Super cheap SMS solution and simple !

Hi Folks

After getting back into HS after a few year hiatus, I pulled out my old Wavcom modem (RS232) and got it working with a serial/USB dongle. After a few weeks I started having issues with it disconnecting and I just couldn't get to the bottom of it. I looked around for alternatives, this is where I stumbled across the Arduino compatible SIM900 gsm modem. This is a very simple device, runs off 5V and has a TTL connection for communications. I paired it with a pl2303hx USB/TTL dongle, together I think it cost me $18AUD excluding the 5v usb power supply.

The wiring is EXTREMELY simple and intuitive, the USB/TTL device has TX and RX and you connect them to the corresponding pin on the arduino. It only needs +5v from the "wall wart" and you are up and running.

It is just so simple to get a working GSM/SMS sollution going with Gavin's plugin.

I was using a USB/TTL device with a clone FTDI chip and I had all sorts of issues, this pl2303HX device is just rock solid.

Hope this motrivates others to give it a go..

Cheers..Pete

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