Don't buy a GSM module, use your old phone!

If you enjoy my videos please consider supporting me on patreon: goo.gl/QQZX6w
GSM modules can be expensive, but using an old phone is free, you can see where I'm going with this, plus its technically recycling.
Follow me on Twitter: @DanteRoumega
Links and full instructions: (goo.gl/kGcXtm)
Thanks again for watching, let me know what projects youd like to see in future videos!

[@BuildItnow]

Seems there was a little frustration from my subscribers regarding the video title and video content. I have read all the comments and definitely see everyone's point regarding the not actually functioning like a GSM module, I did mention this in the video but perhaps I wasn't clear. The point of this project is not to replace a GSM module with a smart phone but rather to use a smart phone for a similar purpose, I do see that the title was misleading in that regard and I do apologize for that. I do hope that some of you out there found this useful and I really do appreciate all your feedback. Thank you all.

[@evanriddle1614]

As people in the US discover Shenzhen and what they do there, one thing is constant. Smart phones. They tear them down and use them to prototype EVERYTHING.

[@guatagel2454]

Interesting situation here: this is a very nice and useful hack, even though the title suggests another kind of hack.

[@theodoros_1234]

In my opinion the title was fine

[@suestreets2811]

yes follow there address when wont uses it for cookies if dont agree with u try cut of didnt tell this one on here just wonder did u click into mac os 9 here

[@patelrizwan1999]

What we do if we send sms or call another number like gsm module

[@guatagel2454]

Even though the title of this video is misleading, the solution presented here is very useful. It is a nice hack and can be useful in many situation. For example, you can laid the phone over a box with a microphone. So, with every ring, an Arduino can pickup the sound an turn on a light. This could be useful for elder people that can't hear the phone's ring.

[@richardmunizrosa3119]

Yeah it was really a clickbait but I think that you gave us some good ideas to use a old phone in arduino projects. For example: - We cold use a old android phone and create an app to interprete and execute somenthing --> enconde/decode message --> interpeter message --> execute actions - We cold use the vibrator of the phone as a serial input to the Arduino I'dont know if it's doable but it's interisting, thank you for the video!

[@disguisedcat1750]

Most phones have fixed vibration times and a pretty long minimum time for an interpreter to be useful

Great video, but another alternative with the same phone and with a lot of features is usisg a data cable connected to the arduino to send AT Commands. With that you are able to detect sms, open and send messages and filtering the received numbers for security. Ex: You want to control two thing like the coffe machine and the kitchen ligh, by sending a SMS "Switch on Coffe-Machine" or "Switch on Kitchen Light". The arduino will be listen via AT Commands the received SMS of the phone. Ih the received number doesen't match it will ignore the command and clear the message, if it match it will execute and sent back something like "Done!". Finally if command is not valid he will send back sommething like "unknone command". In the past I already did some things with that and sommenthing I like to use is some old 3G modems, they work great.

[@SpaghettiEnterprises]

First I've ever heard of this - thanks!

[@HomedecOration-p2o]

when the video started i said : this is the type of people that i need to follow and learn from them , i thought you are a master but when you do what you did i was like: are you serious !!!!!! this is not what i expected

[@fetiyeozlemonbasoglu6244]

Absolutely perfect voice and speed. Thank you.

[@ehvway]

I used a lot of (Nokia) phones for projects like alarms and remotely booting up and resetting a computer. Nowadays the modules are so cheap and sophisticated, that I wouldn't prefer an old phone. It draws much more power to and you can blow up the battery when it's connected to the power outlet all the time. Now I got an unlimited SMS plan and sent almost 500 messages in less then a week to test my new Arduino control by SMS (sim800L board).

[@jayeshmonlbs]

I use cordovarduino cordova plugin to interface android phone to communicate with arduino. And make a mobile app through which I can interface arduino and esp32. I get battery power , touch screen ,wifi connectivity. 50% of the code can be done in javascript mobile app. Microcontroller just manage some relays and sensors.

