Getting started with the A6 GPRS Pro Series GSM GPRS core module

In this Tutorials we are going to deal with A6 GPRS Pro Series GSM GPRS core module this is simple and easy to connect with Arduino

Step1: Hardware required

• A6 GPRS Pro Series GSM GPRS core module
• Arduino Uno
• Jumper wires

Step2: Connecting the Hardware

To start with, connect U_TxD and U_RxD pin on module to digital pin#2 and #4 on Arduino as we’ll be using software serial to talk to the module.

Finally, connect the antenna, insert fully activated Micro SIM card in the socket.

Step3: Arduino Code – Testing AT Commands

For sending AT commands and communicating with the A6 module, we will use the serial monitor. The sketch below will enable the Arduino to communicate with the A6 module on serial monitor. Before we proceed with detailed breakdown of code, connect your Arduino to PC, compile below code and upload it to the Arduino.

Once you open a serial monitor, make sure that ‘Both NL & CR’ option is selected!

CODE

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

//Create software serial object to communicate with A6
SoftwareSerial mySerial(2, 4); //A6 Tx & Rx is connected to Arduino #2 & #4

void setup()
{
//Begin serial communication with Arduino and Arduino IDE (Serial Monitor)
Serial.begin(9600);

//Begin serial communication with Arduino and A6
mySerial.begin(9600);

Serial.println(“Initializing…”);
delay(1000);

mySerial.println(“AT”); //Once the handshake test is successful, it will back to OK
updateSerial();
mySerial.println(“AT+CSQ”); //Signal quality test, value range is 0-31 , 31 is the best
updateSerial();
mySerial.println(“AT+CCID”); //Read SIM information to confirm whether the SIM is plugged
updateSerial();
mySerial.println(“AT+CREG?”); //Check whether it has registered in the network
updateSerial();
}

void loop()
{
updateSerial();
}

void updateSerial()
{
delay(500);
while (Serial.available())
{
mySerial.write(Serial.read());//Forward what Serial received to Software Serial Port
}
while(mySerial.available())
{
Serial.write(mySerial.read());//Forward what Software Serial received to Serial Port
}
}

Testing the circuit

open your serial monitor by clicking on the icon in the right top corner(like search icon)

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

//Create software serial object to communicate with A6
SoftwareSerial mySerial(2, 4); //A6 Tx & Rx is connected to Arduino #2 & #4

void setup()
{
//Begin serial communication with Arduino and Arduino IDE (Serial Monitor)
Serial.begin(9600);

//Begin serial communication with Arduino and A6
mySerial.begin(9600);

Serial.println(“Initializing…”);
delay(1000);

mySerial.println(“AT”); //Once the handshake test is successful, it will back to OK
updateSerial();

mySerial.println(“AT+CMGF=1”); // Configuring TEXT mode
updateSerial();
mySerial.println(“AT+CMGS=\”+ZZXXXXXXXXXXX\””);//change ZZ with country code and xxxxxxxxxxx with phone number to sms
updateSerial();
mySerial.print(“Faranux Electronics LTD | faranux.com”); //text content
updateSerial();
mySerial.write(26);
}

void loop()
{
}

void updateSerial()
{
delay(500);
while (Serial.available())
{
mySerial.write(Serial.read());//Forward what Serial received to Software Serial Port
}
while(mySerial.available())
{
Serial.write(mySerial.read());//Forward what Software Serial received to Serial Port
}
}

Arduino Code – Reading SMS

Now let’s program our Arduino to read incoming messages. This sketch is very useful when you need to trigger an action when a specific SMS is received. For example, when the Arduino receives an SMS, you can instruct it to turn on or off a relay. You got the idea!

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

//Create software serial object to communicate with A6
SoftwareSerial mySerial(3, 2); //A6 Tx & Rx is connected to Arduino #3 & #2

void setup()
{
//Begin serial communication with Arduino and Arduino IDE (Serial Monitor)
Serial.begin(9600);

//Begin serial communication with Arduino and A6
mySerial.begin(9600);

Serial.println(“Initializing…”);
delay(1000);

mySerial.println(“AT”); //Once the handshake test is successful, it will back to OK
updateSerial();

mySerial.println(“AT+CMGF=1”); // Configuring TEXT mode
updateSerial();
mySerial.println(“AT+CNMI=1,2,0,0,0”); // Decides how newly arrived SMS messages should be handled
updateSerial();
}

void loop()
{
updateSerial();
}

void updateSerial()
{
delay(500);
while (Serial.available())
{
mySerial.write(Serial.read());//Forward what Serial received to Software Serial Port
}
while(mySerial.available())
{
Serial.write(mySerial.read());//Forward what Software Serial received to Serial Port
}
}

Arduino Code – Making Call

Now let’s program our Arduino to make call. This sketch is very useful when you want your Arduino to make an SOS/distress call in case of emergency like temperature being exceeded or someone breaks into your house. You got the idea!

Before trying the sketch out, you need to enter the phone number. Search for the string ZZxxxxxxxxxx and replace ZZ with county code and xxxxxxxxxx with the 10 digit phone number.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

//Create software serial object to communicate with A6
SoftwareSerial mySerial(3, 2); //A6 Tx & Rx is connected to Arduino #3 & #2

void setup()
{
//Begin serial communication with Arduino and Arduino IDE (Serial Monitor)
Serial.begin(9600);

//Begin serial communication with Arduino and A6
mySerial.begin(9600);

Serial.println(“Initializing…”);
delay(1000);

mySerial.println(“AT”); //Once the handshake test is successful, i t will back to OK
updateSerial();

mySerial.println(“ATD+ZZxxxxxxxxxx”); // change ZZ with country code and xxxxxxxxxxx with phone number to dial
updateSerial();
delay(20000); // wait for 20 seconds…
mySerial.println(“ATH”); //hang up
updateSerial();
}

void loop()
{
}

void updateSerial()
{
delay(500);
while (Serial.available())
{
mySerial.write(Serial.read());//Forward what Serial received to Software Serial Port
}
while(mySerial.available())
{
Serial.write(mySerial.read());//Forward what Software Serial received to Serial Port
}
}