cell phone as a SMS/Email interface

john_s

Trying·to compile a list of cell·phones with build-in AT-command set, i.e. capable of working as a wireless GSM/GPRS modem in North America. So far I was able to find the following:

Motorola c168i -> serial interface via 2.5mm handsfree jack (3/32 mini stereo jack)

Anybody willing to expand the list and add other models of mobile phones?

Post Edited (john_s) : 10/31/2008 9:10:44 PM GMT

Paul Baker

How about Motorola's AT commands developer's·guide to thier g24 module? (I believe this module·is used in the c168i)

G24-Lite: http://harvestelectronics.com/harvest/pdf/g24-l_at_commands_final_091007.pdf
G24: http://harvestelectronics.com/harvest/pdf/g24%20at%20commands.old.pdf

Does the c168i have the full or lite version of the module? Don't know, but if you stick to the Lite commands you should be good.

These docs are somewhat out of date, but it's all thats availible without registering as a developer with Motorola.

<edit> eep, I just recognized I misread your request, I'll leave the info here for those that want it. </edit>

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Post Edited (Paul Baker (Parallax)) : 10/31/2008 10:30:46 PM GMT

Paul Baker

Here's a page of cell phone modules commonly availible: http://www.novotech.com/components.html

There are other knock offs which can be aquired through various avenues, but those are more difficult to track down and typically don't have good documetation.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

john_s

Thank you Paul, but how about existing and off-the-shelf·cellular phones ONLY :-)

Let me paraphrase this a bit - cell phones only please ( that means NO stand alone GSM/GPRS modules without a display). The·only·requirement is·to be able to·recognize AT-commands to/from the phone via say Hyperterminal. All this communication should be available through existing mobile's serial interface.

I spent last 2 days trying to figure out which phones might meet this "simple" requirement and couldn't find another one except Motorola's C168i (and perhaps other Motorola phones manufactured by Compal and CMCS as they use the same 2.5mm dia handsfree interface that doubles as a serial interface - see picture attached with phone names listed as well)

Any takers?






Post Edited (john_s) : 11/3/2008 6:21:58 PM GMT

john_s

So far I found that not every GSM/GPRS mobile phone with SMS capability can double as a modem...

Quote from another discussion group explained·that:

"...Nokia 2610, 3100, 3200, 3210, 3310, 3330, 3410, 3510, 3510i, 3530, 3560, 3570, 3585, 3585i, 3586i, 3589, 3590, 3595, 3610 or 6030 phones doesn't have external modem at all: modem section in this phones (if exists) doesn't have physical contacts with technological plug, there is no any special micro controller neither in cable, nor in phone, that will allow to transfer modem data, therefore no modem drivers and/or programs exist for this phone. You can only manage WAP settings and bookmarks and edit GPRS settings and access points..."

Paul Baker

I recently tested my own phone (Motorola W755), thinking that since it's the same manufacturer as the c168i it would work too, but no dice. Perhaps I didn't do the interface correctly, I will be picking up a c168i this weekend, and this will indicate whether I'm interfacing correctly.

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Paul Baker
Propeller Applications Engineer

Parallax, Inc.

Jay Kickliter

I highly recommend the c168i. It's the only one I've found also. I've put together a pretty good Propeller tracker with it. I've been wanting to try the Motorola w175 (I think that's the model). It's also really cheap, and I think it may have a serial port.

gonzobrains

In order to use the c168i in this manner, what do you need to connect it up to a another device? Do you need something like a MAX3232 chip? Can I buy an interface off the shelf or do I have to make it myself? Thanks.