[@nilswegner2881]

The only real difference between this and a GSM module is that the GSM module actually knows who is sending it the SMS and tells that to the arduino. This construction just takes any SMS to activate because the arduino does not have a way to filter out the correct phone number and message content. So if I were to know this phone's number, I could just send it anything I like and your light will turn on. A bit of a security risk, isn't it?

[@BuildItnow]

I see you point however in the phone settings I have set it to mute all other numbers and just vibrate when it receives an SMS/call from my number

[@nilswegner2881]

Build It okay, if you have access to such a feature then that security issue is not there anymore. But not all phones have that. Also a real GSM module can not only filter one but thousands of different phone numbers so you could assign one number to your wife and one to yourself and control different things with different devices. I guess that would be a bit harder to get to work with your solution. You would need multiple receiver phones and connect them to the other analog inputs on your arduino. Thanks for answering though

[@BuildItnow]

Like I said I understand your point and I do agree however the point of the video is just to demonstrate some interesting ways to reuse of tech. I do understand and did mention that GSM modules have alot more features

[@nilswegner2881]

Build It yeah and all I can say is that you have done a great job at showing us the possibilities old phones can give us makers. Keep up your work

[@balanbogdan9160]

I just never think about this simple approach : )) Thank You!

[@ramast4881]

Some Android phones provide serial pads. If you connect your Arduino to it, you could communicate directly with the phone. For that to work you'd obviously need to locate these pads on your phone's board. You'd also need to root your Android phone in order to be able to read/write to the console (serial port).

[@pushkarparanjpe]

Alternatively - use serial-over-audio interface via the headphone jack.

[@munendraster]

exactly no need to disassemble the phone just use an audio jack plus less power is consumed in comparison to rumble motor

[@worldhallo2886]

OMG! That's great! Keep going, I like to watch kind of your vid:))))))))))

[@deserttechhomesteading494]

Subscribed! love this vid. also your narrating voice is superb! keep up the great hacks!

[@BuildItnow]

Thanks for being here!

[@DocBen19]

Congratulations for your projetc & you explained very well.

[@electronicaeasy1712]

Loved it! So creative

[@BuildItnow]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Pokeflix]

Sick project man!

[@kennann7214]

Great Video...Simple project many uses. Thanks

[@jonahswain]

A comparator and digital in on the arduino would have been a better bet because you can use interrupts and sleep mode to conserve power (and its more computationally efficient than analog read)

[@jonahswain]

Also you could just have used WiFi and an ESP32 micro, that would have been my preference.

[@BuildItnow]

Ill be using these when I actually use these in a project, i went simple this time just becuase i wanted to get the point accross that such features in phones can be explaited

[@jonahswain]

Build It I have an ESP32 at home, and I want to use it, and especially play around with OTA firmware updates. I would be very keen for you to do a video on that.

[@Michael-lo3ht]

His point was to counter the idea of using a GSM device. GSM devices seem to be running around $70 and up. Some opt for GSM because the network already involves some security of the connection. However in this instance you could receive a spam SMS and have a device activated inadvertently. But on some phones you can set them them to vibrate on certain caller ids and turn the sound and vibrate off for all others.

[@BuildItnow]

Ive already had an issue with spam however ive done just what you said and set it to only ring when my number calls or SMSs which fixed the problem, thanks!

[@curiel8174]

An interesting but limited project. It would be useful an application in android that will transform specific sms codes in audio tones, examples: "code 01" "code 99" in the body of the sms would produce different tones, and when connecting it to the arduino it could interpret tones in different actions, this only connecting the speaker pins or simply with the audio jack

[@BuildItnow]

That's a great idea!

[@TizedesCsaba]

I do not see the video yet, but I used my old phones as GSM modems without any other unit. Eg. in the beginning of the 00's I have read my emails with my Palm III and Palm V and I used my Nokia 3650 as GSM modem (on GPRS network) connected to Palm via IR. Later I used my Sony Ericsson K800i as same for my PSION Revo. The browser and ICQ runs on this little marvel without any Arduino etc...

