EQX2Gxx
Updated on November 26, 2025
The EQX2G-X is a quad-band GSM/GPRS expansion module for the EQSP32 Industrial IoT controller, designed to provide wide-area cellular connectivity for remote installations, telemetry nodes, SMS alerting, and cloud backhaul. At its core, the module integrates a SIM800-class GSM/GPRS modem, offering proven carrier-grade reliability across GSM850, EGSM900, DCS1800 and PCS1900 networks. The modem is paired with an external antenna and a 2FF Mini SIM card slot to ensure stable, industrial-grade operation.
Powered and connected entirely through the EQSP32 expansion connector, the EQX2G requires no external power supply or wiring beyond mounting it on the DIN rail and sliding it into the board-to-board connector. Upon power-up, the module is automatically detected and indexed by the EQSP32, ensuring seamless plug-and-play operation within existing or new installations.
The EQX2G features a compact DIN-rail enclosure, external SMA antenna interface, and a carrier-approved SIM800-family modem core. The modem supports GPRS multi-slot class 12, enabling data services such as MQTT, HTTP/HTTPS requests, cloud reporting, and remote diagnostics.
The EQSP32 API provides a direct stream connection to the EQX2G modem, enabling full AT command control as well as seamless integration with third-party GSM/GPRS libraries designed for SIM800-class modems, such as TinyGSM. This allows developers to choose between low-level modem interaction or high-level abstractions for data sessions, MQTT, SMS, and HTTP workflows. EQ-AI further simplifies the process by automatically generating initialization code, AT command sequences, or third-party library integrations based on a natural-language description of the desired connectivity or application logic.
Firmware updates are applied directly through the module’s front-facing USB-C port, allowing the EQX2G to receive the latest improvements and modem-control optimizations.
With its reliable SIM800-class modem engine, seamless integration and industrial field-ready design, the EQX2G is an ideal solution for adding cellular connectivity to any EQSP32-based system.
Key Features
- Integrated SIM800-class GSM/GPRS modem
- 2G quad-band operation
- GPRS data services (multi-slot class 12)
- SMS messaging support (text and PDU)
- USSD support
- 2FF SIM card interface
- External SMA antenna connector
- Automatic module detection
- Direct stream API for AT command control
- Compatible with third-party SIM800 libraries (e.g., TinyGSM)
- Generative AI coding assistant trained with EQSP32 Library and EQX2G features
- Field-upgradeable firmware via USB-C
- Powered through EQSP32 expansion connector
- Compact, 2SU-wide (36mm), DIN-rail mount enclosure
- IP20 Protection
Applications
- Remote telemetry and field data acquisition
- SMS-based alert and notification systems
- Cloud reporting over GPRS
- Industrial equipment monitoring in remote sites
- Backup cellular connectivity when Ethernet or Wi-Fi is unavailable
- Remote diagnostics and service access
- Telemetry nodes for agriculture, energy, water, and environmental monitoring
- Distributed sensor networks with long-range backhaul
- Cellular gateway functions for standalone EQSP32 installations
- IoT devices requiring wide-area communication
Block Diagram
System Specifications
Section | Features |
Power Management | Supplied by the board-to-board connector |
2G GSM/GPRS Modem | Integrated SIM800-class GSM/GPRS modem |
2G quad-band operation | |
GPRS multi-slot class 12 | |
Supports SMS (text and PDU) | |
Supports USSD | |
SIM Interface | 2FF Mini-SIM card slot (protected SIM interface) |
Antenna | External for -X module variant |
Indications | Green LED for power indication |
Red LED for device status | |
Enclosure | Easy standard DIN rail push-fit mounting with spring mechanism |
IP20 | |
Expandability | Push fit expansion module mounting |
Automatic module detection and characterization | |
Firmware Update | Front-facing USB-C for easy firmware upgrades |
Environment | -20°C to 55°C |
Connecting EQX2G GSM/GPRS Modem
To install the EQX2G GSM/GPRS expansion module, mount it next to the EQSP32 controller on the DIN rail and simply slide it until the board-to-board connector is fully inserted into the expansion interface. The module is powered entirely from the EQSP32 and requires no external power supply.
When adding new modules to the system, it is recommended to disconnect the power before inserting or removing any expansion units. After applying power, the EQSP32 automatically detects and indexes all connected expansion modules, including the EQX2G, enabling immediate plug-and-play operation.
For safety and ease of use, it is strongly recommended that a main circuit breaker is used to fully isolate the system’s AC/DC power source when installing or rearranging modules.
Warning: Make sure that the appropriate ground fault circuit breaker, fuses or circuit breakers and any other necessary protective components are used if there is any risk of user electrocution.
GSM/GPRS Modem Visual and Audio Indications
When the module is connected and the system is powered on, the POWER LED should light up solid green.
If the STATUS LED is solid red after the automatic detection, it means that the EQX2G module has encountered an internal issue.
