Last Updated on 31 May 2019 by Suffocation
Every now and then I think about starting a mobile phone project. I usually lacked a purpose, time, and a cheap provider for this.
Over AZ-Delivery I recently had a Things Mobile SIM Card acquired for a total of 0 Euros. I am taking this first SIM card and its provider as an opportunity to lay a cornerstone for projects via the mobile network.
Applications
I thought about what could be done with such a mobile connection, and the following exemplary use cases came to mind:
- GPS tracker with position transmission
- Remote querying of status data
- Fern-Fernsteuerung 😉
- A bed bug
- Phone call?
- Status via SMS
- ...
What is needed
- SIM card from a provider
- GSM Module
- Potentially a microcontroller that uses the GSM module
- Stable and strong power supply
SIM card
To be able to communicate over the mobile network, a SIM card is required. For simple projects, to keep an eye on costs, pre-paid tariffs are ideal (pay first, then talk). These are available from various well-known companies as well as all discount providers.
The disadvantage of conventional providers is that a new contract usually has to be concluded for an additional SIM card. If a contract offers multiple SIM cards, distributing the credit is usually not that easy.
Things Mobile is forging its own path here. Several SIM cards can share the same balance. The entry point seems very cost-effective at 0 Euros, but you must top up 30€ to be able to use the card. They have other offers where credit is already included when you buy the SIM card (from 10€). If only I'd noticed that beforehand :).
Registration
Before the SIM card can be used, you must register with the provider under www.thingsmobil.com Sign up
- In the menu top right, select „Register“.“
- Enter SIM Number (Found on card)
- Enter identification number and select continue
- On the following pages, you will need to provide your details and upload a copy of your ID card (no hassle of video identification).
- When the card is activated, you will receive an email.
You can now top up your credit in the portal via PayPal or bank transfer.
In the overview, you can see your activated cards
Currently, the price for an SMS is 10 cents and data volume costs <=€0.10/MB.
What can common modules do
- Telephoning (Module dependent)
- The SMS
- Internet
- GPS (Module dependent)
I have become acquainted with the SIM808 and SIM900 chips. Both work with the same AT commands and handle the aforementioned functionalities. Here's an example:
Conclusion
The registration of the acquired SIM was straightforward. Setting the first top-up to €30 is a bit much just to get a small project started, so credit should perhaps be purchased together with the card.
Things Mobile's tariffs are rather expensive when you look at other providers. The feature of operating multiple SIM cards with the same account and funding all cards from one credit pool is something I find practical, especially if you need more than one SIM.
What I also find positive is that the bureaucratic effort is kept to a minimum (scanning passport) and the SIM card is usable by me after just one hour.
Everything working will be shown by the building projects.
Fingertips
Always include the country code with thingsmobile.
Texts sent to the wrong phone numbers still have to be paid for, so double-check.