# LTE Cat-1 (4G) modem SIMCOM A7670X

## Intro
This example demonstrates how to use a SIMCOM A7670X LTE Cat-1 modem to upload wind data every 2 minutes using the [WindNerd Transfer Protocol](../../docs/WTP.md).

Between uploads modem is is placed into sleep mode to minimize power consumption. Measured system average is ~6 mA to 12mA under good LTE coverage, enabling operation from a single 18650 cell recharged via a small solar panel.

Data consumption is about 40MB per month.

Most SIMCOM and Quectel LTE modems using standard AT command sets should also work with minimal adaptation.

## LTE module

The A7670X exists in multiple regional versions based on LTE band support:

- A7670E Europe, Asia
- A7670SA South America
- A7670G Global

Typical module pricing ranges $10–$25 depending on version.

In this guide we use a A7670E module available for ~$13 on [Aliexpress](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004176439432.html) under the brand "and-global".

 
## Wiring

### Powered from 5V
The module includes an onboard regulator and can be powered directly from 5V alongside the WindNerd Core. 

Always connect an antenna when powering the module up. 

![Wiring 5V](img/A7670E-wiring-5v.jpg)


### Powered from 1 lithium cell

For better efficiency, the A7670X chipset can be powered directly on lithium battery after a little modification on the module. We bypass the inefficient linear voltage regulator and remove a resistance that wastes too much current to the ground.

![Regulator bypass](img/A7670E-regulator-bypass.jpg)

Now the battery positive wire should be soldered directly on the board.

![Wiring 1-cell Lithium](img/A7670E-wiring-1-cell-lithium.jpg)


## WindNerd Core Programming

Open lte-modem-A7670X example sketch, find the line below and replace the secret key with one available on your [windnerd.net dashboard](https://windnerd.net/en/management):

`#define WTP_SECRET_KEY "af3ffa12c4937ddf"`

[Compile and upload](../../docs/PROGRAM.md) the sketch to your WindNerd Core

It may be necessary to specify the APN for the network in use. For example, if you use a Hologram IoT SIM card, uncomment the line and set the APN as follows:

`#define APN "hologram"`


## Commissioning

When powered with a SIM card inserted, the module will automatically attach to the network even without WindNerd Core connected.

On-board LED behavior:

| LED State              | Meaning                              |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| On solid after startup | Module boot OK                       |
| Fast blinking          | Connected and data service available |
| OFF                    | Module powered down or in sleep mode |


Around 2 minutes after powering-up, the station set for your device will show live wind data.


## Power Voltage measurement

It is possible to additionally monitor the supply voltage by soldering two 22 kΩ resistors (or other identical values in the same range, such as 47 kΩ) as a voltage divider between **GND–PB0–VCC**.
![22K resistors soldered on dev board](img/bridge-divider.jpg)

Uncomment the following line in the sketch to activate the feature
```
#define ENABLE_VOLTAGE
```

## Temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure measurement

Temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can be monitored by adding a BME280 sensor (or compatible equivalent like BMP280 or YMP280) on the secondary I²C bus, which shares the same pins as USART1. Without a **radiation shield**, temperature and humidity measurements may not be very accurate.

| USART1    | I2C2
 | -----|------- |
| TX1 | SCL2 |
| RX1 | SDA2|

BME280 is powered from GND-3.3V pin headers.

![bme280 added to dev board](img/bme280.jpg)


The Arduino library `Bme280 by Eduard Malokhvii` is required.

Uncomment the following line in the sketch to activate the feature
```
#define ENABLE_BME_280
```


## Debugging (Reading AT Responses)

To inspect the modem’s AT command responses, you can connect a USB-Serial (TTL) adapter to the module’s UART Tx.
This allows you to watch live communication using a terminal such as PuTTY, Screen, or minicom.


| Serial-TTL adapter   | A7670X module |
| ---------- | ---------- |
| Gnd | Gnd (G) |
| Rx  | Tx (T)  |


### Start-up
When the A7670X powers up with a valid SIM card, it will output several startup notifications.
A typical healthy boot sequence looks like this:

```
[2025-11-10 14:05:24] *ATREADY: 1
[2025-11-10 14:05:24] 
[2025-11-10 14:05:24] *ISIMAID: "A0000000871004F310FFFF89080000FF"
[2025-11-10 14:05:25] 
[2025-11-10 14:05:25] +CPIN: READY
[2025-11-10 14:05:29] 
[2025-11-10 14:05:29] SMS DONE
[2025-11-10 14:05:29] 
[2025-11-10 14:05:29] +CGEV: EPS PDN ACT 1

```

`+CGEV: EPS PDN ACT 1` indicates that the module is attached to network.

### Upload Sequence
Every upload cycle, the sketch sends a small HTTP POST request using the WindNerd Transfer Protocol.

Expected output during a successful upload:

```
[2025-11-10 14:07:19] AT
[2025-11-10 14:07:19] OK
[2025-11-10 14:07:19] AT+HTTPINIT
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] OK
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] AT+HTTPPARA="URL","http://wtp.windnerd.net/post"
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] OK
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] AT+HTTPDATA=765,10000
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] DOWNLOAD
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] 
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] OK
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] AT+HTTPACTION=1
[2025-11-10 14:07:20] OK
[2025-11-10 14:07:22] 
[2025-11-10 14:07:22] +HTTPACTION: 1,200,2
[2025-11-10 14:07:22] AT+HTTPTERM
[2025-11-10 14:07:22] OK
```
`+HTTPACTION: 1,200,2` indicates server responded with HTTP 200 OK
