From Arstechnica.com:
A new Kickstarter project aims to give Raspberry Pi and Arduino boards Internet access throughout the world with an add-on that allows integration with a SIM card.
SparqEE Cellv1.0 would need to raise $70,000 to get the technology to backers, with donors pledging at least $69 to get the device. SparqEE CEO Christopher Higgins, an engineer, said he plans to take the Kickstarter page live on August 20. For now, it’s viewable in a draft form so that people can provide feedback.
Cellv1.0 consists of a board with a cellular chip, a power supply, and a SIM holder, as well as a “jumper board” that “includes level shifters for whatever voltage levels you’re using (ex. 3.3V, 5V, or other).”
As for getting a SIM card, the Kickstarter suggests taking one out of your phone, purchasing a pre-paid SIM from a retailer, or buying them directly from SparqEE.
“We’ve contracted with a worldwide SIM provider, so SIMs from us are not only the lowest cost you’ll find, but they work anywhere in the world,” the company said. Coverage will come from “AT&T in US, 3G and GSM/GPRS Worldwide.”
Lots of projects involving the Raspberry Pi and Arduino rely on Wi-Fi, so there would be plenty of ways to put the cellular connectivity to use. SparqEE’s project suggestions include an “Arduino-enabled vehicle tracker to know exactly where your car is right from your smartphone,” and a “small, solar-powered, RC helicopter that could fly across the US from the comfort of your desk.”
If the Kickstarter is successful, the company hopes to ship the devices by November.
The Kickstarter is currently in draft mode and is expected to open up on 20th August. The boards start at $69 (for the first 100) and the Kickstarter needs $70,000 to be fully funded. This is easily achievable, I would’ve thought. The nearest competitor is almost twice the price.
Nice idea, but what’s wrong with a 3G dongle? Or have I missed something?
You’re not missing anything. I guess it just gives you a more ’embedded’ option.
@Alex Eames: Great question! As @recantha mentioned, it does really depends on the application. If all you need is 3G access for your computer, then a dongle and a shared data plan is probably the way to go.
The CELLv1.0 really comes into play when you’re talking about worldwide access at low data usage and want to deal with something that’s embedded or integrated into a final product.
For example, we’re going to be releasing a device called Keychain Tracker which will be the size of a small keychain and we’ll need to have tight control of when the device is on or not b/c they’re energy hogs. Also the SIMs we have are only $3.62/month versus what you’d pay for a normal data plan.
BTW: Thanks for your interest in the project Mr. Horne 😉
Oh, it’s launched too: http://bit.ly/sparqee_cell