A GPRS and Java modem from Adaptive Modules is playing a key part in the DMS direct message service that aims to inform deaf or hard of hearing people if a fire alarm sounds in public places such as a shopping centre or library.

The DMS was officially launched in early July at the House of Commons in London by MP Malcolm Bruce and was developed by Fireco. The system sends a text message to mobile phones that are in range when the alarm sounds.

“Our GPRS Java modem was used to give Fireco the ability to send a text message to an SMS server on the activation of a digital input to the modem,” said Andrew Aslett, founder and managing director of Adaptive Modules. “This would in turn send an SMS to our SMS server partners, then an SMS would be broadcast to all registered members of the DMS service if the fire alarm was activated.”

The company’s Motorola franchise means it has its own GPRS and 3G modems using the range of modules from Motorola for embedded and boxed applications including full M2M products.

They can be integrated into Java applications, so there is no need for an application microcontroller.

“The extremely cost-efficient hardware and software design means it is an ideal platform for industrial GSM and GPRS applications,” said Aslett.

The memory space available for Java programmes is a 10Mbyte flash file system and 1.8Mbyte ram. Application code and data share the space in the flash file system and in ram.

“DMS is such a brilliant idea,” said Clare Chilton, an assessor for level one British Sign Language exams and a TV presenter on deaf issues. “Deaf people are active members of society, with jobs and disposable incomes to spend, so it’s only right that businesses should provide for all their special needs, especially by ensuring that they are safe and secure while on their premises.”

The DMS unit can be installed in under half an hour. The user’s mobile is connected to DMS by sending a text with the relevant location code.