantities of PiloTs, please get in touch on +44 01522 833204, or send us a message using our online contact form.