Control via SMS/GSM messaging?

[znelbok]

I did not write the SMS driver for CQC so I do not have intimate knowledge of this stuff. I was however involved with its development to a small degree.

I did go through the AT commands in the past and understood the basics.

A quick google search for wavecom at commands yields quite a few links to documentation that you need.

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnsk-embedded-downloads.googlecode.com%2Ffiles%2Fwavecom%25202400a%2520at%2520commands.pdf&ei=wyBRULKTNo2TiQf2sIGYCA&usg=AFQjCNFsHvMzWCmtJucOH0NrJluPyAAChA&cad=rja - Page 54 is where the SMS stuff is covered.

Just like in the old dayswhere you could use AT commands with your modem to hang it up, dial a number etc, its just the same for sending a SMS.

Mick

 

[joshualyon]

This topic is interesting to me.....any chance you could list of few of your AT command sequences (like you would use in the M1 or hyperterminal) so the format could be better understood?

You might also be interested in the 3G + GPS Shield from Cooking Hacks (Libelium). I just picked one up, so I'm not super familiar with it, but it's a pretty powerful tool. It can either operate connected to a device like an Arduino or it can be operated directly from a computer using the USB connection - as a serial device which you could send AT commands to through something like Hyperterminal. There is a document at the end which shows all of the SIM5218 AT Commands and there are a few sprinkled in throughout the article.

While the 3G + GPS Shield has a lot of functionality like GPS, 3G, camera, etc... they also offer a more basic unit if all you are looking to do it control something via SMS and has basic HTTP and FTP protocols built in.

If you are looking for a prepackaged solution, these wouldn't be the right thing for you, but if you like to tinker they are pretty cool (and can even be used with Linux/Windows/Mac!).

 

[politics123]

I have a device called a "dock n talk" which is essentially a method to convert a cell phone to be used with a physical phone. Buy your phone, doesn't have to be gsm, connect it to a real phone, and get a real dialtone. The real phone can make outbound calls (over the cell network) and inbound calls will ring the real phone.

Of course, in your situation, you wouldnt connect it to a real phone, but to a device that allow remote control via "land" line. Could be a secruity panel, or any of the other gazillion modem-comtrolled devices that are on the market.

A DNT costs 120 or so from estores or cheaper on flea-bay, don't forget to get the correct cable, or you can order the more expensive bluetooth version.

I have a dnt from my voip days and have been meaning to have my M1 use it to call the security company, just haven't gotten around to doing it.

-mh

 

[cabincrazy]

getwilde, have you any new results in a sms controlled t-stat? I have the same scenario as you and have been searching for a solution.

 

[solarjames]

I have a Wilarm 4 that I bought 3 years ago, it doubles as an alarm and has two relays (1amp @12 vdc). I have used it for years as an alarm but I just hooked it up to my heat recently. I use one to turn on my boiler and the 2nd to turn on my in floor circulator pump. The relays have built in timers that can be used if desired, so you can set it to turn your heat on for 200 minutes, and if for some reason you don't go to your cabin it turns off automaticially. I just started using the relays for my heat so I haven't figured it all out yet. I program it with my laptop and the software is very good and simple to use, with many features to customize your system, and it has worked in three different carrier sim cards i have tried. You can also program via text message, but it seems very complicated to do it this way. The alarm feature is great, if someone sets your alarm off it will call you or txt you. it also has spots for 10 phone numbers so it can call all your neighbours too. you can set it to ring your phone 3 times so you don't have to use up your minutes which is a nice feature, it allows me to buy a 7-11 sim card and pay $20 a year, since my 100 minutes never get used since it never uses a minute. They replaced the model with a Wilarm 5. I may want to replace this with something else since it would be nice to control the temperature as I can only turn it on remotely, I believe you can set a high and low temperature setpoints and it will text you if it gets out of the desired range which could be a good feature for freeze protection.

http://www.wilarm.net/en/index.php
I bought mine off ebay, I forget what I paid, was under $150 I think, not made in china as well!!!

 

[pct88]

This device seems to have quite a bit of functionality through Dallas 1-Wire and GSM.  
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GSM-Remote-Control-Switch-Garage-Gate-Door-Opener-SMS-iButton-Access-Controller-/370634026681
 
In the discussion above I don't see a conclusion as to how I can determine if a "GSM Quad Band" device will work with a 9.99/month family plan additional user GSM card in the USA on ATT.  Has anybody tried a device of this sort in the US?