I am totally new to this. My question is very general and simple. I would like to make a system in which i can monitor the state(ON or OFF) of an electrical switch from a distant monitoring center using Arduino. Lets say, an automatic SMS alert should be sent(to a distant number or server) whenever the switch is turned on and turned off. I understand i will need to use an Arduino GSM shield. But i would like to have a complete flowchart of the steps involved and devices required . Any help would be most welcome.
AT commands, which are how you make the GSM shield do anything are supposed to be standard, by the only real standard seems to be that every GSM chip maker uses a different set.
So, step one is to pick a GSM shield.
I don't really think that this is a beginner project.
It's not a beginner project, but it's not hard either. I'm not very advanced and I can share how I did something similar.
Here's a thread I started a few days ago to work through a similar project.
In my case, I have a relay being held closed by a USB wall wart. When the power goes out, the switch opens and the Arduino sends me a text message. When the power comes back on, the switch on the relay closes again and the Arduino sends me another text message (the Arduino itself is connected to a UPS Battery Backup power supply.)
Canyonero:
It's not a beginner project, but it's not hard either. I'm not very advanced and I can share how I did something similar.Here's a thread I started a few days ago to work through a similar project.
In my case, I have a relay being held closed by a USB wall wart. When the power goes out, the switch opens and the Arduino sends me a text message. When the power comes back on, the switch on the relay closes again and the Arduino sends me another text message (the Arduino itself is connected to a UPS Battery Backup power supply.)
Thank you. The idea is very similar. I get what you have done. I guess i can also use a USB wall wart. But i'll have to make an extra power connection between the switch and the wall wart. Its not a big deal but cant it be done in a simpler way? Is there any sensor that will do the job. How will you go about doing this project?
I understand now its not a beginner project. I believed it is a bit more elementary. But i am stuck with this. I'll probably need more time and more help but i'll have to complete it.
Ryanmackie:
I guess i can also use a USB wall wart. But i'll have to make an extra power connection between the switch and the wall wart. Its not a big deal but cant it be done in a simpler way? Is there any sensor that will do the job. How will you go about doing this project?
What are you actually trying to do? I my case, the wall wart & relay are a simple way to detect whether or not the power is on in my house.
You say you're looking to monitor the state of a switch. What does the switch power? If it's a light, or an electrical outlet, you could tap off the circuit and do exactly what I did.
Canyonero:
Ryanmackie:
I guess i can also use a USB wall wart. But i'll have to make an extra power connection between the switch and the wall wart. Its not a big deal but cant it be done in a simpler way? Is there any sensor that will do the job. How will you go about doing this project?What are you actually trying to do? I my case, the wall wart & relay are a simple way to detect whether or not the power is on in my house.
You say you're looking to monitor the state of a switch. What does the switch power? If it's a light, or an electrical outlet, you could tap off the circuit and do exactly what I did.
Yes i understood that way but i think there are external sensors that can do the same without the use of tapping. I think hall effect sensor is one you can use across a wire and it will tell you if the wire is conducting current or not. Anyway i think i have enough ideas on this. I'll find a way.
There are several Arduino boards in the market. Can you tell me which one will be best suited for my work? Which board did you use? And about the programming, i have a good knowledge of C and C++ programming. Will i need anything else for this project?
The Uno is the standard Arduino to start with. They all program the same (as far as I know). I've used the Uno, the Micro, the Pro, the Pro-Mini, and even built a few on breadboards. It's just a matter of selecting your particular board in the Tools menu when you go to upload to your board.
I'm new to programming myself. My understanding is that Arduino uses a modified C++. I started with the book in the Arduino starter kit to get my feet wet, and then ask questions here on the forum.
Canyonero:
The Uno is the standard Arduino to start with. They all program the same (as far as I know). I've used the Uno, the Micro, the Pro, the Pro-Mini, and even built a few on breadboards. It's just a matter of selecting your particular board in the Tools menu when you go to upload to your board.I'm new to programming myself. My understanding is that Arduino uses a modified C++. I started with the book in the Arduino starter kit to get my feet wet, and then ask questions here on the forum.
Okay. I dont think i will find a more similar project to mine than yours. Can you please share the code you have used in your project? And tell me one thing. You used the USB from the wall wart as input and powered it by the backup UPS supply, right? No other external connections were needed?
Oh well I went through your thread and you've given everything there! Cant thank you enough Canyonero.
No problem. I'm usually the one getting the help, glad I could be the one giving it.
Canyonero:
No problem. I'm usually the one getting the help, glad I could be the one giving it.
One more thing, can you tell which will be the cheapest Arduino and shield for this project? Should i just go with the Uno? There are so many boards and shields around that its difficult to choose. I dont even have a clear idea about the features of each. I guess the project can be done in any of the boards, right? So if i have to buy one do i buy the cheapest available? Do all the shields work the same or are there differences there as well?