So i was looking for a simple gsm breakout board to use with my arduino nano and found one called LoNet 800L.
But when reading the description I got confused.
It says: LoNet 800L is a mini GSM module that offers 2G GSM and GPRS data. It features small size and low power consumption. Twice size as a coin and the working current low to 1mA when in sleep mode. It uses a serial port communication, supports 3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005 and SIMCOM enhanced AT Commands. Also, it supports A-GPS technique that help get indoor position by the mobile network. Works compatible with Arduino Uno, Arduino Mini, Raspberry Pi. A mini GSM antenna is included, but an external power supply is required. Features: • Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900MHz • GPRS multi-slot class12 connectivity: max. 85.6kbps (down-load/up-load) • GPRS mobile station class B • 3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005 and SIMCOM enhanced AT Commands • Real Time Clock • Power voltage 3.4V ~ 4.4V DC • A-GPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) • Supports 2.8V to 5.0V logic level • Low power consumption, 1mA in sleep mode • Compact size 23mm x 35mm x 5.6mm • Standard SIM Card
The things that got my confused was this part: "Works compatible with Arduino Uno, Arduino Mini, Raspberry Pi. A mini GSM antenna is included, but an external power supply is required."
Is there any reason why this would not work with any other arduino module? The Nano in this case? Why does it need an external power supply if the power voltage is under 5V which the arduino can provide?
It's typical for these GSM modules to consume up to 2A of current when transmitting/receiving. As an example, an Uno is only capable of ~1A at 5V and ~150ma at 3.3V.
Adafruit.com sells a similar SIM800L module and actually provides documentation and tutorials on using it.
Chagrin:
It's typical for these GSM modules to consume up to 2A of current when transmitting/receiving. As an example, an Uno is only capable of ~1A at 5V and ~150ma at 3.3V.
Adafruit.com sells a similar SIM800L module and actually provides documentation and tutorials on using it.
I see. Yeah i saw that one, but i live in sweden and finding a reseller was really hard to find, and after i found one it turned out that they didnt have it in stock and no expected date for it either...
Chagrin:
It's typical for these GSM modules to consume up to 2A of current when transmitting/receiving. As an example, an Uno is only capable of ~1A at 5V and ~150ma at 3.3V.
Adafruit.com sells a similar SIM800L module and actually provides documentation and tutorials on using it.
Chagrin:
Yes, and it's actually designed for use with LiPo voltages. That would be a "1S", or 3.7V LiPo just to be clear.
I got 2 more questions.
do you think its safe to assume that module will be able to handle the 5v output from the arduino nano on the rx pin (it says that it should work fine with the arudino uno and mini but does not state if you need any kind of lvl shifter for it to handle the outputs and inputs)
is it requierd to hook up the DTR pin to ground (with a 10k resistor) to use gsm modules or is that sometinhg that is only used in some cases?
Resellers state it supports a 2.8V to 5.0V logic level so it should be fine. I also see the Adafruit design does not include any level shifting (down) for their module. They do level shift up to 5V for the outputs from the module to the Arduino, however. I'm going to guess that might be required if you're powering the module with 3V.
DTR should be left disconnected if unused. It should be pulled low for 50ms to wake it from the sleep mode you're going to need to use if you want any sort of meaningful battery life.
Resellers state it supports a 2.8V to 5.0V logic level so it should be fine. I also see the Adafruit design does not include any level shifting (down) for their module. They do level shift up to 5V for the outputs from the module to the Arduino, however. I'm going to guess that might be required if you're powering the module with 3V.
DTR should be left disconnected if unused. It should be pulled low for 50ms to wake it from the sleep mode you're going to need to use if you want any sort of meaningful battery life.
Great, then i dont need to worry about that:) yeah i will be powering the module with a lipo battery so that wont be a problem:)
So DTR controlls power modes?
Another question i have is about power the module with a usb cable. I have a usb charger board (from adafruit) and was thinking if insted of plugging in a battry to charge it, i plug in the GSM module to power it. Do you think that could work or would it possibly fry the whole thing?
Sorry, I was reading the documentation for the SimNet 800L module ("chip") itself and not the carrier board. It appears that your carrier board does not break out the USB interface pins.
No, I would not recommend powering your module with 5V/USB to the VCC pin.
Chagrin:
Sorry, I was reading the documentation for the SimNet 800L module ("chip") itself and not the carrier board. It appears that your carrier board does not break out the USB interface pins.
No, I would not recommend powering your module with 5V/USB to the VCC pin.
I guess i have to power it with the battery and use the DTR pin to use sleep mode and be able to wake it.
But a quick question about the DTR pin. Is the normal state high that you then pull to low for 50ms and the pull it back to high (using AT commands)?
Hope you dont mind all of my questions hehe.
And for (what i think is) The final question. Can i use the Adafruit GSM library with this module or does it only work with the Adafruit version?
The documentation is not clear on the DTR pin, but I believe you are correct in its usage.
I can't say if the Adafruit library will work. What it will come down to is whether the Adafruit library uses the same pins as your module has available.
Chagrin:
The documentation is not clear on the DTR pin, but I believe you are correct in its usage.
I can't say if the Adafruit library will work. What it will come down to is whether the Adafruit library uses the same pins as your module has available.
They should be built the same way since they both use simcom 800l for their BOB's if im not misstaken.
Thanks for the help btw, this is new for me and im trying to take in as much as possible. Now all i have left is to write the Code.
Resellers state it supports a 2.8V to 5.0V logic level so it should be fine. I also see the Adafruit design does not include any level shifting (down) for their module. They do level shift up to 5V for the outputs from the module to the Arduino, however. I'm going to guess that might be required if you're powering the module with 3V.
There's a pin "VIO" that you must tell whether you use 5V logic signals or 3V. The documentation
says : "VIO: this is the reference logic level for serial port of the module, the input voltage depends on the logical level of the miccontroller you use. If you use a 5V miccontroller like Arduino, you should have it be 5V, and a 3V logic miccontroller you should set it to 3V."
rickj:
There's a pin "VIO" that you must tell whether you use 5V logic signals or 3V. The documentation
says : "VIO: this is the reference logic level for serial port of the module, the input voltage depends on the logical level of the miccontroller you use. If you use a 5V miccontroller like Arduino, you should have it be 5V, and a 3V logic miccontroller you should set it to 3V."
I am currently playing with a LoNet 808 GSM+GPS module (very nice!). It will NOT run on the power supplied by the Arduino 3V pin, you really need to connect a lipo battery. It actually has an extra pin BAT that you can use to power the Arduino, in a portable battery operated application.
rickj:
I am currently playing with a LoNet 808 GSM+GPS module (very nice!). It will NOT run on the power supplied by the Arduino 3V pin, you really need to connect a lipo battery. It actually has an extra pin BAT that you can use to power the Arduino, in a portable battery operated application.
Cool! Yeah i have all that fixed so powering the thing should not be a problem anymore. But as you are playing with a lonet GSM (and gps) module you.might be able to answer which library i should use for the GSM functions and how to set the vio pin (or is it as simple as setting it to high or low?)
If you use a 3V Arduino that Arduino has a pin labeled "3V", a 5V Arduino has a "5V" pin. On many boards it's labeled "IOREF". Connect that to the VIO pin of he LoNet board to tell it what logic levels to expect.
and how to set the vio pin (or is it as simple as setting it to high or low?)