GPRS/GSM module recommendation/advice

[DenzilPenberthy]

Hi everyone,

 Can anyone here recommend a GPRS/GSM module which will interface easily to an Arduino? There seem to be loads of them out there but I see a lot of forum posts etc with people having all sorts of problems with them. I'm a bit stuck over which one to choose. Needs to work in the UK.

I'm designing a control system for a compressor system which recovers helium gas from a cryogenic facility. If there are any problems/faults I need it to call/text a technician before £££ worth of helium gets wasted. Therefore I need to be super confident that the GSM module will be reliable.

Alternatively, what about using a normal mobile phone connected via its USB port? Anyone had any experience of this?

Ideally I'd use a proper industrial PLC for this but where I'm working we don't have the programming software so looks like I'm stuck with a homebrew Arduino solution.

Cheers!

[trevwhite]

Hi, I have used the SIM900 modules and they seem to work fine.

Trev

[JVR]

Stay away from Sierra Wireless.

Their FW sucks ass.  And they are slow as shit to come back once you have a problem.

Easiest to interface would be a GSM modem, they handle themselves, and only need RS232 for comms.

Like so:

[8086]

The Telit modules are nice - I have the sparkfun GM862-GPS breakout. There is a version without GPS too.

[David]

Telit modules are good. If you are going to sell the product and it requires CE marking then make sure you get a "pre-approved" module. I.e. one that has compliance to the R&TTE directive. AFAIK the SIMCOM modules are not approved and so certification will be very expensive.

[frampy]

+1 for Telit modules. I used one a few years ago for a school project.

I recall that the GPS version is only a few dollars more so probably worthwhile getting (incase someone misappropriates that control system ). I can't see it on sparkfun so maybe it doesn't exist anymore??

This one on sparkfun might be worth checking out aswell https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9533

[Uncle Vernon]

I design/sell commercial systems for critical applications like you describe. (No Arduinos here folks)

As modules go, in small quantity I'd suggest  Telit 862/3 Based modules make sure you have a decent breakout and termination board.
The AT commands are far from standard across different models so chopping and changing brands and models will open you up to a whole world of frustration.

Your other consideration is reliability, a module that locks up requires a periodic reset is no problem for some Arduino play but wont be acceptable for mission critical applications. How your software handles the module will have a lot to do with this.

Alternatively, what about using a normal mobile phone connected via its USB port? Anyone had any experience of this?

You kidding right? Ok for tooling about, but you'll run into all manner of battery management and reliability issues.
You really should be looking at something purpose built if reliability is your prime consideration!

Have fun.

[DenzilPenberthy]

Hi everyone,

 Thanks for the advice. I've come to the same conclusion as Uncle Vernon and JVR. The amount of time spent debugging a custom made thing will be so much more than the extra cost of something that I can buy, clip onto a DIN rail and plug an RS232 cable into. Now I've just got to convince the people with the budget code of that!

 However, I am thinking of taking on some GRPS/GSM projects in the near-ish future at home (tracker for my motorbike etc) so the recommendations of the modules won't go un-noticed.

Thanks!

[8086]

Just been sidetracked by this thing at work. Thought of this thread, so here's a link

http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Wireless-Terminal-Quad-Band-GSM-GPRS-Class-12-Starter-Kit-TC65T-503060