AVR-Chat

Hi all,

I'm looking around at the available chips/modules for cellular network
access, particularly gsm/gprs.

One desired feature is the ability to control a device via SMS text
messages. Another feature is the ability to make a regular TCP
connection from the internet, and reach the device via the cellular GPRS
network.

So far, my search for the simplest/cheapest devices has come up with one
main candidate - the TelIT GM862-QUAD-PY, a python-scriptable GSM/GPRS
module with built-in SIM card socket, which talks AT commands over
CMOS-level RS232, and can also perform voice telephony. Described at:
- http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=279
- http://www.telit.co.it/product.asp?productId=96
Price is moderate - US$140 - but I baulk a bit because it's way above
the price of entry-level cellphones.

Has anyone tried the GM862? If so, how has it performed for you?
Otherwise, can anyone recommend anything else a bit more 'bare bones',
for cheaper?

Looking to hook it up to an ATmega-based board.

Cheers
David

Sprint has a nifty module that is designed for oems, go to
developer.sprint.com for more info, ì believe a few of the other cell
providers offer similar solutions, most speak rs232.

On 4/6/07, David McNab <rebirth@orcon.net.nz> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I'm looking around at the available chips/modules for cellular network
> access, particularly gsm/gprs.
>
> One desired feature is the ability to control a device via SMS text
> messages. Another feature is the ability to make a regular TCP
> connection from the internet, and reach the device via the cellular GPRS
> network.
>
> So far, my search for the simplest/cheapest devices has come up with one
> main candidate - the TelIT GM862-QUAD-PY, a python-scriptable GSM/GPRS
> module with built-in SIM card socket, which talks AT commands over
> CMOS-level RS232, and can also perform voice telephony. Described at:
> - http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=279
> - http://www.telit.co.it/product.asp?productId=96
> Price is moderate - US$140 - but I baulk a bit because it's way above
> the price of entry-level cellphones.
>
> Has anyone tried the GM862? If so, how has it performed for you?
> Otherwise, can anyone recommend anything else a bit more 'bare bones',
> for cheaper?
>
> Looking to hook it up to an ATmega-based board.
>
> Cheers
> David
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

David McNab wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm looking around at the available chips/modules for cellular network
> access, particularly gsm/gprs.
>
> One desired feature is the ability to control a device via SMS text
> messages. Another feature is the ability to make a regular TCP
> connection from the internet, and reach the device via the cellular GPRS
> network.
>
> So far, my search for the simplest/cheapest devices has come up with one
> main candidate - the TelIT GM862-QUAD-PY, a python-scriptable GSM/GPRS
> module with built-in SIM card socket, which talks AT commands over
> CMOS-level RS232, and can also perform voice telephony. Described at:
> - http://www.sparkfun .com/commerce/ product_info. php?products_ 
> id=279 <http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=279>
> - http://www.telit. co.it/product. asp?productId= 96 
> <http://www.telit.co.it/product.asp?productId=96>
> Price is moderate - US$140 - but I baulk a bit because it's way above
> the price of entry-level cellphones.
>

     Well, of course it is.  You're looking at purchasing one unit.  If 
you were a Cell phone manufacturer, [purchasing such ICs in 100,000 or 
greater QTYs, I thihnkn you'd find the pricing far more palatable.