Connecting the Shield With Arduino UNO
If you are using an Arduino Uno, follow the instructions below. If
you are using an Arduino Mega, Mega ADK, or Leonardo, you must follow other instructions( see our next post ). The GSM shield is not currently supported on the Due.
To use the shield, you'll need to insert a SIM
card into the holder. Slide the metal bracket away from the edge of the
shield and lift the cradle up.
Insert the SIM in the plastic holder so the
metal contacts are facing the shield, with the notch of the card at the
top of the bracket.
Slide the SIM all the way into the bracket
Push the SIM to the board and slide the metal bracket towards the edge of the shield to lock it in place.
Once the SIM is inserted, mount it on top of an Arduino board.
To upload sketches to the board, connect it to
your computer with a USB cable and upload your sketch with the Arduino
IDE. Once the sketch has been uploaded, you can disconnect the board
from your computer and power it with an external power supply.
Digital pins 2, 3 and 7 are reserved for
communication between the Arduino and modem and cannot be used by your
sketches. Communication between the moden and Arduino is handled by the Software Serial library on pins 2 and 3. Pin 7 is used for the modem reset.
When the yellow status LED turns on, it means the modem is powered, and you can try connecting to the network.
Developer versions of the GSM shield required you to press press the Power
button on the shield for a few moments to turn the modem on. If you
have an early version of the shield, and it does not turn on
automatically, you can solder a jumper to the CTRL/D7 pad on the reverse
side of the board, and it will turn on when an attached Arduino
receives power.
The shield should work in any area with GSM
coverage. Before buying the shield please verify that there is this kind
of coverage where you plan to use it.
