Controlling GPRS Module SIM800L with Arduino AT Commands

Using the SIM800L GPRS Module with Arduino AT Commands

The SIM800l GPRS module is a popular GSM/GPRS module used in many small to medium level projects. It is inexpensive and easy to interface with an Arduino or other microcontroller. It also has a wide range of features and supports communication via AT commands. This article will focus on simulating the AT command with Arduino IDE to control the SIM800l.

Setting Up the SIM800L Module

Before you can use the SIM800L module with the Arduino, you’ll need to set up the module correctly. Here is a step by step guide to setting up the SIM800L module:

1. Power up the SIM800L module using the recommended 5V power supply.
2. Connect the RX pin of the module to the Tx pin of the Arduino board.
3. Connect the TX pin of the module to the Rx pin of the Arduino board.
4. Connect the GND pin of the module to the GND pin of the Arduino board.

Testing the Connection with AT Commands

Once the SIM800L module is connected to the Arduino, you can start testing the connection with AT commands. AT commands are used to control modems and other communications devices. They are used to configure and control the device.

To test the connection, you can use the Arduino Serial Monitor to issue AT commands. In the Serial Monitor, type “AT” and press Enter. If the connection is successful, the module will respond with “OK”. If it does not respond, check the connections and try again.

You can also use the Arduino IDE to read and write AT commands. In the Arduino IDE, select the “Atmega328P” board and compile the sample code given below.

// Initial setup code
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
SoftwareSerial SIM800L(2, 3); // RX, TX
 
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  SIM800L.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Setup Complete");
}
 
void loop(){
  // Issuing AT commands
  if (SIM800L.available()) {
    delay(100);
    String data = SIM800L.readString();
    Serial.println(data);
  } 
  if (Serial.available()) {
    delay(100);
    String command = Serial.readString(); 
    SIM800L.println(command);
  }
}

Once the code is uploaded to the board, you can use the Serial Monitor to issue AT commands to the module. You can also use the IDE to debug the code and view the response from the module in real time.

Conclusion

As seen above, the SIM800L module can be controlled using AT commands with the Arduino. With some basic knowledge of the AT command syntax, you can easily set up and control the SIM800L module with the Arduino.