Applications
The ABN series of remote SMS controllers may be used for a wide range of applications. This page will show you how to apply the ABNs for some more common practical uses.
A Simple Intruder Alarm System
Most common intruder alarm systems simply set off a siren or electronic noisemaker when an intruder is detected. The deterrent value of such a system is very limited, since most persons within hearing range simply assume that it was a false alarm or just don't really want to get involved.
Unfortunately most burglars know this.
An alarm system that notifies people who have an interest in the property being purloined, however, will lead to a response which is more likely to prevent a theft from being carried out and perhaps even lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators.
This example demonstrates how the ABN controller may be used in
conjunction with a few commonly available passive infrared
detectors to provide an effective security solution for the home,
office or factory.
The ABN-1, with its single input and single output would be adequate for many instances, and the ABN-8 (with 8 inputs and outputs) would permit a more sophisticated system.
The circuit below shows several passive IR detectors connected in
series. These devices usually have normally-closed contacts so
that if an intruder cut a wire, the alarm would be activated.
Connecting the detectors to one or more inputs would therefore
cause those inputs to be ON all of the time, except when a
detector is triggered.
If the ABN is programmed with a message such as:
jINTRUDER DETECTED+27835551111
then the message 'INTRUDER DETECTED' will be sent when input J
goes from an ON to an OFF condition; i.e. when a detector is
triggered.
Of course, using the ABN-8, many additional features could be added, such as sensors on different inputs allowing you to be informed of the precise whereabouts of the intruder, and outputs allowing you to open the gate releasing the rottweilers, arming the booby-traps, setting off the siren and releasing the mustard gas.
All of this control can be exercised irrespective of whether you are in Cape Town or Oslo.
A Vehicle Alarm System
Since the ABN controllers require a 12 volt DC power supply, they can be easily applied to help protect an automobile or truck from theft.
Inputs may be used to notify you of a theft of your car in progress. Outputs may be used to immobilise the car and to flash the lights, blow the horn and otherwise attract attention.
In addition, if the vehicle indeed stolen, the ABN can be sent a request to disclose the cell ID in which the vehicle is currently located, thereby greatly assisting in its recovery.
Access Control Systems
The feature of the ABNs which allows output A to be activated by simply making an (unanswered) voice call to the ABN provides a wide range of opportunities to control access to your home, office, or factory. The ABN may be programmed (via remote SMS messages) to activate output A only if it receives a voice call from a cellphone which is in a list of numbers maintained in the ABN. The ABN does this by utilising the Caller Identification feature of GSM.
For example, the ABN's output A could be connected to the
automatic gate or boom which controls access to an office parking
lot. The supervisor of the lot could add or delete valid
cellphone numbers on the ABN without leaving the comfort of his
office simply by sending SMS messages to it.
Employees and/or other people who are entitled to enter the parking lot would then be able to open the gate or boom simply by speed-dialling the ABN's number.
This access scheme obviates the need and cost of distributing access cards or remotes, which frequently get lost or left at home.
The ABN range of remote SMS controllers can be integrated with almost any access control system to add this useful feature.
Controlling Appliances
Almost any electrical appliance can be switched on or off remotely as
seen in the example below.
