Tech Notes
About the Matrix and BlueBox on GSM
The Matrix GSM Module, currently in test, will broadcast 7kHz audio using an embedded GSM wireless phone, making this note obsolete. Until this unit is shipping, the following options are available to you.
As the data bandwidth is very low in this mode (9600bps), a medium quality 5KHz audio channel is provided, which might not be sufficient for some applications. The Matrix and BlueBox also support a higher-quality "store and forward" mode that provides 15kHz audio over most types of wireless networks in "non-real time."
For sevice, make sure your carrier supports circuit switched data. This is available from T-Mobile and Cingular in most areas, however AT&T Wireless does not provide it. GSM telephone specifications are a moving target. Our last effort at defining which phones to use, in early 2000, is obsoleted. We have made an effort to update which phones are available that will work with the Matrix. Since this changes so quickly, please check the GSM Phone Update page regularly.
NOTE: While we can supply software for these phones, the results with the new GSM Module are vastly superior. We will no longer be updating software for new handhelds.
The good news is that some GSM phone providers have moved away from the concept of an external, PCMCIA type modem. This means you may not need to buy an accessory module to work with GSM if you have the proper phone. The Nokia 7190 (US) and 7110 and 6210 (Europe and elsewhere) GSM phones include a built-in modem that meets the requirements of the Matrix. These phones come with a data cable that will allow you to connect to the "multi-purpose" port on the Matrix and transfer audio without purchasing the GSM module. You will need a null modem cable, which will connect the phone's data cable to the Matrix.
Another important item is that some European wireless providers have introduced a service called HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) that supports much more useful data rates on GSM. By utilizing two telephone channels instead of one, data rates approaching 28.8 kb/s can be achieved. The Nokia 6210 supports HSCSD and would be a good choice for UK and European users. We're currently testing this service and its compatibility with the Matrix.
The bad news is that many other implementations of GSM phones with modems can't be supported by the Matrix without additional hardware. This is because many phones have been implemented with a "soft modem" (PC-resident software that emulates a GSM modem) or with IrDA protocol mandatory. The Matrix can't support these types of connections. Products that fall into these categories are most Ericsson phones, most Motorola phones and most Nokias (other than the 7100 and 6200 series)
For these phones you will still need to buy a GSM data card. We recommend the Psion Goldcard 56K + Fax WAN Global PC card as a readily available PCMCIA solution. This is a good choice because it is available with upgrade kits to work with popular phones like the Motorola Timeport Series, Ericsson T28 and Nokia 6190. You will need a PC with a PCMCIA slot in order to upgrade the card to work with the correct phone (this can't be done in the Matrix).
As mentioned earlier, the current real-time GSM audio won't fit every application. But we're hopeful that as new, higher speed wireless data services come on line, we'll be able to offer Matrix upgrades that will make wireless operation work and sound as good as land-line operation.
Most North American GSM providers don't handle the Nokia 7190 so here's a source: (You'll probably need to buy a cheap phone with a SIM card from your local provider, then move the SIM card to the 7190)
Vivid Wireless
http://www.vividwireless.com
email: dan@vividwireless.com
(602) 410-2088
Psion Dacom manufactures the Goldcard 56K + Fax WAN Global PC card along with upgrade kits for Motorola, Ericsson and Nokia GSM phones:
In Europe and the UK:
http://www.psionconnect.com
In North America:
http://www.psionusa.com
A description of the Nokia 6210:
http://www.nokia.com/phones/6210/index.html
A description of HSCSD service from Orange UK: http://www.orange.co.uk/business/about/future/hscsd.html
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