Xbee and cell phone / mobile phone?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Is it possible to send messages from an XBee to a cell phone to do something like text messaging, twittering, facebook?

I have an idea for a project and one XBee needs to send messages to a phone wirelessly, or to another XBee connected to the phone directly.

Does anyone have any input or have seen a similar project? It must use a cellphone/mobile to work.

2

I have an idea for a project and one XBee needs to send messages to a phone wirelessly, or to another XBee connected to the phone directly.

The cell phone is a radio. The XBee is a radio. They do not operate in the same frequency band, and, even if they did, the phone would not implement the XBee protocol that lets the XBee communicate with resending and error handling.

So, no the XBee can not talk directly to your phone. It can talk to an XBee that is wired to your phone, though, IF you have a phone that has a serial port, AND you know how to (and CAN) connect to it.

3

(ok seems like my last post didn't get added)

Thanks for the info! Sounds like a nice challenge.

Seems possible as long as the phone has a twittering app and a serial cable like the link below which can be cut down into just a smaller adapter.

Will have to investigate which phone is best and how to make XBee send signals through the phone software.

http://www.circuitcentral.com.au/nokia-6100-pop-port-data-cable-serial-cable.html

4

If your phone expects RS232 levels, the XBee TTL output won't drive it.

5

What I'm trying to build needs to have arduino sending messages to twitter or facebook at its' heart. There's other things involved but after doing some more research it looks like there are ways to tweet without a cell phone which makes it easier.

I've seen the GPRS shields for sale at $50 minimum.

I'm trying to find info on the bare components also because I'd rather build my own shield/board if possible.

So my next questions to the experienced/professionals out there:

What is the cheapest way to have arduino tweet on twitter?
Where is there info on the bare components needed to build it if not buying a pre-made shield?

Thanks in advance.

These forums have helped me build my own Arduino-driven LED coffee table without having a history of knowing electronics at all. Much gratitude towards those keeping information alive and available.