Method to automatically dial a phone number (NOT like an autodialer)

Question

I am working on a security camera system as a favour for some people I know. One aspect of the system is that, once movement is detected, a phone number is called (I am not trying to spam call anyone :-)

I need to know a way to automatically dial a phone number.

The computer running the system runs linux, and has internet access, but does NOT have physical access to a phone jack so I cannot use a local modem. Either it must have some agent on the local area network do the dialing, or use the internet in some way.

I looked into using the Skype API, but that was a massive mess and people are no longer allowed to access the developer site as it's supposedly being revamped.

The other solution I am investigating is having a network-connected microcontroller talk to a serial modem, but this seems awfully complicated for something that should be so easy.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Answer 1

Is the number a cell phone? If so you could send it a text message using an SMS gateway.

It looks like you may be able to so with Google Voice as well via email.

Answer 2

1) Decide your basic need. My guess:

• Notify one or more people by phone (because that is the device they have with them) of a security issue.

2) Brainstorm a variety of ways to accomplish that. Thoughts:

• Modem to dial the number and then make a pattern of beeps at them.
• VOIP system to automatically play a specific audio file over the phone.
• Text messages (a few email-to-text gateways or the like out there)
• Email (for those who get email on their devices).
• other?

3) Evaluate each option you came up with and pick the one that fits the best (cost, features, etc.)

I suspect text messages might end up being the simplest approach. Modems not for two reasons (too far from a jack, + the message you can send is imprecise at best.)