my integer count pauses for 8 seconds while it sends an SMS....

Hi all

Ive got my arduino uno counting periodic pulses in an integer. When it hits pre-determined figures it sends me a SMS. The problem is that while it is sending this it cannot do anything else and if there is a pulse at this time it will not see it.

Does anyone know how I can get it to still count while it is sending a message?

using pins 4 and 13 only for the count

Arduino Uno & Tinysine GSM shield

Thanks! (sorry but I dont want to post my whole sketch on here)

By not blocking in the code.

The code we are unable to look at.

Perhaps you can post it so we can see what libraries and techniques you are using and suggest
possible solution?

If you want a fix, you cannot expect us to guess what you are doing in your code...

I've done something similar recently.
When you send +CMGS, and wait for the > prompt... don't wait for the >.

Set a flag for yourself, then when > is received - send the message body (CTRL-Z) - and return again to your main process.
Then... again don't wait for +CMGS: OK/ERROR, but do the same thing... set a flag, and return.

Finally, when +CMGS: OK/ERROR is received - you can mark the message as 'sent' - or manage your retry strategy if necessary.

To do all this - you need to understand the principles behind Blink Without Delay - so that you can keep an eye open for serial messages and timeout of the modem (no response etc) while your main tasks are running.

You may like to use a state machine to manage the steps - but start simple if that's what you need, then work it up to all the bells and whistles!

  • and please don't use the String class! Use char[] arrays - it will serve you much better in the long run!