During data exchange between the main EQSP32 unit and the EQX2G module, the STATUS LED will be flashing for each transaction.
Power LED
On – Powered On
Off – No Power
Status LED
Off – No errors, no communication
Fast Flashing – Data exchange
Blinking – Auto indexing issue
Blink Off – Hardware detection failed
On – Communication error
GSM/GPRS Modem External Interfaces
Industrial IoT Controller
2FF SIM Slot - 2FF Mini-SIM card slot
SMA Connector - External antenna connector
USB-C - Firmware update port
Industrial IoT Controller
2FF SIM Slot – Mini-SIM card slot
The EQX2G includes a protected 2FF Mini-SIM card slot located inside the module’s enclosure. To access the SIM slot, the terminal guard must first be removed.
To remove the terminal guard, insert a small flat-head screwdriver into the release opening and gently lever the guard outward until it pops free. Once removed, the SIM card slot becomes fully exposed.
Insert the SIM card exactly as shown in the diagram, with the notch positioned at the upper-left corner and the gold contacts facing downwards (towards the base of the module). Push the SIM card fully into the slot until it seats securely.
After inserting the SIM card, reattach the terminal guard by snapping it back into place.
SMA Connector – External antenna connector
The SMA connector on the EQX2G-X is designed for attaching an external GSM/GPRS antenna.
This connector provides a secure, threaded RF interface compatible with a wide range of quad-band cellular antennas, allowing the module to achieve optimal signal quality in industrial environments, control cabinets, remote installations, or metal enclosures where internal antennas would be unreliable.
If an internal antenna EQX2G module is used, there will be no SMA connector for external antenna.
USB-C – Firmware update port
The front-facing USB-C port on the EQX2G module is used exclusively for firmware updates and maintenance operations.
When connected to a computer, the module can enter maintenance mode and appear as a USB mass-storage device for easy drag-and-drop firmware flashing.
USB-C power is intended only for firmware upgrades.
Although the module will power on through USB, the GSM/GPRS modem does not activate when powered solely from USB. Full modem operation requires power from the EQSP32 board-to-board expansion connector.
Power Distribution
The EQX2G module is powered entirely through the EQSP32 board-to-board expansion connector and requires no external power supply. All internal circuitry—including the GSM/GPRS modem, SIM interface, status indicators and MCU subsystems—is supplied and current-limited by the EQSP32 controller. Power is automatically routed and protected through the EQSP32’s internal distribution network, ensuring stable operation even during high-current GSM transmission bursts.
Although the module may be powered through its front-facing USB-C port, this USB power is intended only for firmware updates and maintenance. The GSM/GPRS modem itself does not activate when powered exclusively from USB. Full modem functionality is available only when the module receives power through the EQSP32’s board-to-board connector.
Because power is delivered directly through the slide-to-connect mechanical interface, the EQX2G becomes fully operational immediately upon docking—no external terminals, wiring, or additional power cabling are required.
GSM/GPRS Mpdem Usage
Library Reference and Usage
The EQX2G module communicates with the EQSP32 controller through a dedicated stream, the eqx2gStream, exposed by the EQSP32 API.
The eqx2gStream is fully defined inside the EQSP32 API library and exposed as a global Stream like any Serial port.
This stream can be used in two ways:
- either by attaching a stream based third-party SIM800-compatible modem library—such as TinyGSM—to handle high-level GSM/GPRS operations,
- or by directly reading and writing AT commands through the raw EQX2G stream (eqx2gStream) for full low-level control.
The table below summarizes the corresponding usage patterns and references.
Library Reference | |
Usage | |
TinyGsm eqx2g(eqx2gStream); | Creates a TinyGSM modem object using the EQX2G stream (eqx2gStream) for high‑level GSM/GPRS connectivity.
Use all SIM800 compatible TinyGSM functions for connectivity and control. |
eqx2gStream.write(…) | Use the EQX2G stream directly like a standard Serial port to send raw AT commands and receive modem responses.
|
Note:
If raw AT commands are used for controlling the EQX2G GSM modem, consult the official SIM800 AT Command Manual for the complete list of supported commands, syntax and operational details.
This ensures correct usage and prevents unexpected modem behavior during low-level operation.
Boot Button & Firmware Update
Boot Button
The Boot button is only used for entering EQX2G module into firmware update mode (or maintenance mode). To enter maintenance mode, keep the boot button pressed while powering up the module.
Another option is to keep the boot button pressed while sending a reset command to the module via the serial terminal.
Once the module is in maintenance mode, it will be shown as a storage device. Drag and drop the desired .uf2 firmware file into the RPI-RP2 storage device and the update will be performed automatically.
Once the update is done, the unit will be automatically rebooted.
Power cycle the system to trigger the automatic detection procedure and the system will be ready for normal operation.
Mechanical Dimensions
All dimensions are measured in mm with a +/-0.1 tolerance.