[@parveenkarkhal2895]

Hi

[@parveenkarkhal2895]

Cont.namber

[@zilog1]

its really going to suck when companies start dropping GSM networks. I wonder if i can create my own at home for fun

[@MrTaken-tl4bw]

Nice concept and video! Thanks!

[@pakistanzindahbad]

I want to make security system using pir and a Chinese keypad phone which has rx tx pinout is it possible to use this phone?

[@TheAnical]

Hey, why does arduino not interface with the USB more... never seen Arduino USB to phone connection...but it could do anything.

[@zarethg6233]

Can you still use this GSM as a source of communication or detector. Like for example we don't really have GSM that is why we tried using oldphones, we will like it if it detects sounds or movements the oldphone/GMS will send message to my new phone or the one that I'm carrying always, is that possible?

[@rhelramilvictorio8742]

What about touch screen phone?

[@jomonjose1773]

There will also be cases where your get calls from the cell carrier company, or random wrong numbers.

[@queerzard]

In a nutshell, you recycled an phone thats good, and you got another sub

[@BuildItnow]

Thank you!

[@rangaheenatimulla2480]

i want to crate an arduino to send a msg to another receiver when some gas has been over to the given limit. how can do it.? i'm new to arduino world. please help

[@syedshoyab5845]

Same question

[@justsomenamelesssoul8097]

And that's how you make detonator

[@makersengineering530]

Use the headphone jack and take the ringtone signal as your trigger,this way you don't need any external modules nor tear down your cellphone.

[@BuildItnow]

Great idea!

[@Shawnelec]

Great Video!! A Suggestion...why not use the DTMF tones produced by the phone? you could use the earphone output of the phone, connected to a DTMF receiver/decoder and control more devices...

[@BuildItnow]

very interesting idea!

[@newbook6549]

Have u got a code for a camera or motion sensor

[@Esteapen]

is there any way or solution that the old phone can send sms to you? Like connecting a GPS module then pass the data from the module to the old phone then sends that data sms to you? Just wondering if its possible.

[@nickn4253]

How would you tackle the marketing calls / sms :p

[@getmoney8400]

Can I get ATM information with this

[@mrashed]

I have some mobile cameras. How to use it in Arduino. Only camera no other part is there any chance to use it

[@HighFidelityFox]

What kind of camera is it?

[@mrashed]

i have two camera all are nexus 5x's camera. my phone was broken so i collect those camera. @@HighFidelityFox

[@reuzl300]

This is in a way a very fast and easy way to automate some things. On the other side, it's ridiculously inefficient in my opinion. A GSM Module or anything else that can communicate 'directly' with the arduino is a better solution. Right now you're using a phone with a powerful processor and only using it as a switch.

[@BuildItnow]

I agree with you however by using the phone I've not only saved money but also stopped this piece of old tech (the phone) from being sent to the junk yard where it would get no use.

[@dalisaidane5529]

what if i want to receive sms when light turned on

[@aronvasquez7667]

Can you do the same thing but with the audio output?

[@randomelectronicsanddispla1765]

Yes. If it has a physical keyboard, you could even make the arduino pick up and, with the help of a DTMF receiver, actually communicate with the arduino. Homemade modem

[@khousalyap3182]

Do we should have to recharge the sim

[@junuhunuproductions]

Interesting, but pretty disappointing since it isn't capable of sending HTTP requests, etc. It's a bit too simple. But creative! Well done :)

[@wali7862]

Can you make a video attempting the use of a mifi device to get internet access

[@nightcoring1661]

Imagine you get called an the Phone rumbles all the time :D

[@saaraas6485]

Hi i have a project which have the same idea .. Can you help in programmation of arduino .. I find it so hard plllz !!

