LTE Cat-4 4G HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero - Global GNSS Positioning

In this review of the LTE Cat-4 4G HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero the bottom line is simple: this module is for makers and developers who need reliable global cellular data and GNSS positioning on a Pi Zero or other Pi board. The reviewer found the board useful for remote IoT projects because it combines a SIM7600G-H global band modem with GPS/BeiDou/GLONASS positioning, a SIM card slot that accepts 1.8V or 3V cards, and a USB HUB connector to share 4G access with other boards or a PC. It is not a turnkey consumer product but a capable HAT for technical users who can work with AT commands.

Key Features

• Global 4G Module: Incorporates the SIM7600G-H LTE Cat-4 modem to provide 2G/3G/4G global band compatibility for wide area cellular coverage.
• GNSS Positioning: Built-in support for GPS, BeiDou, and GLONASS delivers location fixes for tracking and geolocation applications.
• Flexible Connections: Dedicated pogo pin for Raspberry Pi Zero and a MicroUSB connector for other Raspberry Pi boards or a PC make installation versatile.
• USB HUB and Network Sharing: The onboard USB HUB connector provides USB extension and lets other Raspberry Pi boards or a PC access the 4G network through the HAT.
• Telephony and Data Protocols: Supports dial-up, telephone call, SMS, TCP/UDP, DTMF, HTTP and FTP, enabling voice, messaging and a broad set of data services.
• Integrated Audio: Onboard audio jack and audio decoder allow making telephone calls without additional audio hardware.

Who It's For

The HAT is aimed at hobbyists, developers and system integrators who need cellular connectivity and GNSS on compact single-board computers, especially Raspberry Pi Zero and similar models. It is well suited for remote telemetry, mobile routers, vehicle telematics, and field data collectors that require both data and positioning.

It is not targeted at casual users who expect plug-and-play consumer simplicity; familiarity with AT commands and some Linux networking configuration is recommended. Those who need certified plug-in cellular routers with built-in management portals should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Global band SIM7600G-H modem provides broad 2G/3G/4G compatibility for international deployments.
• GNSS support (GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS) offers reliable location services for tracking projects.
• USB HUB connector and MicroUSB option make it easy to share connectivity with other boards or a PC.
• Onboard audio and SIM card support give telephone and SMS capabilities in a single module.

Cons

• Requires comfort with AT commands and network setup; not a plug-and-play consumer device.
• Documentation and software tooling may be limited compared with commercial gateway products.

Specifications

Part Number	SIM7600G-H 4G HAT (B)
Cellular Support	LTE Cat-4, 3G, 2G (global band)
GNSS	GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS
Interfaces	Pogo pin (Pi Zero), MicroUSB, USB HUB
SIM Card	Supports 1.8V and 3V SIM cards
Telephony	Telephone call, SMS, onboard audio jack and decoder
Control	AT commands (3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005)

Our Verdict

The LTE Cat-4 4G HAT is a practical, value-minded expansion for Raspberry Pi projects that need global cellular data and multi-constellation GNSS positioning. Developers who can work with AT commands and perform modest Linux networking setup will find it cost-effective and flexible for remote monitoring, vehicle telematics, and mobile gateways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this HAT work with Raspberry Pi Zero?
Yes. It includes a dedicated pogo pin connector for Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W for direct attachment.

Can multiple boards share the 4G connection?
Yes. The onboard USB HUB connector allows other Raspberry Pi boards or a PC to access the 4G network through the HAT.

Which positioning systems are supported?
The module supports GPS, BeiDou and GLONASS for GNSS-based positioning.