laird
Member
Registered: Dec 2000
Location: mountain view, ca
Posts: 36 |
quote:
There are a few replies here with various solutions; a few people mention the TRGPro and a CF connection to a celphone. There is a CF adapter made, originally for use with memory cards. Has anyone tried to use the CF adapter with the celphone adapter with a celphone?
From conversations with the Xircom tech support folks about the Xircom CF modem, it appears that the Springboard CF module would not provide the required signals. This could use some more examination as I was working from the DIY schematic and not the schematic of the commercial product.
quote:
I don't believe any of the "cellular modem" cards, except for a couple of 3COM cards, are actually modems.
That's not quite true. There are two different methods of connecting to cell phones that are in common practice. The first and older method is to use a standard modem that speaks one of several flavors of cellular protocols to aid in getting the best possible signal over an analog connection and a small cable to connect to your cell phone. The second method is based on a service from the cell provider called 'mobile web' which packetises the data on the handheld before sending it. In this method, no modem is required between the host and the handheld since the handheld _is_ the modem.
The problem for me is that none of the providers have good mobile web service in rural areas. The mobile web solution is substantially better for everyone involved since it works while driving (since the data traveling over the RF is packetised and multipoint), uses substantially less resources than the analog call, and is much faster.
The Xircom SM56GA speaks the cellular protocols and can be used to place an analog call. Unfortunately, since this call is analog and uses a lot of telco resources, the telcos have convinced the handset vendors to not make an analog connection available through a cable. Nokia for example has this capability but you have to buy an aftermarket cable to push the phone into analog since they intentionally stopped selling it. Only Motorola still makes this available since it's been an item of faith in their product line.
quote:
I must disagree. My Timeport (basically same thing) has GREAT reception in a city where not many phones get a signal at all.
The Timeport series is substantially better than the Startac series for signal handling. It unfortunately has the same if not greater mechanical strength issues as the multimode Startacs.
There are many vendors and many carriers so when you compare your coverage to another's, it is important to factor these in. Nokia normally sells great product with the exception of their early CDMA/PCS products. Motorola normally makes great products except for their early PCS/GSM products. Sony products just plain suck. The list goes on and on. I find that it's extremely hard to beat the value and flexability of a TDMA Nokia 61xx on ATT or a CDMA Qualcomm thinphone on Verizon.
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12-22-2000 12:56 AM
celphone connectivity
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