Hi
Recently, in an attempt to rid me of my lethargic tendencies (I teach sloths how to relax when I can be bothered) I have been attempting to streamline my "workbench" by adding things that make my life easier in the hope that I'm more likely to do it if there is less hassle involved. Perhaps if I find the time I'll let you know how that works out <s>.
In another forum I frequent, one that primarily deals with microcontrollers, my interest piqued (shouldn't that be peek if talking about programming?) regarding some posts regarding GSM modules. As I do have a plan to incorporate such a gadget in a project I have been meaning to construct, and with little excuse as to why I should keep putting things off I looked around the web and found one based on the SIM800L. I paid ~£10 for it but could have got it cheaper if I wanted to wait a week or two. Seems my plan is working or I would have waited <s>
Anyway, it appears to be quite user friendly and it didn't take long to get some basic comms going between it and a laptop running a terminal program. I used a bench supply for power but obviously I need to incorporate a supply in my eventual design. The module has a recommended voltage of 4v and the current consumption during transmission can peak at 2A (dependent on factors). If it can't draw this when needed the module apparently reboots.
In another post elsewhere I read about the LM2596 modules. A quick search on the web and I found I could buy eight of these for under a tenner. I was amazed at that and I know I'm probably late to the party in discovering these, but a well made DC-DC module with variable output at up to 3A for a quid or so is, to me, outstanding. I tested all eight and they all worked straight out of the box. If supplying nominal current at the upper ends of capability then they will most likely need some form of heatsink or cooling, but probably not for more modest draws.
I can't comment on reliability yet, but assuming the modules don't burn my house down or anything, I can see me incorporating these into a lot more things as it makes my life easier, which is of course a big plus point.
Regards
Recently, in an attempt to rid me of my lethargic tendencies (I teach sloths how to relax when I can be bothered) I have been attempting to streamline my "workbench" by adding things that make my life easier in the hope that I'm more likely to do it if there is less hassle involved. Perhaps if I find the time I'll let you know how that works out <s>.
In another forum I frequent, one that primarily deals with microcontrollers, my interest piqued (shouldn't that be peek if talking about programming?) regarding some posts regarding GSM modules. As I do have a plan to incorporate such a gadget in a project I have been meaning to construct, and with little excuse as to why I should keep putting things off I looked around the web and found one based on the SIM800L. I paid ~£10 for it but could have got it cheaper if I wanted to wait a week or two. Seems my plan is working or I would have waited <s>
Anyway, it appears to be quite user friendly and it didn't take long to get some basic comms going between it and a laptop running a terminal program. I used a bench supply for power but obviously I need to incorporate a supply in my eventual design. The module has a recommended voltage of 4v and the current consumption during transmission can peak at 2A (dependent on factors). If it can't draw this when needed the module apparently reboots.
In another post elsewhere I read about the LM2596 modules. A quick search on the web and I found I could buy eight of these for under a tenner. I was amazed at that and I know I'm probably late to the party in discovering these, but a well made DC-DC module with variable output at up to 3A for a quid or so is, to me, outstanding. I tested all eight and they all worked straight out of the box. If supplying nominal current at the upper ends of capability then they will most likely need some form of heatsink or cooling, but probably not for more modest draws.
I can't comment on reliability yet, but assuming the modules don't burn my house down or anything, I can see me incorporating these into a lot more things as it makes my life easier, which is of course a big plus point.
Regards
