GSM Module

william chan

When is Parallax going to sell a small, low cost GSM module with SIM card holder to complete it's product range?
Is it coming soon?

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Paul Baker

I have a couple modules on my desk, but I haven't had time to develop an evaluation board to test and evaluate them.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

william chan

We need a low cost module to send sms from our Alarm System and Weather Station.
Preferably the module should be as simple as possible, just a 0-5v serial interface will do.
5 pins, 5V, Gnd, Tx, Rx and Sleep will be beautiful.
The lower the current consumption, the better.

Would you like us to help you test them with the SX?

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Gadgetman

Which bands are those modules for?

GSM now covers 850/900/1800/1900MHz...

To see which countries uses which frequencies, check out http://www.gsmworld.com
(It's also quite handy to see which networks have roaming agreements and what kind of services you can expect.)

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Paul Baker

I have no clue, I really haven't gotten into them besides glossing over the datasheet once. If we ever do offer it as a product it will be many months from now, sparkfun has various levels of modules and eval boards already availible for those needing to develop applications now.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

TransistorToaster

What existing GSM modules are there to just send an SMS? What kind of licensing does one need to have? Suppose I am with a certain company for my GSM phone, would the module need ''unlocking'' to work or do I just shove in the SIM card and it will work?

Paul Baker

There are no "SMS-only" modules, you have to get a full GSM module, you need to couple it with a SIM card socket and antenna (thats what the eval board is for), then you need to get a wireless plan from a company which uses SIM cards. I think there are only 3 US companies which do so: T-Mobile, Cingular, and I forget the 3rd. You get the free-phone and watch how they insert the SIM card, later remove it and place it into your module.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

william chan

SparkFun modules use BGA ( Ball Grid Array ) which are too difficult to design and solder.
I was also hoping for a simpler SMS only module.

Maybe you could make one by not connecting all the voice and mic pins, only the serial interface.
Built in antennas will be beautiful.

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Paul Baker

Thier GM862 series is not BGA, they use a Molex SMD connector. Like I mentioned SMS only modules dont exist (at least that are availible in module form) it's upto the developer how it's connected, built in antennas dont exist either since these were built to be included in a cell phone which has an injection molded antenna in the case. I'll post a pic of the modules I have on hand in a bit.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Tracy Allen

William,

You might want to take a look at enfora.

Unless you plan on going into production, opt for a prepackaged modem like their GSM1218, which in small quantities doesn't cost much more than the OEM card modules. Plug and play. The OEM card modules are quite a hassle, to supply the power and so on, and those Molex connectors are a horror to solder on a board.

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Tracy Allen
www.emesystems.com

Paul Baker

Here are the two types of modules I have on hand and would be the basis of a product, if we decided to create one. The top is for consumer electronics (cellphones) and is similar to the ones sparkfun carries, the bottom was designed for automotive and·is likely the one we would use since it has 1.22 mm spaced pins for a more positive connection and mounting holes instead of solder tabs. The tiny coaxial jack in the bottom left of each module is the antenna connector.

Their overall size is 40 x 33 mm and 50 x 33 mm respectively.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Post Edited (Paul Baker (Parallax)) : 3/10/2007 1:35:13 AM GMT

Mike Cook

Hey if you really like to solder tiny connectors....... here's one for ya!, it has a 100 pin connector, not hobbyist friendly!

Quad band GSM/GPRS radio that supports Voice/SMS/CSD, has an internal IP stack that supports UDP/TCP to serial·connections, and has a maximum transmit output on 850/900 of 2 watts, 1800/1900 of 1 watt.

In a 28mm x 27mm x 2.4mm package.

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Mike

Post Edited (Mike Cook) : 3/10/2007 11:53:02 AM GMT

william chan

Paul,

We need the GSM modules to be more hobbyist friendly.
What Parallax did with PING))) is a very good idea.
You can do the same thing by adding an additional board that holds the OEM GSM module.
Add a SX processor, a simple SIM card holder and a small ceramic antenna and also a small mic.
Then provide only 5 or 6 pins on a standard header.

Thanks a million.

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Sergio Tavares

Hi there, i'm looking for something like that, for quite some time...

It would be great if Parallax create some product based on GSM comunication.

There are lots of GSM modem modules already available, and some of that with SIM card holder built-in.

For now i'll be looking in the forums if anyone project something.

See ya!

Sergio Tavares