Hi there !
I'm totally new with Arduino and I would like some tips / advices / help regarding what to buy for a SMS server !
So my current buy list looks like :
Arduino Yun ( for the ability to connect to a webserver I own, using a python script in linux, check the sms in the queue and prepare them to be sent with the shield)
As you already have a webserver on Linux and python scripting knowledge, you have a good basis for doing additional research on the topic. Here on the Arduino.cc site, if you have not already read: http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/GSM please do read it and this one, too: http://arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoGSMShield
The overall concept is simple, but the actual implementation will be specific to your hardware, radio, and server. Google can be useful here to give you some direction:
I actually already bookmarked those pages, they will be so helpful ! I'm impressed to see how much free sample codes there is !
My question was more about the buy list as I don't know anything about the hardware side. I wonder if something is missing from my list ?
All the starter kits come with lots of additional electrical components like cables, transistors, resistors. So are they useful to my project, and does the Yun need a wifi antenna ?
My solution for this was to use a cheap GPRS/SMS module connected directly to the server with a cheap FTDI USB adapter and then just do all the code to control the module on the server. No need to insert an Arduino into the mix.
my serveur is at the OVH datacenter, I cannot do that the arduino solution is fine to me. A Yun is overkill, but it's simpler to me and more powerful if I need further functionalities.
I'm not sure the shield has a voltage regulator on it, and the yun only work on 5V so I think you should rather use a 5V power supply than a 12V one...
Not that I don't like a good hardware project, but I don't think this is the way to go.
If you want your webserver to send text messages, I think that an email2sms gateway, or some other online SMS service is a far better solution.
For sure you can send e-mail from your server, so by using a gateway you are basically done.
There are also some webservice oriented SMS services, giving you even a bit more flexibility, at the cost of some extra programming.
In terms of costs, in total (hardware + GSM subscription + running costs (electricity etc.) using a simple gateway could very well be a cheaper solution, not to mention more reliable.
Just my 2 cents, if you want to go with a DIY solution, go for it!
You are right about the fact that an existing pro gateway would be more reliable and professional.
The average cost per sms is 0.050€ to 0.10€ TTC. This is cheap for a few sms but become quite expensive in a long term.
The cost for doing it myself is 120€ hardware + 2€/month for unlimited sms + electricity. So can be cheaper in a long term.
And it's a good reason to finally try the arduino ;).
Take a look at something like voipbuster (Send cheap text messages).
Depending on where you live, an average SMS would cost you about 7 euro cents (I took France as a reference for you).
That would mean a break even between a gateway and a DIY service of more than 2000 text messages...
I'm of course not sure of your needs, but 2000 text messages for break even seems like a lot
gateway:
Take a look at something like voipbuster (Send cheap text messages).
Depending on where you live, an average SMS would cost you about 7 euro cents (I took France as a reference for you).
That would mean a break even between a gateway and a DIY service of more than 2000 text messages...
I'm of course not sure of your needs, but 2000 text messages for break even seems like a lot
Yes you're right for the first 2k sms
My average needs would be 300/mo so the arduino would be only profitable in 6months.see my attached graphic. But still I prefer this solution more "home made"
But I need to be careful about the terms and conditions of my 2€ sms subscription.
