SIM808 GSM/GPRS + GPS Module

Name: SIM808 GSM/GPRS + GPS Module
Brand: ESP32
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

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Overview

The SIM808 is a versatile GSM/GPRS module with integrated GPS functionality, providing quad-band connectivity for voice, SMS, data, and satellite navigation applications. Its compact design and multiple interfaces make it suitable for a wide range of communication and tracking projects.

Quick Navigation

📋 Specs 📍 Pinout 🔌 Wiring 🔧 Debug

Code Examples

Arduino

C++ Framework

ESP-IDF

Native Framework

ESPHome

YAML Configuration

PlatformIO

IDE & Toolchain

MicroPython

Python Framework

About SIM808 GSM/GPRS + GPS Module

The SIM808 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS module with integrated GPS, making it ideal for vehicle tracking, wearable devices, and industrial automation. It supports voice, SMS, GPRS data, and satellite navigation, offering a complete communication solution for IoT applications.

⚡ Key Features

Quad-Band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) – Ensures global cellular network support.
Integrated GPS – Enables real-time location tracking and navigation.
Versatile Communication – Supports voice calls, SMS, and GPRS data transfer.
Multiple Interfaces – Includes UART, USB, and GPIO for flexible connectivity.

🔗 Still deciding on a SIM module? Check the ESP32 SIM Modules Comparison Table for a breakdown of LTE, 3G, and GPRS options.

Where to Buy

Get Your SIM808

Starting from

10.00$ per unit

Amazon.com Ships worldwide

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💡 Prices are subject to change. We earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

Technical Specs

SIM808 Specifications

Complete technical specification details for SIM808 GSM/GPRS + GPS Module

📊 Technical Parameters

Frequency Bands Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900MHz

Supply Voltage 3.4V to 4.4V

Power Consumption (Sleep Mode) 1.0mA

Dimensions 24mm x 24mm x 2.6mm

Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C

GPRS Connectivity GPRS multi-slot class 12

GPS Sensitivity -165 dBm

Interfaces UART, USB, SIM, GPIO, GPS

Download Full Datasheet

Pin Configuration

SIM808 Pinout

The SIM808 pinout includes power, UART communication for GSM and GPS, control, status indication, dual antenna connections (cellular and GPS), and SIM card interface pins for quad-band GSM/GPRS and integrated GPS functionality.

Visual Pinout Diagram

Pinout Diagram Primary

Total Pins

Pin Types

Power

Control

Quick Tips

Quad-band

GSM/GPRS module (850/900/1800/1900MHz) with integrated GPS,Supports voice calls, SMS, GPRS data transfer, and GPS location tracking,GPS supports up to 66 channels for satellite tracking

GPS

sensitivity: -165dBm tracking, -147dBm acquisition,Dual UART interfaces: one for GSM, one for GPS,Requires SIM card for cellular connectivity

Power

consumption: 2A peak during transmission,Default GSM UART baud rate: 9600 bps

Pin Descriptions

Pin Name	Type	Description	Notes
1 VBAT	Power	Power supply input (3.4V to 4.4V)	Requires stable power supply with peak current up to 2A
2 GND	Ground	Ground connection	Connect to common ground
3 TXD	UART TX	UART Transmit Data for GSM (connects to microcontroller RX)	Default baud rate: 9600 bps
4 RXD	UART RX	UART Receive Data for GSM (connects to microcontroller TX)	Default baud rate: 9600 bps
5 PWRKEY	Control	Power on/off control (active low)	Pull low for at least 1 second to power on
6 NETLIGHT	Status	Network status indication	LED indicator for network registration status
7 STATUS	Status	Module operating status indication	Shows module power state
8 GPS_VCC	Power	GPS power supply	Power supply for GPS module (3.3V)
9 GPS_TX	UART TX	GPS UART Transmit Data	GPS data output (NMEA sentences)
10 GPS_RX	UART RX	GPS UART Receive Data	GPS command input (optional)
11 ANT_GSM	Antenna	GSM antenna connection	Requires external GSM antenna
12 ANT_GPS	Antenna	GPS antenna connection	Requires external GPS antenna

Connection Guide

Wiring SIM808 to ESP32

Connect the SIM808 to your ESP32 via dual UART for AT command communication (GSM) and GPS data reception. The module requires a stable 3.4V-4.4V power supply with sufficient current capacity (peak 2A). External antennas are required for both GSM and GPS functionality.

