I want my boat to send me text messages

[Trundlebug]

I've just fitted a BilgeWatch8 (ref. http://www.celectron.co.uk/ )
and am now also looking at gsm diallers to provide the same as the OP's suggestion.

The BW8 is designed to link up to an autodialler when it alarms, so is perfect for this application.

However, linking the bilge pump directly to the gsm could create a number of false alarms. You wouldn't want to be texted every time the bilge pump operates, only if it's been operating for longer than normal or more often than normal. That's where you can set up the BW8 to your own specification and be texted only if it alarms.

The links above are OK but pricey. The cheapest gsm auto dialler / alarm I've found elsewhere is about £100
http://wirelessalarmsdirect.co.uk/boat-alarms/venus-boat-wireless-gsm-alarm-system.html
http://www.sim-entry.com/Basic_GSM_Alarm_Dialer_-_Text_Alerts/p163033_957486.aspx

 

[AngusMcDoon]

One of these...

http://cheapbuyuk.co.uk/forum/7-Wavecom-Fastrack-M1206B-GSM-Modem-GSM-Terminal

and one of these...

http://uk.farnell.com/microchip/pic18f26k22-i-sp/mcu-8bit-64k-flash-xlp-28spdip/dp/1814975

Add a free compiler to the recipe, a few extra components to power it and link it together, a bit of C code - another YAPP is born.

 

[Sandy]

Obviously too subtle for you. Yes, the link works, but the website has no product information so is effectively useless.

+1

and some very interesting graphics, is it me or is the radar dome at a really funny angle?

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Somehow " I want my boat to send me text messages" seems so sad.

 

[Trundlebug]

One of these...

http://cheapbuyuk.co.uk/forum/7-Wavecom-Fastrack-M1206B-GSM-Modem-GSM-Terminal

and one of these...

http://uk.farnell.com/microchip/pic18f26k22-i-sp/mcu-8bit-64k-flash-xlp-28spdip/dp/1814975

Add a free compiler to the recipe, a few extra components to power it and link it together, a bit of C code - another YAPP is born.

Excellent price for the GSM modem, thanks for posting.
You completely lost me with the second link and latter part of your post though. C code? YAPP? I can do electrics, I just don't understand the jargon and I'm pushing the envelope of my knowledge with some of this geeky stuff. It's interesting though

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Excellent price for the GSM modem, thanks for posting.
You completely lost me with the second link and latter part of your post though. C code? YAPP? I can do electrics, I just don't understand the jargon and I'm pushing the envelope of my knowledge with some of this geeky stuff. It's interesting though

The 18F26K22 is a microprocessor that is available cheaply in small numbers, with legs on so can be used by the home fiddler on Veroboard, i.e. not surface mount. A C compiler is available free to program it.

For YAPP, go to the ybw search box and search on it.

 

[Lady Campanula]

Somehow " I want my boat to send me text messages" seems so sad.

The last thing I want, when I go sailing, is a bunch of text messages inbound on an active mobo.

 

[Pagetslady]

I bought an house alarm off e-bay some years back which had a dialler which took a sim card and would call one phone with a pre-recorded message and text several other numbers. I modified the PIR and door magnets and fixed a float switch to one in the bilge mounted one of the PIR on the saloon it also came with a smoke detector and an external strobe light and loud alarm. about £200 I think.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Security-...lar_Alarms&hash=item35a82301b1#ht_4258wt_1004

 

[nimbusgb]

The point is to have your boat able to communicate with you when you are not on it.

 

[nimbusgb]

Excellent price for the GSM modem, thanks for posting.
You completely lost me with the second link and latter part of your post though. C code? YAPP? I can do electrics, I just don't understand the jargon and I'm pushing the envelope of my knowledge with some of this geeky stuff. It's interesting though

You can buy a complete phone on Android operating system and use the Google IO API for the same price. So you get a phone, modem, camera, storage and a power supply for just about the same price.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Can you give details please?

 

[nimbusgb]

Can you give details please?

Samsung Galaxy phone on PAYG for around £40.

Root it to Android 2.3.4 ( there are a few about already done )

2.3.4 gives you access to the Google open accessory API. There is a variation of the Android board around that will support this as a plug and play combination.

The Seeduino mega board gives all this

6 Digital IOs
16 Analog inputs
14 PWM outputs
4 Hardware serial ports (UART)
1 Hardware TWI (I2C)
1 Hardware SPI (up to 8Mbps)
On board USB host(MAX3421), and breakout for all I/Os pins.
On board USB slave(FT232RL), and IOs breakout
Build-in 5V-1A switched power regulator (input range 6V - 18V)
Build-in 3.3V-500mA LDO power regulator.
5v/3v3 IO Level selectable (Atmega2560 running on 16MHz@3.3v is a bit over-clock, but according to the test result, works fine).

For the grand total of £43.50

see
http://www.chinavasion.com/more-usb...en-adk-main-board-arduino-mega-2560-usb-host/

On regular Arduino hardware - http://romfont.com/2011/05/12/google’s-open-accessory-development-kit-on-standard-arduino-hardware/

Writing stuff for Android is pretty much plain Java.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Interesting stuff, thanks.

 

[Zen Zero]

So an Android smartphone - Samsung Galaxy or similar - This is the cheapest I can find:
http://www.pixmania.com/it/it/6995019/art/samsung/i5500-galaxy-5-android-sm.html

And one of these:
Seeeduino board
http://www.chinavasion.com/more-usb...en-adk-main-board-arduino-mega-2560-usb-host/

and some wire .... ?

You put the logic in the smart phone - OK. Your Seeeduino board handles your i/o (i in my case) - OKaaay ... ;


How do you connect one to the other?

 

[emnick]

GSM Unit

I have used many of these units and was thinking about fitting one to my boat.
http://www.jablotron.com/en/Catalog/home+automation/gsm+communicators/gd04+david+gsm+communicator/

(sorry its a long URL) They use minimal power about 15mA IIRC they can have 4 inputs. eg intruder alarm, bilge pump on, you could add a VSR to give low battery voltage, could be interfaced with a gps to provide anchor drag (never done it though). They send an input restore so you would also know your bilge pump has shut down.

But the best thing about them is that you can text or call it to turn things on. e.g. Bilge pump, heating, loud siren, lights to provide access when at anchor etc.......They have 2 on board clean realys with C,NO & NC capable of switching 5A. Will only respond to command from your phone or pre programmed numbers. Relays can be programmed to operate for a pre set time e.g 5 sec to 4 hours IIRC the list is as good as your mind!!

All programming is done via their web site so no sending text messages to program (although you can do it this way if you want).

I have installed about 15 to peoples intruder alarms, however I have also installed one to contol an electric gate and one to a holdiday home to control lights and heating not had any come backs (will get one tomorrow now!!)

I pay in the region of £140 + VAT. you can buy PIR sensors that work on same frequency etc

I have no connection with the company who make them. Hope this helps