GSM Module recommendation needed

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello everyone.

I am making a project where I need to send a SMS in case of a certain event.
I designed my project around a Mini SIM900 Module from sainsmart link:

But now I have received it, and even bought 2 more, and I cannot get either to work.
I have tried connecting them to my PC through a USB to RS232 FTDI dongle, and connecting RX and TX and SGND. But I never get any reply when sending AT commands. I have measured with a scope that the signal gets through the MAX3232 driver on the board, but I never get any reply.

So now I am giving up, after hours of googling and trial and error.

Do you guys have any recommendations for a small GSM module which is capable of sending SMS in European countries?

I am only interested in recommendations you have personal experience with. :slight_smile:

2

so to check a few basics.......

you have powered on the sim900 with the power button and there is a valid sim inserted ?

after power on the status light on the sim900 is now flashing slowly ?

rx is connected to tx and tx is connected to rx?

you have set your terminal to the default speed of the sim900 (think its 9600)?