RobG 1,892 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Since we don't have any GSM Booster Packs available in the store, how about we create one as a team. We can do a group buy and get SIM900 for about $16 a piece. I can make PCBs, someone else would take care of the software, assemble the boards for the store, etc. It would be nice if we could enter the design challenge, but I think we don't have enough time. bluehash, pine and SirPatrick 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bluehash 1,581 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 I can make PCBs, someone else would take care of the software, assemble the boards for the store, etc.I can help with the assembling. Talking to Elecrow with Cube's help to have them assemble and manufacture boards for us. Yes.. but we need help with code. If anyone us volunteering, we can give them a board OR maybe pay for their prepaid SIM for a fixed amount. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardVowles 12 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 The sim900 is a fairly well known quantity in the Arduino space. Im interested mostly in a standalone board and the sim908 as well as the sim900. I have zero experience with pcb design as yet, but i would be happy to take on the software. I use a fishing torpedo, and submitting gps data with the fishing report is kinda useful. But if the torpedo doesn't come back, it telling you where it is as long as it has a cell signal would be really useful. Add in a solar charger... That's eventually what i wanted the 908 for. I think they are used in cars to track them as well, ring fencing, stolen etc. bluehash 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bluehash 1,581 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 The sim900 is a fairly well known quantity in the Arduino space. Im interested mostly in a standalone board and the sim908 as well as the sim900. I have zero experience with pcb design as yet, but i would be happy to take on the software. I use a fishing torpedo, and submitting gps data with the fishing report is kinda useful. But if the torpedo doesn't come back, it telling you where it is as long as it has a cell signal would be really useful. Add in a solar charger... That's eventually what i wanted the 908 for. I think they are used in cars to track them as well, ring fencing, stolen etc. I'll take you as a volunteer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobG 1,892 Posted February 1, 2013 Author Share Posted February 1, 2013 We can do SIM908, it's little more expensive, but there could be advantages. We could actually do more than one design, BP, standalone, SIM900, SIM908. What are the requirements for the standalone version? Which MCU? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardVowles 12 Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 I looked up the Seeedstudio Wiki on using their version of the Arduino board with the SIM900 on it, it seems to communicate strictly via serial. A straight serial library would suffice and it appears we those - or am I mistaken? http://www.seeedstudio.com/wiki/GPRS_Shield_V1.0 Things to think about - they are looking at releasing a 2.0 shortly (presumably after Chinese New Year, which has now started which will put China largely out for 2 weeks). I'm not sure if this is a 2.0 of their board or a new rev of the SIM90x. - The MCU just needs to be able to do serial - soft or hard - I'd personally stick with a G2553 like your C2500 booster had. As much as I want some sort of board, I'd prefer to learn what goes into thinking about how to do the board more than anything (its why I enjoyed Jeremy Blum's Eagle videos so much). I think any board I eventually use for that project I should probably end up designing. A reference board and schematic however would be very useful to understand what the thinking is that went into the board. i'd be happy to sponsor a 900 & 908 for you if that would help at all.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobG 1,892 Posted February 2, 2013 Author Share Posted February 2, 2013 As much as I want some sort of board, I'd prefer to learn what goes into thinking about how to do the board more than anything (its why I enjoyed Jeremy Blum's Eagle videos so much). I think any board I eventually use for that project I should probably end up designing. A reference board and schematic however would be very useful to understand what the thinking is that went into the board. We can (and should collaborate,) I will share my files once I get something going. Right now, I have to figure out what parts we need and where to get them. Then I have to find/create Eagle parts for them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardVowles 12 Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Are you going full size SIM or mini? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobG 1,892 Posted February 2, 2013 Author Share Posted February 2, 2013 We could possibly do both, it all depends on the socket's footprint. I have picked first available SIM socket, but I think we should look around, Mouser has few I like. Not much on the board, but this is what I am starting with. gsm-lp-1.brd gsm-lp-1.sch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardVowles 12 Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 Did you get any further with this or are you waiting on parts? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SirPatrick 35 Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I might take a shot at trying to help out on the software/shield design. To ge it started here are some helpful links: SIM9000 Hardware Spec Sheet and AT Command Set Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SirPatrick 35 Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I can help with the assembling. Talking to Elecrow with Cube's help to have them assemble and manufacture boards for us. Yes.. but we need help with code. If anyone us volunteering, we can give them a board OR maybe pay for their prepaid SIM for a fixed amount. Put me in for assembling some boards. I solder a bunch of stuff for work, so I have all the tools needed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardVowles 12 Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Seeed already do I board based on the sim900 so I was hoping to get some help from that, and there is a European bunch that do one based on the 908. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobG 1,892 Posted February 13, 2013 Author Share Posted February 13, 2013 I didn't get around to it, probably in a week or two. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RichardVowles 12 Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 No rush, I'm still trying to get my MezzoMill working. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.