Text message notification of power cuts

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi, I am new to the world of microcontrollers, though I have wanted to learn for quite a few years now. I am a Canadian living in Dakar, Senegal. Every day there are frequent power cuts and when I am not at home (at work or wherever) I am always wondering when the power is out or when it returned.

I am interested in building a device that can detect power cuts (or the power coming back on) and then send a text message notifying me that the power has left (or returned). I thought that this might be a fun project and a good way to learn.

Is this a feasible project? If so, can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thank you very much!
Norm

2

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have a small power backup that could keep the module functioning, and the cellular companies are fairly stable. What parts are we looking at here? I saw this while searching, would it be what I need? http://www.libelium.com/squidbee/index.php?title=New_GPRS_module_for_Arduino_(Hilo_-_Sagem)

The RTC (real-time clock) module that you mentioned sounds interesting as well, and likely less expensive than the GPRS module. Could anyone give a list of parts that would work in either of these setups?

3

For the logging part mentioned by KEG7P this shield works great: - Data-Logger Shield for Arduino -

4

ok, so if I went the route mentioned by KEG7P and used the logshield, how would the module detect powercuts while connected to a backup power supply? Would the backup power supply not prevent it from detecting the power cuts?

5

You don't need GPRS module you reference above, as it's for full internet access which you don't need. Make a search for SMS module/shields. We have a discussion today in other topic, you can start from there:

6

If your cell phone provider has an email SMS gateway, you may be able to email yourself a message. Would require an ethernet shield.