3G GPS tracker

[Avi]

I have this project idea for a real-time phone network based GPS tracker. For more details about this project, see attached PDF.
Ideally, it should consist of a 3G transceiver module, a GPS module, and an on-board microcontroller.
It should be light weight, and use as little space as possible. For this reason, shields are out of the question, and to make matters worse they additionally have all these tall connectors on top of it, if it weren't already tall enough from being a stacked shield.
To my knowledge, there does not exist such a combination on a single board, commercially available.
Best I can find is https://www.tindie.com/products/Fusion/tinytracker-gpsgsmcan-for-teensy-3132/ and https://www.adafruit.com/products/3027
However, it is unknown if they will work in Melbourne Australia, additionally, not being 3G, means i will be paying per minute for data, this is no good.
If i was to make my own, most of those 3G and on-board GPS modules are BGA, i do not have the tools to manage these (no i do not have a toaster or a skillet, no i don't want to use the oven, nor do i want to use them because i'd have no idea what i'm doing and these are expensive parts).
Additionally, I do not have a clue about RF design (connections to antennas using FR4), sure, there are calculators, but that assumes you know what you are doing. It is not just the single trace to worry about, apparently there is other issues, like grounding, vias, stitching, and stuff I have no idea about.
Also, Adafruit claim that their 3G modules currently do not have data support added to the code library due to complexity, so I imagine this is going to be similar with most other modules.
Any sort of help or advice getting this to a physical working project would be greatly appreciated!

[Rerouter]

ublox have you covered for an intergrated GPS package, and you should be able to find a 3G modem module (not shield) that uses an connector for an external antenna, just as your in melbourne, make very sure its not 2G, which will be switched off at the end of the year,

[Avi]

Yes, there is barley any 2G coverage as it is, even with it on, as far as i can tell last i looked it up.
littlebird electronics suggested me this, http://littlebirdelectronics.com.au/products/itead-3g-shield (its bga, and requires an rf trace to an antenna connector)

[Wilksey]

Commercially I have used the Cinterion EHS6 (LGA) which is a 3G module, data is sent using AT commands.
Telit do some modules also, Sierra Wireless, Ublox etc.

What you will essentially need is a small break out board rather than a "module", I put everything down either by hand or at an acual assembler so it doesn't bother me which package I use.

Have you looked at Seeed / Itead / Sparkfun etc for a small break out?

[Avi]

anyone know what this seeed studio pcb assembly free soldering for this month only is about? and if that would be useful for me?
I just got an email about it, i clicked the link and it just takes me to the page where i have to submit a gerber to order.

As for break outs, no I have not looked that extensively yet, but have seen shields, Guess i will look some more. How do i tell if its AU compatible or US only?

[sebass]

ublox have you covered for an intergrated GPS package, and you should be able to find a 3G modem module (not shield) that uses an connector for an external antenna, just as your in melbourne, make very sure its not 2G, which will be switched off at the end of the year,

Vodafone is not turning off their 2G coverage. It still has atleast 2 years or more.

[Wilksey]

What frequency(ies) does your AUS 3G run at?
Most 3G modules are penta band, which I believe covers most of the frequencies, just the FCC ratings etc that change I believe.

We sold some 2G and ISM band RF equipment to AUS a few years back, and we had a quad band GSM module which did the trick, so I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that the 3G modules would be compatible also? For info the 2G unit contained a Telit chipset.

[Avi]

"The Optus 3g operates on dual frequencies; 900 and 2100 MHz." http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/mobile_phone_frequencies
So, im looking for a module that does both of those? i guess?

[Wilksey]

OK,

Well, here: https://www.u-blox.com/en/product/lisa-u2-series lies a table showing that the LISA-U2 which looks to be quite easily solderable with castellated edges.

Perhaps the U270?

Or,
Quectel UC15
http://www.quectel.com/product/prodetail.aspx?id=64  This has the 900/2100MHz frequency, again, looks easily solderable, or the UC20 http://www.quectel.com/product/prodetail.aspx?id=17

Telit have some modules, mainly LGA which might be a bit more difficult to solder, SIMCom have a few.
http://simcomm2m.com/En/module/detail.aspx?id=82 5360E has 900/2100MHz
as does the 5320: http://simcomm2m.com/En/module/detail.aspx?id=81
Again, both look easy to solder.