These photos show a FONA 808 but the overall techniques are identical!

Prepare the header strip:

Cut the strip to length if necessary. It will be easier to solder if you insert it into a breadboard - long pins down

Add the breakout board:

Place the breakout board over the pins so that the short pins poke through the breakout pad

And Solder!

Be sure to solder all pins for reliable electrical contact.

(For tips on soldering, be sure to check out our Guide to Excellent Soldering).

You're done! Check your solder joints visually and continue onto the next steps

Attaching Antenna & Battery

A battery, GPS antenna and GSM antenna is required! Use any Lipoly or LiIon 3.7V/4.2V battery

Check polarity for the battery!
Snap the uFL connector on, it will click when placed properly

SIM Card

You must insert a SIM card to do anything but the most basic tests. GPS does work without a SIM but of course you cannot send or receive texts, calls, etc!

The SIM card holder is on the back. It holds a very-standard "Mini SIM"
Micro SIMs will not work! Make sure you get a "Mini SIM"

Open by sliding the cover towards the antenna

Insert the SIM with the gold pads facing up and the notch on the outer corner

Close the hinge down and slide the cover to lock it in place

This guide was first published on Aug 21, 2015. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Assembly) was last updated on Aug 21, 2015.

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