Having problem connecting gsm module to the network (SIM800L )

Projects Programming
1

Hello everyone,
I'm trying to use gsm module (SIM800L Wireless GSM SMS GPRS Module Quad-Band Antenna Cable for Arduino TE873) with Arduino and I'm powering the module from Arduino 5v supply (Arduino is connected with my computer) and I've got Optus sim card in the module. The light on the module that indicates whether a network connection has established is blinking every second. I did some research on this and found that if this led blinks about every second, it means there is no network connection. If this led blinks about every 3 seconds, it means a connection has been established. The module draws 80mAmps at most from Arduino 5v supply. I've tried powering gsm module with an external 5v adapter capable of supplying 0.7 amps but the problem remains as it is. Even with external power supply, the gsm module draws the same amount of current (about 80mAmp max). Following is the code I'm running on Arduino:

#include "SIM900.h"
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
//If not used, is better to exclude the HTTP library,
//for RAM saving.
//If your sketch reboots itself proprably you have finished,
//your memory available.
//#include "inetGSM.h"

//If you want to use the Arduino functions to manage SMS, uncomment the lines below.
#include "sms.h"
SMSGSM sms;

//To change pins for Software Serial, use the two lines in GSM.cpp.

//GSM Shield for Arduino
//www.open-electronics.org
//this code is based on the example of Arduino Labs.

//Simple sketch to send and receive SMS.

int numdata;
boolean started=false;
char smsbuffer[160];
char n[20];

void setup()
{
//Serial connection.
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("GSM Shield testing.");
//Start configuration of shield with baudrate.
//For http uses is raccomanded to use 4800 or slower.
if (gsm.begin(2400)){
Serial.println("\nstatus=READY");
started=true;
}
else Serial.println("\nstatus=IDLE");

if(started){
//Enable this two lines if you want to send an SMS.
if (sms.SendSMS("+61405XXXXXX", "Arduino SMS"))
Serial.println("\nSMS sent OK");
}

};

void loop()
{
if(started){
//Read if there are messages on SIM card and print them.
if(gsm.readSMS(smsbuffer, 160, n, 20))
{
Serial.println(n);
Serial.println(smsbuffer);
}
delay(1000);
}
};

Following is what I get on serial monitor:
GSM Shield testing.
DB:NO RESP
DB:ELSE
DB:ELSE
DB:CORRECT BR

status=READY
DEBUG:SMS TEST
DEBUG:>

SMS sent OK

Also, here is the link where I bought the gsm module from

PLEASE HELP :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
I really need to get it up and running for my uni project.

2

Following is the code I'm running on Arduino:

You could run the blink sketch with the same affect on the status of the LEDs on the SIM800 shield.

Anyway, the code appears to have sent an SMS. You have not told us whether you received a text message, or what you did after that, or what you think the problem is.

I really need to get it up and running for my uni project.

Well, do that.

3

Dear PaulS, thanks a lot for replying.
I do get SMS sent status on serial monitor but I don't receive the SMS on my mobile. Neither the SMS that I send appear on the serial monitor.
"You could run the blink sketch with the same affect on the status of the LEDs on the SIM800 shield." Would you please explain a little more? I don't seem to get what you are suggesting here?
I started playing around with Arduino just recently. That's why I've no clue what the problem is.
Thanks

4

Neither the SMS that I send appear on the serial monitor.

What code should make the message appear on the Serial Monitor?

Are you sure that the phone number is correct, with country code, etc.?

5

Thanks a lot for replying again.
I live in Australia. My mobile number is 0405XXXXXX and country code of Australia is 61.
I've tried +61405XXXXXX, 0061405XXXXXX, 0405XXXXXX but none of them work.
Do I need to have internet activated in the sim that's in GSM module?
Following code should print the message that I send on the sim number that I'm using in GSM module.
void loop()
{
if(started){
//Read if there are messages on SIM card and print them.
if(gsm.readSMS(smsbuffer, 160, n, 20))
{
Serial.println(n);
Serial.println(smsbuffer);
}
delay(1000);
}
};

Thanks