[@jeetshah8513]

Can you do from 5g ??

[@tanmaysinghal8370]

I didnt get the use of this project... for what al things can it be used.

[@maxpawa9282]

Car Remote starter.

[@autobahn3]

"old s4 mini" lol im still using a s2

[@dboer6545]

Still using it today?

[@autobahn3]

@@dboer6545 well its still working but i dont use it anymore ;))

[@boooo4608]

used my S2 for 6 years it is still working as well

[@firenado4295]

yeah I had the s5 or 4 cant remember but I had it until like 3 years ago when I broke the screen. have an alcatell u5 now its perfect but I miss the home button

[@bhavishaysingh1374]

@@autobahn3 does it still works just curious Would be nice if you reply

[@vb5457]

You should start building those and selling them I am interested in one

[@lovishbansal389]

a very good idea, and thank you

[@rafaelmarroquin4429]

Bastante creativo. Aveces es bueno usar lo que tienes a la mano. A menos que ya sea para un proyecto [Comercial - Estudiantil]. Bastente bien te felicito

[@lostintime8651]

you said it brother

[@CaPsNoII]

I want to use it to open a gate with a sms but if someone know my phone number they can open it as well .. Easy but not secured

[@jonathonchambers6460]

CaPsNoII Everytime a Spam call comes in your gate would open.

[@g.nabhishek214]

hi it is nice but can we make real value calls using this

[@ZombieTipz]

Weird question, because I'm not sure I understand GSM- does this mean it can essentially function as a phone, but without a phone plan??

[@HighFidelityFox]

No

[@adon2424]

Wow! Good for remote foreplay!

[@BuildItnow]

I guess?

[@rushikeshtembare5110]

Sir you build the code send command message to on and send command to off

[@aggelo143]

Simple and fun to test, I'm subscribing man :)

[@BuildItnow]

Thank you!

[@bobwalker337]

hi can you show a circuit working with the ldr

[@gujarisantamanyugmai]

How can we use it as a GSM Tracker???

[@sunnypaul299]

I loved this upload great

[@loliwillmakeaccountssolong3158]

I kinda broke the enclosure when I didn’t know how to open the old phone I had somewhere in my house. I think it will still work but maybe not because I also kinda scratched the circuit board too hehe.

[@yusfilino5386]

you have earned a subscriber!!

[@jawadellafti510]

my friend can make one skimmer gsm with this parts?

[@sniperjuice8313]

If you’re interested in making skimmers follow @gsmegineering on Instagram

[@tobortine]

Bravo for inventive thinking but it's a very clumsy way to turn your light on/off remotely. It would be easier, and cheaper, to use a twitter interface. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the video.

[@QuickishFM]

tobortine also any notification could trigger the vibration

[@tanjiro3285]

good and simple

[@lithium4180]

good video, but I was expecting that you where going to interface the Arduino through USB with the phone for full data exchange

[@lrfpv5292]

I thought he was going to take the GSM module out and use it as a standalone module.

[@kyme32]

you better root your android, use a serial chip that has drivers build in the kernel and run a script to output to serial an event. your aproch it's kinda useless since you can't see who's texting and what's texting, a simple text from the provider with an offer or some promo garbage can trigger your setup to do stuff

[@sentiparole1165]

Hello, old blackberries don't use Android. Cheers!

[@martinkardos3279]

I don't think that this is good for the arduino... because of the inductance of the motor's coils...

[@noahledford-7565]

Please give us the code we so badly want!

[@sajidhaider2927]

its not working base on gsm.. it is a pure jugaar.. why using arduino the led can drive directly.. led positive is connected to the positive terminal of vibration motor of cell phone and negative connected to the negative of motor..

[@soumyacreations121]

Brit her I want some program codes plz help me out

[@claudiu7909]

I hopped you would actually salvage a gsm module out of your old phone, but good video anyway.

[@BuildItnow]

Maybe in a future video I can attempt to do that. Thanks for watching!

