Hope you are well and are having a good day.
I represent a company based in South Africa and we implement GSM based mobile applications. There are a number of potential "machine to machine" (M2M) applications where GPRS/CSD based data connections are required from a (mobile) device to a central server. Many of these applications are price sensitive regarding upfront capital outlay cost. I am therefore keen to determine if you can provide units that meet, or have similar specifications to the requirements mentioned below at competitive prices. Quantities are around 1000 units per month for a start and can only go up.
1) The "ultimate" embedded controller/modem device would contain the following (first stab high level specification):
- A GSM/GPRS/CSD module
built in antenna
battery (that would allow for about 1 hour standby time and 15 minutes 'talk time') and 'onboard' charger
run from a +5V to +12V dc power source
SIM holder
Some form of (cheap) plastic container that would allow for mounting the device via nuts/bolts (it does not have to look flashy)
A few digital input/output ports (some inputs need to be able to drive interrupts)
An RS232 port (or USB/Ethernet interface if possible without too much cost overhead)
Connectors to provide access to I/O, power and RS232.
Access to an embedded processor and some RAM/ROM (with development tools) where basic functionality could be coded and added to the device (with API providing access to hardware IO ports and GPRS TCP/IP stack).
2) The next best option is to have a modem with:
- A GSM/GPRS/CSD module
built in antenna
run from a +5V dc power source
SIM holder
Some form of (cheap) plastic container that would allow for mounting the device via nuts/bolts (it does not have to look flashy), unless it is a PCB mountable unit
An RS232 port that will allow control of the GSM device and data communications through "standard" AT type commands.
The RS232 port could be a normal +5V digital level interface. Anything that could be removed to reduce costs should be considered.
The GSM/GPRS specification can be anything from Class C, Class 2 upward - (again cheapest option is required).
Operation will be required in Southern Africa, therefore dual band - GSM 900mHz/1800mHz, is required.
We are open for various options. If you can meet some of the requirements partially (i.e. bare bones GSM/GPRS hardware), we are keen to investigate those in any case. It might then make sense to purchase basic modules/chips and get a shop to design and assemble them into a final device.
We do not care much about branding. Any pricing information, product data and/or samples that you could provide would be much appreciated.
We could also discuss partnering options if you require representation in the African region for your product range.
Looking forward to your response. Thank you for taking the time to read this posting.
Regards
Andrew