Electronic – GSM/GPRS module to call phone

cellphonegsmtelephone

I would like to do a DIY intrusion detection system.
I think I understand roughly what it's needed (door magnetic switches, windows magnetic switches, IR motion detection, password prompt, webcam), though I'd like to know how you can actually call the police.

I saw the "ITEAD SIM900 GPRS/GSM minimum system module" in my local retailer's store and I find the price pretty interesting (~ 45$). This would however "only" allow me to send SMS to a mobile phone when there's an emergency, not being able to directly call the police isn't so good. What do they mean by "It can communicate with controllers via AT commands (GSM 07.07 ,07.05 and SIMCOM enhanced AT Commands)."? Do I need an external phone? I though I could directly interface this module to a MCU.

Another possible solution might be to set up a raspberry pi with GNU/Linux + gammu and an attached (compatible) mobile phone and send SMS to a mobile phone. No possibility to contact the police though.

Basically with either solutions IMHO I could send an SMS to myself / my friends when there's an intrusion and relay the message to the police. It's not a so good solution though, because with all delays summed up the thief may already be gone.

Landline phone wouldn't be a good idea either, since with cable TV/Phone/Internet isn't that reliable at my place.
I though I'd pre-register an audio message and play it from one speaker if I can manage to force a phone to call a given number (which could be done with AT commands, theoretically).

What would you reccomend / do?

Best Answer

Arduino announced a GSM/GPRS shield (see also here) recently. I have no experience how it works, but I guess it's worth a look.