[@beforth]

why not just install an app to communicate with arduino using usb otg???

[@BuildItnow]

The point of the project was to make it a simple as possible. I may look into doing that in the future though

[@ronvoy]

that was a clever hack

[@hw827]

How can I read the SMS and parse it to arduino code

[@BuildItnow]

To do this you would need to get a GSM module

[@hw827]

Quora recommended me to see your website

[@alegradance]

do you make things for people?

[@BuildItnow]

Yes I do

[@Aina1054.]

inagine your gsm service provider keep sending you promotional messages

[@reqsel]

haha

[@thejagc3736]

plz make a separate button so when we press Tha button the msg should come to another phone

good idea

[@ChandraSekhar-qy6yi]

Do an video how to made GPS tracker

[@miepmiepzoefzoef]

Using old useless stuff for something new is always good. But you have to come up with a better interface to the phone using the USB or so

[@BuildItnow]

Maybe in a future video ill take a look at that but the point of this video was to just show off the concept of how old tech can be recycled

[@parvuselephantus]

I don't understand why you need arduino, when phones have all the things from it. It has processor, usb plus camera, gsm, touchscreen. Make arduino from your phone instead.

[@BuildItnow]

The arduino allows us to control outputs. There are no GPIO pins that we can access easily on the phone so there would be no way of wiring up circuits to it.

[@parvuselephantus]

@@BuildItnow I know - there is a bit of irony in my comment. Still usually arduino boards end up usually with some extension boards. Smartphone would just need a pins-board connected to usb port (and dedicated app). It would be an alternative to raspberry pi rather then arduino, but still - I'm surprised it's not that popular yet. Regarding performance - most of these tiny projects don't need that much of it, so all other processes running in background are not a problem to me here.

[@suestreets2811]

you dont need new stuff from amazon because phone has it built in to your phone

[@Brynmawrhill]

Very nice. So how about starting with a new, but very cheap phone? I need to get data from an environmental monitorig device to a server via SMS. New phones with the very limited functionality I need start at £10 - so they are worth considering as an alternative to a GSM board, especially since I've had real difficulty getting a board with an Ai chipset instead of a GoouuuTech chipset (which I really can't make use of).

[@theintelarif]

Poor man's GSM module 😜 But I liked the idea.

[@TourGuide_inAfghanistan]

Can u make it gms GW

[@SoloTube13]

can you show me your old phone GSM module send SMS please.

[@skipad4306]

or without all this arduino coding and stuff, you couled use a rc servo to switch light on of

[@MedSou]

thank you 👍👍👍

[@ramzaii476]

you only use the motor.

[@3dmixer552]

gsm module cost a few bucks on aliexpress and you can do lot more things with it. I can't see the point to use an old phone for this. Good idea anyway

[@BuildItnow]

Yeah i started to find cheap GSM modules and they are alot more useful however the point of the video was to just show off that old teck can be up-cycled

[@andrisetianabrata]

What are you doing?

[@SherwinGooch]

I wish you had told us the purpose of your project at the beginning. We can only guess the reason for your machinations through inductive logic as the vid progresses.

[@KaizenInventor]

That's awesome GSM could be replaced with a mobile

[@BuildItnow]

Thank you! Remember that the GSM module does have more features.

[@KaizenInventor]

Build It , Yup, I am working on a project which includes liquid pressure sensor and when it increases by certain level it should send a message. But problem is I have experience of eletronics of couple years but not able to write a code. Can help me or suggest anything.

[@iceberg789]

that was innovative, but you could do it without breaking the fone i guess.

[@sheendelute1855]

GMS IS DEVICE AND GUI IS APPS BUT FOR ME GMS ALSO CAN APPS FOR ROBOT IT GMS AI THAT SUTE SOFTWARE WHOLE EACH APP TO OWN IT.

[@joshmellon390]

Dude, they're only like $10 in Amazon.