Tech Notes
GSM Phone Updates
Here is a list of GSM phones that we've tested and found to be compatible with the Matrix/BlueBox without the use of the GSM module.
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. All of these phones require use of a serial data cable (not included with some phones) and a null modem adapter. We will be updating this information regularly so check it often. Update 8/8/01 includes (1) Ericsson T39 (2) Null Modem Adapters. This tech note includes wireless operation instructions for the Matrix/BlueBox with software version 6. And a phone for North America with T-Mobile in the 6/13/02 update. The 7/3/03 update is now available.
For Europe/Asia Only
Nokia 6210: This phone requires the DLR-3P data cable (not included). The 6210 is a very popular phone that supports regular 9600 GSM data as well as HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data) where available. Nokia has announced the successor, the 6310. It has not been tested by us but it should work..
For North America Only
Nokia 7190: Requires the DLR-3P data cable (included). This phone was obsoleted by Nokia in May 2001 but there are still a lot around. Supports 9600 GSM data.
World Phones (Work Anywhere)
Ericsson R380: Requires DRS-10 cable (included). This phone is rather expensive as it contains a graphical address book and other PDA-like functions. Supports 9600 GSM data.
Untested but Promising
Ericsson R520: Requires DRS-10 cable (included). This is a new GPRS world phone that supports GSM 9600 and HSCSD. Available in North America on the 'grey market', it should be available from major North American GSM providers when GPRS is deployed. Note that the Matrix/BlueBox only works in GSM 9600 or HSCSD modes and does not exploit GPRS.
Siemens S40: A world phone that supports GSM 9600 and HSCSD. Available now. More on this shortly.
UPDATE 8/8/01:
1) The Ericsson T39
The T39 isn't available through official channels in North America yet (see "where to buy", below), but it's a reasonably priced phone with lots and lots of feature... and works great with the Matrix/BlueBox in GSM wireless mode. No PCMCIA adapter is needed with the T39, you'll simply attach the phone's data cable to the "Multi Purpose" port on the Matrix and upgrade the Matrix firmware to support wireless mode. The T39 is a tri-band phone, meaning it will work on any GSM network worldwide. It works on standard GSM networks at 9.6 kb/s to deliver 5 KHz audio. The DRS-10 data cable is required and not included. The T39 also supports GPRS, WAP and Bluetooth (not supported by Matrix/BlueBox) so it's a pretty nice phone for wireless web-surfing as well.
The T39 supports HSCSD for 28.8 kb/s operation. But not in both transmit and receive directions at this time. We will update you here if this changes with future firmware revisions.
Where to buy:
In Europe and Asia, you may be able to get the T39 from your local GSM provider. These phones will usually cost less (they're coupled with GSM service) and will be locked into use only with that provider's service card. The following contacts provide "unlocked" phones that cost more but will work on any provider's network.
mPhone Ltd.
Will ship worldwide
T39 - £221 (approx $320 USD)
DRS-10 cable £25.48 (approx $37 USD)
http://www.mphone.co.uk
email: sales@mphone.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7353 7705CellPoint.net
T39 - $399
DRS-10 cable $39
http://store.yahoo.com/cellpoint/
email: orders@cellpoint.net
Telephone: (877)235-5111RM Wireless
T39 - $380
DRS-10 cable price not provided
http://www.rmwireless.com
email: sales@rmwireless.com
Telephone: 818-458-4897
2) Null Modem Adapters
In order to connect the Matrix/BlueBox serial port to your GSM phone's data cable, you'll have to adapt the port. This is because the Matrix/BlueBox port is pinned as DTE, to allow flash upgrades and ancillary data functions. The Matrix/BlueBox must be pinned as DCE for wireless operation, which includes some pin swapping and a change of connector gender.
Comrex has null modem adapters available free of charge to registered Matrix/BlueBox owners. These are excellent low profile adapters that provide the pin-crossing and gender change required for wireless operation. If you would like us to send you one of these adapters, just call or email with your Matrix/BlueBox serial numbers and we'll take care of the rest.
UPDATE 6/13/02:
T-Mobile SGH-Q105
T-Mobile (the largest GSM Carrier in the US) now sells a Matrix/BlueBox compatible phone, the SGH-Q105. This phone comes with a serial data cable and is ready to use with a Matrix/BlueBox in Wireless mode.
Matrix firmware version 6.7 (available on our website) includes support for this phone. Simply download the upgrade and program your Matrix via the instructions in the manual.
UPDATE 7/3/03:
T-Mobile has replace the Q105 phone with the S105. Please note that this phone does not include a serial cable. The Q105 option on the BlueBox or Matrix will wotk with the S105.
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