What is Arduino MKR FOX 1200

Product Link

The Arduino MKR FOX 1200 is a specialized board in Arduino’s MKR series, tailored for IoT (Internet of Things) applications with a focus on cellular connectivity. Here are the key features and details:

• Microcontroller: It uses the SAMD21 Cortex®-M0+ 32-bit low power ARM MCU, providing efficient processing for IoT tasks.
• Memory:
  • Flash Memory: 256 KB (for the SAMD21)
  • SRAM: 32 KB
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (recommended): 5-12V
• Digital I/O Pins: 8 (of which 4 provide PWM output)
• Analog Input Pins: 7 (12-bit ADC)
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 7 mA
• Clock Speed: 48 MHz

Key Features:

• Cellular Connectivity:
  • GSM/GPRS Module: Equipped with a u-blox SARA-U201 module, which provides:
    • 2G (GSM/GPRS): Allows for data transmission and SMS messaging over cellular networks.
    • Worldwide Coverage: Compatible with most 2G networks globally, making it suitable for international IoT deployments.
• GPS:
  • Integrated GPS: Includes GPS capabilities for location tracking, which can be useful for asset tracking or location-based IoT applications.
• USB Interface: Features a micro USB port for programming, power supply, and USB communication.
• Power:
  • LiPo Battery Charging: Includes a built-in charger for a single cell lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, supporting battery-powered IoT devices.
  • Battery Connector: Has a JST connector for connecting a LiPo battery.
• Programming: Compatible with the Arduino IDE, allowing for straightforward development using Arduino’s ecosystem.
• OTA (Over-the-Air) Programming: Supports firmware updates over the cellular network, which is highly convenient for updating IoT devices remotely.
• Secure Communication: Offers hardware encryption for secure data transmission over cellular networks.

Unique Capabilities:

• Cellular IoT: The inclusion of cellular connectivity makes it ideal for projects that require internet access in areas without Wi-Fi or for mobile applications where the device needs to move between locations.
• GPS Tracking: Provides an all-in-one solution for IoT devices that need both connectivity and location tracking capabilities.
• Battery Management: The built-in battery charging capabilities and power-efficient design make it suitable for long-term, portable IoT deployments.
• Global Coverage: With its support for GSM/GPRS, the MKR FOX 1200 can be used almost anywhere in the world where there is a 2G network, providing flexibility for global IoT projects.

Use Cases:

• Asset Tracking: Perfect for tracking assets, vehicles, or any mobile IoT devices where GPS and cellular connectivity are crucial.
• Remote Monitoring: Suitable for remote locations where Wi-Fi is not available, enabling data collection and reporting over cellular networks.
• Environmental Monitoring: Can be deployed in remote or harsh environments to collect and transmit data back to a server.
• Wearables: Useful for wearable devices that need to communicate their location or data when away from traditional internet connections.
• Smart Agriculture: Could be used in smart farming applications for monitoring and controlling equipment in remote fields.

The Arduino MKR FOX 1200 offers a compact solution for IoT projects that require cellular connectivity, GPS tracking, and the ability to operate in remote or mobile environments. It’s designed for developers looking to build IoT solutions where traditional Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity isn’t feasible or sufficient.