Cellular Modules

Edge 2 takes the Quectel EC25-V in the Mini PCIe socket, and the EM06-A and RM500Q-AE in the M.2 socket. Each socket has its own micro-SIM slot.

The commands on this page are for Mixtile OS, which includes ModemManager and NetworkManager.

Figure 1. Cellular modules above the M.2 and Mini PCIe sockets

Tested Modules

Module	Socket	Network	Maximum data rate	Antennas
EC25-V	Mini PCIe	LTE FDD and TDD, UMTS, GSM	150 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up	3: main, diversity, GNSS
EM06-A	M.2 Key B, 2242	LTE FDD and TDD, UMTS	300 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up	3: main, diversity, GNSS
RM500Q-AE	M.2 Key B, 3052	5G NR Sub-6 in NSA and SA, LTE, UMTS	2.5 Gbps down, 650 Mbps up	4

Mixtile has tested these modules on Edge 2 with compatible SIM cards. Other modules that use the standard Linux USB modem drivers can also work; check the module's bands for your carrier.

Install the Module

Socket	SIM slot	Modules
Mini PCIe	SIM: mini-PCIe	EC25-V
M.2	SIM: M.2	EM06-A, RM500Q-AE

1. Shut down Edge 2 and disconnect the power supply.
2. Insert the micro-SIM into the slot for the socket.
3. Line up the notch on the module with the key in the socket, insert the module at an angle, press it down flat, and secure it with the screw.
4. Connect the main antenna. The diversity and GNSS antennas are optional.
5. Reconnect the power supply.

warning

Connect the main antenna before you use the module. Do not transmit without an antenna.

Figure 2. EC25-V in the Mini PCIe socket, with its SIM slot marked

Figure 3. RM500Q-AE in the M.2 socket, with its SIM slot marked

Connect to the Network

Mixtile OS detects the module and the SIM automatically. To use mobile data, create a connection with the APN from your carrier.

1. Check that the modem is detected:

   Edge 2

   sudo mmcli -L

   Expected result: the modem, for example [Quectel] RM500Q-AE. It can take about 30 seconds after power-on for the modem to appear.

2. Create a connection with the access point name (APN) from your carrier:

   Edge 2

   sudo nmcli connection add type gsm con-name cellular ifname "*" apn "<APN>"

   If a connection named cellular already exists, skip to step 3.

   Replace <APN> with the APN, for example internet. If the carrier also gives a user name and a password, add them:

   Edge 2

   sudo nmcli connection modify cellular gsm.username "<user>" gsm.password "<password>"

3. Start the connection:

   Edge 2

   sudo nmcli connection up cellular

   Expected result: Connection successfully activated.

4. Check the connection:

   Edge 2

   nmcli connection show --active
   ip address show

   Expected result: cellular is active, and a WWAN interface, usually wwan0, has an IP address.

   The signal quality is in the output of sudo mmcli -m any.

The connection starts again after a restart.

Troubleshooting

• mmcli -L lists no modem: Shut down and disconnect the power supply, then check that the module is seated and the SIM is in the slot for the socket. lsusb should list the module.
• No signal: Connect the main antenna, and check the signal quality with sudo mmcli -m any.
• The connection does not start: Check the APN and that the SIM has a data plan.
• SIM PIN: If your SIM card is PIN-protected, you may need to unlock it before connecting to the mobile network.