Visual Wiring Diagram

Wiring Diagram Recommended

SIM808 GSM/GPRS + GPS Module wiring with ESP32

Connections

Connection Status

Required

Optional

Protocol

UART

Pin Connections

SIM808 Pin	ESP32 Pin	Description
1 VBAT Required	3.7V-4.4V Power Supply	Provide stable power (NOT from ESP32 pin)
2 GND Required	GND	Common ground connection
3 TXD Required	GPIO16 (RX2)	SIM808 GSM TX to ESP32 RX
4 RXD Required	GPIO17 (TX2)	SIM808 GSM RX to ESP32 TX
5 GPS_VCC Required	3.3V	GPS module power supply
6 GPS_TX Required	GPIO18	GPS data output to ESP32
7 GPS_RX Optional	GPIO19	GPS command input (optional)
8 PWRKEY Optional	GPIO4	Power control (pull low to power on)
9 ANT_GSM Required	External GSM Antenna	Connect GSM antenna
10 ANT_GPS Required	External GPS Antenna	Connect GPS antenna

⚠️

CRITICAL: Use a dedicated power supply (3.4V-4.4V, 2A peak) - DO NOT power from ESP32 pin!

Dual

UART setup: one for GSM AT commands, one for GPS NMEA data

Default

GSM UART baud rate is 9600 bps

GPS

outputs NMEA sentences at 9600 bps

External

GSM antenna is mandatory for network connectivity

External

GPS antenna is mandatory for location tracking

GPS

requires clear view of the sky for satellite acquisition

Pull

PWRKEY low for at least 1 second to power on the module

Monitor

NETLIGHT pin for network registration status

Insert

active SIM card before powering on

GPS_VCC

can be powered from ESP32 3.3V pin (low current)

Ensure

good antenna placement for optimal signal reception

Help & Support

SIM808 Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions to help you get your sensor working

Common Issues

Debugging Tips

Additional Resources

Datasheet

Technical specifications and guidelines

Code Examples

SIM808 Programming Examples

Ready-to-use code examples for different platforms and frameworks

#include <Arduino.h>

// Define ESP32 hardware serial port for SIM808
#define SIM808_TX 17  // ESP32 TX connected to SIM808 RX
#define SIM808_RX 16  // ESP32 RX connected to SIM808 TX
#define PWRKEY 9      // SIM808 Power Key pin (adjust if needed)

// Initialize hardware serial for SIM808
HardwareSerial sim808(2);

void powerOnSIM808() {
    pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
    delay(1000);  // PWRKEY must be held LOW for at least 1 second
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
    delay(5000);  // Wait for the module to initialize
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);  // Serial Monitor
    sim808.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, SIM808_RX, SIM808_TX);  // SIM808 UART
    
    powerOnSIM808();

    Serial.println("Testing AT communication...");
    
    // Test AT command
    sendATCommand("AT");

    // Set SMS text mode
    sendATCommand("AT+CMGF=1");

    // Send SMS
    Serial.println("Sending SMS...");
    sim808.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\"");  // Replace with recipient's number
    delay(1000);
    sim808.print("Hello from ESP32 and SIM808");
    sim808.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send
    delay(5000);
    printResponse();
}

void loop() {
    // Add code to handle incoming messages or other functionalities
}

// Function to send an AT command and print response
void sendATCommand(const char *command) {
    Serial.print("Sending: ");
    Serial.println(command);
    sim808.println(command);
    delay(1000);
    printResponse();
}

// Function to print response from SIM808
void printResponse() {
    while (sim808.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim808.read());
    }
    Serial.println("
----------------------
");
}

This Arduino sketch interfaces with the **SIM808 module** using **ESP32's hardware serial (UART2)** for reliable communication. ### **Key Features** - **Hardware Serial (UART2)** is used instead of SoftwareSerial. - **PWRKEY (GPIO9)** powers on the SIM808 module. - **AT Commands** test communication (`AT`), enable SMS mode (`AT+CMGF=1`), and send an SMS (`AT+CMGS`). - **GPS functionality** can be added if needed. ### **Connections** - **ESP32 TX (GPIO17) → SIM808 RX** - **ESP32 RX (GPIO16) → SIM808 TX** - **Baud rate:** 9600 ### **Why Hardware Serial?** - **More stable and faster** than SoftwareSerial. - **Dedicated UART2** prevents conflicts with Serial Monitor. This setup allows SMS sending and further expansion for GPS or network functionalities. 🚀

#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>
#include "driver/uart.h"
#include "driver/gpio.h"
#include "freertos/task.h"

