"MicroLink: it's like a tiny Arduino with GSM, USB and more"

[techydude]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1146711895/microlink-its-like-a-tiny-arduino-with-gsm-usb-and/

I like it.

But, today + 40 days campaign remaining = 18/11/14, + 2 weeks later KS funds drop in his account = 2/12/14, and he's promising pre-Christmas delivery, and yet all the reward levels say January 2015.  Hmmm...  Unless he has really good supply chain relationships who'll accept an order mostly on the strength of a KS campaign that appears to be going well (if & when it gets to that point), it seems optimistic?

So I sent a few questions on (a) whether the hardware is/will be OS, (b) if he's supplying an Arduino/C++ library to handle all the ATcmd stuff &/or remote reprogramming, & (c) that his timeline seems optimistic.  Will report back any response.

Anthony.

[idpromnut]

Not to "defend" anyone, but I believe Dave also pre-ordered at least one part for his uCurrent crowdsource campaign before he got the KS funds. Perhaps this guy has enough cash to float the promised "early" boards.

[PA0PBZ]

From KS:

Risks and challenges

The main challenge relates to the promise to dispatch the first units before Christmas. However, this goal should be easily achievable because (a) the existing design has already been extensively tested, and (b) production of the first units can start before the end of the campaign.

[techydude]

From KS:

Risks and challenges

The main challenge relates to the promise to dispatch the first units before Christmas. However, this goal should be easily achievable because (a) the existing design has already been extensively tested, and (b) production of the first units can start before the end of the campaign.

sure, but what constitutes "the first units"?  who wins & who loses on his pre-Christmas pledge?  just seems a little... floppy to me.
no qualms with the product tho.

[madires]

He should have choosen another name since MicroLink is a registered tradename for communication devices.

[zapta]

Very nice product. How much does it cost to have a Sim card for just occasional SMS?

[jmag999]

The hardware guide shows example circuits with a 330uf, which is what he has on the board (top left).  I would like to know the current draw when idle waiting for a SMS message.  Is it really 6uA?

[Wilksey]

6uA? I don't think so.

The module in sleep mode (which can still receive SMS) is at+cfun=1, assuming standard 3.7/3.8V battery, consumption of the module alone is 1.02mA to 1.88mA (6.8 in data sheet).

2A peak burst, though this is averaged out across the data transmission consumption values, so worst case looking at it is around 500mA at full data rant.

Take into account PSU inefficiencies and micro current consumption I would have thought that you could perhaps say the "sleep" current is around 1.1mA to 2mA?

[techydude]

So I sent a few questions on (a) whether the hardware is/will be OS, (b) if he's supplying an Arduino/C++ library to handle all the ATcmd stuff &/or remote reprogramming, & (c) that his timeline seems optimistic.  Will report back any response.

Reply from Bruce Moulton:
"
Hi Anthony

thanks

re open source and code, definite maybe, I agree it could help - just
would take extra time so no promises at this stage - being arduino,
anyone can write their own code etc of course - exiting GSM libraries
would prob be easy to modify - at the very least, some sketches of
working examples will be made available

AALER is not a public company so there are no public reporting
requirements etc - you can find out more about me by googling bruce
moulton sydney

if it looks like it'll be funded, will start first batch before the
campaign ends

cheers
Bruce
"

[Wilksey]

I'm surprised ADAFRUIT doesn't have a breakout board and library for this already!

I should imagine that most of the functionality on the GSM side is the same or very similar to the 900?

FM and Bluetooth 3.0,  definitely worth looking at, small as well.

Shame GSM devices are locked to the wretched power consumption nightmares!