Advice - SMS Remote Diagnostics 2

[thomas98798]

Hello everyone,

First time posting here.
I have a question which I was wondering if someone here could help with.

> I have a piece of equipment which I want to install a device that will send an SMS/Email to a service department when an ERROR CODE appears on the machines display.
> The piece of equipment in question, has a basic lcd display that will bring up a number of error codes such as ERROR 01 - ERROR 99. The machine has an i/o board and a rs232 port.

Q) Would I be able to buy a device, that can be connected to the RS232 port and then provide the required information by SMS.

NOTE: The equipment in question, can be bought with a manufactures device which will send diagnostic SMS Messages, but it also has other features which I do not require. The manufacture is charging a gross amount for this device also, hence my reason for looking at an alternative option.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Regards
Thomas

 

[VEBill]

Assuming you have Internet access, then it's called a computer. Email is obvious, but one can also send SMS to most mobile accounts via web interfaces. Just add code.

 

[thomas98798]

Thanks for your reply, I don't think I explained my request properly.

The machines are in operation at a remote site.

I want to put a device on this piece of equipment that will read this error code and then send it by SMS automatically to a designated phone number.

The piece of equipment has
and I/O Board
and rs232 port

Are there any devices available, which are not too costly that would be capable of doing this.

Regards
Thomas

 

[Comcokid]

There are always options for doing some remote cellular monitoring. The question is, will the hours you spend putting together, programming, and debugging a system be any less expensive than just buying one ready-to-go? Remember also, it's cellular, so you have to have a carrier. Does the carrier have continuous coverage where your site is?

So, if your trying just to be cheap, there are several options.

You can always use a PIC or other processor to receive the serial, decode it, and then hack the PIC I/O to the re-wired keyboard of a cheap Virgin or TracFone. After this, you can go the the middle east and build IEDs for a living.

You can go to a hobby site like Spark Fun Electronics, get a cellular module and processor setup, write code, and build something.

You can google, like I just did, and find companies like DIYControls, or other companies and look for something already build and closer to ready-to-go.

Now, if you are going to do more than a just a very few, you start to get into regulatory issues, and in North America that is the PTCRB that is the agency that cellular carriers use to keep mayhem of uncontrolled hardware from making the cellular system unreilable. It use to be Ma Bell that controlled phones, but now the cellular companies control access.

 

[Comcokid]

Oh, by the way thomas98798 - Welcome to EngTips. I don't mean to be sharp in my reply - I was just a little rushed when I posted it.

 

[VEBill]

Google: SMS alarm dialer

You may still require a computer to recognize the alarm condition. Then it would typically be a simple discrete signal to trigger the SMS gadget. It may even require a simple interface circuit between the computer and the dialer.

You should probably first ask your mobile service providers to find the best service, coverage and lowest fee. Then purchase a compatible gadget.

 

[thomas98798]

Thanks everyone for your informative replies!

As you already would have guessed I'm not to well informed in this world of electronics, but I am learning slowly...very slowly.

From some research I have found that these error codes are created by the
CPU (MOSTLY)
DLCU (SOME ERROR CODES)
MCU (SOME ERROR CODES)

I would need a device that I can purchase ready made, and fit it to my piece of equipment, pop a sim card in it and hay presto it will send me a sms/email when either the CPU/DLCU/MCU generates an error code.

If anyone knows of a device on the market that can do this, please let me know.

Regards
Thomas

 

[DRWeig]

Put the following phrase in Google:

M2M cellular

You'll find a plethora of suppliers, many of whom can also set you up with a wireless carrier, similar to the experience of buying a new cell phone and getting it activated. (M2M = machine-to-machine)



Good on ya,

Goober Dave

Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies

 

[DRWeig]

One in particular that strikes me is Moxa OnCell G2111/G2151I.

Looks mighty simple to install and operate.

http://www.moxa.com/product/OnCell_G2111.htm

The data sheets, command sets, and manuals are all there too.

I've used other Moxa stuff in the past, good stuff in my opinion (no affiliation).

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies

 

[IRstuff]

Have you considered just using a cellular hotspot? While it might seem a trivial bit overkill, even webcams come with their own web servers. Having a wireless internet connection could allow you to do more thorough remote diagnostics, look at data trends online, etc. Admittedly, not completely off the shelf, but with sufficient wherewithal, you could even get status displays on Android or iPhone. My own security cameras are all remotely accessible and programmable.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[thomas98798]

DRWeig thanks for your help, that M2M Cellular seems to be exactly what I should be looking at.
Much appreciated
Thomas

 

[VEBill]

I hope it's clear to the OP that although his 'machine' has an RS232 port, and the Moxa Gxxx M2M modem also has an RS232 port, there's almost certainly a requirement for something (i.e. a computer, with custom SW) in between; to monitor the output from the former and to issue commands the latter.

At the very least, it's a recommended assumption until proven otherwise.

 

[thomas98798]

VE1BLL I did not know that,

what exactly is a custom SW?

The manufacture of this equipment has their own text system available, but it costs too much, and has extra features which I do not require. The computer on the machine has an option for turning sms notifications on and off should you have the manufactures system installed.

What would your gut feeling on this be, would you think that creating your own system would be too much effort and I should just pay up for the manufactures product?

regards
thomas

 

[davidbeach]

SoftWare.

 

[IRstuff]

"What would your gut feeling on this be, would you think that creating your own system would be too much effort and I should just pay up for the manufactures product?"

That would be dependent on how much your time is worth. The manufacturer has economy of scale and ability to amortize cost over all the units they can sell the SW with. Your's is ostensibly a one-off. You ought to be able to do the math and the cost-benefit.

TTFN
faq731-376