#define TX_PIN 17
#define RX_PIN 16
#define PWRKEY_PIN 4
#define UART_PORT UART_NUM_1
#define GPS_UART_PORT UART_NUM_2

void init_uart() {
    uart_config_t uart_config = {
        .baud_rate = 9600,
        .data_bits = UART_DATA_8_BITS,
        .parity = UART_PARITY_DISABLE,
        .stop_bits = UART_STOP_BITS_1,
        .flow_ctrl = UART_HW_FLOWCTRL_DISABLE
    };

    uart_param_config(UART_PORT, &uart_config);
    uart_set_pin(UART_PORT, TX_PIN, RX_PIN, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE, UART_PIN_NO_CHANGE);
    uart_driver_install(UART_PORT, 1024, 0, 0, NULL, 0);
}

void power_on_sim808() {
    gpio_set_direction(PWRKEY_PIN, GPIO_MODE_OUTPUT);
    gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 0);
    vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    gpio_set_level(PWRKEY_PIN, 1);
    vTaskDelay(5000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS); // Wait for the module to initialize
}

void app_main(void) {
    init_uart();
    power_on_sim808();

    char *test_cmd = "AT\r\n";
    uart_write_bytes(UART_PORT, test_cmd, strlen(test_cmd));

    while (true) {
        char data[128];
        int len = uart_read_bytes(UART_PORT, data, sizeof(data), 100 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
        if (len > 0) {
            data[len] = '\0';
            printf("Response: %s\n", data);
        }
        vTaskDelay(1000 / portTICK_PERIOD_MS);
    }
}

This ESP-IDF example initializes UART communication with the SIM808 module and powers it on using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The UART interface is configured with GPIO17 as TX and GPIO16 as RX. An AT command is sent to test communication, and responses from the module are printed to the console. Additional UART configurations can be added for GPS functionality.

uart:
  tx_pin: GPIO17
  rx_pin: GPIO16
  baud_rate: 9600

switch:
  - platform: gpio
    name: "SIM808 Power"
    pin:
      number: GPIO4
      inverted: true

switch:
  - platform: template
    name: "Send AT Command"
    turn_on_action:
      - uart.write: "AT\r\n"

sensor:
  - platform: custom
    lambda: |-
      return {nullptr};
    sensors:
      - name: "SIM808 Response"

The ESPHome configuration sets up UART communication with the SIM808 using GPIO17 (TX) and GPIO16 (RX) at 9600 baud. A GPIO-based switch is used to control the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4) for powering the module on or off. A template switch allows sending the AT command, and a custom sensor can be implemented to process responses from the module. GPS functionality can also be integrated through additional configuration.

platformio.ini

[env:sim808]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 115200

main.cpp

#include <HardwareSerial.h>
#include <Arduino.h>

HardwareSerial sim808(1);
#define PWRKEY 4

void power_on_sim808() {
    pinMode(PWRKEY, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, LOW);
    delay(1000); // Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    digitalWrite(PWRKEY, HIGH);
    delay(5000); // Wait for initialization
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    sim808.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // RX, TX
    power_on_sim808();

    // Test AT command
    sim808.println("AT");
    delay(1000);
    while (sim808.available()) {
        Serial.write(sim808.read());
    }
}

void loop() {
    sim808.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set SMS to text mode
    delay(1000);
    sim808.println("AT+CMGS=\"+1234567890\""); // Replace with recipient's number
    delay(1000);
    sim808.print("Hello from PlatformIO");
    delay(1000);
    sim808.write(26); // CTRL+Z to send SMS
    delay(5000);
}

This PlatformIO code interfaces with the SIM808 module using HardwareSerial on an ESP32. The `power_on_sim808` function toggles the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4) to activate the module. The AT command is sent to test communication, and SMS functionality is implemented in the loop. GPIO16 (RX) and GPIO17 (TX) are configured as serial pins.

from machine import UART, Pin
import time

# Initialize UART
uart = UART(2, baudrate=9600, tx=17, rx=16)
pwrkey = Pin(4, Pin.OUT)

def power_on_sim808():
    pwrkey.value(0)
    time.sleep(1)  # Hold PWRKEY low for 1 second
    pwrkey.value(1)
    time.sleep(5)  # Wait for module to initialize

def send_at(command):
    uart.write(command + '\r\n')
    time.sleep(1)
    while uart.any():
        print(uart.read().decode('utf-8'), end='')

# Power on the module
power_on_sim808()

# Test communication
send_at('AT')

# Send SMS
send_at('AT+CMGF=1')  # Set SMS to text mode
send_at('AT+CMGS="+1234567890"')  # Replace with recipient's number
uart.write("Hello from MicroPython" + chr(26))

This MicroPython code communicates with the SIM808 module over UART. The `power_on_sim808` function activates the module using the PWRKEY pin (GPIO4). The `send_at` function sends AT commands and prints the responses. The script initializes the module, tests communication, and sends an SMS with a specified message. Additional logic can be added to read GPS data through UART.

Summary

Wrapping Up SIM808

The ESP32 SIM808 GSM/GPRS + GPS Module is a powerful SIM sensor that offers excellent performance and reliability. With support for multiple development platforms including Arduino, ESP-IDF, ESPHome, PlatformIO, and MicroPython, it's a versatile choice for your IoT projects.